Free Dump Day 2010 Style, August 1, 2010

The '90's in Seattle were totally epic.  Sounds silly, I know.  But think about it.  Most of the people who had money in Seattle were young, geeky and liberal which meant money went into projects that were interesting to the young, had a little geeky vibe and were liberal, in essence. There are so many examples to point to but that's not my point (although, as we are currently watching reruns of the X-Files with our lovely 10 year old daughter, I would be remiss not to give a nod to Hollywood's Seattle Stomping Ground Days in the form of said Alien series (which, by extension, means I should give a shout out to Twin Peaks)).   Seattle wasn't on the pulse, Seattle was the pulse. And we had a soundtrack to drown out any dissenters. And the beer bottles to ... recycle.

Being in my 20's in Seattle in the '90's was definitely fortuitous.  Like many things of youth, it's something I remember wistfully.  Today my more tender feelings were invoked when I was a reminded of one of my fondest memories from the days of yore:  The City's annual FREE DUMP DAY.  

Yes, the city actually provided a "Free Dump Day".  18 wheelers carrying ginormous dumpsters crowded the parking lots of local high schools and citizens of this fine city lined up to drop off their copious crap from dusk to dawn.  I don't know why or when dump day disappeared but it's been gone for over a decade and I still sorely miss it.  This very morning I was lamenting our loss as I rented a van from the Depot, filled it with 625 pounds of detritus and hauled it to the transfer station. 

Now don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against the ole transfer station, although it doesn't compare to my memory of bears in the adirondacks.  I will contend that it is a fine place to release some repressed anger in a civilized and social manner, standing behind a 4 foot concrete wall, huckin' once treasured items that long ago turned burdensome and watchin' 'em splatter.  


The transfer station I frequent, and I do frequent as frequently as I can justify, has had a recent face life. One of the high points is the row of colorful speakers in giant wheels blasting out nature sounds as you drive in and out - the running stream always makes me have to go pee, though - but facelift or no, I'd take FREE and Nirvana over $31.25 and Frogs Croaking any day!

Alas, Free-Dump-Days-high-school-parking-lot style are gone forever.  But we're here to tell you its spirit lives on!  Everyday (that we set up shop) is "FREE toxic secret Dump Day" for any and everyone who so choses to participate.  And we won't check your bike license to make sure you are a local citizen, cuz we're all local citizens.  Imagine.  

Free Dump Day August 1, 2010

1. I can't stand being around my "best friend" 90% of the time
2. It breaks my heart that my 10 year old doesn't feel ok to hug me
3. I miss my dog more than my husband.
4. My legs are getting tired on this bikeride
5. When I was 10 I stole $2 from my mom's purse because I heard the ice cream man!
6. City people are nicer than they want you to think they are.
7. That all we find significant ???? ???? are our a means of judgement is utterly transitory and yet no more subject to transulations(?) then if it were eternal
8. My wife thinks she married up, but most people think she's unfortunate
9. I like romantic comedies!
10. I took my nipple piercings out 
11. My secret friend Silvestro he is nice and his real name is Poncho Cumacho.
12. I stole my brothers money and spent it on a chocolate bar
13. I weigh over 200 lbs
14. I don't like mushrooms.
15. I have a crush on Page!!!
16. I will change the world three times before I die.  Just watch :)
17. Whenever I see a happy, but crazy, homeless person, I wish I has a little more like them.