That same afternoon, I was riding my bike in my neighborhood
when I cruised over a shiny penny.
I hit my brakes but second guessed myself and sped up to keep up with my
boyfriend. I started telling him my idea and then interrupted myself, “I guess
I wouldn’t have to wait til the new year, would I? I could start today!”
We turned around, so I could get my second cent of the day,
but although we searched and searched, we couldn’t find that dang lone coin. So
I decided I’ll have to start my project the next time I find one!
As I was circling around on my bike, staring down at the
pavement looking for that penny, I remembered a comment I overheard recently. A
woman was giving a couple pennies to someone who was lacking change for a
purchase and she said “I don’t mind giving away pennies because they’re
worthless.” I kept my mouth shut but I was flabbergasted. I was thinking Does
she know that 100 pennies equal a dollar? I
was so amused by the comment that I Tweeted about it
(#DoYouUnderstandHowMoneyWorks?). A friend immediately responded that it was a
coincidence he had just looked at his retirement account and it had gained one
cent that day which would equate to a $300 increase over time!
Okay, so the pennies I pick up won’t earn interest (unless I
put them in the bank-note to self!) but they will add up. My collection will
not be limited to coins, but I expect that’s what I’ll find the most of.
However, I once found a $20 bill blowing through a Wal-Mart parking lot!
Another time, I picked up what I thought was a piece of paper but turned out to
be a white enveloped containing $40 cash!
I guess I technically stole that money, but in each case
there was no way to track down an owner. I have definitely lost money from
being careless, like being out drinking at a bar with a $20 bill in my back
pocket that’s gone when I go for it next, so I know it happens to the best of
us.
I’ve written previously about my habits as a “picker upper”
as I like to call myself. No matter if I’m walking or driving, I’m frequently
noticing abandoned treasures “Ooooh a pen!” or “Hey look, a glove!” Each time,
my boyfriend’s response is the same: “Gross” and he encourages me to leave the
lonely object where it lies.
It’s funny that my youngest dog has turned out to be a
treasure seeker as well. On our walks, he is continuously scanning the ground
for something delicious and/or fun. The day he found unwrapped Rolos underneath our bank of mailboxes, I hated to make him spit them out because it was such a spectacular find! He’s found dog biscuits under there before, so I can’t blame him for looking, which he still does every time we check the mail! He’s found balls and bones and even tried to pick
up a sock once (that one, I made him leave behind). My boyfriend finds if funny
and revolting at the same time. “He’s definitely your dog”, he’ll chuckle and shake his head, while
Tinsley trots along carrying a soggy tennis ball he rooted out of the
gutter.
 |
| Tinsley with one of his treasures |
For now, I’m looking down as much as possible when I’m out
of the house, waiting for my next find! I don’t know what I’ll do with the
money I collect over the next year. It will probably depend on how much it is.
Maybe I’ll donate it to a charity or maybe I’ll buy myself a treat! You’ll have
to stay tuned to find out!
