If you're going my way

My Thursday was the opposite of Brandi's.

Wednesday, about 9:05, I received a call from my boss. She wanted me to go to the Spartanburg store in the morning to help the store's manager with a visit from the CEO, President, and VP of operations. The visit came on quick. We knew they were planning a visit, but were not sure of time line. Due to weather, Spartanburg had moved from one of the first on the visit to the last. Jody wouldn't be able to make the last leg due to another trip she had to go on. So, I was just a filler to help with the visit. Now, my role wasn't big, but it is still the CEO, President, and VP coming. I had seen them at the meetings in Orlando, but they were always on stage. Plus I only had jeans packed because I am helping to build a store this week. The phone call came after 9 which meant all the clothing stores were closed. I happen to be staying in the only place that doesn't have a Wal-Mart/Target within tobacco spitting distance.

My day began at dawnish (5am). I went downstairs to get directions to a Wal-Mart. Some kind of other clothing would be needed. I received my directions from the breakfast lady (given her name because she makes the breakfast at the hotel). I started on my way, but I began to feel unsure as the trip took me further and further from civilization. I started to curse myself for having ever trusted another soul with directions. I ended up on the interstate headed to Atlanta. I could not find a road to turn off on. I turned off when I finally found an exit. Miracle o' miracles, it was exactly where she had told me about (she had left out the highway part). I got my clothes, and took this as the first omen of a good day.

Next, I took a trip to Starbuck's. The people were the most friendly in the entire world. I truly believe that completing my order was the highlight of their day, and they were uplifted by the opportunity to help me. At least, that is what they made me feel like. I have said it before, but tres cheers for Starbuck's enthusiasm. Second omen of goodness.

The executive trio flew in (private jet--apparently we time share a jet to save cost) and I greeted them as they came in. We weren't expecting them yet, and I just happened to be at the front when they approached the store. I greeted them, and they were very nice. The visit was quick, and they were encouraging. I was surprised by how much info they had scraped up on the staff. I gave Doug (Spartanburg GM) the nickname Pappy in Orlando, and it stuck. Bruce (president) comes in and refers to him as Pappy. They knew about my travel situation as a bench GM, and they asked me how it was going. It is those little things that make you think that you are actually on the radar. All I can keep saying is nice. They were. At times, you almost forget that you are talking to the folks that make the decisions. Usually you make suggestions that push uphill. We were making suggestions at the top of the hill.

To top the whole day off, it was a Thursday night line up of Earl, Office, and Scrubs. I worked until 7:30, picked up my dinner, and made it to the hotel room at 7:55. Clockwork in the hizouse.

Love is good, and today was a good day.