This morning, I rang the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra‘s group booking service. I wanted to make some changes. The customer service representative was very professional. He listened carefully to my changes and made the alterations with minimum fuss.

MSO person:	That’s in then. I’ve put the changes in and someone will call your group about seating arrangements soon.
Joan:	That’s great, thanks.
MSO person:	Let me say that I noticed you’ve sent all nineteen photocopies of student IDs. I am very impressed! Student IDs are usually what we have to chase up.
Joan:	(pleased) Thank you! It was a bit of an operation. I had to set up a website to record payments, IDs and everything!
MSO person:	Oh, that’s a good idea! Very useful.
Joan:	(even more chuffed) I’m glad you appreciate it.

That unexpected compliment made my day. Or at least, it was the highlight of my day until Damjan arrived half an hour later with presents for me 🙂

I’m catching a 10 AM flight to San Francisco tomorrow. We’re visiting my brother Jason, who is working there for three months. We will spend two weeks travelling around California and Nevada, then a week in Taiwan. I will be back on January 12th with heavier suitcases, no doubt.

Happy holidays to you all!