Equipo Malogrado

Out of Order. On their own, the words have   no power. But strung together on a sheet of   American-cheese colored paper, posted      above the only open recycling machine at    Fred Meyer’s, they inspired fear, shock, and  a cold sweat. 

OK. I’m melodramatic. 

But it was pretty annoying that I had to wait at least a half hour to even start recycling the four shopping carts worth of bottles I’d managed to pick up earlier Monday. Not that I minded chit-chatting a bit with fellow recyclers, as they fed one bottle at a time into the antiquated machine left running. Still, plans to see my work friend Jeffee’s stinky plants — the glorious Dragon Arum, also known as Voodoo Lilies — and to finally show Mr. Porter that I can cook more than frozen lunches were quickly aborted. On the plus side, combined with the help of a much quicker McKay’s experience, I made $39.65.

Jeffee's stinky plant - 2007 crop.

  Regardless, please, Fred Meyer employees, replace your    machines! At least fix them! People truly are relying on their    recycling to make a living — I met one of them yesterday.

  An employee at Freddie’s mentioned that everyone’s life —    including her own — would improve if the machines ran    smoothly. The attendants, who work in dairy or other parts of the    store, have to stop work constantly to unjam a glass bottle or fix a   malfunction or empty a full bin of cans.

  Poor them, poor us, poor me.

Before I end this note, I want to say thank you to Angie in Hauser, without whom I’d be at least $39.65 poorer.

Waiting in line with all my carts.