Desk Jockey

As we worked through our business plan, we had to make estimates of the number trees we would pick in the first

Desk Jockey

season.  If our customers (apple suppliers) valued our service, we figured we would pick apples each weekend and a couple evenings during the work week.  We’ve been gearing up for this harvest season for months–protecting our schedules to pick apples while engaging our new customers.

One month into the harvest season, we’ve been picking steadily each week.  While we’ve gained pounds of apples, we’ve lost some pounds around the waist!

My day job has rendered me a desk jockey. Unfortunately, my desk is not a horse and the only animal I work with is a mouse.  Consider this blog posting a call out to other desk jockey’s that we’re not getting enough exercise.

Picking apples is physical.  Sounds pleasant (and it is), but it is a workout.  Reaching, climbing, lifting, bending, pulling… it all adds up to a rockin’ metabolism. It is funny and illuminating about how far our society has moved away from physical labor with the Information Age.  During these last  weeks,  my stomach has reminded me how much extra work I’ve accomplished with hunger gurgles.

When you pick apples….it is You and the Tree.  Pick–look for another apple–pick again.  Two hours on that monster tree repeating this pattern is work.  Moving my mouse and tapping keys clearly is not.

I’ve been thinking lately, “How will I fill the void after the harvest season?”  Thus, a challenge to my fellow desk jockeys:   How can you fill the void?

–Aaron

Did you know that over 80% of all apple juice consumed in the United States comes from another country?  Branch Out Cider is dedicated to breaking our dependence on foreign apples.

The Apple Independence blog is our chance to share this endeavor in urban agriculture with you.  We’ll post stories about how we’re collaborating with apple tree owners to create apple wine from their local apples.  Maybe, you’d like to submit “Your Story” idea?