first impressions

Chris (my brother) called me into his place of business and asked me if I would clean out an old vintage air stream that he purchased from a man in Washington state. Being an unemployed student living off the McDonalds dollar menu I quickly replied "yes."
We then walked out to a 31' 1974 "Sovereign" parked in the AURA river center parking lot.
As we both approached the front door, he kept on saying how this was a "huge job" and that I might want to pick up a mask and gloves at the local hardware store. I blew off his concerns knowing his lack of cleaning experience. Bleach can kill anything right? I should have taken a hint after he picked up a screw driver and began picking the dead bolt. Luckily someone already bashed the casing in with an axe and it didn't take that long to unlock...


The door creaked open and the trailers green shag carpeting released its noxious fumes. First impressions mean everything, especially when they involve you gagging and gasping for air. The mildew stench hit Chris and I like a brick wall. While backing away, Chris did his trademark smug grin and left me to give myself a tour.

As I braved through the stench and grime it dawned on me that there was actually some human like creature living in this dump before AEG purchased it...


Everything was literally contaminated with either mildew or mold. So I did what any logical person would do and threw it out the front door.
As I tossed out mattresses, and cleaned out closets, it became clear that our personal possessions reflect who we are as people...The previous owner of this classic air stream is not someone I would like to meet in person. Or talk to on the phone for that matter. I over turned some rocks that should have been left untouched.