A few weeks ago, I drove with my niece Lisa to pick up a pontoon boat rental so that we could spend the day traveling Priest Lake. Our first time to Crown Jewel in Coolin we entered the lot and she parked the car slightly catawampus near the office.
Jordan, our guide for the day, responded to Lisa’s query about her odd parking job and he laughed, “The first one in sets the pattern.” As we watched other cars enter, each followed Lisa’s lead with vehicles abandoned at various angles. I reflected on this quote and realized its profound meaning and have used it to evaluate several situations.
With paperwork complete we headed to the marina where Jordan launched our transport and then began his explanation spiel.
It was funny to hear as this was actually Lisa’s boat that she had sold to Crown Jewel, but that she had rarely driven as that task fell to her husband Roger. With his death the “Lisa” sat idle and finding a new home became essential.
After a thorough lesson, I repeated Jordan’s phrase but made it fit him – his positive helpfulness set a happy pattern for our day.
I next utilized the saying when we visited the Memory Garden. A pathway meanders by panels adorned with fish, each inscribed with the name of a loved one.
We arrived at Roger’s at the far end of the garden. Last year it had felt far away from other family plaques, but this year some of those fish swam upstream and were now attached to a panel near Roger. Accidental? Who knows but we felt better knowing family rested by his side.
Lunch came next and our server, April, set the pattern. Chimney Rock Café has been open in Tamrak for years, but having other favorites I had never stopped. April’s courtesy and the delicious entrees (and mimosas!) turned it into a preferred dining locale.
The food? The company? The champagne? All established a delightful situation, but really it returned to April’s amazing welcoming that set us up for a superb experience.
I applied my observation skills and critical evaluations to other adventures. I’ve always found people walking dogs to be more friendly than those without as I jog by and that pattern remains steady. Even a rousing “Hello” to non-doggers rarely brings them out of a slump and into a bright greeting. As for shopping, a clerk who enjoys the job makes a world of difference in my buying experience.
I stopped at a little store in Priest River as I headed south, just to test my hypothesis. Nice employees – I’ll purchase; non-nice – good-by. Well, Rose and her trusty assistant proved helpful including nodding approval at my case of huckleberry jam. They passed the positivity test with flying colors. I’ll be back!
Next, a trip to Seattle for a Giants/Mariners series. One game might have been plenty, but not when traveling with Stan who wanted to attend all three. This provided me with more opportunities to expand my study.
Guided to our Friday evening seats, Gemma appeared as our server. Outgoing with a superb sense of humor, she set the pattern for a wonderful evening. Excellent food, hearty beverages, and cushioned seats followed in line with my theory – Gemma continued the A+ pattern.
Everything ran to perfection right up until the 9th inning when the Giants decided to give up some runs and the Mariners won. Maybe this, too, was party to the pattern.
The next afternoon we bought lunch and our cashier (I sadly did not get her name) smiled and thanked us. “You must like your job,” I replied. “I love it! I love people!!” so even though my “Impossible burger” tasted as foul as I remembered, I devoured it with joy thanks to the pattern of set. It reminded me: If you love your job, stay; if you don’t, please find something different. Please…” Our reception the next day in a new area of the park let me know that those employed at T-Mobile Field love their jobs.
Alas, our plane home was late due to the flight before us not leaving the gangway and our incoming airplane having nowhere to park. Stan asked the attendant if there might be a gate change. She snapped back a wicked, “No!”
Fortunately, her shift ended and Trisha reset the cheerfulness pattern. A few bumps lead to a smooth road. Thanks, Jordan, for your inspiration!