CLEVELAND RANT #11

Today- well it's 4 a.m., so technically yesterday- I got called ignorant.  Huh?  Ever since we moved here, I have been amazed at how TERRIBLE customer service is.  People are short, hostile, annoyed, and sometimes mean.  I've noticed that it's not just people at stores, restaurants, etc.- it's people in general.  I don't get it.  When did it stop being important to be nice, or at the very least, not mean?  I don't expect that everywhere I go, there will be a ticker tape parade- but maybe a smile?  I don't even need to see teeth!  Everyone is entitled to a bad day.  Heaven knows I have had more than my fair share!  However, my bad day isn't some strangers fault- so what's the point in spreading the misery?  It's amazing to me, that a drive 15-20 minuets outside of Cleveland results in a completely different vibe.  Don't get me wrong, my shopping experience isn't always terrible.  There was the lady in the Macys swim suit department (a place I wasn't thrilled to be!) who went above and beyond to help me find "something" after Crew was born.  There was also the adorable waitress at Red Robin who just really wanted to feel Crew's mohawk.  I have run across a few very happy people.  But overall... not so much.

Pyper and I ran into Marshall's (a tj maxx type store) on the way to her dress rehearsal, looking for some white knee high socks.  After walking around for awhile without success,  I saw a women putting some clothes back on a rack.  I said "Excuse me, can you tell me where the women's socks are?"  She said, "How the _____ would I know."  It was then that I realized she didn't work there.  Oops.  Really though?  Is it that big of a deal?  I have had people do that to me a hundred times.  I either answer their question, (if I know the answer)  or say, sorry I don't work here.  "Nice."  I said.  She then proceeded to tell me how ignorant I was.  This really bothered me.  I feel like we have the unique, and wonderful, chance to live somewhere that is amazingly diverse.  I really do like that about Cleveland.  I think this is a great time to really teach my kids, and allow them to experience first hand, that everyone is the same.  It doesn't matter what race or religion you may be.  I really believe that- and I want my children too as well.  So let's just say she was having a bad day.  Who knows.  My question to her... ignorant?  No.  Confused by the bad polyester pants, and keys hanging from a rope around her neck?  Yes.  My bad.

Kindness should not be a lost art.  It shouldn't be so hard to be courteous to people.  I guess that's a good lesson for everyone.  So that concludes rant #11.  Almost.  One of the residency programs here REALLY want Dale.  The director of the residency program told one of the residence who Dale is friendly with, that if Dale would commit to the program- he would stop looking for another student.  Yikes.  They really aren't suppose to do that.  He has made several comments to Dale about being here for the next 4 years.  So what do I do if we stay in Cleveland?  I put a big fat smile on my face, and count my blessings!  (and definitely be more careful who I ask for help in the local stores!)  Maybe now I can get some sleep!