The Keys to my Diary: Marina

4. April 1

April 1

I am proud of my progress towards happiness. Despite the date, that is no joke.

Speaking of today's date, I pulled off a hilarious April Fools' prank at work. I stopped by Fern's office a few days ago just as she was getting ready to throw out a donut box. No surprise there. Her office is always bringing in meals or special treats for random, made-up special days, like Hot Dog Day. When I asked her if I could have the box, she informed me the donuts were gone. I said that was exactly why I wanted it, so she handed it over and looked at me like I might have completely lost my marbles.

I still chuckle every time I think about what I did...When crusty old Skipper saw me bringing in that donut box this morning, his face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. I smiled and led him and a trail of other unsuspecting victims into our tiny break room. The allure of fresh donuts being irresistible, they gathered around like vultures as I carefully placed the box on the rickety folding table. Skipper even grabbed a handful of napkins to place next to the box in an unusually helpful gesture.

Yelling, "Surprise!" I flipped back the lid on the box and revealed the brightly hued carrots, celery, and cucumbers I had spent the morning painstakingly slicing for my ruse. The collective groan of disappointment from my co-workers was immediate at the sight of the crudités.

I couldn't help giggling at their reactions as I dunked a carrot into the ranch veggie dip and popped it in my mouth. Skipper told me to “choke on it” before ambling out to the docks. His cranky reaction to my healthy offering made me laugh even harder.

They weren't really mad at me––just frustrated that I had fooled them. In fact, by the time I returned from the afternoon diving trip, the veggies had all been eaten.

Today was a good day. I made it fun. I do feel a wee bit guilty about tricking my co-workers, though. I think I'll get up early tomorrow to stop by the grocery for a real box of donuts to take to them. They deserve it, and so do I.