Hopefully I didn't ruin that movie for you. But, really? It came out in 2000. That is 10 years ago. a decade, if you will. If I cannot talk about the plot or twists of a movie that came out a decade ago, there is something wrong. Also, if you have not seen the movie yet, you probably will not. Reminds me of people that still won't say what the twist is in The Sixth Sense. Hell, that one came out the year before. Who are these people that do not see these movies?
Hi, Mom!
So I am going to go out on a limb in here and say I didn't ruin anything for anyone. But even if I did, it was for a good cause. Or about a good cause. Or just good. You choose.
The premise of Pay It Forward for those of you who saw it, well really for those of you that haven't, was for each person to do something kind and selfless for someone else who would in turn pay it forward. Get it? So clever with the title. Since then, I have heard a lot of stories about things like that happening, usually in fast food drive thrus, coffee houses, etc. I have never had it happen to me.
Until a few weeks ago, that is.
I was on my usual early morning kick to get my usual Starbucks drink. Seriously, even though I go through the drive thru, they know me. One time the drink orderer put in the wrong size but when I pulled up to the window, the guy said "Don't worry, we made the right size." Starbucks has serious talent. Someone should do a study as to how they get such great people working there.
Anyhow, I pulled up, slipped my card out of the window to pay and was greeted by my usual guy who, much to my surprise said:
Guy: Venti Chai?
Me: Yep.
Guy: It has already been paid.
Guy: The girl in front of you paid for yours.
Guy: She said she just wanted to do something nice for someone today.
Guy: ...
Guy: Are you okay?
There I sat with my card hanging out of my window and I think a bit slack jawed. After a brief moment I said "Yes, I am okay. Here, pay for the person behind me." After he made sure I was serious, he swiped my card and handed me my drink. As I left I said "make sure to tell the person behind me the same thing."
Mind you, at that moment in time I had no idea who was behind me, how many people were in the car, how many drinks had been ordered or what I had just agreed to pay. Regardless, I felt elated as I drove off. Someone who didn't know me, bought me a drink. And I did the same for someone else.
I wish I knew more about this woman. Heck, I don't even remember her car. I could not even tell you on any given day what kind of car or people are right behind me or right in front of me. But I do remember how great that feeling was and I know that I will continue to pay it forward every chance I get.
Random acts of kindness rock. Go get yourself one!
And get yourself a Venti nonfat, extra hot, Chai latte. Those things are yummy.
Posts
10 important things being said:
That is awesome. I am going to pay it forward next time I am getting a coffee or something!
Wait, won't I will actually be paying it backwards because I will be paying for the car behind me?
Awesome PIF story! You'll never find me at a coffee shop, but I will have to think of a great PIF scheme :)
I agree on the pay if forward thing! Also love the cat pictures below! Glad you are still reading...thanks for the post the other day!
That's so cool. My husband and I overheard a couple complaining left and right at another table in the same section of a restaurant as us. We could tell the server was not going to get tipped. Not by his fault, but just that these people were not going to be happy about anything. We tipped generously for our bill and what he probably missed out on from the other bill. Felt great!
This is totally awesome! I have a 'pay it forward' plan, but it has to wait until I finish my law school career.... ;) Someone has paid it forward me twice at the copy machine by leaving their card there and then the same day as the first abandoned card the machine paid me forward by doubling the bill I put on my card. Someone will love me when I pay it forward!! ;) This will make more sense in my future post next year. LOL
You rock Dani with paying it forward!!
I always love the pay it forward concept! Seriously, random act of kindness = rock.:) I hope the person behind you did the same thing!
Jenny - you should! It feels great. Yes, TECHNICALLY you are paying it backward but you are moving a good deed forward.
Patricia - you can do it somewhere else. Buy someone coffee at a restaurant, or a treat in a bakery. Hmmm...I will think of some more.
Marketing Gurl - I am glad you are back in the blogosphere. Welcome back!!
Debbie - what a wonderful idea. Patricia - you could do that. Tip a waiter extra. Not your own waiter.
jlynn - can't wait to hear your plan. Free copies for a law student is quite a score.
Andhari - Me too! I hope it kept going for quite some time.
I hope there were at least a dozen people who bought drinks for the peeps behind 'em!
Also is "extra hot" for sure real? I have a friend who used to work at Starbucks and they just say that it's extra hot, but it isn't any different?
Maybe the regular hot, they blow on it a little for you.
Kacie - I hope everyone followed along. As for extra hot, sometimes it REALLY is like I almost burn my mouth. Other times, not so much. But I hate when my hot drink is cool before I even get to my destination!
Post a Comment