Three Moments in Storytelling

Interesting weekend. Lots of family things and some time to write a bit on the book. However,there were moments that I had to just pause and wonder of the surreality of the situation. I don't care if surreality is a word, it just seems right.

Moment 1. Sam's Club
I go to Sam's to get prints from my digital files. The lab area is right next to the 'exit' door and I usually just fly through showing my card and saying "photo lab". Been doing it for months.

Saturday I walk in and the lady there stops me by jumping in my way. "Hi," I say, "just going to the lab..." "No sir, you are not," she says firmly. "You have to go to the other side of the store and go in the entrance door." I took a moment to explain that there were kids and a wife in the car and that I always do this. She glared at me. I of course acquiesced and went the long way.

So was there a meeting where some Sam's Club MuckyMuck said... "And look. We are getting damn tired of these people coming in the damn out door. If any of these morons don't understand the meaning of the "out door" then they can go across the street and shop at CostCo. What the hell do these "customers" want from us. Easy access to our goods and services? Outrageous! If they head for the outdoor tell 'em to get lost. Now, lets look at last quarters slump in sales..." Sure felt like that Saturday morning. New Story? "Sam's Club - As Warm and Friendly as an Airport Patdown."

Moment 2: McDonalds
Kid was so slow that it was almost comical. He would get a water, look at the order, get another water, look at the order... I was third in line and it took 25 minutes. The manager would come over to look at what he was doing and then she would walk away carefully avoiding eye-contact with any of the people in line. Several folks left, grumbling loudly, but I stayed. I was fascinated by the total, TOTAL, lack of concern by anyone on the other side of the counter. Everyone going about their business without acknowledging that there were, you know, customers in the store.

Finally, the manager opened a register and sighing loudly pointed to me and said... "What do you want?" No kidding. It happened. I actually burst out laughing. True theater of the absurd. New Story "You don't, like, deserve nuttin today. Get outta heah... 'n take your screamin brat wit ya."

Moment 3: Skate Rink
We dropped my youngest at the ice skate rink for a birthday party and went in for a while. The place was a buzz of activity. There was face painting, balloons, free skating lessons and more. The manager knew that there would be 4 birthday parties going on and wanted to provide a fun and exciting environment for the kids (and parents) as well as let everyone know that there was a "really great summer program" for learn-to-skaters. Fabulous.

She had some of her junior coaches there leading activities and they were paid with ice time. Total out-of-pocket... $24 and some free ice for her junior skaters. Interest in the $1250 summer program? Very high. 5 kids were enrolled this afternoon and there will be several more who filled out the paperwork.

And for the adults that come and sit in the rink at 5am daily (me and the mrs, for instance) they installed free WiFi, a (5am to 6am discounted) coffee cart, magazines and TV. It isn't just a skating rink, it is a place you can relax in while helping your kid realize their potential. You actually get the idea that they, you know, WANT you to come back. This rink does a fantastic business. Any guesses why?