Day 16 - Quality
I got my oil changed today. I used to go to Jiffy Lube, but then I got a car that is almost as old as my daughter and is so special to me that I refuse to take it to a place where I sit and wait for the drain and change to occur. I now take my car to a place where an oil change is an event: like when you go to the doctor's for a physical. Like a day at the spa, only it's not a fancy spa. It's one that's all business, quality over glitter. I take my car to a place where there are a bunch of old Morgans in the back which, for various reasons small and private, makes me happy.
The Engine Room is walking distance from my house which makes the whole thing deal even better. The owner and his staff are polite and attentive and really good at what they do. I appreciate this. I appreciate that they see my car. It's not just about changing the oil: it's about noticing the details and addressing them, making sure all the pieces are in running order. I need my car to run well. I frequently drive over highway 17--a road that runs from Santa Cruz over the hills to Los Gatos. This road is also known as Blood Alley because it is windy and narrow and dangerous. I need my car to work, to not break down, because I do not want to be Flat Stanley's prom date.
A business based on customer satisfaction is a beautiful thing. Paying for quality is a privilege.
And so I am grateful.
