The Week Of Asking For Autographed Photos: Hand-written letter to Dolly Parton, chummy phone call with Best Buy

Antonia from Best Buy Customer Service called today. She wanted to apologize.

"I'm sorry," she said. "While we appreciate your feedback, our policy, unfortunately, is to give gift cards only to people who complain, not those who offer compliments or ask for gift cards outright."

I told her I didn't want to complain. "I like your company," I said. "It's a Minnesota company and I'm from Minnesota."

"You're Minnesotan!," Antonia's voice brightened.

"I am. And I have to say that non-Minnesota companies like Circuit City just don't have the same level of customer service you offer."

"You're sweet. Circuit City really has bad service."

"Not anymore!"

We both laughed knowingly.

"Oh, gosh, I really wish I could give you a gift card. Are you sure you don't have any complaints?"

"No, Antonia. But thanks for asking."

We said goodbye.

And then I wrote Dolly Parton a letter telling her she was beautiful and that I would always love her.