
There are
some simple everyday exchanges between people that are gentle
reminders that aloha is alive and well. True, there are some
exchanges that are not as we would like them to be and unfortunately
we remember them the most. It's human nature to retell some
negative things that happened to us while driving, shopping, on the
phone or where ever. We often relish the horror stories rather than
the pleasant ones.
Early one
morning I walked into a grocery store near my house. As I walked
toward the back of the store to get some breakfast goodies at the
bakery area I passed several employees who were stocking the shelves
for the day. Each looked up, smiled and said "good morning" as I
passed. I found that unusual for a supermarket shopping experience.
After paying for my "goodies" I asked the clerk if I could speak to
the manager. She winced and said: "Um, is there something wrong?"
"Absolutely not!" I smiled.
She pointed to a man sitting at a table nearby who was busily
pouring over a clipboard while he drank his morning cup of coffee.
I walked over and said: "I am told you are the manager."
He looked up almost frightened. He had that "oh god, here it comes"
look on his face. He kinda twitched and said: "Yes..yes, I am. Is
there a problem?"
"Nooooo.
This is not going to be THAT kind of conversation. This is going to
be a good one." I laughed.
He smiled, relieved and I could see his whole body language change.
"I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed coming into your store
this morning. Your employees greeted me and smiled. I wanted
you to know that I appreciated it. Would you let your staff know
it's noticed and to please continue what they are doing".
His mouth opened and then closed. I know he was processing what I
just said. I am certain he hears more complaints than
compliments.
We all complain often about what is going wrong rather than speak
about what is going right. Maybe if we talked about what is going
right in our lives more of that stuff will happen. I believe
if we focus on the good stuff in our lives, in our communities, in
our country more of the good stuff will manifest itself. Conversely,
when we don't, more of the negative stuff happens.
Maybe, just maybe if we recognize aloha when it happens more of it
will happen in our lives. How you figgah? Can? No Can?
Eh how dis one foah aloha happens?
So I stay shopping at Long's at Ala Moana today...of course I am
getting my supplies to take back to my home away from home...on da
beeg island of America in California....
I see Hawaiian 2010 Calendars on sale 88 cents....hooo...and get Big
Island, Maui, Kauai and so forth...full color...awesome..I buy about
25 of dem buggahs...people at the office love it...haole friends
love it...I geeve 'em away as omiyagi wen I come back from the
Islands....
...den I am looking for the obligatory mac nuts to take back. I find
one box of 24 packages for $12 or so.... cool..
I get to the check out...da cashier starts to open da box and count
the packages of mac nuts...I say..."wot..you tink I wen take the
packages from the uddah box and put mo' insai my box?"
She laughs and sez: "No...I counting make shua you GET 24...da keeds
rip off packages of mac nuts from da box and if I no count you may
go home and only have 10 insai..."
I am now reminded a little bit of how there is still some Aloha left
in da Islands if you look for it...dis cashier at Long's reminded me
very gently that it's alive. She cared enough to open da box up and
count so that I wouldn't get less than I paid for.
Just wen I think my lesson is about ova....she says: "Um how many
calendars you get? I said "25 ..why? You like count 'em?"
She says: "No, I trust you...but wea your envelopes?"
ENVELOPES!!?? Dang it. I neva even see the envelopes..I was so
excited about the cheap price!!
She says to the girl bagging the stuffs.."Go get 25 envelopes for
him.."
..and off the girl runs to get me my envelopes....
Again...I am reminded of the simple things I miss about Hawaii that
still exists in little pockets hea and dea...and I found some today
at Long's at Ala Moana...
One last ting...There were chocolate mac mini packs on sale too at
2 for 99 cents. The sign said: Limit 5 ...
Hmmmm....Two for 99 cents. 5 limit.
So I get 5 packs of mac nuts. The cashier goes.."um...this one is
two for 99..."
I say: "yeah, but limit 5 !!"
She starts laughing. I am expecting "did you go public school" next
because I am about to learn another lesson in simplicity...
I walk out with the right amount of mac nuts, twenty four.
The right amount of envelopes to match the calendars, twenty five.
And 10 packs of chocolate mac mini pack...which are 2 for 99 cents.
5 limit.
Nice to be back home....good to know some things have NOT changed in
Hawaii nei.
Aloha Happens!
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