A spur of the moment decision took us to On the border. Well we were not sure what to expect with the restaurant being so slow, but we went for it anyway. There were a few brave souls on the patio, we opted for the dining room.

Shortly after getting our guacamole live I was freezing. For those of you who don’t know I’m always cold. Our wonderful server Heather suggested we move to a table in a section that had a fireplace. She started the gas fireplace just for us. Then she set the table closest to the fire for us. A short time later I was warm and cozy. Heather also demonstrated an outstanding knowledge of the menu and what was in each of the dishes. This was very impressive to me as I can’t eat pork. She knew what it was hiding in, and was ready with suggestions.

So perfect entrees ordered clear of food allergies, and a warm cozy place to sit. I was in heaven, or at least heaven on earth. Our entrees arrived exactly as ordered customizations and all. I was once again impressed. Why? It seems I’ve had issues at almost every place I’ve visited in the last few months. Even fast food places have been giving me grief.

When it was clear I was not going to finish my food Heather went and got to go boxes, even making some fresh tortillas for me to enjoy with my food at home.  She went a step further and brought separate containers for my beans and rice. I was once again impressed. I did at one point speak to her manager Joe just to tell him how about the wonderful service she was providing.

I don’t talk to managers about average service but I have long ago made it a rule that outstanding or awful service will result in me having a conversation with your manager. I also tip accordingly, so yes Heather earned an nice tip for her outstanding service. I think we need a lot more attentive servers like her. She turned an average night out into the perfect date night.

Thank you Heather.

I’ve found myself getting a crash course in showing not telling. I never realized how much of it I did. Well it’s all getting fixed now.

Before

A man wearing a custom-made shirt and expensive trousers walked through the living room, contemplating his new business venture. He knew that security should be increased but was hesitant to do it; he was reluctant to involve outsiders. He then strode down the hall and opened a door that gave the appearance of a closet. Once inside the empty closet, he flipped on a light switch, then opened the door at the back, which led to a tunnel. He walked through the well-lit tunnel, emerging in a large storage building.

After

Angelo paced in the living room as he contemplated the hazards of his new business venture. He paused a moment to fiddle with the gold cufflinks his custom made cotton shirt sported. The cuff links were one of the few things he treasured, a gift from his father on his graduation from university. The reinforced French cuffs this shirt held was the only way these golden orbs stood out out properly.

The second lesson I’m learning quickly is to include more of my characters internal thoughts and internal dialogue.

Before

Daphne Flowers sat in the back of the limousine as it turned onto West Executive Avenue. In her lap was a locked blue pouch that contained the presidential daily brief, or PDB. Daphne hated her overly feminine name and had insisted using only her call sign Jaye for her entire seventeen-year career in the Central Intelligence Agency.

After

She exited the vehicle holding up the blue pouch and showed it to Steve Phillips, the SAC or special agent in charge of the presidential security detail. Phillips walked over to her and said “Morning Jay, another day another briefing.” Jaye nodded and felt an inward sense of relief that he had not called her by her birth name Daphne Flowers was not a name for the head of the world’s most well known spy agency.

Well I’m glad this is getting fixed, it is making my novel stronger. My novel is being subjected to the fire of editing, hopefully for the last time.