Sunday, October 4, 2009

Convertible or SUV?

With our trip to Vegas we decided to rent a car since we'd be there for six days. My boyfriend made all of the arrangements. Once we got through the line, Katie was the person that ended up helping us. She went through the regular language (which she has easily memorized) about renting a car. She then asked about if we wanted insurance.

She talked to my boyfriend about the different options and said that bout 40% of people end up getting the insurance. I probably wouldn't have got it, but my boyfriend ended up getting it. She offered more friendly conversation about living in Vegas and my boyfriend asked if there was a veterans discount. Katie said that our discount was already the best one, but that she would upgrade our car since he was a veteran.

That ended up being great since my boyfriend is 6'4 and 320 pounds (a midsize car probably wasn't the most comfortable). She gave us the option of a Mustang convertible or SUV. We thought about the convertible, but realized that 97 degree weather in Vegas might not be the best place to let the wind (or lack thereof) blow through your hair! So we went with the SUV.

Katie was great! Our car was great! Hertz is fantastic!

Solamente Agua Por Favor!

We were in Vegas and a resort that had a full kitchen as a part of them room. It had been an action packed day. All my boyfriend and I wanted was some water. It was at 11:30pm Vegas time (which was clear past my bedtime Louisville time where it was 2:30am). All we wanted was some water for the next day.

So, we found a Vons grocery store that was luckily open. We went inside and weren't the only late night shoppers. We got our water and went to the one checkout lane that was open. I would have assumed that everyone was tired at that time, but not Sandy - the lady checking us out.

Sandy was fully of energy. She greeted us with a warm welcome and asked if we had a Vons discount card. When we said we were there only visiting, she pulled out a card to give us a discount. She asked how our trip was so far. We told her it was great. She informed us if we were going to be in Vegas for a couple more days that we should check out the Vons in a different area because it's a really large one with a lot of offerings.

Although we were VERY tired, we walked out of the grocery with a smile. Sandy didn't have to make conversation with us, but you could tell that she really enjoyed her job. Sandy really enjoyed people. Sandy was actually excited to be there. Sandy, you're fantastic!

I Lash!

Since I perform on a stage for my competitions, everything has to appear bigger and brighter - including my eyes.

I've worn fake eyelashes in the past, but never really thought I was successful. By the end of the night, one end was always sticking up and I'd hope I wasn't close enough for anyone to notice. For my competition in NYC I decided to use a better quality lash and I headed to Sephora in Oxmoor Mall. The orignal sales person didn't know much about lashes so she referred me to Elise.

Although she couldn't apply the lashes for me, she took me through all the steps that she uses to apply her lashes. She talked about the best way to maintain them and offered suggestions for storing them. She also gave some great tips on the best lashes for my face for what I'd be doing.

Elise made me feel that I could be a 'eye lash applying superstar'! And all of her advice paid off. In a hotel room in New York City early one Saturday morning, my eyes transformed into a beautiful wonderful. Thank you so much Elise!!!

Free pizza help!

While reading my local paper on Saturday I read about a free pizza giveaway on Tuesday and Wednesday. Being in the offseason for training, I was excited to have a free piece of pizza. The article listed phone numbers to call so I picked up the phone to make sure I wouldn't miss my free piece of pizza, pizza, pizza!

I called the Tony Boombazz Taphouse on Bardstown Rd to inquire. A worker named Sarah answered the phone. She told me about several of their specials, but didn't mention the free pizza. I read from the article to tell her what it mentioned. She let me know she hadn't heard of it yet and that the manager wasn't there.

Instead of just letting me go or telling me to call back, she offered to take my phone number, find out the information and return my call. Within 15 minutes my phone rang and Sarah told me about the wonderful promotion they would be having with a free slice of cheese pizza for their new Brooklyn pizza.

I appreciated that Sarah took the time to look into the information for me. I wasn't something she had to do. It probably wasn't something that most people would take the time to do. But, she did because she has a great heart - thanks Sarah!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

New Pair of Feet

Although I love getting a new pair of shoes, I don't get excited to get a new pair of tennis shoes. I usually keep a pair until the color has faded or the sole of the shoe is completely worn. With all of my recent fitness competitions, though, I now need to keep my tennis shoes up-to-date.

While driving down Bardstown Rd I saw the most wonderful thing. It was a sign that read "50% off"! Under the sign were boxes of tennis shoes. I felt like I hit the jackpot. The next day I returned to the Fleet Feet Store to look at their selection. They had several size 7 shoes. Although I generally wear a 7 1/2 I felt for half priced shoes I could get rid of half a size of my foot.

Laura walked over and started telling me a little about the different styles of shoes. I have a foot that practically has no arch so it was very important that I found something that has positive stability. After trying on all of the size 7 sale shoes, I stood up so Laura could feel my toe. Unfortunately, it was poking right at the top of the shoe. I hated that I'd have to pay full price now for a shoe, but knew it was essential for my training.

So, lovely Laura told me about some of their other regular priced shoes and made some great suggestions. I asked about the 'whiteness' of so many shoes and she offered suggestions for washing and maintaining them. She was very knowledgeable about all of the products and I knew I was in good hands.

I walked out of Fleet Feet with a new pair of shoes and felt great about my experience. Buying a pair of tennis shoes shouldn't put a smile on my face, but Laura did.

French Food's Finest!

I had never been to a French restaurant. So, while in Houston my boyfriend and I visited La Madeleine. Whenever I visit somewhere for the first time I always ask the employees what they suggest. On this day, Jerome was working and told me their most popular dishes.

We sat at our table and Jerome brought me out a huge plate of pasta. Jerome let me know that he added a little extra. I nibbled on half of it, but my boyfriend had to finish the rest off. As we finished eating, my boyfriend asked me if I wanted to try any of their desserts. Just as the question was asked, Jerome was walking to another table and said, "If you want desserts, I have your back".

I had a sweet chocolate dessert and this time ate it all! It was mmm, mmm good. As we left we tried to give Jerome a tip for the wonderful service that he gave. He smiled, graciously declined and told us he was just glad we came.

Thanks Jerome for all you do!

Mega Welcome at a Mega Church

While visiting Houston, my boyfriend and I decided to visit Joel Osteen's church. We'd heard about it and watched him on television. We woke up bright and early to attend the 8:30am service. The parking garage was massive and the church (which is in an old NBA basketball stadium) was simply impressive.

When we walked into the door, we were greeted instantly by Vernelle C. She was so excited to see us and to tell us about all of the wonderful experiences at Lakewood Church. You could tell that she felt that morning she was sent specifically to welcome us!

Vernelle showed us around the complex and took us into the church. Our eyes widened as we looked at the place of worship. We thought we'd find a seat toward the back somewhere, but Vernelle said "You're gonna get VIP treatment today!".

Who would have known that her VIP treatment really was VIP. Next thing we know, we are headed to the front row in the front of the church. It was a truly remarkable experience!

After the service on our way out the door, Vernelle caught us again. She had that same twinkle in her eye. It was truly a blessing to have met her and I hope to see her again.