View from the Summit

Even with all this information, technology and modern day amenities, there is invariably someone dissatisfied. No matter how fast, convenient, big or sophisticated things can be, someone's not happy. There is a squeaky wheel in every group; someone's not with the program! Historically, this person talks louder, meaner and demands it their way. It's too cold, too warm, too loud, or he can barely hear it. I can't believe they charge this much for that or how wasteful it is to give so much. I've decided I don't want it. It's too much trouble, too long and considerably overpriced. I lost the receipt but I still demand my money back. No one will be able to relax until he gets satisfied, don't you understand, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. 

I find it very interesting where we place our value. There are a few things I'm unwilling to pay for such as

• overpriced meals
• fashion clothing
• meaningless art

I'm not suggesting that these particular items are void completely of any intrinsic value; I'm simply stating that I, personally, am unwilling to pay for these luxuries. It could be my lack of understanding or education as it relates to these interests, or it might be I'm just too conservative for my own good. One area that I am willing to dole out the cash for is extreme experiences such as 

• great entertainment
• lavish trips
• superb customer service

Holland America can teach everyone about perfection. Early every morning, I sip dark roasted coffee sitting next to the window on the Lido Deck. It's on the 9th floor of the Westerdam, a fabulous cruise ship that treks through the Caribbean weekly. Getting up early allows me a unique perspective that many guests never get to experience. I know. You're thinking, "What an idiot, you need to be in your suite sleeping." The unnoticed tasks are immeasurable. I titled a few noteworthy ones "The Dynamic Duo". While you were still asleep, this pair was combing over the Lido Deck like well-trained detectives. One with a clipboard in hand and the other fully equipped with a laser focused flashlight. Everything from the hot sauce to the telephone gets inspected from stem to stern. I interrupted them momentarily to inquire about the depth of their investigation. One simple sentence was all they offered: "Yes, this is what we do."