Regarding moving and human nature...

Doing this moving thing on the side has been fascinating for this armchair sociologist. Here are some things I've learned about people:

1. Anything--and I mean anything--can have through-the-roof sentimental value. Everyone has a story, and every item of their stuff has a story.

2. People stock up on workout equipment right before the holidays.

3. Apparently, very few caucasians more their stuff very often in the D.C. area.

4. People will tell nearly anonymous service people just about anything if you show the tiniest bit of compassion.

5. Stories about impending babies yield fantastic tips. (Our little bundle of poopy joy is responsible for easily over $100 in tips).

6. A certain racial demographic never tips--and their checks also bounce.

7. When space is limited in my truck, people will choose to haul their TVs instead of, say, something to sit on.

8. (A no-duh observation): People will always try to get more than they paid for. "Oh, it looks like you've got room for my refrigerator..."

9. 95 percent of people needing a move are women. (A guy will bungee a foosball table to the roof of his Honda before he contracts another dude to help him.)

10. People associate moving guys with cleaning guys, apparently. It's a well-known fact that dust is largely human skin. Most of the time I can ignore the fact that, as my face is pressed against some dusty end table as I lift it, I'm breathing the detritus of the movee. Most of the time. The rest of the time I wipe down their musty crap and try to hold my breath.