M.I.A.

I mean really- there is nothing you can't find online nowadays.
You can find love.
You can find numbers.
You can find your virginity.
You can even find an apology.

You cannot, however, find your car keys.

I have noticed that the trash chute closest to my apartment is a treasure-trove of smelly bags that the lazy can't make into the chute. More importantly it is a parking lot for wayward furniture. I have picked up a fan (worked- didn't oscillate, took it back). I have referred a vintage coffee table to my friend- super cute!


WELL---- I was on my way home and as I pass the chute, I notice a fancy 2-piece dresser! It's in good shape, all hardware intact, few scratches, and -AND- the dresser is on wheels! So--- as quietly as one can roll a dresser up the hall, I am taking this dejected treasure home with me. In trying to heave said treasure into the apartment while battling the front door to stay open, my neighbor opens his door and gives me the "pipe-down" look. I promptly apologize and we chat a bit about my find. He helps me cart my fabulous find into my apartment. Really he just picks it up with his huge man-guns. In my chatty talk I'm thanking him and explaining that there's another piece and how great this find is.... He tells me to have a good night and he's off to his own apartment. After all, it is 11:00 on school night.

Today I get up and I'm on my way out the door. My neighbor kindly and quietly delivered the rest of the dresser.
How cute is this!?!?!?

We (friends of m.i.a. and m.i.a.) often (inappropriately) joke about the 'incestuous' world of having and loving folks in the same industry. 2 of my beloved cohorts and I are volunteering (poorly!) at another friends fundraiser. We were monitoring the silent auction table. Now, by monitoring I mean browsing, by browsing I mean judging the good stuff vs. the "I know it goes to charity but really don't by that!" item. Really though- they had some good stuff. So in my browsing I was thinking, if I can I should try and keep holiday gifts in mind and my sister's birthday is coming up and.... oh snap- this would look so-o good on my arm!
It's this flawless (and featured above) little beaded bracelet. It has a tint of lavender and this fancy little clasp. So I put my bid on the suggested $10 line. So in my volunteer duties of monitoring and helping others with their bids I really just kept an eye on my little gem...
Enjoyed the fabulous (FREE!) food.
Enjoyed the fabulous (FREE!) drinks.
As the end of the event approaches, I notice that I've been out bid on my bracelet.
We wrap up the silent auction and the items begin to be claimed and carted off--- my bracelet is gone.... GONE!

Our trio gets ready to go to the next party location- everybody in... "Should we do it now?"
"sure."
"are you ready"
m.i.a.- "whuh?"
clapping ensues and the cutest version of Happy Birthday resounds to the back....
they hand me my fancy bracelet!

I can't think of a time in recent history when I have felt so loved, appreciated, and grateful! It occurred to me that even my poor non-profit friend pay attention to me when I don't.
Thanks--- I love you more than open bar!