Why not pursue “even better”

Last Sunday I had a haircut appointment, but missed it because I was late for seven minutes due to a train incident. I couldn’t believe, but the hairdresser told me to come back on Tuesday because I was not in time. For over the past year I had never been late and on Sunday I called her beforehand and explained what happened, and said I might be a bit late. Then she said “OK, I’ll be waiting for you.”

So, I couldn't understand. Does she work in a socialist planned economy? Is this really in Japan?

Anyway, I really needed a haircut by Monday at the latest as I planned to have important meetings later this week. I called other hairdressers in my area, and the third one was finally available.

Turns out he was the best I've had in years. I have to say that the all-time No. 1 is still an Irish woman called Nuala I had in Vidal Sasson’s New York salon at the corner of the 57^th Street and the Fifth Avenue. She then moved to New Jersey, and unfortunately I don’t know where she is now, though.

Long story short, the new hairdresser I had on Monday far surpassed the one I had until recently on all fronts -- the skills, attention to the customer’s wish and overall services.

This was an interesting experience. I was able to obtain a much better hairdresser because I was originally unfortunate. Come to think of it, I may have other things in life I automatically take simply because I do for a long time, although they might not really satisfy me.

“Better the devil you know than the devil you don't” – is that true? An angel, even if you don't know him/her, should be certainly better than an evil that you know.

Sometimes it might help to do a reality check so I can find something even better.