Side of the road

One type of person slows traffic, gawking whenever they see the Pick Up Sticks mount of discarded furniture perched on the side of the road. The other type simply sees rubbish.

These two types of people marry each other.

Earlier this week, Lincoln drove behind me as we made our way home. I saw a monolith of furniture - still being added to! - and I promptly braked to crane my neck for a better peep. Alas, there was nowhere for me to stop, and as I sped up again, I glanced in the rear view mirror to see Lincoln shaking his head and muttering.

Perhaps it's inherited. My father loves side of the road. I love side of the road. Our cat came from side of the road. My parents used to tell my sister they found her in the bin.

I used to live in an area where the Council would come along every quarter to collect this kind of 'rubbish'. The few days before, you'd see lines of cars slowly snaking their way around the 'burbs (particularly the wealthy ones), hunting for their treasure. I now live in an area where you can book a clean up for the following week at any time of the year. It's not quite the event it used to be, but you just never know when you're going to turn the corner and find the goods, so I'm always at the ready.

There is an etiquette to the rummage, too. I go by: Don't muss things up, don't do illegal manoeuvres to get to it, and confirm it's on Council land so you're not actually stealing.

I'm often struck by what some people choose to discard. I wish I could ask them how they came to be in possession of said item, and why they decided that its next stop was the side of the road.

I also wish I could ask the hunters why it is they're doing so. Are some trying to make money by flipping their finds? For others, is it a political statement? Is it an ingrained act because of the way they grew up? How many are doing so because they have no choice but to?

There's just so much stuff. I've been thinking recently about what would happen if I could never buy anything new (other than the obvious) ever again. Could I do it?

I hope to never find myself in this situation financially. Having the option to choose so is a privilege, and one I recognise. I also recognise that I am not immune to life taking a turn.

Practically, of course I could do it. With how much this world produces, I would never have to do without.

Emotionally, it would be more difficult. I can get particular with certain things, so it would be frustrating if I couldn't find what I was after. But the convenience would be the most difficult part for me, I think. Especially with things being delivered right to my door.

How about you? Are you into the rummage? What’s the etiquette? How would you feel if you could never buy a new thing again? A penny for your thoughts, friend.

Amanda