Extra day, extra blog

Once every four years Feb. 29 arrives.

That means I must write an extra blog during the year.

It also means I am a little more antsy for the arrival of March. March in Iola usually means warmer weather and the promise of springtime. It also reminds me of my own progress in life.

I had my successful job interview here at Krause Publications on March 1, 1978.

It wasn't a triumph of personal polish and professional competence. I was young.

Clifford Mishler decided to take a chance on me. He knew I was keen. He could see that even when I could not remember who designed the Washington quarter.

John Flanagan did not come to mind. My mind actually went blank. I was nervous. I came up with another contemporary coin designer, which he kindly pointed out to me was wrong but close.

So while I consider my fate on Feb. 29, 2016, I can write that March 1 has always stood for a better future for me.

Anyone who is looking for a job should know that they are not invincible and are not perfect. They must somehow convey to the person interviewing them that they are reasonably competent, can grow with the job and can't think of a better place to be.

Somehow, I managed to convey that to Clifford Mishler. He took a chance on me. I was hired. I am still here. Could I have imagined that would be the case all the way back on March 1, 1978? Could he have imagined it?

My mind has gone blank.

I will have to ask him next time I see him for lunch.

Buzz blogger Dave Harper has twice won the Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog and is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."

• Like this blog? Read more by subscribing to Numismatic News