As you may know, I started work at Ursuline Senior Services last week. After a long month of unemployment (made up primarily of fun and relaxation, but at times severe boredom), I was both nervous and excited to begin working. As with any job, I’ve experienced some ups and downs. However, it wasn’t until today that I realized I have the best job in the world. Sure I get to do some very rewarding work helping people in meaningful ways, caring for widows, defending the defenselelss, etc., but you don’t understand . . . this place is magical.
This story begins with another period of severe boredom (ironically reminiscent of unemployment) that I experienced while my trainer was out of the office yesterday. It was 2 pm and I had a solid 2.5 hours before I could leave the office for the day. I had absolutely nothing to do and had completely exhausted my list of “interesting things to google.” I decide to take a trip to the bathroom (not because I had to go, but simply because I want to take up time and possibly start up a conversation on the way). As I pass the lunch room I notice the vending machine. Assessing that the wares were very reasonably priced and that I certainly deserved a treat (for being employed at the very least), I decide to go for the delicious looking bag of M & Ms. I carefully put in the exact change, press the buttons, and (as I have been conditioned to do) begin salivating as I watch the bag begin to fall. I excitedly reach in for my treat, when to my delight the machine proceeds to drop down ANOTHER bag of M &Ms! This is incredible . . . TWO bags of M & Ms for the price of one! What a great day!
My delight turns to ecstasy, however, when I hear the clicking of coins dropping in the change dispenser. I shouldn’t be getting change . . . what’s going on? I reach in and find the same coins I put in . . . all my money has been returned to me!
Let’s do a quick recap so that can soak in: not only did I get a sweet bag of M & Ms, I got TWO bags AND all my money back!
Of course I tell Daniel about the miracle later that night. He shows an unusual amount of enthusiasm for my story (probably because it involves me not spending money). He remarks that it was “seriously crazy” and agrees with me that it was totally sweet.
Needless to say, that was a good day, but as we all know, the best job in the world is not made up of one good day. It would have to be engrained in the day in/day out fabric of the job.
Well . . . It is.
Today I was out doing a home visit with another care manager and on our way there I share my wonderful news from yesterday. She smiles and nods as I speak and rejoices with me in my triumph. When I finish, however, she confides that that same thing happens to her all the time . . . but with Cheetz-Its. She says sometimes she actually gets MORE money than she put in!
WOAH! Really?
This vending machine miracle is apparently known office-wide as a daily occurance. The HR director even boasts the record of once getting two bags of peanuts, two things of Chex-mix, a bag of pretzels, and some gum all for under a dollar! And don't worry, there's no sign that the vending machine will be fixed any time soon either. It's been performing miracles daily for at least 6 months and no one has done anything to fix it . . . including the vending machine guy, who knows about the problem and doesn't seem to care. As far as we're concerned, this will go on indefinitely!
So, I feel it's pretty safe to assume this job is going to work out just fine. Thanks to all who prayed for me while I was in the process of looking for work. I greatly appreciate it!
FREE SNACKS FOR ALL!
FREE SNACKS FOR ALL!
