Just A Gal From Glidden: A little gratitude goes a long way

BY KATE WINQUIST

Some of the best things in life walk right through your front door because they’ve run out of printer ink.

Let me explain.

On September 14, a lovely South African woman named Lana started work as my new administrative assistant. It wasn’t exactly a conventional hiring process. There was no job posting, no stack of applications and certainly no formal interview. Just good timing, a gut feeling and an empty ink cartridge.

I first met Lana last year, shortly after she, her husband Magnus and their son Laurens moved to Kindersley.

Magnus had stopped by our shop to have some photocopies laminated for his new job. A few days later, Lana came in to photocopy her résumé.

We chatted for a while, and I remember thinking she might be a good fit for our office someday. She had an engaging personality, a warm smile and a résumé that caught my attention.

She held a Diploma in Public Relations, with courses ranging from journalism to photography to, most importantly, Practical Psychology.

Lord knows anyone working in the newspaper business could use a little practical psychology. We’re a peculiar bunch at the best of times!

I didn’t see Lana again for almost a year.

Then she walked through the front door, flashed that same warm smile and asked, “Remember me?”

“Of course I do!” I replied.

And I did. Although I must confess her name didn’t immediately spring to mind. Lana’s printer had run out of ink, and instead of buying another cartridge, she decided to come downtown and have us print copies of her CV.

She was officially looking for work. So I asked her an unexpected question.

“Would you like to work for me?” “Really? Are you serious?”

Or something to that effect.

I explained that I desperately needed

help. Anyone who knows me can attest to the ridiculous hours I keep.

I also told her that Robert and I had bought the former West Central Crisis Centre building in July and would soon be moving our business there.

“Would you like a tour?”

Before she knew it, she was climbing into our truck to see her potential new workplace.

The building was crawling with electricians, plumbers and contractors. And Robert, of course, busy doing whatever Robert does when he’s surrounded by contractors.

I introduced Lana as my new employee.

Judging by the look on his face, I could practically hear him thinking, “Where on earth did this woman come from?”

To be fair, I hadn’t exactly consulted him before making my latest executive decision.

But Lana accepted my offer and started the following Monday, putting those Practical Psychology lessons to work immediately!

Over the past month, Lana, Joan and I have had plenty of chances to get to know one another.

Lana earned a few brownie points right off the bat by bringing us cookies. That’s always a good way to win over the newspaper crowd. We’re easily bribed with baked goods.

I’ve enjoyed learning about South

African culture, and I’m sure Lana has been equally entertained by some of our Canadian quirks.

Take Beavertails.

Goose Festival Days had just gotten underway when I spotted the Beavertail food truck pulling into town. I asked Lana if she’d ever had one.

She gave me a strange look.

Apparently, she thought a Beavertail was what happened to your backside after too many hours in an office chair!

I suppose that’s one interpretation.

Once I explained I meant the deep-fried Canadian pastry and not an occupational hazard, she promised to try one.

True to her word, she convinced Magnus to stop by the truck after work.

Magnus was hooked immediately. Lana thought they were “nice.”

I’m not sure that’s the glowing endorsement the Beavertail people were hoping for, but at least we tried.

This past weekend was Thanksgiving, which led to another cultural conversation.

I asked Lana what South Africans traditionally do for Thanksgiving.

“We don’t have Thanksgiving,” she said.

“What? Are you not thankful?” I teased.

She laughed and assured me she was always grateful.

I’ve heard her say that many times over the past month. And I believe she means it. It isn’t something she says to impress the boss.

Naturally, the conversation turned to food.

“If you celebrated Thanksgiving in South Africa, what would your meal look like?”

Well, let me tell you, it sounded pretty darn good!

A leg of lamb roasted with rosemary, or stuffed with pieces of bacon. Roast potatoes and gravy. Pumpkin fritters drizzled with caramel sauce. And green beans mashed together with onions, potatoes and cream.

I’ll admit the green beans gave me pause. I’ve never been fond of them, but throw in potatoes, onions and cream, and I might be persuaded to give them another chance.

And dessert?

Not one, but TWO!

Malva pudding with Carnation milk and custard, followed by a lovely trifle. Good heavens. I think I gained three pounds just listening to the menu! Thanksgiving at the Winquist household was considerably less exotic. Ham was the main attraction. Nothing fancy, but it was delicious, and more importantly, we sat down and enjoyed a meal together.

Isn’t that what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about?

Sometimes the best reasons to smile arrive in the most unexpected ways. Like a lovely South African woman who walked in looking for a place to print her résumé and walked out with a new job.

I’m awfully glad Lana’s printer ran out of ink that day.

We Canadians may set aside a holiday to count our blessings, but Lana has reminded me that gratitude doesn’t need a date on the calendar.

So this year, I’m thankful for family, for friends, for the people who have come into my life and the ones who have been there all along.

And, apparently, for Beavertails and Malva pudding.

Although I still think I’ll pass on the green beans.

Kate Winquist, the Gal From Glidden.