Cute kids bearing cookies - who can resist?

By: AGNES DIGGS - Staff Writer | Wednesday, March 2, 2005 10:22 PM PST ∞

Just when it seemed safe to breathe a sigh of relief, with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's Day safely in the rearview mirror, along come the little goodies that are nearly impossible to resist.

Lord have mercy.

The Girl Scout cookies have arrived.

Judging by the rapidly growing pile of boxes on my desk, I must have said yes to everyone who asked me.

We're not allowed to pester each other at work about such things, but right around time for orders to be placed, the world's cutest kids show up in the office with a friendly hello and a proudly grinning parent.

And I'm just the girl who can't say no, even if I haven't been asked.

Thin mints and Iced Berry Pinatas? Bring them on. Lemon Coolers and Double Dutch Chocolate Chip? Yes, I'll take one of each, thank you.

It's all for a good cause, right?

But here's the thing. Pretty much all of us ordered them. After a year without them, we're all delighted to have them again.

However, after the first box disappears in a haze of pleasure, the voice of reason begins to whisper in your ear and suddenly an act of selfishness leads to a suspect act of selflessness ---- and you decide to share.

Never mind that the folks around you ordered from the same little munchkins that sold you with a smile. Never mind that they are experiencing, not buyer's remorse, but fear of seam failure.

Like myself, they are putting them within reach of all comers and saying, "Have some, they're terrific."

Personally, I love the little spheres so much that, if I'm not careful, I could end up like a skid row drunk lying in the gutter with chocolate in my teeth and the smell of Thin Mints on my breath.

But it's all for a good cause. Cookie sales provide the means for many kids to experience worlds beyond their own.

In my days as a Scout, I sold 450 boxes of cookies one year. Earned myself a trip to Girl Scout camp. I can still remember the sound of the wind in the trees, and the cool air that blew over us at night. I learned to paddle a canoe and swam in fresh water for the first time. I met other little girls who didn't know what a housing project was, and some who were seeing a black child up close for the first time.

Scouting was a learning experience for all of us, and I wish many blessings on the volunteers who have kept it growing and thriving over the years.

But those cookies. Those wonderful, yummy cookies...

Be warned that you'll see displays of them outside your local markets. You'll see faces so cute they'll break your heart asking you to be generous.

Buy a box or two. Gift a friend. Lend a hand.

That's what I'm going to do.

After all, in the words of the old code of laws, "A Girl Scout is loyal..."

Contact staff writer Agnes Diggs at (760) 740-3511 or adiggs@nctimes.com.

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