On problem solving

My dry cleaner is the best.  Seriously.  She charges me depending on her mood -- and she's always happy.  She isn't afraid to criticize the way that Calvin Klein makes a dress if it doesn't fit me perfectly.  If I ask for my suits on a Friday after 5:00 p.m., she says, "No.  You take Wednesday afternoon. Okay?"  Best of all.  Mrs. Kwon is a problem solver.  

On a recent business trip to San Diego, a gel pen exploded on my brand new find from Banana Republic.  I was p.i.s.s.e.d. and covered in blue ink.  So after spraying the stain with hairspray (didn't really work, Mom), scrubbing it (thanks but no thanks Oxyclean), and letting it sit in my suitcase for the remainder of my trip, the stain is still loud and proud.  Fast forward to this afternoon -- after a rough day at work, all I wanted to do was sit on my couch and avoid the hurricane force winds plaguing the Chicago area for the 3rd day in a row.  I went to see Mrs. Kwon instead.  The first thing out of her mouth was, "Oh no.  That not coming out.  I not miracle worker."  No you aren't, Anne Sullivan, but you are creative, Mrs. Kwon.  She stared at it for a second as I began mentally planning Christmas arts and crafts with my poor sweater.  "I know.  We cut off sleeves!"  Not all of the sleeve. . . something like a 3/4 length sleeve.  Then she cackled,  "Better. No charge!" she was thrilled.  I was thrilled.  Of course, I liked the sweater with long sleeves but I'd prefer not to look like I'd been shat on by Papa Smurf.  <3 Mrs. Kwon