(no subject)

[ocelot]

Freecycle irritates me. Its a great idea in theory, but ends up being a contest of who has the fastest mail server.

Freecycle etiquette (written or unwritten) says you aren't supposed to post a huge list of wants, and people who ask for things are generally looked down upon.

To some extent, I can understand. It could totally turn into an overwhelming gimme-fest without some sort of social controls in place.

On the other - it's Musical Apartments season in Davis, and I have a big list of stuff that we're going to need, most of which I know is going to be thrown out by someone or other between now and August 31. I can play Freecycle roulette and try to respond quickly whenever something I need happens to come up (I'm in a good position for this, seeing as everything comes straight to my phone. It still hasn't helped so far), or I can ride all over Davis while 32 weeks pregnant (or waste gas driving) and hope I'm first at the lucky dumpster (actually, I'll do this regardless because I like riding around :) But I don't have quite the energy for huge marathon runs). Or I can post a big list of wants and we can arrange things in a nice calm orderly fashion, with no wasted effort on either end.

I think I will suggest to the list maintainer that he declare a temporary open season on want lists. I really think it would simplify things for everyone with so many people moving.

Cases in point as far as throwing things out goes... silkensteel found a complete Ikea loft bed frame that retails for $150, in good condition, yesterday. I've seen no less than 5 apartment-style washing machines, many much nicer than the one we had. Not nearly as big a score, but still cool and really needed... I found a small trifold futon this evening that will work perfectly as a temporary, and possibly even longer term, bed for Leif. And that's all with really casual looking.

I'd love to get everything we need secondhand, and not just from a money perspective. If people gave us secondhand presents I'd be at least as happy as if they were new. It's just better for everyone.

Comments

[barelyproper.livejournal.com]

You could also post a list here, and I can then keep an eye out at yardsales.

[therealocelot.livejournal.com]

At garage sales - probably mostly boys clothing size 3/4 for cooler weather and relatively gender neutral baby clothing size 0-6 months (we don't know if baby is a boy or girl), possibly larger for one piece outfits (Leif had a really long torso). Maternity pants in size XL/14 (I have plenty of shorts, but the only pair of pants that fits is a pair of plaid flannel pajama pants - I've avoided getting them because if baby comes as early as Leif did it won't get cool enough to need them, but I should get some if they're cheap).

Probably nothing over $1.00 - after that, a thrift store isn't much more expensive.

But we'll probably go garage saling (sailing? Saleing?) these next few weekends ourselves, so don't worry too much about it. But I really appreciate the thought :)

The furniture I'm pretty certain will just turn up or get sold for cheaper as the month goes on.

[barelyproper.livejournal.com]

Right and Relivant thrift (as opposed to consignment, so its only a dollar) had a pair of large maternity jeans when I was in there last week, I'll swing back by and see if they are still there.

[therealocelot.livejournal.com]

The large pants I've tried on recently have all been too small (otherwise I'd have two pairs already :( I'm just hoping the pair koyote talked me into buying new will work after birth). Might vary by brand or style, but I'm inclined to err on the side of caution since I'm only getting bigger. But I should go down there again and check things out.

[fleckerbug.livejournal.com]

We have a twin bed with frame. I have a spongy thing on it to make it more comphy that you could have, too. And if you recall our red "couch" (a full futon mattress--no frame) is available as well. Of course, these are all in Pinole now, but we have Ted's dad's truck and soon... mini-van!!(yay!! I wants me a mini-van). Now, these have been offered to my brother, but he doesn't seem to want them. If you're interested, let me know.

[therealocelot.livejournal.com]

If we don't find anything suitable here by the end of the month, we may take you up on that. We really want a queen size futon or mattress, but any bed is better than no bed :) Thanks for the offer :)

[fleckerbug.livejournal.com]

Oh geez.. I saw a queen bed for free somehwere recently.. can't remember wehre!

[therealocelot.livejournal.com]

I think I've seen a few posted to craigslist or out by dumpsters. At this point we're being picky because storage is an issue and people aren't going to be selling cheaply/throwing out the good stuff until the last minute. I'm guessing things will start getting good after garage sales are done this weekend.