The dumpster dive that paid off

I didn’t think I’d be able to contribute today. I couldn’t think of a single thing I ever found and kept until I remembered my old cabinet. I’ve had it for so long,  I almost forgot it’s origin.

I had just moved to northern Virginia for my first job out of college. Money was tight, and anyone familiar with the area knows that the cost of living is quite high. The condo I was renting was partly furnished, which made things a little easier, but I still needed a few things.

One morning,  I was hanging out on my balcony, getting a little air. I noticed what looked like a small ugly greenish cabinet sitting by the dumpster in the parking lot below.

Hmmm… There has to be something wrong with it. It probably smells like cat pee, or the drawers are swelled shut. Twenty minutes later, it was still there, and my curiosity got the best of me. I went to check it out.

It turns out, it was perfectly fine. No smell, solid wood construction, dovetailed corners. The only flaw was a small burn on the top. I assumed cigarette,  but it didn’t smell like it had been in a smokers home.

I grabbed it and humped it up three flights to its new home. From 1997 to present day, it has served me well. I’ve shlept it across the country and multiple moves. I’ve always found a use for it, and have never found anything better to replace it.

It probably could use a paint job, though.