Left Hand, Ring Finger

A few days ago Jacque and I were fixing dinner, and I as I was slicing a cucumber (fresh from our garden) I got a little aggressive and nearly sliced the tip of my finger off. Do you have any idea how much you use your left hand, ring finger? Ever even considered it? Probably not. It’s not something I’ve ever sat around contemplating either, but when the usefulness of a finger is interrupted by pulsating pain your perspective changes. That finger is an integral part of my body!

Later that night I was working on some music I was leading in church the next Sunday and realized I would not be playing guitar for quite a little while. Each time I woke up during the night I was reminded that my heart was beating. Not because I was alive (although that should have been my first clue) but because I could feel my heart beat at the end of my left hand, ring finger — not ideal for sleeping. The morning after I sliced through my finger tip I was working on my email and realized just how much my self taught typing style relies on that finger — ouch! After the three Advil kicked in my typing improved.

Now that a few days have passed the healing is noticeable, and although I still won’t be playing guitar for several more days the worst of the discomfort seems to be over. So, the moral of this little tale — don’t discount the digit.

Now That’s Service

Last night I had an amazing dinner at a remarkable restaurant in Sedona AZ. We’d eaten there before but last night I was reminded why we enjoy it so much. The setting is somewhat surreal, nestled in the gorgeous red rocks surrounding Sedona. The evening was one of those amazing Arizona nights where the air is spectacular and the atmosphere somewhat magical.

The restaurant itself is somewhat new but has real old-world charm. When my wife and I first ate there in 2004 it was relatively new and undiscovered. Now, four years later reservations are usually required and you’ll likely need to park quite a distance from the door. The fresh bread, accompanied by green chile infused olive oil is a great surprise to your palate and something hard to describe or even imagine. I don’t mean for this to sound like I’m trying to get a job as a restaurant reviewer but it really was an amazing experience. 

The food, wine, atmosphere, setting, everything that comprised the experience of the evening was designed for our pleasure. On top of all of the tangibles was something most of us may consider intangible. However, good service is a mix of the tangible and the intangible. The good service began when we arrived as we were taken to our table with efficiency and it continued throughout the meal and even as we left. The most tangible form of the great service came in response to us commenting on how much we enjoyed the house salad dressing. To that comment our server thanked us but also said they made it available for purchase at the gourmet food shop next door. When we expressed an interest to go next door to buy some he told us the store had already closed for the day, but if we’d like he could get into the store and get some for us. 

He didn’t offer to do this because he had nothing else to do, or because it was going to add a large sum to his tip. He offered because he wanted to be of service and wanted to extend our experience beyond the evening. We left, with our salad dressing in hand, but also with the intent of returning as soon as possible to enjoy another wonderful evening. In the meantime however, we will enjoy the memories, and the salad dressing. Now that’s service!