RAVE to the trash collectors for their hard work recently. They have to pick up multiple lawn and leaf bags, and work much harder than any other time of year, and they do so efficiently and without complaint.

RAVE to the people who carried my friend in a wheelchair up and down the stairs of the Seattle Asian Art Museum when the elevator was broken. Thank you. She would have missed the whole exhibit without you.  

RAVE to a family at Grocery Outlet in Burien who kindly gifted us a turkey for Thanksgiving. They were in front of us in line and let us know they already had their turkey. I was laid off this year and especially appreciate this gift! 

RAVE to our yard waste operator who dressed up as the Grinch, complete with green shaggy legs, green shaggy hair and a red Santa jacket. He delighted the schoolchildren across the street in the playground, and me, as I ran out in my bathrobe to capture his photo!

RAVE to the lovely gentleman who was handing out $50 gift cards to shoppers at the North Bend QFC. It was a real Christmas treat. Thank you for your generosity.

RAVE to the young woman working alone at the Columbia City post office the Friday before Christmas. She was friendly, calm and kept the 30-deep line moving. Her general air of competence and positivity helped all of us in line stay patient and upbeat.

RAVE to the Washington State Employment Security Department! I was one of the thousands of federal employees who were deemed unnecessary and lost my job this past summer. Washington pays out generous weekly benefits compared to other states. The weekly income is a lifesaver! Rave to the ESD employees; when I needed to speak to someone, they came through with courtesy and professionalism. Rave that I’m finally back to work, even if part time. 

RAVE to the employees at the Brown Bear Car Wash in Sammamish who helped me when my car stalled at the signal just off their car wash, as my battery got drained out. They rushed out, offered help, pushed my car to a safe parking place nearby and jump-started my car with their equipment. I really appreciate their Godsend help and their service-oriented spirit.

RAVE to my kids. When I suggested to my adult kids to send money to flood victims’ relief efforts instead of spending money on gifts for me, they instantly agreed. One daughter even got matching funds from her employer. I already am so blessed, especially with kids like this, and many others need our support now. Proud mama. 

RAVE to kindness! A huge rave to the men who allowed this middle-aged man with a bit of an emergency cut the line for the facilities at the Paramount, narrowly avoiding an embarrassing situation. Certain genetic traits are cruel in my family, but this guy saw the look on my face and let me get in line in front of him. While washing up at the sink, he acknowledged I wasn’t the only one with middle-aged man issues.