Seventeen

Funny coincidence - #Sixteen was regarding my husband's cell phone purchase. So is this Thank You =)

I just sealed the envelope and didn't snap a shot of the message (doh!), but essentially we shopped at the Best Buy in Glen Burnie on Sunday and got my husband a great new phone. We knew what we wanted coming in, but Chelsea, our salesperson, helped us on several fronts - picking the exact right accessories AND letting us know about a better Verizon wireless plan (more features, less cost!). She could have just done her job at the basic level and moved on to the next customer (a line was forming for the cell phone department), but instead she was thorough and never ever rushed us. Gotta love when people do their job not just to standard but to the best of their ability!

Regarding my progress, I'll make a small promise - I'll send another Thank You out before my husband's NEXT cell phone purchase/upgrade which won't be until March 2016. ;)

Sixteen?

Last week, my husband received his new cell phone ordered from a refurbished site only to find out that he'd still have to go into a Verizon store to get a SIM card. With his busy work schedule that was unlikely to happen until the weekend, and since I have a lot more flexibility to run to the Verizon store on a Thursday morning, I did. 

Now, this was after frustrating Verizon cellular customer service that week, and equally aggravating Verizon customer service issues the week before regarding our home phone and internet. So when I was greeted at the Verizon store on Fleet Street by a gentleman named Kyle, who was respectful and kind to me even though I was practically venting to him, I appreciated it. A lot. The phone issues all got squared away and my husband's new phone was up and running in no time.

The next day, I still appreciated Kyle's excellent customer service, so I wrote a note addressed to "Management" at his store location and dropped it in the mail. I didn't take a photo of the note for my records because I wasn't even thinking of it as one of my "Thousand Thank You" notes. But from memory I can share that the note pointed out how great Kyle was at his job and how he should be recognized and rewarded for it.

I went on with my life, as most usually do following a technological transition in the household. Then yesterday my husband said his phone charger was giving him major problems and I offered to run the errand of getting him a new one the same day. I called Kyle (had his business card) and told him about the situation, and he said to come on in. He also told me that he had received my note that morning, and thanked me for it. I went into the store and got the new charger.

I went back to the store today to take in the old charger that wasn't working for a warranty refund, and get a belt phone case for my husband, and worked with Kyle once again. Over the counter, he told me that over the course of 24 hours, the note had gone up the chains of Verizon Wireless management and was ultimately emailed to EVERY EMPLOYEE IN THE NORTHEAST! Kyle thanked me again and again for sending in the note, and I just kept thinking "Well, thank you for doing your job!"

On my way out of the store, the district manager happened to be at the door and asked if I'd be up for filling out a survey online about my customer service experience, and when I mentioned that I was the one who had sent the note about Kyle, his immediate response was "You're so nice!" I felt a little embarrassed and didn't know what to say, so I just expressed that Kyle is a great employee and excellent work should be recognized, that's all. That's when the district manager reinforced a statement that Kyle had made earlier at the counter - that good, diligent work often goes unrecognized and unappreciated. 

After hearing that, I decided I need to make a better effort at sending Thank You's as soon as they are warranted. The note doesn't have to be elaborate, or on my finest stationery in my best handwriting. It just has to be heartfelt and timely.

So even though I let the "Thousand Thank Yous" domain name expire months ago, this blog is still very much alive and will remain the central point where I share updates on the Thank You's I send out and any feedback I ever receive. And, given all that the note to Verizon has done for Kyle, and how much he appreciated it, I'm officially counting it as number Sixteen. =)

Fifteen

It's been awhile since I wrote an unsolicited thank you! However in my first few weeks in Baltimore, our new home, I've dined twice at Kettle Hill. First was for the clambake which rocked, and second was when my parents and sister were in town. The shrimp and grits that I write about were so ridiculously delicious that my mom told the waiter that next time she visits me, she will eat salad all week and then come back and order that dish. Love it!

Response from COACH

This morning I received a phone call from a woman who had received one of my Thank Yous-Marcy at COACH. She said that she had been on vacation but came back to find the note and was thrilled! She sounded sincerely happy and touched by my gesture, which is again what this is all about!!!

Fourteen

I wrote a Thank You to the PA named Amber who recently conducted my annual "women's health" exam. She made me feel comfortable in a new environment (first official new doc appointment since I moved to the Burgh) and was informative and thoughtful. I figure folks in the medical field don't get appreciated for the routine work they do to help us maintain our health, but they should! So I did!

Thirteen

To Marcy, a woman working at the Coach store on Walnut Street. I pranced into the store on January 7 - first time I ever set foot in there since moving to Pittsburgh, I swear! - and Marcy greeted me with a smile. She patiently waited as I examined many many purses to find something that was just right for me. Then, after getting an idea for my style and bag sensibility, she went to the back room and brought back a bag that had just come in that day that hadn't even made it to the shelves yet. It was the perfect blend of structure (zippers and straps where I needed them, etc.) and beauty (a gorgeous bold color that I loved but probably would never have picked out on my own). I now possess the purse, I am so appreciative of the time and effort that Marcy took to lead me to it!

Twelve

A note to Chuck, the gentleman at my Pittsburgh bank branch who helped me in changing my account details to have my married name. I met with him after a long afterrnoon at the Social Security office and DMV, and greatly appreciated his friendly nature and his efficiency. Actually, I've had very good experiences with several other employees at his branch, and I mentioned that in the note as well!

Eleven

It's been awhile!

However, I did mail out a Thank You note on January 6 (written January 3) to a salesperson named Dennis at the Women's Shoe department in Nordstrom's. He helped me purchase the most wonderful pair of UGG slippers. They are like little slices of heaven on my feet. Not only did Dennis take the time to help me find a pair that fit just right, he brought out a purple pair out of the stock room after I shared my love of the color, even though there were no purple samples out on the floor! He also guided me away from buying a pair of pink slippers that were sort of mid-century looking (a color that people used to decorate their kitchens with, etc.).

My feet are now super-toasty while in my apartment during the cold Pittsburgh winter, and I truly have Dennis to thank!

Ten

Written to Staples (my local Pittsburgh location):

Dear Staples team,

Thank you for distributing the wonderful TechniMobili desk! My fiance and I have purchased three from your website and stores!

#1 resides in the second bedroom of our Pittsburgh apartment. I work from home, and I have found it comfortable and spacious.

#2 was purchased for my old room back at my parents' home in Long Island. My visits are frequent, so it has been great to have an ergonomic workdesk that can easily be compacted as needed.

#3 is in our apartment's living/dining area. My fiance uses it most evenings when he gets home from work, and I'm happy that it got him to a more comfortable work space -- dining tables are not ideal for extensive computer work!

I've had great improvements in my arm/wrist/shoulder positioning with this desk, and the price is very reasonable. I appreciate that there's plenty of room for a laptop, external monitor, and any accessories like speakers, a modem, etc.

Thank you once again for distributing such a great product - I'm sure I'll be enjoying these desks for years to come!

Sincerely,

Hima Tadoori

Mailed Friday September 23, 2011

Response from BAGGU!

These components of a lovely note -- a graphic card front with handwritten text inside -- were included in an unexpected package from BAGGU that showed up in my mailbox this afternoon! The plastic pouch also contained gifts. There were two neatly compartmented reusable bags - one was a regular size in a great leopard-type print, and the other was a blue "baby" BAGGU, the product line's smaller version that is great for snacks and even lunches as well as low-volume errands.

What really excited me, however, was the words I read in the notecard shown -- I couldn't believe that the first Thank You that I had sent out in this projected was passed around in the company's California office then sent to the other side of the country for staff in New York to enjoy. That completely amazes me. I started this project to send more appreciation and gratitude into the universe, but I had no idea that it could have such a widespread effect. I am so happy that I am doing this - I don't care how long it takes me, I will do everything in my power to send out my Thousand Thank Yous!!!!

Response from a New York Times Bestselling Author!!!!

So I returned to Pittsburgh last night after two weeks away..As one can see by the dates of my blog posts, I haven't mailed out any Thank Yous in awhile. This has partly been due to the increased demands of wedding planning (less than two months away, yowsa!) and my Type A tendencies. Regarding the latter, I feel the need to write my Thank Yous in a very methodical, perfect way which takes more time than simply writing a note, applying the appropriate postage, and dropping in the mail. So, I have decided to at least write one Thank You a week - not ambitious at all, but doable. The ideas for the Thank Yous fill my head every day, but it's the action of sitting down to write them that I sidestep when I get busy with the rest of my life.

Back to the topic of this post - on checking the pile of mail that had built up for me these past two weeks, I saw a notecard envelope with a handwritten address and the name "Gretchen Rubin" written in above the return address on the flap!! I was ecstatic!! I ripped the envelope open as gently as I could to preserve it, and pulled out a heavy stock notecard that read as follows:

Dear Hima,

Thanks so much for your lovely note! I'm thrilled to hear that my worked resonated with you -- I so appreciate you taking the time to let me know.

Good luck with your happiness project!

Warmly,
Gretchen


Ahhhh!! That just felt amazing. And one of the best parts was that I realized that I was so thankful that Ms. Rubin had simply taken the time to show her appreciation to me -- it felt so good!

With that, I'll post to the blog at least once a week, and more as life permits!!

One of my Thank Yous hits the net!

So the recipient of Thank You number Four emailed me today to let me know she had actually scanned and posted my Thank You letter to her business' website as a Testimonial! I of course checked it out immediately:

http://www.thebrowsrus.com/Testimonial.aspx

And was happy to see my handwriting to her again. Nice to know that the good vibes sent out in a thank you can keep on vibing for some time. =)

Nine

Written Friday July 15, mailed Monday July 18....To Garth, the salesperson at South Hills Honda who managed the leasing of my car..I had received at least 3 typed-up thank yous from him over the past four months, so I figured a handwritten one back might be nice. Car dealers are people too! ;)

Eight

A tricky one, because I couldn't find a postal mailing address for this author. So, I mailed her publisher (address on inside pages of book) writing "Attn: Gretchen Rubin" and crossing my fingers that it gets to her! Written yesterday, mailed today:

Dear Gretchen,

On Friday June 24, my fiance and I arrived the Pittsburgh airport and found out that our flight to New York was delayed. I wasn't perturbed much since I had my Kindle to keep me occupied However, my Kindle malfunctioned and I couldn't figure out what was wrong with it. Instead of calling Amazon, I decided to check out the nearby store for some entertainment.

I scanned the shelves several times and couldn't find a book or magazine that I liked. Correction -- I couldn't find one that I was willing to spend money on since I had a (broken) Kindle full of digital books back at the gate. Before leaving the store I decided to scan one last time and saw your book "The Happiness Project". I read the full title cover, liked your honest face, and bought it.

I returned to the gate and read the book while the plane was being serviced. I read it after boarding and through the entire flight. I read it during the HOUR after we landed and circled the airport waiting for a gate to taxi at. I read it on the entire flight back to Pittsburgh that Sunday. I read it on subsequent random evenings in my living room, and I finished it last Thursday!

I loved it. I love how you tell your story and what your project did for you. I have yet to formally begin my own Happiness Project, but I already randomly remember snippets of yours, ones about cutting people slack, or spending out, or sleeping when my body tells me I'm tired even if there is another "Housewives" episode on.

I look forward to seeing the continued effects your book will have on my life, and I thank you for putting it all out there!

Sincerely,

Hima Tadoori

Seven

My first international Thank You. Written yesterday, mailed today:

Dear Rafa,

I have been watching or playing tennis since I was a child, but I have never enjoyed watching matches as much as when you have been on the court! Thank you for working so hard to be an athlete of your caliber. Your dedication to the sport and your intensive training show through in every set and game, and on every point. Your grace, whether shared after winning or not, is highly respected. I hope to watch you play for many years to come and wish you even more happiness and success than you've already earned and are enjoying!

Love your fan,

Hima

Six

Written yesterday, mailed today:

Hi Tootsie,

I hope you are doing well! I'm not sure if you know but I got engaged and moved to Pittsburgh last October! It's been a busy year with lots of change, but I still love to dance. I joined a nearby gym and have been trying different dance/cardio classes. I was away for awhile and I'm returning to the gym and dance classes this week, and in the process I remembered you and wanted to write and thank you for doing what you do! I am sad that I no longer get to enjoy your
classes being hundreds of miles away, but I feel so lucky that I got to have you has a dance teacher while I lived in Manhattan. The students you teach are so blessed to have you near them and I hope they make that clear to you! Perhaps one day I'll come upon another instructor who is so fun to learn from, rarely turns down the music, and pushes me (safely) to my limits. In the meantime, I'll keep your spirit and flow in mind whenever my feet hit the dance floor! Thanks again and keep dancing!

Love,

Hima

A Response!

I'll admit I've been eagerly checking my hima@thousandthankyous.com e-mail account, especially a few days after sending out each Thank You. However on some note cards I included my Gmail address, and I got a response to one of my cards this morning! It was Dipali, and she appreciated the "beautiful card" and "nice comment". I was so happy to read that!

Five

Written Wednesday June 22

I thanked Stephanie Jaeger, a trading advisor has helped me improve at what it is I am learning to master. I am so grateful for her help!

(Mailed a few days later)

Four

Written Wednesday June 22 (mailed a few days later)

Dear Dipali,

It was great meeting you yesterday at your salon. Thank you for doing such a great job on my threading, etc -- I had no skin irritation whatsoever afterwards! More importantly you
were very friendly and made me feel comfortable in a new place. I'm so happy and relieved to have found someone I can count on for my beauty needs here in Pittsburgh. Thanks again
and I'll see you next time!

Sincerely,

Hima

Early Hiatus over - back at it!

So it's been awhile since I've posted my Thank Yous, but it wasn't because I hadn't written any! I just wasn't making a point to update the blog/my site promptly and share what I've been doing.

On a random note though, when my Kindle "broke down" a couple weeks ago as I was waiting to fly to New York, I got my hands on The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and read over half of it over the course of my weekend trip. I finished it last night and LOVED it. And I am wondering if my project fits into any genre - it's not quite a "stunt" because I haven't set out to write all of my Thank Yous in one calendar year. However, it is a project towards self-improvement and growth and partaking in it is making me happy.

I've started keeping a running list in my Iphone of ideas of people to thank, preventing the loss of an idea simply because I'm not near pen, paper, or my computer at that. I also realized that although I've written Five Thank Yous so far (the other two shared in the subsequent posts), I have Nine Hundred Ninety-Five to go, and I need to find a way to resolve some doubts I've already experienced. First, what type of contact/return information should I be including within the card? And second, should I be making each recipient aware of my project and their place in it?

For the latter question, I think the answer is a resounding Yes. My fear that it will demean the value of the Thank You by making it a specimen in a social experiment stems from my greater fears/discomfort with sharing Thank Yous that started this entire project! As for what type of information to include and how to format it, my best bet is to create a business card sharing a few key pieces of information.

So, I'm off to update the site and create my method of contact information sharing!