Bad customer service, dinner inspo

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I am always truly baffled by poor customer service. Isn't it easier and better for you, as a business, to just be nice, honest and helpful (unless of course you encounter an insane, rude customer)? You would think so. Recently, I tried a new dry cleaner as it is on the way to/from Jack's school, so I pass it up to four times daily. This is much more convenient than the place I loved but is totally out of the way most of the time and parking is tough. Anyway, I have been less than impressed by the new proprietor's EQ but figured the convenience outweighed a nice working relationship. This attitude of mine was quashed today when the lady informed me that she did not know where my table cloth was but thought she might have sent it home with any number of other customers. Could she please call them? "Oh no, I can't do that. I'll have to wait until they come back in. I know who they are though. And you don't need your table runner because it's red." A) If she knows who they are, why can't she call them? B) Why no apology? C) How in the sam hill does she know I don't need my table runner? Maybe I love red. Maybe it's a family heirloom (it's not).

She had made me prepay for the cleaning, shrugged when I suggested that her plan wasn't anything like an acceptable plan and dismissively told me not to worry, musing that she "has never done this before." Fine. We all make mistakes but honestly, this response left just a little something to be desired. I asked if she would call me by Saturday? "Oh no, you need to give me at least a week; next Tuesday at the earliest." Do you need my name and phone number? "Oh no."

Not real sure how this one's going to turn out, but I do know that I won't go back there. DC-area peeps, Bradley Cleaners in Bethesda. The book store next door is off my list too but I can share that story -of equal cruddy customer service- another time. ~~ Now, when I feel pissy about things like this, I start concurrently thinking about what I'll enjoy for my next meal. I think the pleasure conjured by envisioning something tasty cancels, or at least lessens, the irritation I feel. So, here's what I'm thinking: lacinato kale and fontina stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in just a little bacon. I might cook up my new green rice to go alongside too...Will keep you posted.

What a night

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Do you know what sucks? -getting 2.5 hours of sleep total last night -getting thrown up on -the smell of that throw up, especially several hours later

The only positive thing I can say about last night is that I felt like a super hero when, suspecting Ol was about to hurl, I hauled the upper half of my body over the side of the bed, and held Ol over my shoulder while he let it rip. It was like being in an upside-down plank position with a sick child as a carry-on. The upshot here is that my sheets stayed puke-free. Amen!

On the less glass-half-full side is that an hour after I finally got him back to sleep, crazy-windmill-when-he-sleeps-Jack crawled into bed with me complaining of a nightmare. Ol was up again later. I feel like I have been run over. Can you believe last night was the night I suggested Tom sleep in the basement because he was tired? Balls! ~~~~~~

As it looks like I will do well today to just stay awake until my sitter gets here at 2, there may not be much cooking to tell you about until later. So, I will take this opportunity to commence a new series on Kitchen Items You May Not Know You Need, But Do!

1) Thermapen: You will never over- or undercook anything again! This quick-read, ultra-accurate thermometer is a brilliant, comforting addition to our kitchen. T was forever worrying about the steaks- did he ruin them, or was he about to serve us beef tartare? I sprung for this -it's expensive! $90 or so- for him for a birthday or Christmas two years ago, and we have been thrilled about its purchase ever since.

I never see them on sale but did get mine from King Arthur upon receipt of a 20% off any purchase coupon. Nice. So if you're interested, keep your eyes peeled for a coupon. If you're desperate for a tool like this, run, don't walk, and get one. 5 STARS.