garbage raiders.

I admit it. I raid garbage bins for thrills. And no, this does not mean that I dig my hands through bags. It means I browse the situation to see if anyone may have left behind a small treasure (or large). I take joy in seeing things left outside of garbage containers - whether its chairs, mirrors, plates, tables... etc. Some of the news that makes me the most excited is when neighbors move.

Last week someone posted a note outside our apartment complex.
"Everything must go. We are moving out this week. $ amount of dollar, o.b.o. ... ya da ya da..."

O.B.O. is like music to my ears. (For those of you who may not know what o.b.o. stands for -- here's a goody -- it means or best offer). Hell, I am not going to buy your old furniture, but leave it outside the dumpster in good condition and I'll take it off your hands. And that is my best offer.

I admit most girls get excited about sales on shoes, purses or accessories. Not to say that those things don't turn me on - okay, so they don't - but finding treasures or bargains on second-hand things really rocks my world. Especially when they are free! I picked up a couch in college that way, and no, it was not insect or dander infected.

I had to chuckle to myself the other day because I dragged Master P out into the cold (25F, -2C) to check out the dumpster situation. The family had officially moved out and I want to be sure we got a good glimpse of whatever goodies may be left over. Having a wood table and real chairs would be nice and those were a few of the many things we could use, but don't have. (Not to say that I don't like eating around a card table with captain chairs... but not when we have to cut meat ;); even if it holds your beer perfectly).

Unfortunately, much to my dismay there was nothing, nothing left outside the closest dumpster (or the three others that are further away). (Okay, so I admit I have a problem - I like to dumpster dive!).

Until the next family moves out I'll be waiting for more signs.