Adventures From the Drive Thru

It's no secret how I feel about my local McDonalds. However, when my sister wanted to stop there to pick up breakfast for the kids, the only thing I said was 'Be careful...I won't be right'.
I had no idea how true those words were. When we paid, the order seemed right. Somewhere between window one and window two, things went so wrong. It always comes down the the coffee. Her's was supposed to be SFVIC but they had poured a hot coffee. This, my friends, was the beginning of the end. They remade the coffee, handed it out the window, and walked away. When the attendant came back to the window, he said 'Do you need something else?'. That was like lighting the fuse on a stick of dynamite. I thought my sister was going through the drive thru window. They had given us no food because they didn't have an order for SFVIC. All I could do was laugh (hysterically) and explain that 'I told you it wouldn't be right!!!'. I laughed for hours! You wonder how some people find their way to work each morning!

The Value of a $2.99 Salad

Tonight I had my last dinner at a local restaurant that I really like. Midtown Sundries came to Denver a while ago. I was very familiar with their menu from other locations and welcomed them with open arms. Tonight, something happened that ended our relationship. When we ordered, the waitress misunderstood what I wanted to order. Not a biggie. The item she thought I ordered came with a salad. She brought one and I picked at it. When the food arrived, that is when I realized the error. She fixed it and we enjoyed our food. When the check came, she explained that she had removed the incorrect meal and replaced it with the corrected one, which was good she said, because the first one was more expensive by a few dollars. However, she explained, the manager asked that she leave the salad on the check and that I pay for it. I did as asked, because I did eat the salad, after all. The problem I had was that I didn't order the salad and I certainly didn't want to pay for a salad that I didn't want. What happened to customer service? What happened to 'we're sorry you had to wait for your order to be remade because we screwed up'? None of that here. The only thing we heard was 'do you mind paying for the salad that you didn't order'. Deal breaker! Restaurants are a dime a dozen now and I don't need Midtown (even if they do have karaoke nights...which I love!!) They have now joined McDonalds (denver only) on my 'Do Not Eat Here' list. :-(
Managers, take a hint and remember what 'service' is all about. A $2.99 salad cost you meals for a family of 4 over and over and over (not to mention the money put into the bar). Was that a good deal?

Our First Camping Trip

During the month that I failed to post, we went on our first family trip with our camper. It was only one night at Brushy Mtn before the NCHSA race on Oct 4th, but boy did we learn alot. We learned about picking a good spot to set up, about choosing good wood for your campfire, and about the value of a quiet generator. I personally learned that I pack too much AND I am not a fan of making waffles in a camper. It was fun though and I can't wait to do it again...maybe for a longer trip! I think that overnight...one night...it is alot of work. The only other time we have camped was a 2 night trip, where we left early Friday and headed home Sunday afternoon. Perhaps that is the perfect time frame for a weekend trip. I also learned that without other kids around and no tv or video games, my kids will attempt to kill each other just for the shear entertainment value. There is something to be said for lessons learned.

Isn't It Your Job to Get the Order Right?

I broke up with the Denver McDonalds today. :-( Goodbye my beloved Sugar Free Vanilla Iced Coffee. I will miss you.
If you have ever heard of the straw that broke the camel's back, that was what today was like. For the 150th time (at least) McD's got my order wrong. My SFVIC turned out to be Hazelnut. I pulled forward, took the drink inside and politely explained how it happened and asked if it could be remade. The cashier explained the she needed my receipt. SERIOUSLY???? I am one car length from the drive thru and my cup is slam full. In the words of my friend Gene...WTFD??? In a rather loud voice I expressed my displease at todays situation and the fact that I could come to this location every single day and every single day the order would be wrong! I know this to be true because I have tested it. What?...the kids WERE eating sausage biscuits for breakfast! Once I brought the receipt in, she remade the coffee...lucky me. She then offered me the receipt back. REALLY? For what...in case I get back out there and the food is wrong too? Don't mock...crazier things have happened!!
After hearing the story, my sweet husband pointed out that, perhaps, I should just stop going there. Point taken. If I'm to have my precious SFVIC, I will have to get it from another location. Look out Mt. Island...here I come!