Friday, April 16, 2010

Ma Petite Révolution

I never did post a follow up to my Drama at Denny's. They wrote me back. I can't find the email. But it wasn't exciting. It was the very standard: Dear Sir/Madam, We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you suffered at YOURTOWN'S Denny's. We have forwarded your complaint to the appropriate vague blablabla. So, I didn't have much hope.

Well, color me surprised when we risked our lives (YES) to brave the horrors that dwelled within MYTOWN'S Denny's and found that the hostess was significantly less stinky. And wouldn't come within 15 feet of me.

Who knows if the official complaint made it through the channels and was actually addressed but it doesn't matter because it was obvious to me that my favorite waitress-buddy had dealt with the problem directly. If the hostess was reacting to an anonymous complaint she wouldn't have avoided us as much as she did. She knew I was sensitive and she was trying to accommodate me. After I got over my initial guilt reflex I realized: this kicks ass. She was still pleasant, greeted us warmly and made sure we didn't need refills, just like usual, but she just stayed on the other side of the room at all times. And her perfume hardly bothered me at all. I call it success.

Around the same time I filed my Denny's complaint, I also wrote to my city's library. I asked if there was a delivery service for those in need, and if there were any exceptions to the "no online ordering of dvd's" rule. Delivery would make it easier to get and return books when I'm feeling badly, obviously, and the dvd ordering would make it possible for me to see anything they have in their inventory. An able person with the time and resources to go to any of the many branches in my city would have no problem borrowing any movie they wanted, but since I can barely make it to my local branch without keeling over, a little flexibility in the rules might have made my millennium. But no, I got a very polite, regretful response informing me that there is no delivery, and no rule bending. I was disappointed, but unsurprised. Their budget has been cut so much that a few libraries have closed and all have trimmed their hours. It's sad. However, the PR person who emailed me back suggested trying a county service for book deliveries, so there may still be hope on that front.



Next: I've started emailing networks that air shows online without captions. I'll let you know if I get any feedback.



6 comments:

Susan from the Pacific Northwest said...

Have you tried Netflix? It is an amazingly inexpensive way to do DVD's, and its all done by online and by mail. Very slick, and huge inventory.

steph said...

I used them years ago, and was mostly happy with the service. I'm not anymore because I can't spare the cash, but if we get any wiggle room, that may be something worth investing in.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Great way to channel your energy!

MigrainePuppet said...

Congratulations on enjoying your dinner out at Denny's again! At times, it is hard to not feel guilty about sticking up for yourself, but we need to do what we need to do for ourselves.

WinnyNinny PooPoo said...

One stinky hostess at a time - soon you will be able to dine anywhere!!!

Medical Mojave said...

Oy. Perfume. Yeah, it can be bad. Glad you had a good resolution.

Thanks for the comment on my blog.

M