Disappointment in the shape of a cookie

We had this really grateful client who brought in a plate of cookies. This happens from time to time - though not nearly often enough.

Now I am no health food junkie. I have been known to over-indulge in various treats on many an occasion. And if ANY of you make a comment about my cheesecake incident I may have you banned. Anyway, it is well-known here in the office that if you bring in food that contains neither nuts nor coconut then I will most likely eat it.

Nothing frustrates me more (slight exaggeration) than when coworkers bring in a huge pan of brownies which look glorious, but are loaded with walnuts or some other unwelcome nut variety. On the surface these treats look irresistible and quite appealing. On the inside, they're just like the rest of us - undesirable attributes scattered randomly.

You could argue that my expectations are too high, too specific. Perhaps. But please keep in mind that I do not complain to the generous food donors. I merely make some excuse about how I am too full or will have one later. This is a well-kept secret, but I will occasionally select a treat and bring it home to hubby - thus giving the appearance of eating something but not actually having to choke it down.

But again, if it is nut free and coconut free, I enjoy the snacks. A lot. I have little willpower. One soon becomes two. Two soon becomes four. You get the idea. Food doesn't last long around here. We gobble it up like nobody's business!

You can imagine our glee when in walks this plate of thankyoucookies. They look delightful and chocolate (and nut free - what more can you ask?). Coworkers try them and odd expressions pass over their faces. Not the typical "oh this is good" face. More of a "what on earth did I just put in my mouth" face. I had to actually work up the nerve to try one based on their reports.

It wasn't that the cookie was bad. It wasn't that there was actually something wrong with it. It wasn't that there were undesirable ingredients. It was that there was so little taste and so much chewing required that it left my mouth totally perplexed.

So today there is still a full plate of cookies sitting on the counter. No one offered to bring them home to their families. We don't ask clients if they would like one because we don't want them to think we made them. I have seen only a few people indulge - albeit grudgingly.

Disappointment should never come in the shape of a cookie.