Dear Workminded,

They're b-a-a-a-a-c-c-c-c-c-k...It's Girl Scout cookie time again.  But it could be anything: greeting cards, candles, toys, books, puzzles, pretzles, chocolate...you name it, the kids are selling it to raise money for their schools and/or activities.  That's OK with me, but when it's your boss bringing in the goods and "expecting" everyone to help junior or their little princess win a trip to Disneyland, things get sticky.  I mean, I like me some thin mints, but this is getting out of hand.

Held Hostage by the Peddlers in La Jolla

Dear Held Hostage,

Yum, thin mint time is an annual highlight.  But feeling obligated to buy something sold by one's boss smacks of harassment.  Yes, mild, maybe benign, since you ARE getting something out of it too.  But, anytime we feel like we must  do something or else "something" will happen, it is clearly a misuse of power.  And the peddler boss knows their behavior is crossing the line...they always do.  That is part of their Machavilian strategy. 

You simply must say "no thanks", I am not interested.  Stop.  Do not...repeat...do not....make up stories like "uh, I am diabetic ..." or "I am on a sugar-free fast..." or the very next time you are sitting in your fav eating place chowing down on a "Death by Chocolate" dessert with your possee, your boss will walk in.  It always happens...guaranteed. 

So, don't make up excuses.  Simply say "no thanks" and then when you can't get the thin mints off your mind, buy them directly from the adorable scouts outside the grocery store.  That way, you will get to have your cake.....er...cookies...and eat them too.

Dear Camille,

The woman in the cubicle next to me eats potato chips, crunchy nuts and crackers every day. I've asked her to stop, but she persists. What do I do? Our boss is not someone I can talk to about this..."

Getting on my last nerve in Pacific Beach

Dear Last Nerve,

All-righty now...we have all been there.  The oaf who just doesn't get it.  The cubicle monkey that is constantly creating discord in the tribe. If you have talked to this revered co-worker and she refuses to play nice, you may have to get down to her level.  Just temporarily.  To raise her awareness of what an annoyance it is. 

Have you considered bubble gum?  Chewing and poppin' it, that is.  But  ONLY when no one else is around to hear or witness this professional reputation killing behavior.  See if she breaks...and if so, call a truce...no crispy snacks from her side of the cubical farm and no gum poppin' from your side. 

If that doesn't work, some discrete earplugs available at you local drug store are in order.  Believe me...you CAN still hear what is going on around you with them in.  In the meantime, her cholesterol will still be sky high from eating all that junk.