The box of crap

Many of you will not understand what I am writing about, but to my friends at my former employer in New Jersey, this will make sense... (or not. Who can truly understand the ramblings of a man who spends most his time outside in 110 degree heat?). This is an ode to the "box of crap".

I came home Friday afternoon from running around doing some errands and the UPS driver had left a message on my door that a package was waiting for me at the apartment manager's office. I thought "I haven't ordered anything, who is sending me packages?" as I signed for it in the office. I took a look at the label, saw it was from NJ and my former employer and started to laugh. No way! They sent me the box of crap! I went inside and popped it open and sure enough, it was filled with crap... But first, a little history... (you know how I love my history). The tradition is that when an employee leaves the location or leaves the company... (and it's someone you like) you fill a box with useless junk that has meaning to that person and reminds them of the people still there... and send it to them. And I must say that my friends did an excellent job with the "crap" they sent me. I still laugh when I think of some of the contents which only have significance because we worked together... the empty box of Godiva chocolates (thanks for finishing off those stale candies, Al), the box of plastic spoons (congratulations on your promotion, Tina, to supply procurer), the LL Bean catalogs and Outside Magazines (I left them there for a reason, you know), the Pain Away pills (don't let Dave know I have some of his stash).

Some of the items brought back some memories I thought I had successfully "blocked" out...the adjustment form pad (God, how I hated doing adjustments!! How about another 60 scrap tires from Traction--how about some steel belt cuts and stagnant water), the empty UPS label rolls...(which always ran out when we were busy. And the fact that our location did more UPS shipments than the all the other locations combined!). "Wonder" gloves...(Hey Alan, loosen up the purse strings and let us buy some freakin' gloves). I will do my best to rebury these memories...(although those memories have a positive motivational effect in that I will do everything necessary to NOT have to do those things again...LOL).

But the rest of the "crap" is proof that my friends back East will be my friends no matter where we all end up. The Jets ticket...(many years of fun watching the games together, when it was affordable anyway), the Pierre's menu... (still the only place to get a decent lunch around there), the hot dog truck... (Thanks for taking the ride, Pat!), the cigar catalog...(going back to Aruba in December, RD), Pure Trim...(breakfast and lunch of champions...I'm doing it old school now--exercise and eating right), the "used" lottery tickets...(dollar and a dream--living the dream but could always use a few extra dollars--Powerball in Pa, Vun Suong). These "momentos" were a welcome surprise last week and I can't thank you guys enough for all the laughs and smiles that came with them. Show them you care by sending the very worst. Thanks again to you all...