I could not agree more with Spuff ..!

I say it all the time .. I get a lot of smiles from folks, when I do .. service people all of a sudden turn into "human beings" and I am glad for it !

Cashiers at Meijers and Kroger ..know me because I am always saying that and also stopping to chat at check'out with them.

It's amazing how a few simple words can "make other people's days"..

And of course ..the grumpies and the jerks and those with thier heads up thier ass ..get a taste of my wrath !

Froggy

While a lot of things have changed in the South, there is still a culture of courtesy here that I missed when I traveled on business to other parts of the country.

That said, it can get a bit ridiculous--I called the Ritz-Carlton to make a reservation for a speaker for one of my professional organizations. It went something like this:

"Good Morning! Thank you for calling the Ritz-Carlton. My name is Carla, and I will be happy to assist you. How may I be of service?"

"I'd like to make a reservation, please."

"Certainly! I will transfer you to my associate, Amanda, who will be more than pleased to assist you with that reservation. It will take just a moment...I hope you won't mind, knowing that she is waiting to help you."

Me: "Uh...okay, fine. Thanks!"

"Thank you so much for holding! I apologize for the wait. My name is Amanda and I am priviledged to assist you. How may I serve you today?"

On it went. I felt my blood sugar rising from too much sweetness as I booked a room and made a couple of hospitality requests for our guest. I talked to Amanda, Carlos the Catering Manager, Jamal at the front desk and Mr. Kim, (can't remember about what.) They obviously had been waiting for my call all day, and their lives would henceforth be worth living for it.

At this point, I would have welcomed a New Yawkuh barking "Fuggedaboudit lady!"