the conversation went something like this

I'm working at my college's bookstore as online-order fulfiller. I did it last semester, loved the people I worked with, and am doing it again. Here's an exchange, which might be one of those you-had-to-be-there things.

*talking about beer*
Marino: Ever tried Yuengling?
AC: What?
Marino: Yuengling.
AC: Never heard of it.
Me: It's great.
Marino: Yeah, it should definitely be America's official beer.
AC: I'll try it.
Marino: You should.
AC: Yeah, but not like you people.
Me: What do you mean?
AC: I'm old. I can't drink like I used to. Gave up smoking...
Marino: Yeah, quitting's on my list of things to do once I'm finished with school.
AC: You should quit now. Filthy habit -- you're hearing it from the horse's mouth.
Marino: Come on. I smoke a pack a week. A week! I know people who are a pack a day.
AC: *to me* You don't smoke, right?
Me: No.
AC: Good. Then tell him to stop.
Me: I can't; I'm a smoking sympathizer. Grew up in a smoker's household, and a few good friends smoke.
Marino: Thanks. You know, I need some stress release.
Me: What about sex?
Marino: I wish. Nope, it's cigs for me. Speaking of, I think it's time for a break.
AC: Outside?
Marino: Yeah, outside.
AC: Take the sympathizer with you.

And I had a cigarette with Marino.

internship evaluation

I officially have my certificate in publishing thanks to this essay, a similar version of which -- with full names and a surprising amount of typos, since corrected -- I handed in July 16.

I also met this guy, but that's a whole other story.

***
Editor's note: Yes, this post does look differently from when it was first posted. An S&G editor found the post, and thus the blog, when Googling one of his authors and writes: "Even though there’s nothing disparaging, I’d hate for your very well-intentioned dispatches to complicate things if you come back for a job."

I'm choosing to make this essay a little harder to find because I have already compromised my job prospects by being as honest as I was on the official evaluation. Wouldn't want an essay in which I say pretty much the exact same things to further jeopardize my future.

Let's hope HR people don't hold buying scones and watering orchids against me.

"slightly autisic, but not really"

I've recently expressed interest in getting a sign similar to the title of this post that I could wear when meeting new people so they don't take my social slights too seriously.

Now it's official: In a test in which a score over 32 indicates someone with Asburger syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, I scored a 30 because I hate other people.