Day: June 8, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS … THEN AGAIN, MAYBE NOT

So there I was, chief (only) salesperson in a lovely furniture store. A charming couple came in looking for some stuff for their recently renovated home.

I congratulated her on the (it was so obvious) upcoming birth of their child … and she said “Don, I really do need to go on a diet.”

I thought I would die of embarrassment. All my attempts at apology just made things worse.

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But the most humiliating part of the experience — a cautionary tale for anyone who might ever find themselves in a similar situation — was that these were such sweet, non-judgmental people. They bought thousands of dollars of furniture (I worked on commission, so it was a paycheck for me) and apparently didn’t hold it against me.

I held it against me. I still do. That was awful. More than 26 years ago — right before we got married — I still am very wary of making assumptions based on something I think is obvious. Obviously wrong. Never assume you know something unless you really know something.

DAILY POST | EMBARRASSING

NOTE: Speaking of embarrassing, the Daily Post is not accepting pingbacks again. Software strikes again!

WORLD SHARING, PART 23

CEE’S SHARE YOUR WORLD 2016 WEEK 23

What was one of your first moneymaking jobs (other than babysitting or newspaper delivery)?

My very first job was in the receiving department of Bloomingdale’s in Fresh Meadows. I counted the items in incoming shipments and matched them against invoices, then stapled tags to items so they could go onto the shop floor. It was where I learned the meaning of “markup,” how a wool skirt that cost 75 cents was sold (in 1963) for $18.00. I was young and naïve enough to be shocked.

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My next job was at college where I wrote press releases for the public relations office. I think it paid $2.00 an hour, but it was pretty good work for a college student. And unlike most part-time jobs, it was fun and was on a “writing” track.

What is your favorite month of the year?

October.

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What three things in nature do you find most beautiful?

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Mountains and almost all natural formations of water — lakes, rivers, oceans. Waterfalls.

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Trees.

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Sunrise.

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Flowers. Wild and in the garden. With butterflies, hummingbirds, and buzzing bees.

And Fred.

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List at least five of your favorite spices? (excluding salt and pepper)

Vanilla.

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Ginger. Chili powder. Garlic. Thyme. Cumin. Basil. Rosemary.

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And many combinations of the aforementioned and stuff that I forgetting because I forget things. I use less oregano than I used to, more chili (mild, but flavorful). Cumin often instead of black pepper and in combination with garlic powder. Fresh herbs and spices when available. Yum.

CEE'S SHARE YOUR WORLD