Just a bizzarre story I want to share and would like your reactions.

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[Saracat]

 We had our annual community garage sale last weekend. The sale is usually massive . We have 1600 homes in our community and many used to participate. It seems with the faltering economy, less folks participate. My husband has a theory that as things get worse people are not replacing things as much and are getting rid of less.He might be right. There certainly were less participants.

This is a very GOP Neighborhood and they like to think of themselves as more upscale than they are.There used to be a lot of keeping up with the Joneses. Rep John Shadegg is a neighbor and he is one of the worst of the lot, as you can well imagine.This is just to paint a picture of the GOP reality

 My neighbor across the way chose to participate, as did my husband and myself along with a friend. The neighbor is getting a divorce. This surprised us because the husband seemed like such a nice guy.  Anyway,when the sale first started, it seemed she really overpriced stuff for a garage sale.She had a Christmas tree that she said she had paid over $600 for recently and wanted over $100.My first thought was"Wow, who would pay $600 for a Christamas tree? Maybe that was what caused trouble". But after she sold her big items , She dropped the price of everything else to 10 cents! And she brought out all of what seemed to be her silver and crystal, which I kinda think were wedding presents. Then she brought out some gorgeous glasswhere.I also noticed computer equipment, games , movies, clothes and books. This stuff was new. I bought some beautiful glasses with the price still on them they had been $15 a piece! I got a new cordless keyboard and mouse for 10 cents. The glasses cost a total of 80 cents.I also got a new unread hardcover best seller that I had been wanting to read.It just came out.My girlfriend got a wonderful sheepskin lined denim coat and a riding helmet for her sister who is an equestrienne for twenty cents. The coat was new and the helmet very expensive.

The reason I am even posting about this is it disturbed me a many different levels. For one thing their are children involved, daughters and I can't imagine what this teaches them about the value of money.The keyboard sells for $89 dollars.It isn't old and I am sure she has another computer. There was also a new flatscreen monitor that was also being"given" away. Had I seen it, I certainly would have gotten it for a dime! All I could think of was how unappreciated all these things were as was the labor that paid for them. I wanted to let them know this isn't the 90's anymore and these kind of things won't be so easy to acquire.

Some of this may have been a nasty reaction to the divorce for whatever reason, but the kids giving their expensive stuff away really bothered me.It was like everything was disposable.And no thought was given to donating anything. They would rather sell it for a dime than go to the effort of donating it to some people who could really use the stuff. They did pack up some things and I guess donate them, but obviously that was what they were hoping to avoid. It was like they had no comprehension that there were other people in the world that could appreciate those items.

Several months ago the same women threw out everything that was apparently on their patio, including an expensive extension ladder in good condition and a complete patioset in good shape that sells for a lot of money. She threw it all out in the trash. I am not a dumpster diver, and it was placed out for the big trash pickup, so I told her I would take it.It is larger than my patio set and will be nice for entertaining.She also threw out good large pots, which I happened to need ,but couldn't afford to replace ,as well as other perfectly good items. And it isn't as if they are really "rich".. They say they need money!

I wonder what this says about people? Obviously the rest of the neighborhood is feeling the pinch .Some folks are "getting" it but what about people like this who apparently think things grow on trees? And will the daughters just think everything is unimportant, that they can experience life with such careless disregard?Are people replaceable too?

I am also going to assume that people aren't terribly important as the moment the 10cents banner was placed up, I couldn't sell any of my stuff and I was not only trying to get rid of things ,but really needed the money.I was counting on making some to put towards plane fare. And while I have give away yard sale prices, I can't compete with a new keyboard and crystal and silver for a dime.

Thoughts anyone?

[Andrea]

That is a very strange story. I wonder if she's kind of losing it? At first I was thinking maybe she was selling his stuff out from under him, but the more I read it seemed to be everyone's stuff. Maybe I'm going overboard here, but it made me wonder if she's suicidal. It would certainly give the kids strange messages about value and work and charity, but I'm afraid it might be even worse than that. It seems like much of it was stuff you would keep unless you really needed the money, but if you sell it for a dime you must not need the money. I mean glasses? Everyone needs glasses. If they were nice and usable, which it sounds like they were brand new, why would you get rid of them? Did they buy even newer stuff to replace these? Maybe they were wedding gifts that reminded her of him, but some of that stuff couldn't be wedding gifts - like the computer stuff. It's weird. In a way, I would have liked to have the chance to pick up such good stuff for free, essentially, but it also gives me the creeps.

[Saracat]

 I hadn't looked at it that way, but I don't think so. The kids were selling their own stuff.The glasses were very expensive and quite beautiful.They were new, with the prices still on them. I truly believe some was wedding stuff, the silver etc. They are trying to sell the house but want way too much for it, and they are trying to get rid of stuff but I question how they are doing it. I think some stuff was just mean spirited. , like the wedding stuff but the rest of it was just weird. The daughter also sold some collectable dolls that I know were worth way more than she sold them for.I bought one because I knew what it was worth I actually said several times, "you can't be serious". They just act like they can always buy more.The keyboard is NEW. She has another"newer"computer These kids are throwing away newer and better equipment than I  have! My husband suggested we offer them a dime for the huge  flat screen TV we know they have .It is likely too old.

[BeeBee]

That is a very strange story. I wonder if she's kind of losing it? At first I was thinking maybe she was selling his stuff out from under him, but the more I read it seemed to be everyone's stuff. Maybe I'm going overboard here, but it made me wonder if she's suicidal. It would certainly give the kids strange messages about value and work and charity, but I'm afraid it might be even worse than that. It seems like much of it was stuff you would keep unless you really needed the money, but if you sell it for a dime you must not need the money. I mean glasses? Everyone needs glasses. If they were nice and usable, which it sounds like they were brand new, why would you get rid of them? Did they buy even newer stuff to replace these? Maybe they were wedding gifts that reminded her of him, but some of that stuff couldn't be wedding gifts - like the computer stuff. It's weird. In a way, I would have liked to have the chance to pick up such good stuff for free, essentially, but it also gives me the creeps.

Yes Andrea, I too have heard that people who are suicidal start giving their stuff away. It's a red flag. Let's hope not.
Perhaps it's some holistic house cleaning to allow her to move on to the next stage of her life, unencumbered by the material weights of her marriage. Sometimes that feels good. A fresh start.

[Saracat]

 Well, I feel there are two stories here.What she does with her stuff is one thing, but the kids disgarding perfectly good things is another.There is no way a kid is getting rid of a new keyboard and much unless they have a replacement.And as far as some of the other stuff, I am sure they have no idea of its value, and likely could care less.The riding helmet is over $200! Mom certainly knew the value of things, after all, she paid $600 for a Christmas tree.

I find it unlikely that Mom is suicidal. She has recently gotten in great shape and looks fantastic. Even my husband commented on that.He suspects she mayhave a boyfriend or is looking for one.
I was also fascinated by this because they seem to be oblivious as to the current state of the economy. It is almost like they believe some sort of party is going on that will last forever.It is bad enough about the mother, but I would be really scared for those girls when reality strikes.

[BeeBee]

Well, I feel there are two stories here.What she does with her stuff is one thing, but the kids disgarding perfectly good things is another.There is no way a kid is getting rid of a new keyboard and much unless they have a replacement.And as far as some of the other stuff, I am sure they have no idea of its value, and likely could care less.The riding helmet is over $200! Mom certainly knew the value of things, after all, she paid $600 for a Christmas tree.

I find it unlikely that Mom is suicidal. She has recently gotten in great shape and looks fantastic. Even my husband commented on that.He suspects she mayhave a boyfriend or is looking for one.
I was also fascinated by this because they seem to be oblivious as to the current state of the economy. It is almost like they believe some sort of party is going on that will last forever.It is bad enough about the mother, but I would be really scared for those girls when reality strikes.

Yes I thought about your post while I was showering and the part about the daughter selling her collector dolls troubled me too.
It's one thing if the Mom wants a fresh start and unburdens herself from the material trappings of the marriage, but that doesn't explain the daughter.
Even if the daughter has no concept of money, kids get attached to their toys, especially dolls and stuffed animals and don't want to give them up.
I should know, my 26 year old daughter whose out on her own, still has her CareBears, Little Ponies stashed in my garage and she's scream if I sold her American Dolls.

I have another strange, similar story to tell you too, but am at work and it will have to wait till later.

BeeBee

[HBravo]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

[HBravo]

Yes I thought about your post while I was showering and the part about the daughter selling her collector dolls troubled me too.
It's one thing if the Mom wants a fresh start and unburdens herself from the material trappings of the marriage, but that doesn't explain the daughter.
Even if the daughter has no concept of money, kids get attached to their toys, especially dolls and stuffed animals and don't want to give them up.
I should know, my 26 year old daughter whose out on her own, still has her CareBears, Little Ponies stashed in my garage and she's scream if I sold her American Dolls.

I have another strange, similar story to tell you too, but am at work and it will have to wait till later.

BeeBee
[/quote]

Hearing about your daughter cracks me up. In my family dad was a hoarder and mom sold or got rid of everything. She sold some of my childhood cherished items for pennies without asking me first while I was in college. I can tell you that was the maddest that I have ever been at my mom  (anger internalized) but I did tell her never to do anything like that again without my permission.

[Saracat]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

I thought that too but the kids attitude was what really got me.Who sells new flatscreen monitors and cordless mice and keyboards for a dime? They also have "new" movies , cd's and clothing. Nothing was exempt. I asked why and they just said they had better ones.These were "new". Wait until they can't buy new stuff every month.

[HBravo]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

I thought that too but the kids attitude was what really got me.Who sells new flatscreen monitors and cordless mice and keyboards for a dime? They also have "new" movies , cd's and clothing. Nothing was exempt. I asked why and they just said they had better ones.These were "new". Wait until they can't buy new stuff every month.

I agree that this is a bad message to the children. Charity would have been a better lesson.

[BeeBee]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

I thought that too but the kids attitude was what really got me.Who sells new flatscreen monitors and cordless mice and keyboards for a dime? They also have "new" movies , cd's and clothing. Nothing was exempt. I asked why and they just said they had better ones.These were "new". Wait until they can't buy new stuff every month.

I agree that this is a bad message to the children. Charity would have been a better lesson.

I somehow just can't agree that that was the children's true viewpoint.
It's too evolved. Too adult.

Unless it's cynic teenagers,  grown up in hard times, before their age, covering their discomfiture,  covering for their embarrassment,..

"yeah, like, we don't give a shit"

But come on, how old were these kids?

I'm not an expert, but I just know kids...
and something here does not ring true.

Not if you delve below the surface.

Aunt BeeBee

[HBravo]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

I thought that too but the kids attitude was what really got me.Who sells new flatscreen monitors and cordless mice and keyboards for a dime? They also have "new" movies , cd's and clothing. Nothing was exempt. I asked why and they just said they had better ones.These were "new". Wait until they can't buy new stuff every month.

I agree that this is a bad message to the children. Charity would have been a better lesson.

I somehow just can't agree that that was the children's true viewpoint.
It's too evolved. Too adult.

Unless it's cynic teenagers,  grown up, in hard times, before their age, covering their discomfiture, their embarrassment,..


"yeah, like, we don't give a shit"

but come on, how old were these kids?

I'm not an expert, but I just know kids...
and something here does not ring true.

Not if you delve below the surface.

Aunt BeeBee

Aunt BeeBee

I disagree. A few years ago I a gave a dollar to a friend of mines children  (5,7 and 9 years old) to give to a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Then I spent the next 20 min. ansewering questions on why they did it and when they understood that no matter how bad they have it there are people out there that have it worse. Collectively after a moment of silence they agreed that it was a good thing.

[BeeBee]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

I thought that too but the kids attitude was what really got me.Who sells new flatscreen monitors and cordless mice and keyboards for a dime? They also have "new" movies , cd's and clothing. Nothing was exempt. I asked why and they just said they had better ones.These were "new". Wait until they can't buy new stuff every month.

I agree that this is a bad message to the children. Charity would have been a better lesson.

I somehow just can't agree that that was the children's true viewpoint.
It's too evolved. Too adult.

Unless it's cynic teenagers,  grown up, in hard times, before their age, covering their discomfiture, their embarrassment,..


"yeah, like, we don't give a shit"

but come on, how old were these kids?

I'm not an expert, but I just know kids...
and something here does not ring true.

Not if you delve below the surface.

Aunt BeeBee

Aunt BeeBee

I disagree. A few years ago I a gave a dollar to a friend of mines children  (5,7 and 9 years old) to give to a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Then I spent the next 20 min. ansewering questions on why they did it and when they understood that no matter how bad they have it there are people out there that have it worse. Collectively after a moment of silence they agreed that it was a good thing.

Sure HBravo that may have true in that instance when you were giving away a 'dollar',

But a buck is a buck, and a well loved bear, or a long time doll is totally a different thing to a child. It's a close and beloved friend.
Sure give that piece of paper away, and that they might be convinced to understand, but don't take away the ear I sucked myself to sleep on everynight for comfort and don't take away the doll I dressed up in different clothing, lovingly and did her hair...

Give the buck.

Any child knows that.

Did your Mom ever read to you the Velveteen Rabbit?

Maybe I'm from a different generation. Maybe I passed that on to my kids. But they are sentimental.

I'm glad for that.

Truly, there is so much more that matters than the dollar.

Hope we and all generations always know that.

BeeBee

Bee Beep!

[HBravo]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

I thought that too but the kids attitude was what really got me.Who sells new flatscreen monitors and cordless mice and keyboards for a dime? They also have "new" movies , cd's and clothing. Nothing was exempt. I asked why and they just said they had better ones.These were "new". Wait until they can't buy new stuff every month.

I agree that this is a bad message to the children. Charity would have been a better lesson.

I somehow just can't agree that that was the children's true viewpoint.
It's too evolved. Too adult.

Unless it's cynic teenagers,  grown up, in hard times, before their age, covering their discomfiture, their embarrassment,..


"yeah, like, we don't give a shit"

but come on, how old were these kids?

I'm not an expert, but I just know kids...
and something here does not ring true.

Not if you delve below the surface.

Aunt BeeBee

Aunt BeeBee

I disagree. A few years ago I a gave a dollar to a friend of mines children (5,7 and 9 years old) to give to a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Then I spent the next 20 min. ansewering questions on why they did it and when they understood that no matter how bad they have it there are people out there that have it worse. Collectively after a moment of silence they agreed that it was a good thing.

Sure HBravo,

but a buck is a buck, a well loved bear, or a long time doll is totally a different thing to a child.
Sure give that piece of paper away, but don't take away the ear I sucked myself to sleep on, or the doll I dressed up in different clothing, lovingly and did her hair...

different thing than a dollar bill.

Any child knows that.

Did your Mom ever read to you the Velveteen Rabbit?

Maybe I'm from a different generation. Maybe I passed that on to my kids. But they are sentimental.

I'm glad for that.

Truly, there is so much more that matters than the dollar.

BeeBee

Agreed, But if the children no matter how old they were didn't care about what was being sold they had no attachment to it. Even jaded teens will not let go of things they Cherish.

[BeeBee]

I'm guessing that the cheap prices were gifts form the ex. and he did something that really made her made and didn't care what she got for them and just wanted to get rid of them. I bet she will give away everything she didn't sell that she feels he had a connection to.

I thought that too but the kids attitude was what really got me.Who sells new flatscreen monitors and cordless mice and keyboards for a dime? They also have "new" movies , cd's and clothing. Nothing was exempt. I asked why and they just said they had better ones.These were "new". Wait until they can't buy new stuff every month.

I agree that this is a bad message to the children. Charity would have been a better lesson.

I somehow just can't agree that that was the children's true viewpoint.
It's too evolved. Too adult.

Unless it's cynic teenagers,  grown up, in hard times, before their age, covering their discomfiture, their embarrassment,..


"yeah, like, we don't give a shit"

but come on, how old were these kids?

I'm not an expert, but I just know kids...
and something here does not ring true.

Not if you delve below the surface.

Aunt BeeBee

Aunt BeeBee

I disagree. A few years ago I a gave a dollar to a friend of mines children (5,7 and 9 years old) to give to a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Then I spent the next 20 min. ansewering questions on why they did it and when they understood that no matter how bad they have it there are people out there that have it worse. Collectively after a moment of silence they agreed that it was a good thing.

Sure HBravo,

but a buck is a buck, a well loved bear, or a long time doll is totally a different thing to a child.
Sure give that piece of paper away, but don't take away the ear I sucked myself to sleep on, or the doll I dressed up in different clothing, lovingly and did her hair...

different thing than a dollar bill.

Any child knows that.

Did your Mom ever read to you the Velveteen Rabbit?

Maybe I'm from a different generation. Maybe I passed that on to my kids. But they are sentimental.

I'm glad for that.

Truly, there is so much more that matters than the dollar.

BeeBee

Agreed, But if the children no matter how old they were didn't care about what was being sold they had no attachment to it. Even jaded teens will not let go of things they Cherish.

Okay H,
Just because I like hugs so much too!
You will agree to agree w me. LOL
 


Edited to fix your quote box only. -Andrea