Random Kindnesses

I turned twenty-seven today, and with my best friends located out east or west (i.e. not midwest), I opted to treat myself to dinner at an upscale wine bar with my Droid for company. The evening turned out far better than I expected. The bartender was hospitable towards a lonely birthday girl who's far from home and offered conversation and a birthday shot. That was followed by a dedication from the live jazz musicians, and a fancy-looking dessert with a birthday candle on the side. (Sweet cream with fruit salsa on toasted pizzelle and avocado ice cream, in case you were wondering.) Far less embarrassing than a chorus of flair-wearing waiters, and sweet in its own right. The slap-happy grin kept creeping up, and after a while, I gave up trying to suppress it. Sometimes unexpected gestures are the best ones.

Incidentally, this situation brought to mind some of the topics addressed in Ken Blanchard's Leading at a Higher Level, specifically those of providing great service and enabling employees to go that extra mile. From the receiving end of it, I have to say this: he's right. Vinology has officially obtained my loyalty and good opinion from their added effort to make this solitary birthday a good one. I have my fingers crossed for the remainder of the year.