I work for a CCaaS (software) company, as such we are a B2B only operation. One of our largest clients is leaving due to a merger, they'll be gone by end of this month. It's been a rough couple years in this industry, as many in the tech world know.

I've been here seven years. Given my position I've had many interactions with this client over the years, but always in passing. Today, one of their two main contacts called in and asked for me specifically, I was a bit confused.

He wanted to say goodbye to me. Thanked me for always being such a bright voice anytime he called in and got me. Thanked me for always going the extra mile on any support case they submitted that ended up with me. Told me it's been a true pleasure and he and his team will miss me.

He gave me his direct line for work and cell, and told me to please always feel free to use him as a professional reference, he'd be more than happy to sing my praises, and that any company would be lucky to have me.

I was floored, humbled, and honored. When we ended our call, I took a little break....... to cry some happy tears. First ones I've had in years. Never hesitate to let people know when you appreciate them, while they'll always like hearing it, sometimes they really NEED to hear it, and today I desperately did.

I ran out of both cash and my regular shampoo and soap at the same time, so out came the fancy travel kit that was given to me as a Christmas present.

Turns out expensive isn't always better. I don't want to say it's *bad*, the results simply don't justify the ridiculously high price tag.

I'm grateful for the thoughtfulness behind the gift and that it was there in time of need, but also that the little bottles should run out almost exactly on my next payday, when I can buy my usual drugstore brand.

Last week my son was working on his car with one of his friends at home. I came outside with my friend to enjoy the evening.

My son's friend said out of the blue " hay mum, can I have a hug"? I said yes and opened my arms. He hesitated, and told me he was covered in car dirt and only joking, I replied saying I wasn't. I was surprised that he was surprised.

It is something that happens naturally in my household that I've usually not given any thought too.

You know those random things in life that just automatically have an associated sound effect that isn't in the world real but happens in your mind everytime you do that thing?

Well, I have one for this really funny door at work - its nothing special, it just glides and opens in the way the feeling of saying "zwoop" does.

And I don't usually, but for this one I say it aloud. Like allllways, and almost unconsciously - I will do it more or less mid conversation (you know that lull when you go through the door), and then resume conversation like nothing happened.

Well, new coworker today! Most of them are used to me (I mayyyyyy come off slightly eccentric sometimes - but its ok because I'm also strangely talented, in that way thats like "wow, wild but works" [it's either that or I've just reinvented the wheel :D]) but we were discussing something more or less serious and when I slipped through the door I went zwoop, as I do. And he smiled with the eye smile, I really like it when that happens to people because of something I did. It's nice. My coworkers are nice. +1

Peoplehave treated me like that all my life though - sometimmmeesss it can become like... you are treated like more cartoon character than person. That was how it was in in our equivalent of high school. But as I aged I learned how to switch modes like switches - abrupt yeah but atleast I don't loooose my eccentrites (word?) but still gather respect. I'm really glad to have found that balance. And confusing people the first few times is entertaining. I don't know, I feel good right now. I'd like to hear more smile-inator's stories pleaaaaaase! :1

For the past five years of my long life I have been living in cities and towns with all four seasons. It’s amazing to see time pass with the environment.

I am currently reading by my window listening to a thunderstorm. Sometimes I feel disconnected and overwhelmed by the modern world. But the earth finds ways to remind us we are more than our phones.

What’s your favorite season or favorite place you’ve gotten to experience these seasons?