Expect nothing but appreciate everything

ENGLISH poet and satirist Alexander Pope (1688-1744) is credited for the maxim "Blessed is the man who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed." Pope was famous for copying the style of the Bible, in this case the Eight Beatitudes of Jesus Christ.

I made reference to Pope's maxim last Saturday in relation to a Friday telephone order my wife made with Angel's Pizza. This fast-growing, homegrown pizzeria boasts of a reasonable pricing strategy and delicious offerings like Halleluiah Mozzarella, Garlic Shrimp, Creamy Spinach Dip and Buffalo Chicken. The order — for four boxes of different pizzas — was placed one day in advance for the birthday celebration of my one and only daughter, Rachel. My wife told the call center person that we would pick up the pizzas at 11 a.m. Saturday on our way to Rachel's house. At the appointed time, however, we were told to our surprise that the restaurant didn't receive our order.