I Miss My Garbage Men

I know I have a reputation as a curmudgeon.  Perhaps I rant and rave too much for someone my age?  Probably.  

My thinking is I live in one of the most affluent and better places to live in America. America is viewed in most (although we are doing our best to dissuade folks) parts of the World as gold standard.  Countless folks try to enter our country and become citizens each day.  The joke of course is we are the best until we start seeing folks hopping the border to Mexico or Canada.

I understand, things could be far worse.  But as the tolls increased to $12 bucks into NYC and NJ Transit was diverted once again to Hoboken, I did not feel as guilty in complaining yet again.

And it is not even about the transit wars either.  That is a losing battle I have given up on.  It costs a hell of a lot to work in NYC but that is where the money is. Chase your dream/succeed and view the evil battle that takes place during the process as part of the path.  It's like Shrek's long walk through the forest getting Fiona back safely to Far, Far Away.

This week I find myself bemoaning Madison's now once a week garbage pick-up.  

I knew it was coming and had gotten myself mentally prepared.  It was always super cool our town had twice weekly service.  It set us apart from neighboring towns and I found it both comforting and (as a bit of a neat freak) convenient.

And pardon me for not knowing all the ins and outs of why that is.  I envy those who comment on the political pieces that run on this Patch (and various other outlets.)  

I admit, I barely know how Madison works politically and where my taxes go.  I can barely keep up with the MLB standings, upcoming concert schedule, and new fall TV line-up.  Not to mention the national headlines and weather report.  And yes, that list is probably in my order of cultural relevance.

But where hath you gone, twice weekly garbage service?  Was it something I did?  an we do better?  Will I see a tax decrease now that you have gone?  Will you continue to come at 7pm to pick up my recycling?  We could have had it all???

And now I find myself in a town like Morristown, or (gasp/sigh) Chatham.

Next thing you know I will be sending my daughter to ice hockey camps or pond clubs.

Now if you will excuse me I have to secure the lids on my garbage cans so the animals don't ransack it.  

We are mere weeks away from Thunderdome.

By the way take a listen to the Jayhawks new record: "Mockingbird".   http://www.jayhawksofficial.com/  It is great to see these guys playing fun and energetic beats.  This is 50 minutes well spent.  Figure it will get you from Madison to Summit on NJT.  Then you can spend the rest of the commute trying to decipher what the conductor is saying and why you are not ending up where you wanted to go.