My work-friend and I enjoy playing tricks on the CEO but I swear she started it. It all began when she unwrapped a Tootsie pop from the candy dish on my desk. It was all crunched up and she decided to take something else instead. But instead of throwing away the crunched up Tootsie pop, the CEO put it back in the bowl to see if anyone would notice. My work-friend noticed and we had a laugh over it. Then he decided to get back at her by folding the wrapper of a Hershey's miniature back into a square so she would take it not knowing it was empty. I don't know who ended up taking it (what a rude shock - returning to your desk, settling in for a little chocolate indulgence, and then finding yourself with an empty wrapper!), but the CEO never got it. She laughed hysterically when I told her about it and in response, put a squished up tootsie roll in the bowl for my work-friend to find.

Meanwhile, I have to sit here and explain to everyone who asks about these anomalous pieces of candy that it's for a joke and just to leave it there, even though it does look gross. Stranger than that however, are the people who don't say a word, just calmly reach around the offending piece, and take a normal one.

As I write this now the bowl contains, in addition to the prerequisite candy, an oreo cookie, a small packet of pepper, and a potato chip. I think this game is getting a little out of hand. Next thing I know, there is going to be a giant beetle or a sheep eyeball in there and I cannot be held responsible if someone eats one of those by accident.

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As a post script to the above entry, as I was writing, the VP of HR happened by, and wanted to get in on the joke. She one-upped us all by taking a bite out of the oreo (!) and putting it back! I am giggling to myself just looking at it sitting there!!   ¶ 3:15 PM