It's not what you think.
I haven't joined the urban scavengers.
Last night I arrive home at my apartment around 7 p.m. I decide to clear out some trash from my car before checking my mail and going upstairs to my apartment.
I gather up papers and other debris and head for the dumpster, my hands full with the trash, my phone, keys and an electronic keypad that I use in my real estate business.
The dumpster lid is open and as soon as my hand opens and releases the trash I realize from the heavy thud the handful made that I have thrown in more than just crumpled paper.
Phone? Check. Keys? Check. Keypad? Oh no....
There is the keypad, nestled on a bed of rotting leaves about a foot from the floor of the 4' tall dumpster. I stare at the keypad, weighing my choices. I can't reach in and grab it. Not tall enough and too far down. I could climb inside the dumpster. Or I could leave it there and get a replacement from the board of realtors since I had purchased insurance on it. But what if I need that insurance again in the future?
Sigh.
Another shorter dumpster faces mine. I shimmy my butt on top of the shorter dumpster hoping the extra few inches of height would be enough to reach in and grab my keypad. Still not enough height.
I mentally run through my tool collection wondering if I have a shovel. Nope. Any of my fellow tenants have a shovel outside their unit? Nope. Toys, barbecues, plants, everything but a shovel.
I know! I'll get a broom and scoot the keypad over to the side of the dumpster and then slide it up to the top. Every time I poke the keypad with the broom it sinks further into its soft leafy bed.
I'm starting to think my only option is to climb inside the dumpster.
Inspiration! I dash upstairs again, return the broom and bring down my 3 step ladder and kitchen tongs. I open the ladder and position it next to the dumpster. Standing on top of the ladder, my hips are even with the edge of the dumpster. I hinge my body into the dumpster nearly diving head first and stretch out my arm with the kitchen tongs finally grabbing and retrieving that little sucker.
Moral #1: when dealing with trash don't multi-task.
Moral #2: all kitchen utensils have secondary uses.
