On Ploys, Toys, and Joys.

When I arrived to close out accounts at my bank they were suddenly attentive and apologetic, wanting me to remain a loyal customer by offering me everything I asked for previously and was denied. As Sarah Palin would say, thanks, but no thanks. You had your chance and blew it. I felt both sadness and elation when I walked out of the bank. Sadness because closing accounts is time consuming - and I have little time to spare - and elation because after two months it's finally over.

I had a similar confrontation with Comcast offering low price deals, bonus channels, and other incentives only to NEW subscribers. What am I as a loyal customer, chopped liver? You wanna keep my business, then toss me a few incentives and bargains. They laughed at my requests until my call to cancel service, then they were all over me like a bad suit; offering anything if I would remain a customer. I receive "courtesy calls" and special "we-want-you-back" mailings to this day. Ain't gonna happen.

After only a few months at the new financial institution, everyone there already knows my name and are quick to offer suggestions and any assistance I might need. I don't have a lot of money. Hardly. And, I work hard for what I make. These people get the customer service message and practice it with all their customers.

After depositing the bank checks at the new bank I still had time to go shopping for toys for the annual 'toys for tots' drive that's been sponsored by the US Marine Reserves for decades. Picked up dollies and miniature cars and delivered them to the box at the restaurant.

Speaking of the restaurant, the festive decorating continues. The two Christmas trees give the place a warmth and cheerful ambiance while the lighted candy canes and lollipops add life to the exterior to the delight of kids passing by. I must admit the holiday music is working my last gay nerve. Today I was forced to listen to "Rockin' around the Christmas Tree" by FIVE different artists. Oh, and a real high point was a heavily Italian accented version of "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" that had me laughing so hard I was in tears. No idea who the "artist" was on that one, and that's probably for the best.

I hope to post a picture of the exterior in the near future, but not tonight. It's raining - again.

I received a printed invitation to the restaurant's annual Holiday party being held next week. I am thrilled at being included, but...The place will be closed (so I won't have a shift that day!) as party preparations bring the place to life. Hey, you win some and lose some.

There is another tradition of an anonymous gift exchange meaning whatever gift I choose will have to be generic/unisex in nature. I think a supermarket gift card would be welcomed by anyone, considering this recession.

Let me end with this tidbit: late this afternoon two elderly ladies - dressed in holiday reds and greens, and well coiffed - arrived to enjoy our famous fajitas. Their jovial spirits and festive attire garnered a suggestion from the manager. If they ordered Margaritas, the server was to card them. Ask for ID. These two ladies had never been to the restaurant before, and were thrilled/shocked to be carded. They giggled like school girls as they presented their driver's licenses to the server and we all enjoyed a good laugh. They hugged the server and me as they left. I am sure they will be back.

It truly is the little things we say and do to connect with others that makes all the difference. Can I get an Amen?

And so it goes.
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