A Nice Surprise

Picked up a nail in my tire yesterday. Took it to the shop to get it plugged. Told the guy "I know the tire is bald and actually needs to be replaced but I only have $7 left until payday, so I need you to plug it."
He plugged it, put it back on the car, and when he came in with the bill, said, "You know we charge $10 for a plug, right?" I told him that the last time they plugged a tire for me it was $6. He said they had gone up, but he made my bill for $7. He just wanted me to know about the increase for future reference.
He could have refused to fix it when I told him I only had $7.

About a week ago I had a transmission warning light come on in my car, and since I am car cursed I expected the worst. I brought it into a transmission shop that I heard great things about, but had never been to. They did a computer diagnostic, told me I was out of fluid, filled it (it took 3 quarts), and didn't charge me a penny. We all know where I'll be going when I need transmission work done in the future....

How great!!! It might be a coincidence, but I doubt it!! Being nice can work magic too!! CONGRATS!!

When flying back from Las Vegas with my boys just yesterday - we were flying Southwest - even though we were "A" section - the customer service agent gave us pre-boarding passes so we were able to get on "first" and sit together!!!

My 14 year old daughter has recently suffered a major mental health issue. Trying to get mental health assistance through Medi-Cal is worse than pulling teeth without anesthesia. I called my daughter's school to inform them of her issues and smooth the way for her eventual return. I was amazingly surprised and thrilled with their prompt and helpful responses. I spoke to the school nurse, psychologist, and her counselor. They were very caring and made immediate arrangements for my daughter. I am so accustomed to battling bureaucracies for every bit of help that I was literally at a loss when they proved so helpful so quickly. That was a very pleasant and much needed surprise.

I've been self-employed for 23 years. My company really took a hit with the economy and I've been struggling for 5 or so years. I moved my office to the house and slowly I've let go all my employees. And, I've just been trying to make it day by day every since. One of my long-time clients called and said she moving out of state and thought I'd be perfect for her job if I wanted it. Well I wasn't looking but I said I'd consider the idea and talked to her boss who was super excited that I would even consider it. Well, turns out to be GREAT money with GREAT benefits. I'm so OVER being self-employed, stressed and struggling. I'm taking the job. So, that's my good news. I got a great job and I wasn't even looking!!! Hallelujah!

Isn't it great when customer service is done right? Good story.

We had a nice surprise visit from one of the girls I used to nanny for-- I've known her since she was about 15 months old; she'd dropped by to say hello before returning to her sophomore year at college. We've seen her family several times this summer but kept missing her. It was great to hear about her adventures and I was not surprised to hear that she's looking at both being a rabbi or neuroscience as options she's considering. It's fun to know such a bright and neat young person and I was just tickled that she thought to drop in on us.