Communion. Holiness. Together
The most pressing issue on my mind right now is the Rock Creek Ranch project. Grant Werschkul called Jason. He sounded urgent. Our “final” paper is not very final in quality. In fact, I think it is horrible. So, I don’t want Grant to see it.
Thankfully, the paper just needs some reorganization. My fear was in creating more content. Editing and revising is more manageable.
Whew! I thought I was going to be stressed out.
I wrote the rest of the J note on my computer and posted it that same day.
On Sunday, I saw Arnold and he waved “hi.” I suppose things are okay again. I just hope I didn’t overdo the compliments.
In my Relational Communication Theory class today, Scott (the professor) asked us to list ten characteristics of ourselves. My first three were “assertive,” “articulate,” and “ambitious.” He then asked us to put the names of the people who most influenced or reaffirmed those personal characteristics. Everyone who has supported me (teachers, parents, friends, and relatives), I feel, have reaffirmed my assertive nature. Doug Campbell and Greg Young both provided an environment where I could improve my articulation.
The point of the exercise was something in which I already realized after reading David Copperfield, by Dickens. The whole of my identity is made up of the relationships that I have had throughout my life.
Just five minutes ago, I learned how a compliment to one person can cause another to be insulted. I wrote a note to Scott to compliment him for what he’s done to improve the J Grill. Arnold, the J manager and a long time friend from the J, thought I implied that people should go to Scott from now on to get things done.
I feel horrible! After all the things that Arnold has done for me, I wrote a note that showed Scott up over Arnold. Did I forget that Arnold and Scott were rival managers? Am I not more partial to the original J manager?
I must make reparations. Arnold’s feelings and sense of respect were hurt. This reparation must be immediate. I was thinking of a $40 gift certificate to Abruzzi’s Italian Restaurant, but that’s overdoing it. The issue is not about money, but about words and appreciation.
I must write one note to Arnold personally and another one to publically praise him.
To Those Who Frequent the J,
The quality of the experience and teh service at the J have gotten better every year for the past five years. These factors are not determined by the variety in the menu or the tastiness of the food, though they have a part. No, the positive J experience and attentive service are determined by the subtle touches and mindfulness of the staff that, many times, are overlooked.
Have you noticed how fresh teh items are at the salad bar, the generally good attitude and helpful nature of the J workers, and the daily menus on the TV screen as you wait in line? Have you ever ben to one of the J’s special dinner events? For those who have had the chance to see the kitchen, are you not amazed by how clean it is considering the amount of food it must make for hundreds of students that eat here?
Any skilled and competent manager can provide good food and variety. But, to go through all the efforts to make those subtle touches and have the charisma to inspire co-workers to have a good attitude… that takes something else. Or, rather, that takes Arnold Waddell.
It seems to me that I have all these thoughts of other women. I need to remember that our Anniversary is June 29th. It was a Sunday, at the beach, and at sunset, that J- and I started our relationship together. In the year 2037, we are going to look back at this with bliss and happiness-the amazement in 40 years of our lives together.
I wrote to J- two days ago. (I need to mail the letter today). I wrote about how we all have so many values and beliefs that we use to guide our actions with. If everyone’s actions are guided by certain values and beliefs, what are mine? What are my values and beliefs?