A good friend asked me for a restaurant recommendation. She was taking a good friend of hers out for a birthday dinner and wanted something special. She asked me for my opinion of several local restaurants. They were all good ... but they were not special (... a distinction I will probably explore in a future EHC).

I recommended The Green Turtle, my favorite local Gig Harbor eatery where I knew they would be well cared-for. I called Nolan Glenn, the owner, just to let him know that were coming and that it was a special occasion. The next day, I got the following e-mail from her:

"You really are a sweetheart. What a thoughtful thing it was for you to provide the appetizer. Betty ended up choosing the Thai Satay and we enjoyed it thoroughly. In fact, we had a delightful evening. You were really right about the Green Turtle and I will recommend it lavishly.

At your recommendation, I had the tuna, and it was as great as you said. We got samples of their fabulous chowder and Betty was provided with a birthday mousse. She thought it all was very special. Your recommendation was right on the money. Thanks again, so much."

A Note From the Doc:
In one of the Management Insight Series interviews, "Coach" Don Smith discussed the power of the unexpected extra. In this case the restaurant owner doubled up on it.

The truth is that I didn't provide the appetizer -- Nolan did ... but he gave me credit for it . This got me some unexpected points with my friend, at least until she reads the truth in her copy of EHC!

Not only did he give an unexpected extra to the guests, but he gave me one at the same time! Are these guests likely to come back and say wonderful things about him? You bet! Am I likely to continue to recommend him? Absolutely! This is how it works, folks.

Here is the weekly report on my personal project to lighten up:

Goal: -50  Last Week: -4  Total: -20

I think I am finally figuring out how to enjoy my time on the road, sample whatever I want and not have to carry it home around my waist! My original goal was to lose 50 pounds in a year and at this rate I will be halfway there after six months. I am feeling very good about that!

A growing number of folks have joined me in this audacious venture. I applaud their courage in "going public" and I will start holding their feet to the fire again next week.

Do you have a goal regarding your weight? Do you have the courage to put yourself on record? We all seem to get better results when there is someone or something to hold us accountable.

Mary Jo Beniger -- Goal: -25  To Date: -11.5
Cindy Casady -- Goal: -30  As of 11/21: -15  (No report this week)
Tom Combs -- Goal: -65  As of 11/21: -15  (No report this week)
Chris Corrigan -- Goal: -25  As of 11/21: -4  (No report this week)
Trice Micheals -- Goal: -50  To Date: -7
Steve Ulrey --  Goal: -12  As of 11/21: 0  (No report this week)
Bill Breslo -- Goal: +5   As of 11/21: +3.5  (No report this week)

If you are interested in how it's going for us, scroll down to the bottom of the EHC each week and check out the progress. If you could care less, don't!