True Confessions

15 years ago

I know it's Lent and I'm trying, really trying, to be a good boy. But sometimes, you just gotta do what you have to do.

Freecycler comes over today to pick up 15-20 goldfish (as offered) from the pond I'm back-filling. While we're making small-talk, she asks what all the jugs and bottles are about. Of course, I go on a long WSing discourse and show her my sprouts. I'm totally animated and excited as I offer her jugs to peer into.

"Check out my poppies!"

She's not impressed.

"I hate gardening--all that work and nothing ever grows. I told my hubby that all I want is grass."

"Oh, geez. And I'm trying to get rid of it to make room for more veggies and flowers."

"Can I get the fish now?"

"Sure. Let me get the net."

I can't stand her.

I swear the fish knew she was not my type of gal, OK? I trolled with the net for 10 minutes and only caught two.

"But you said there were almost 20."

"Look, I'm sorry. Sometimes goldfish don't cooperate, and it seems we're SOL today. Why don't you take take these two and I'll email you if I catch anymore."

What is it with these non-gardening types? I'm sure she went home to hubby and told him I have 65 soda bottles standing up in the backyard. But I'm done with her, OK?

Next time I offer the fish to gardeners and WSers only. My babies are my babies whether they grow in a bottle or wave their happy fins back and forth.

Mea culpa.

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Comments (16)

greylady_gardener
15 years ago
Hey! good for you. I mean, you know..I really don't think you can trust those non-gardening types!! LOL!!
I wouldn't give her any more fish either!! ;-)
gg
token28001
15 years ago
I hate to say it, but those kinds of people are not worth the effort. I wouldn't have given her a single fish, maybe a can of tuna or something, but nothing alive.
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You are right that it is very hard for kids to lose an important relationship and they tend to blame themselves. So you were right to wait! That said I think it is wonderful that you want to do it. I love the ads on tv lately, saying that there are young boys ready and willing to share their friendship and wisdom with an adult man (every one of whom is precious.) It can be a wonderful fufilling experience and you sound like you have a lot to give. I have been a big sister, in my 20s. (I am now 53.) I had some regrets because after about a year the girl had some major problems, did something rather terrible (not to me), moved around and we lost touch. I think if I had been older and more experienced (I have since been a foster parent, and also worked with children and families with difficulties,) I would have looked for her and found her and stuck it out as her friend. Most kids looking for big brothers and sisters are not as troubled, fortunately, but it can happen. My caution is to make sure that there is a very experienced person that you can talk to, and that you are willing to do it, in case there are difficulties. This is what was lacking in my case. Good luck, I hope I haven't scared you away. I know of many matches that were wonderful experiences creating important long term relationships. Let us know. kathy
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seedmama
15 years ago
My mom recently cleaned out the pantry at the lakehouse. Some of the cans were dated 1992. Instead of throwing it out, she bagged it all up and brought it to me three hours away. Nice. She thought I might use it. Wouldn't eat it herself, but it's okay to feed the grandchildren.

But I digress. I have just the perfect can of tuna to contribute to the cause.
quilt_mommy
15 years ago
Wow, people like that drive me nuts. I'm the typa person who'd just be happy to sit and chat with ya even if it had nothing to do with plants. I mean, even if she wasn't into it she didn't have to be such a booger about it! Lol*

That's the only downer to freecycle is some people just don't appreciate something being offered for free. Most people go out of their way to offer something on there, that they could give away, sell, give to goodwill, etc... I am of the opinion that one should show a little grattitude! Lol*
shasta_2008
15 years ago
If she can't take care of plants how is she going to take care of the fish?? The devil made me say it, LOL!!!
kiddo_1
15 years ago
ROFL - retiredprof (after his 'shocking responses' to the rest of us luring neighbors into basements, etc) finally tried to show off his own sproutness -- and she couldn't get away fast enough! Maybe rp should take a note from Token's book. That boy has it going...! ;-D
LOL
retiredprof
Original Author
15 years ago
Kiddo: Token is the bomb! I love hearing from him, and although I torture the heck out of him, he knows it's all in good jest.

This woman today was hateful. It was all I could do to even give her two fish, let alone 20. I guess I need to know that what I offer (be it plants, fish, some other living things) go to folks who appreciate life and gardening.
kiddo_1
15 years ago
Prof - eeeew. Sorry you had to endure such an encounter. But really, I like to think that most folks are kind, or at least civil. It's those like you met that make your skin crawl. Take deep breaths. Center yourself. Happy thoughts...

Now go over to Token's blog and leave him pithy comments! ;-D Truly, it helps.... LOL
Kris
seedmama
15 years ago
I just came in from outside and the morels are here. Your post reminded me that last year I gave them away. The lucky recipient left with a sense of entitlement, not gratitude. I'll be eating them myself this year.
albertar
15 years ago
SOL, I loved it, I wouldn't have given her anything.

Alberta
proudgm_03
15 years ago
Prof I don't blame you. The ungrateful bag is lucky she got what she got. Too bad you don't live close I need to restock my upgraded pond.
karendee
15 years ago
wow, what an idiot! I have some neighbors like that. They complain how the plants die around here. We have clay soil but I swear it is the most fertile ground I have ever had!!! it grows anything as long as you water it and care for it a little.

I would not give her any more fish either. She sounded rude when you could only get 2. Geesh!

Karen
gramadea
15 years ago
Oh prof, I hope this experience doesn't discourage you from giving your neighbors a peek at "your stuff". LOL

Blessings,
Dea
laura_42
15 years ago
What an unpleasant experience!

It's not just the recipients who can be a Freecycle pain, though. Those who offer can be a bit difficult, as well. I once went to pick up some bagged leaves to cover my garden, and got yelled at for not coming *right away* because they'd left the unsightly bags out on their porch *all morning* for the neighbors to see.
Deb Chickenmom
15 years ago
Call her up and tell her you've just discovered that the fish have the dreaded Fish Flu and you'll be right over to pick them up and rush them to the Center for Disease Control. After you have the fish back, ask if she has been vaccinated and urge her to see her physician ASAP since she is going to need a long series of painful and expensive injections. Or she could just wait and see if she develops scales in unusual areas.
playintheyard
15 years ago
what a snooty beeatch...show a little common courtesy and pretend interest for a while. She should of looked at your jugs.

You never know who your gonna meet on the net huh? lol

True Confessions

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