Curb Alert

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.  New York City is all in favor!  It is really very interesting to walk to the park each day.  Along the side of the streets, on the steps of the various brownstones are items that residents no longer need.  Anything from toys, to books, to paintings... you name it. There is an unspoken rule that if an item is on the sidewalk or steps- it is available for the taking.  Quite unique- and very fun.  Last week, my friend stopped over.  "hey, do you need a tripod?" she asked.  "I found one on the way over."  The last few books I've read have been ones I've picked up along my route to and from the park.  

If an individual will be giving away a bulk of items... they will post it on our parenting website and title the post "curb alert".  See, in New York, it is very inconvenient to store items that are no longer in use.  You do not collect books, CD's, clothes- just for the sake of collecting.  There is no space for this.  So, everyone shares baby clothes, exer-saucers, Halloween costumes and such.  I've really embraced this new way of thinking.  It's fun to share everything, and limit your consumption. 

Wish I could end there... but sadly, my purpose in writing all of this is to illustrate the down side of the deal;  unfortunately,  it is not all roses.  Last week, Evelyn was having a hard day, behavior-wise.  We came across two young girls displaying all of their old toys and books. Evelyn immediately spotted a small baby doll and begged for it.  The doll had hair;  she was old, stained, in a word- used.  My obsessive-compulsive side was screaming- "No-  don't let h

er pick it up! Who knows the germs that are embedded within that hair-do! We can't possibly take this home.;  You see, I have a general rule about used merchandise.  No fabrics, no stuffed animals, toys with hair, etc.   But alas, Evy had warn me down throughout the day, and in my weakened state- I allowed her to take the baby doll home.  I assumed I would throw it out in a day or two.  

 

Well, folks.... I want to introduce you to Baby Elsa (Evy named her after our neighbor's baby).

 

She looks very innocent in this picture, but let me assure you that she really is creepy in person.  She smells, has stains on her fabric outfit, her leg is chewed up.  This baby now sleeps in my bed on my pillow.  (Evy likes to put her babies to sleep in my bed). I always find her there!  She is toted around with Evy everywhere we go.  Dane enjoys putting her little arms and head in his mouth- to my horror.  She is a legitimate part of our family now!   

So indeed, there are inherent problems

 with the whole sidewalk give away situation.  Baby Elsa is living proof!  Hey, I'm all for saving the earth;  I recycle, I've reduced our consumption.... but this is going a little too far in my book.