Friday, April 3, 2015

This Day in History

Not THAT day.  I mean a day in my history.

First year of college I needed a job.  Badly!  Every day after morning classes I looked through the want ads during lunch.  I'd put in a few applications and had one interview, but nothing was happening.  It was starting to feel like a hobby.  The week leading up to Easter I saw an ad for a bookkeeper at a seafood warehouse.  I called the number and had a weird conversation with the owner.

Me:  I'd like to apply for the bookkeeper position.  Is it still open?
Owner:  Yes.  Are you in good shape?
Me:  Ahhh, yes, but why?  Pencils don't really have lead in them!
Owner:  Well, there's not a lot of bookkeeping.  I do it myself and I'll teach you, but afterwards I'd like you to help in the warehouse.
Me:  **thinking, thinking**  Okay.  When would you like me to start?
Owner:  Sunday.
Me:  Easter Sunday???
Owner:  Yes.
Me:  **sigh** Okay.

I wasn't happy--I was studying accounting and wanted to work in a related field.  Plus, the guy running the warehouse came across as a real jerk.  But I needed the money. 

I didn't have class on Good Friday--which was fortunate because I had to replace my car's alternator.  Before I finished the job my mom let me know I had a phone call.  We didn't have an answering machine, so I would have missed that call if she had gone to work.  But it was Good Friday and she never worked that day.   

The call was from the Smithsonian's personnel office.  They were offering me a job I had applied for in early-January.  I'd given up on getting it since so much time had gone by.  But I got the job and it was the start of what has been a interesting career for me. 

Fate was smiling on me that Good Friday and I am very thankful--I have lots of reasons to be on this day.




PS - I really enjoyed calling the warehouse owner to let him know I wasn't taking that job!  :D
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17 comments:

  1. crickette insertoApril 3, 2015 at 9:06 PM

    Hahahahaha! "There's not a lot of bookkeeping!" What a jerk? But you know, blessings come in cute packages, you know. God has very good humor! Happy Good Friday Ric!

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    1. RicademusApril 4, 2015 at 7:53 PM

      I guess his ads for warehouse workers didn't get any takers, so he tried a different approach. :) Happy Easter my friend!

      Delete
  2. kristieinbcApril 4, 2015 at 6:53 AM

    I'm glad that things worked out so well for you, Rick. On the other hand, think of the body building opportunity you missed out on by not taking the warehouse job. :-)

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    1. RicademusApril 4, 2015 at 8:09 PM

      Thank you, Kristie! I should see if the job is still available--I could use the exercise now. But back then I really didn't need any more physical activity, not with all the digging, sawing, raking and hauling.
      Happy Easter!

      Delete
  3. roothApril 4, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    Thank goodness for that and thanks for sharing that story with us. You've been doing a great job at the Smithsonian since then

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    1. RicademusApril 4, 2015 at 8:22 PM

      Thank you, I hope I have. Our lives can turn on such small things. I'm not sure it is such a good story, but it popped into my head yesterday. Unfortunately the events, big and small, that led to this point in my life are not all interesting. But they are all a part of me. :)

      Delete
  4. lisacngApril 6, 2015 at 1:08 PM

    What a great anniversary :)! Glad you didn't have to do hard labor at the warehouse.

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    1. RicademusApril 6, 2015 at 2:03 PM

      At that point, I'd done lots of hard labor and decided it wasn't for me. :)

      Delete
  5. JoApril 12, 2015 at 7:39 AM

    I'm so glad the Smithsonian's personnel office called you that Good Friday. History rolled all the way to the present!

    RYC:
    The days are passing too quickly. Wasn't it just Christmas a while back? What a nice compliment for kh but I shan't pass your msg to him. Hahaha... My sis managed to put her MC to good use. She's been going out more often for exercise and catching up with friends. Thanks for your concern, Rick.

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    1. RicademusApril 12, 2015 at 8:43 PM

      We don;t realize at the time how much a small thing can influence the rest of our lives. I go roller skating at 15 and my life is set. :)

      I do visit your blog to read your comments.

      Delete
  6. RUSSApril 23, 2015 at 3:45 AM

    That's the part in job descriptions that say: And, other tasks that may be assigned from time to time. Lol.

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    1. RicademusApril 29, 2015 at 2:25 PM

      It is because of that (almost) job that "other duties as assigned" sometimes makes me nervous! :)

      Delete
  7. nooneApril 29, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    haha it's amazing that something good happens when we least expect it!

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    1. RicademusApril 29, 2015 at 2:26 PM

      I am incredibly lucky. Like everyone, I've experienced bad things. But they always seem to pave the way for something good.

      Delete
  8. The Non-Asian Asian June 2, 2015 at 12:38 PM

    I loved that post! I think that great things come when we least expect them :) Are you still at the Smithsonian now?

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    1. RicademusJune 3, 2015 at 4:14 AM

      I am, but I've had a bunch of different jobs. I've worked for one of our membership organizations, the accounting office, budget office, one of our Under Secretaries...I get around. :)

      Delete
    2. The Non-Asian Asian June 5, 2015 at 10:32 AM

      Well I'm sure getting around helps with preventing monotony and boredom at work :)

      Delete

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