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Dear Reader,
I admit sometimes I behave like an old fuddy-duddy when a delivery person comes to my house. It's the kind of behavior that annoys me in other people, so I'm not sure why it happens. Maybe because I worry about the possibility of things going wrong. What if I see a scratch on my new chair when the packing material comes off? I'd have to call the furniture store--it would be a big hassle, maybe even a confrontation. What if the color looks different than it did in the store and I made a big mistake? I'm an uptight mess by the time the doorbell rings, so whatever new item is being delivered, I've killed the joy. And worst of all, the delivery person thinks I'm not friendly. But I really am.
So last Saturday afternoon when I was home waiting for my new couch, chair and ottoman to be delivered, I had a little talk with myself and I decided to change my usual "delivery behavior".
The first step to changing your behavior is acknowledging it: 'I, Suzanne, acknowledge that sometimes I behave like an old fuddy-duddy when a delivery person shows up at the door, and I'm not going to act that way today. I'm going to smile and be friendly.'
There, that was easy--I'm all better now. But the delivery person could show up today anytime from 12 p.m to 4 p.m. It could be a long wait. What if I have a relapse? Cookies. Nothing relaxes me more than baking, so I mixed up a batch of chocolate chip cookies and just as I was taking a tray out of the oven, the doorbell rang.
Showtime..."I'm so happy to see you. Come on in, can't wait to see our new furniture. Do you like chocolate chip cookies? I'm baking. Can you smell the cookies? Are you a dunker?"
You know how sometimes someone can be a little too nice, and they cross over the "she's-a-nut" line? I did cross over, way over. But thankfully when you offer still warm homemade chocolate chip cookies to a delivery man (who in 98 degree weather has just hoisted your new sofa up on his back and walked right into the living room, "Where do you want me to put it, Ma'am?") he overlooks a little strangeness.
And he kept overlooking my strangeness when I carried a cold glass of milk out to his truck, two bottles of water, and more chocolate chip cookies piled high on a paper plate, lined with a fancy white paper doily. Then he gave me his card and offered to be my personal delivery person. I think this old fuddy-duddy is cured!
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
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http://www.DearReader.com
P.S. Sample The Good Good Pig and then send me an email--make sure to include your thoughts about the book. I'll forward your comments to the author and then enter your name in a drawing to win a copy of The Good Good Pig. I have 25 books to give away to readers. Go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/path_go.cfm?x=805&site=10
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