Bringing shame to the family name

So, let me begin by saying that we feel very blessed to be in the home that we live in. Our home was a foreclosure so we got the deal of a lifetime and feel a little like the Jeffersons (movin on up and maybe a little out of our element). So we had a neighborhood block party this past weekend and it was a splendid affair. Our neighbors across the street both work for food companies, as well as another neighbor down the street so all the food was provided. One works for a beef jerky company, one for Pepsi and Frito Lay, another for a meat company. There were hot dogs, hamburgers, every kind of side dish and desert. The favorite spot for all the children was a huge stainless steel rack with every kind of chip, Dorito, cookie, granola bar available as well as all kinds of drinks. We were having a great time and then as the evening was winding down my neighbor who works for Pepsi/Frito Lay/Quaker says "Gale, grab a bag and take some granola bars and chips home, I have a garage full of stuff and if you could use some go ahead" I am thrilled at this invitation as this stuff will all work great in lunches and for snacks. So I grab a bag and begin filling it up when I notice that I am getting some funny looks. I then feel the need to justify my actions in front of everyone and say, "cmon I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to take some of this home. Come on ladies, grab a bag". Everyone gives me a sweet little smile and goes back to their visiting. Suddenly I hear my husband laughing hysterically. I look up and he and all the men are laughing at me and I hear him say, "Nothing like the trashy neighbors who clean out the party of it's leftovers." I laugh along with them because hey, it is really funny. Regardless, I fill my bag and move on, noticing that no one else takes any. I don't care because I feel like I scored.

So then as the party winds down I head home to put kids to bed. After they are all settled I look across the street and see about 8 or 9 people still there and I think. "I should go over and help clean up". I head over and they are actually not cleaning yet, they are all sitting in the garage visiting. I feel like it would be rude to leave so abruptly so I sit to visit. I find out all about what my neighbor does and what her work entails and as we are sitting there she mentions that she just gets loads of stuff and if we ever want anything she would be happy to send it our way. At this point I open my big mouth. Remember that I mentioned the large stainless steel rack full of everything imaginable. Yes, well earlier in the night I had been eyeing it and thinking "That type of shelf would be perfect in my storage room." I was trying to figure out where I could get one so I just simply asked, "hey where could I get a rack like that? If you could hook me up, would be happy to pay for it" Well to my horror she says...."Oh just take that one, I have so many and we often give them away to our vendors so I would be happy for you to take it". Well, I must admit I am horrified and thrilled at the same time. Then she says, "it is on wheels so just go ahead and wheel it home, food and all."

So just picture me, I am already pegged as the one at the party bagging up any and all goods I can take, now all the neighbors see me wheeling THE ENTIRE SHELVING unit FULL of over 200-250 bags of chips, Cheetos, cookies and granola bars down the street and taking it all home. When I got home Chris was laughing so hard he could barely breath and then said....."Gale in 3 months when they have another party and we are not invited......don't be surprised."

I LOVE my shelving and my kids think we are the coolest and want to invite all their friends over to see our stash.....I regret nothing.

Here is little peek at my new shelving unit!!