Giving Back To My Alma Mater

Today I was on campus for an Alumni Board of Governors meeting at my alma mater Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN. It was good to spend time with fellow alums and to do work to advance our group and the college as a whole. I have been serving on the Board for a long time. It’s good to give back when I can. 

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Regulars and Your Usual

You know when you’re a regular at a restaurant or other establishment when the waitress or waiter brings you the usual without having to ask. It’s good service but it can be a bit presumptuous. At least someone’s paying attention.

At Your Service

In reading “The Five Love Languages” I was reminded about Carson and Mrs. Hughes from Downton Abbey. They are dedicated to serving the Crawleys. Yes it was how they made a living but in a way its a model for how we are to care for those who respond to Acts of Service.

Many people love having things done for them. Its not that they are lazy but to them being cared for in this way is an expression of how their spouse or partner can best love them. Taking care of things around the house and at work, if done in a cheerful manner can be an act of love.

Men and women respond to this differently. We have gender role models from our parents who did different things in their household. Women might take care of things inside the house while men took care of things outside the house. In two career households acts of service can be a relationship saver. Communicating to your spouse or partner what you can do for them will prevent resentment and a fractured relationship. Writing it down and being clear is always a good thing.

There are lots of things we can do for one another. Paying attention and asking can go a long way in fostering happiness. Giving of yourself is always a good idea. Being a team and serving one another can create harmony.

Regret: Our Cell Phone Service

There are all sorts of regret. But tonight I want to talk about the poor service, poor reception and poor phone we have with T-Mobile. We feel its one of the biggest mistakes we have made. We should have been more patient last year when we did this. You live, learn and all that other jazz.

Gabrielle Giffords has more to be thankful for than most do this year, so how did she celebrate? She handed out food to the troops. Like a boss. We hope this warms your heart. It did ours.

Self Service…But No Smile.

This morning I mailed a package for my wife. It was a routine sort of thing but I did it at a self-serve kiosk at the main post office here in Chattanooga. It asked how big the package was, it weighed it and priced the postage according to the zip code it was going to. Then I paid for the stamp and it printed it out for me. Then I stamped the package, dropped in the delivery slot and I was on my way.

There is something to be said for modern conveniences but I do like human interaction when doing business. Having a real conversation and the opportunity to ask questions about what you are buying or services you are using can be comforting. When I go to the grocery I like talking to the checkout person. They are usually young people trying to earn money for college or a car or even rent some of those folks have some unique wisdom and experiences to share.

Somehow modern conveniences have taken the human element out of things. I am not so sure its for the greater good. 

I like being able to interact and engage with someone when I am buying something. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy modern technology and conveniences, I just don’t want some person displaced or out of work because of my need for convenience. Maybe there can be some balance.