Pants Problem

By Karen McNew
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: January 28, 2008

With the clothes I wear most days for work I have a lot of items to take to the drycleaner.  Fairly recently I switched to a more convenient drycleaner for my items.  I usually go in with a load of shirts, pants, blazers, skirts, dresses… you name it.

I miss my previous drycleaner for several different reasons.  It was fun to stop by and drop off or pick up clothes because of the friendly face and warm greetings I always got.  With my new place I haven’t really felt that warm fuzzy feeling.  Okay, you may think I am crazy for even saying that but for me the places I spend my time and money are places that make a difference in my life.

I am on a first name basis with the meat manager at my favorite grocery store.  I used to know the cashiers at my favorite convenience store by name too.  My mom worked in retail for many years and has told me some of the customer horror stories she had to put up with.  She taught me to treat everyone with respect and kindness.  When I practice her wisdom… what once were mundane errands become fun little stops along a busy to do list.

So I gave up a fun stop for convenience and here’s what it has gotten me so far.  Two pairs of pants with the hems ripped out of one of the legs.  Twice now I have put on pants fresh from the cleaner and looked down only to see frayed threads grazing the top of my dress shoes.  It always happens when I have just enough time budgeted for changing clothes, doing my quick check to make sure all appropriate appliances have been turned off, take the dog out for a quick walk and then get in the car to head to work. 

I recently told Matt about my dilemma.  He suggests I take the pants back to the drycleaner.  Typically, I would but making that extra stop and the awkward feeling I already have about it make that an unappealing option.  So, what am I going to do?  I am going to go back to my old drycleaner that is less convenient for my home location but always dependable.  Sometimes it seems you sacrifice quality for convenience… in this small part of my life I’m not going to do that anymore.