Beware of Freecyclers

Ugh. What a wretched day I had yesterday. I have a bunch of stuff I want to give away. I hate the thought of throwing away perfectly good stuff, especially books, ESPECIALLY children's books. So I put out my first notice on Free-cycle. Well, I think I had put one out years ago that turned into a circus of someone wanting me to hold something and then never showing up. Anyway. I got back a bazillion requests for the books. It felt a bit overwhelming since I sort of had a lot to do. So I made a mistake.

I put an open offer for first come, first served.

You would think I took a gun and just starting shooting. First the moderator lamblasts me, basically calling me stupid. Then ALL the people who wanted the damn books start emailing me telling me how unfair I am and how their not going to waste their time driving by my house to see if the FREE books are still there. And they call me environmentally un-friendly. ME!

Now I realize that what I did was maybe not thought all the way through. And being a newbie at this, I guess I did not understand the whole game of whoever emails first, I'm supposed to hold the stuff and then waste my time re-posting if they don't show up after holding onto the stuff for a couple more days. And oh dear, I suppose putting your address on the internet is not really that great of an idea even though nowadays you could pretty much google anyone and find their address. I'm sure if some mad book stealers find out where I live and that I have books.....

Now, I realize that I am over-reacting mainly because:

1. I hate to make mistakes that I feel stupid about.

2. I have unreasonable fear occasionally.

3. I was raised by blue collar people with sunburns on their necks who understand the meaning of opening a six pack of whoop ass.

But I am hoping I have grown beyond a lot of that and am not allowing that ego nonsense to rule my life. However, I think that perhaps these people need some perspective. As in:

1. The books were free. You did not own them so you don't have to freak out that you lost them.

2. The rules say you have to live in Bowie so it's not like you are going that far out of your way to look and see if the FREE books are still there.

3. Jeez, I made a mistake, get over yourselves, why are you so willing to pounce? Is this how you spend your days?

Okay, now that I have that out of my system.....I will return you to your regularly scheduled spiritual network. Please forgive me if you are a wonderful free-cycler who just has the best intentions....would you like some free books?

Deep Cleansing Breath and Release.