What the world needs is more Fluffy!

I could hear the booming voice and the surprised reactions from 4 cars away, "Welcome to Taco Bell. My name's Fluffy. How can I help you tonight?" This unconventional and unexpected greeting coming from the microphone was causing quite a stir with the Friday night crowd. Fluffy was clearly cracking people up and the excitement he caused was palpable. We'd come to the Taco Bell at 321 State Highway 13 after a long day at Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park. After miles of walking, blistering sun, $3 waters, $5 slices of pizza and at times less than stellar service, theatrics from a drive through clerk was a refreshing surprise.

As we got closer to ordering the peals of laughter following Fluffy's missive could almost be scripted. "Hey Fluffy!!!" No, Fluffy was not his real name, just a nickname he'd pricked up somewhere along the line. Yes, he was serious, Fluffy. Fluffy's delivery was enthusiastic and playful. Fluffy was having fun and we were all invited to join in. In a world where many in the fast food industry barely even say "hello'" Fluffy's welcoming entreatment created an infectious energy that could be felt from afar.

All the way through the line, which was long, Fluffy could be heard hamming it up with the residents and tourists motoring their way through the drive-up window that night. I was thinking during this time how great it was of Fluffy to do this for everybody. In a town of long lines, high prices, bumper to bumper traffic and, at times, grumpy, demanding kids, tempers can get a tad frayed. Add to that a super long drive up line at almost 10pm and people can get a bit short.

Fluffy took it all in stride however. Fluffy reminded us that we could laugh and take it easy. It was OK. We;d get our food. We'd be fine. As I got to the window and was again greeted energetically and enthusiastically by Fluffy I asked him how his night was going. "Fantastic. I'm having a great time. Life's good." How often do you hear that from someone working a fast food window. I learned some things there that night, First, one person's attitude can have a phenomenal effect on so many, and second, people spend a lot of money at Taco Bell!

As we waited for our food and Fluffy took more orders I couldn't help thinking of the title of this blog. "What the world needs is more Fluffy." If we all had this much excitement and enthusiasm for what we did and we communicated the same, how much more could we accomplish? When you meet someone like Fluffy you can realize how simple and how rarefied singularity can be. I mean I must have gone through a dozen or more drive throughs on our trip and Fluffy is the only attendant's name who I can remember.

So, are you like Fluffy? Do people remember you, days, weeks, years later because of some individual or unique quality you display or possess? Are do they forget you as if you are just another cashier in a drive through restaurant in anytown USA? Whether they do or don't I think is up to you.

If you happen to be in the Dells, stop by and see Fluffy. You'll be the better for it.