Dumpster Diving

Have you ever been?

I think maybe I've done a version when I was much younger, but never, ever for food. That just seems wrong.

But what seems even more wrong is the amount of food that is wasted in America - especially considering the number of people who are going hungry every day in this country.

I was reading this post on a friend's blog this morning, who mentioned eating her first meal featuring food from her local grocery store dumpster.

At first I was a bit shocked.

More than that, I was intrigued.

I had to investigate this more. I still haven't had much time. I really just watched the trailer for Dive! the film, but I do plan on downloading the whole movie (also available to watch via Netflix streaming).


Dive! Trailer from Compeller Pictures on Vimeo.

Their website also has a page of things you can do. They list plenty of things, but obviously, their biggest suggestion is to get there there and DIVE IN.

EAT TRASH
An important first step to really caring about the issue of food waste is hopping in a dumpster, bringing home the food, and eating it. Eating trash is a subversive act. It goes against a culture of over-consumption and gratuitous wastefulness. Experience that initial rush, shame, fear, and exhilaration of "stealing" trash and eating it will change you in good ways.

Second, it's important to go to your local grocery store and ask what they do with their food waste. They might not tell you. Or they'll dodge the question by listing organizations to which they donate. Ask them about all the FRESH food--meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Ask them if they would be open to allowing you to pick this food up and bring it to a nonprofit that serves the needy. Do all of this with a pleasant tone, big smile, and servant's heart. Bring the Good Sam act with you!

Third, you'll need a place to bring the food, so you'll have to locate a shelter or food bank in your area that could use the food. This is where logistics comes into play. They'll need to be able to immediately use or temporarily store fresh food....shelving space, refrigerators, freezers. This step actually happens at the same time as visiting your local grocery stores. You will probably need a letter from the shelter or food bank stating their needs, requesting donations, and naming you or your family/friends/organization/church as the volunteer designated to pick up the food.

Are you in?

We've come a long way...

The other day, Jeff came across this article in the NY Times about a guy who has been a flight attendant for 63 years.

What I found most fascinating about the article was this paragraph:

Decades ago, hiring policies ensured that the ranks of flight attendants remained young. Stewardesses faced mandatory retirement by 32. If they married or became pregnant, they were out. In 1966, a New York Times classified ad for stewardesses at Eastern Airlines listed these requirements: “A high school graduate, single (widows and divorcees with no children considered), 20 years of age (girls 19 1/2 may apply for future consideration). 5’2” but no more than 5’9,” weight 105 to 135 in proportion to height and have at least 20/40 vision without glasses.”

You may or may not recall that I did some time working as a flight attendant. It definitely wasn't one of my favorite jobs. It was dull. It was long hours. It was unpredictable.

Perhaps if I'd had fun uniforms like those of days past...
I think it was a little more fun and glamorous back in those days.
But that did come with a bit of a price - sexism.

SOC - It must be Fate, right?

Today’s Writing Prompt: What's your take on fate? Does everything happen for a reason? Are we in control of our own destiny?

No, I don't really believe in fate. Life is to be lived and experienced. I think fate is kind of a crutch for some people. Something good happens? It must be fate. Something bad? Fate.

Um. No.

Let's take responsibility for our own happiness or misery.

I think we are in control. We can choose to be happy.

Yeah, sure. Sometimes bad things do happen to good people. Sometimes things happen that are beyond our control.

But even when that happens, we can choose how we react to it.

I don't think I would like to live in a world that was pure destiny or fate. Why would I work hard to achieve my goals or dreams if nothing I did made a difference?

Would I even have dreams or goals?

******
Now it's your turn! Here are a few rules:

• Set a timer and write for 5 minutes.
• Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
• Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
• Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post.
• Link up your post.
• Visit your fellow bloggers and show some love.

On Mortality

Yesterday morning, when I asked my boss how her holiday had been, she mentioned that her nephew had died. He was in his early 20s. Apparently, he had too much to drink on Thanksgiving, slept on his back, and choked to death on his vomit.

I wonder what it would be like to die in such a manner. Would you realize what was happening? Would it hurt? Would it be a peaceful way to go? Did he struggle? Could it have been prevented (other than the obvious of not over-imbibing)? What would it be like to just not wake up one morning?

This led me to thinking about mortality in general. Life is pretty fragile and can end at any moment. Everyone dies; no one is immune.

What happens next?

I, obviously, have no concrete answer for this. I could spout on about what religion has taught me or what I hope might happen.

But maybe a better topic for consideration is what happens to those left to grieve.

I'm not an expert. I can only share my experience.

I lost my mom suddenly when I was 17. She died in a tragic car accident. It was very sad.

And life changing.

Just like that my life changed completely and would never be the same.

Over time, the heartache lessened. I'm sure I experienced all the appropriate stages of grief. It will be 17 years this December. I still miss her a lot. She often appears in my dreams. Usually as someone who has come back to me, someone who faked her death. Perhaps that's weird. Maybe I haven't truly gotten to that Acceptance stage. I don't know.

Although these dreams are often troubling, they remind me of her and keep her close to my thoughts. I have many great memories of her that I will always cling to.

I will always love her.

Wow. This post took a totally different turn than what I had intended. That's OK, I suppose.

Perhaps this is more what I needed.

What are your thoughts on mortality? Have you lost someone close to you? How has loss affected you?