Chalk One Up for Plastic Barbie

I went to Vegas not too long ago on a business trip. Vegas = excess, plastic, over-the-top, LA only east. Me = broody, bitchy, simple.

Considering the events going on in my life, I thought the business trip to Vegas would allow some time to just hibernate in my hotel room and just get caught up on my reading. You know... gotta LOVE the direct flights from Sonoma County to Vegas. It's actually easier to get to Vegas than it is to drive to Reno/Tahoe anymore.

Anyway, long story short I ended up at a casino bar in Vegas. It was dinner time. There wasn't any seating available, so I sat the bar to order some appetizers for my dinner. I was NOT trying to attract a mate.

From out of the blue, the bartender approaches me and says that the guy from across the bar wants to buy me a drink.

What? Some young, studly guy wants to buy ME a drink? Must be a joke.

Of course, my skepti-radar goes into high detection mode. The couple sitting next to me at the bar were talking about uber-superficial subjects, which made me cringe, and also automatically assume they were from LA. My judgmental attitude automatically labled them as Ken and Barbie. I was not impressed at the conversation I was overhearing, but kept my head low and did not say anything.

Long story short, LA Ken and Barbie caught on to the Don Juan who was trying to pick me up at the bar. They sensed my hesitation and anxiety. Barbie and I then started chatting. We actually found several subjects of mutual interest.

Don Juan was making his move over to approach me. Barbie and Ken were getting to head out to their dinner reservation. Barbie and Ken took a protective approach for me -- they slipped me a $10 bill (to pay for the drink he "bought" me) and told me to get rid of that loser. Pronto.

I will never forget that random act of kindness, and how stupid I felt in prejudging this lovely couple just because they were from So. Cal.

Random Acts of Kindness: The Lady at Starbucks

Just when I think everybody on the planet should be gunned down, somebody surprises me with a random act of kindness that restores my faith in humanity. No bitter rant today, just one where a complete stranger showed remarkable generosity and kindness.

Today when I made my daily trek to the local Starbucks to get my caffeine fix and snack, I brought along my gift card to pay for my purchases. The gift card I have is one that I keep refilling when it gets below a certain balance. Much to my embarrassment, the balance on my card was not enough to cover my coffee and snack. Of course, I did not bring along my purse. I sheepishly told the cashier that I didn't have any other of method of payment on me, and apologized profusely and placed the sandwich back on the counter. The lady in line in back of me piped up and said, "I'll purchase your coffee and sandwich for you today."

I couldn't believe my ears. I was astonished that a complete stranger offered to help me out. I thanked her up and down. I was stunned. In retrospect, I should have gotten her name and address so I could repay her. The gesture was just so unexpected and out of the blue. I will never, EVER forget her random act of kindness. I will follow her example to aid somebody else....