Post 162) from Xanga

[artemisdart]

162) I missed a day or two there. Turns out that I didn't get the job. At least, that's what I assume from the fact that they haven't called me, and they said that the decision would be made last Thursday afternoon.

I feel that it would have been polite to give me a call and tell me so-- the hiring manager said he would call me that afternoon-- but my boyfriend explained that in the business world, once they've decided not to hire you, it would be a waste of their time to call.

I think that's too bad. Politeness is politeness, even if it would be "a waste of their time."

Ah, well. Life continues on, and so does the job hunt. I learned a few valuable things from this particular round. I will continue sending out resumes. If nothing happens by Wednesday, I will go to the temp agency on Thursday, after my friend Limoncello gets back from Illinois.

Nothing makes one feel nicer than fresh-baked cookies. Here are a couple more to help you all through your respective disappointments... we can all make a batch and eat them together and know that we're in good company!

5: Peanut Butter Cookies 

• 2 and 1/2 cups flour 
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup shortening 
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup peanut butter, creamy or crunchy style

Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together onto a large piece of waxed paper, and set aside (carefully!). Beat butter, shortening, and sugar together until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in peanut butter.

Add the flour mixture, 1/3 at a time, and beat in. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, to firm up.

Shape dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place on a lightly greased baking sheet, about 3 inches apart from each other. (Not too close or they'll run together and you'll get peanut butter bars.) Using the tines of a fork that has been dipped in flour, flatten the balls, leaving a crisscross pattern on the cookies. (This is the fun part!)

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, until slightly firm. Color will not change too much. Transfer to wire racks to cool. Makes about 5 dozen.