While perusing this thread, it occurred to me that I spend a lot of time complaining when things go wrong, but I rarely take time to recognize those people in my life who deserve thanks, not complaints. So, in the spirit of the True Meaning of Christmas and Pollyanna and Hallmark commercials, I present to you the Anti-Rant Thread - the antimatter version of my usual cynical whines.
(Of course, since these aren’t message board people I’m mentioning here, they still won’t be thanked, or will be only in a virtual way, but nonetheless I think it needs to be said.)
Thanks to Denis the Marvelous UPS guy, for being such a basically wonderful human being. Denis, you’ve figured out when I’m likely to be home and always come to our house around then. When I’m not home, you come back by the house at the end of the day, to see if I’ve returned. You know which things we want left, and where to leave them - and you also know which things shouldn’t be left. You actually seem to like our very large and excessively friendly dogs. When I broke my clavicle and couldn’t lift anything for three months, you carried in boxes for me. And you are always happy and cheerful, even when it’s blisteringly hot or raining. Denis, you are a wonderful person, you make my life much easier, you make shopping online a positive joy. I would call UPS to tell them how fantastic you are, but a) I don’t know who to call and b) I’m afraid you’re breaking some rules (coming back a second time, carrying things, etc.) and I’ll get you in trouble.
Thanks to the breakfast staff at the nearby McDonald’s. Folks, I have to hand it to you. In the three years we’ve lived here, I’ve often gone through your drive-through when I’ve been hungry and short on time in the mornings. I always order the same thing: a #2, no bacon. And without fail, every time, I get: a #2, no bacon. Speaking as someone who has been requesting special orders at fast-food establishments for the better part of two decades, I can tell you that this is unprecedented; I’ve learned, over time, that I can expect an error rate of about 40%, and have accepted that if I don’t check before leaving the parking lot, I have no one to blame but myself if my food is inedible. Whereas you, local McDonald’s breakfast staff, have never once, over the past three years, screwed up my order. I love you guys, and only wish I could tip you.
And, finally, thanks to the staff at the dog daycare. When I can’t do it, you wash my boundy dog, you clip her nails, you play with her, and you walk her. You take excellent care of her, you remember which commands we want reinforced, and you have her waiting for me, already leashed, when I come to get her. She loves you folks, and that makes me love you, too.
Those’re my anti-rants; my apologies for the sticky-sweet sentiments - my usual bitching and moaning will return shortly. In the meantime, anyone else got anyone who needs thanking in absentia? If so, please join in the Anti-Rant Thread - where we say nice things to the people who truly deserve them.
Thanks, sweetie! 