Another example of "you have not because you ask not"

Last weekend my mom was telling me that she hadn't received her yearly invitation to a customer appreciation event that one of her vendors has held for years. She wondered if they'd stopped having it, stopped inviting her, etc. I told her to just ask them. She didn't want to appear too forward. I, Queen of Confrontation, told her there was no harm in asking. The worst possible outcome was they'd tell her "yes" to one of the above questions. She contacted her salesperson who told her the event was indeed on for this week, and she was invited. It seems the invitation was just sent to her place of employment, not addressed to her. Thus, she didn't receive it. So, for the price of asking, she got to attend an event she really enjoys. If she hadn't asked, she'd have missed out for no good reason. This is why I always say "You have not because you ask not". Generally the worst thing that can happen is someone tells you "no", leaving you in no worse shape than you were before.

Easter Treats

Last Sunday we celebrated Easter at my mom's house. My contributions were:

1. Blue Cheese Walnut Spread

This was a new recipe, and it was a hit.

2. Ghiradelli Carmel Turtle Brownies

 Yes, from a box, and they were fabulous.

Are you helping or hurting?

Suze Orman poses the following question to people who are or are thinking of assisting someone financially: "Are you helping or are you hurting?" I was reminded of the importance of this distinction by a story my coworker told me today.

Her husband's brother and the brother's girlfriend were arrested on drug charges yesterday. This came as no surprise to the family as they are both known addicts. My coworker also mentioned that the brother-in-law is 24 and has never worked. I asked how he bought the drugs. It seems he and the girlfriend live with his dad. The dad gives them money. They in turn use the money to buy drugs. They also sell/barter food from the house to support their habit.

When the cops searched the house, they found over 100 syringes, and of course no one had a valid medical reason for them. I'm not sure what other items of interest were located. One of the cops told my coworker's father-in-law "you aren't in any trouble, but you need to kick them out of your house." Yes, he does. Can you say "enabler" boys and girls? Yes, I know this is your child, but you aren't helping. You are allowing him to continue living a messed up lifestyle. It's time to cut him off. That will be helping him in the long run, though I'm sure it will hurt in the short term.

An expensive text

I saw this article linked from a discussion board. That is one expensive text. :)

Not work ready

I was in Kroger yesterday and noticed the following sign posted at the computer where people can apply for jobs at the store:

"When completing an application be sure to include a good phone number with a mailbox that is set-up and that is not full."

I wouldn't post this if I were them. People who doesn't know to do this are not work ready. Let them remove themselves from consideration right off the bat. It saves you, the potential employer, time.

It's official

I got my 6 month review yesterday. All positives across the board. I am now officially a permanent state government employee.

On a related note, today I ran into a coworker I hadn't seen since I left my last job. She told me "I tell people, I don't care what anyone says. (Blogger) ran this place." Nice to be missed. :)

C is for cookie

Those of you who are Sesame Street fans know the rest- "that's good enough for me." I do love cookies. I admit to being a bit of a cookie snob though. A lot of store bought cookies just don't do it for me. I find them to be a complete waste of calories. Now, a nice homemade cookie on the other hand...

A while back my neighbors had made of batch of chocolate peanut better chips cookie that were phenomenal. They told me they used the recipe found on the Hershey's peanut butter chip bag. I had been wanting to make them myself ever since then, and I finally did so this weekend.

Here's the finished product:

They were delicious and quick to make. This recipe definitely rates a repeat.

Sometimes we need the past to appreciate the present

This week marks 6 months at my new job. Amazing how time flies. I've written before about how remarkably easy this job is and how little actual work I do. I had predicted that at around 4 months I would be bored. I was right. I have been job hunting again, and I'm amazed at how much more response I'm seeing this time around. I've already had several phone and in person interviews. 

Me being me, though, I'm ready to move on now. Patience is not always my strongest suit. Last week I was feeling pretty frustrated that my new job wasn't in sight yet. That all changed when I ran across some paperwork from my last job. Oh my. I had put out of my mind of lot of the crazy with which I dealt daily. It made me realize again just how good this job has been. I've been practically skipping into work since then. Sometimes we need the past to help us appreciate the present.