Trash Picking

       
            I wanted to update you on my trash picking. I've missed some sunsets, and as a result I haven't picked up the ten pieces of trash that I promised. I tried to make up for my absence by picking twenty pieces up instead of ten on the days I was there.
            I feel embarrassed when I pick up trash. There's usually people on the hill looking at the sunset when I get there. I don't want to be the weird guy picking up trash, while they sit around and smoke pot, so I kind of look around before I do it. I figured out if I squat like a catcher I can pretend like I'm looking at the sunset while I pick up cigarette butts and bottle caps. I mentioned my trash picking trepidation to my friends and they suggested I wear a neon and orange vest to make it look like I'm doing community service. I thought that was a good idea. They were baffled as to why I felt weird about it. I think it's because my mama didn't raise no trash picker.
            While I was on the hill yesterday I felt a compulsion over take me. Once I started picking up trash I couldn't stop. I was going after the big stuff, soft drink cups from fast food restaurants, aluminum cans, cardboard beer holders. There's a trash can set up on the hill so it made it easy. I was counting the pieces as I picked them up. It was rewarding to make the little bit of progress that I did. I recommend it. Trash picking is a humbling experience, but you feel good afterward.  Like you've done something for the team.