High Praise for High Hampton

The first time I go to a new location to teach Mah Jongg I never know exactly what to expect. If you know me you know I am very prescriptive, I like things done correctly and I want the best experience for my students so I don’t like to leave anything to chance. I have been teaching Mah Jongg long enough at such a wide array of locations that I have seen some real shit shows as well as the most class acts.

So many things are out of my control, yet if something goes wrong I still feel responsible for it, even if it has nothing to do with me. I have always lived by the saying, “don’t Expect people to be mind readers.” If I want something done a certain way I tell them up front and explain why. I don’t believe in wishful thinking, you are always disappointed then.

Today was our last day of Mah Jongg classes at High Hampton. From my point of view everything was a resounding success. The inn it’s self and the new renovations is spectacular. The spaces are large and warm and welcoming and cozy all at the same time. The room where Mah Jongg lived was perfect, especially with the table lamps.

The staff, from Emma the bellhop to Leigh Anne the Events Manager and all the Food and Beverage folks felt more like friends. Suzanne comments tonight that she genuinely felt like people were happy we were here. Everyone remembered what we liked to drink, right down to my extra lemons. If we were running short on time, they rushed to get us lunch. Nothing was ever an issue, there was no need for negotiation, the answer was always yes, with a smile. It was true southern hospitality with no “bless your heart.”

The food, oh the food. I am so thankful that I was here with dear friends, Suzanne, Jan and Tracy, because we shared all our food and ate off each other’s plates. Tonight we had this farewell dinner and I wish that I could have spread it out over three days because each part was a treasure. And don’t be misled by the title of the menu, no Dana Lange was served.

As usual, I loved all the students. It’s takes three days with me for them to drink the koolaid I’m selling. By the third day they understand the madness that I’m trying to teach them and why I want them to think about things in new and different ways. I have heard that some have already signed up to come back in April to my next class here the weekend of April 25.

I can’t wait to get back. Usually the second time is better than the first. I am to sure that is going to be the case though as this was also just a fun time with Tracy, Suzanne and Jan. We told so many stories and laughed so hard. I thought Suzanne might pee in her pants when Jan told the story of her middle school son telling his social studies teacher and class of students that their family motto was “It’s five o’clock some where.”

Tonight after all the mah Jongg was packed up and we were hanging out in the lobby talking Suzanne and Tracy gave me a present and a card. The front of the card said, “Get Old Later.” Inside Suzanne wrote, “This was our mantra way before it was a card.” That’s the truth. We will always be young together, learning and laughing is how we stay that way.