I have much to say, but little time and space.
However, I will endeavor to put my best blogging foot forward…
Our mini-vacation produced mixed results.
- We encountered heavy rains while traveling to St. Jacobs, but the sun won out and the day improved.
- We rode a train.
- Amish folks were spotted, examined and approved of.
- Their wares were purchased. (They rocked.)
- The proverbial good time was had by all.
As for the second half of the trip…
- After much consideration – and pleading – we opted to bring our daughter along.
- Unfortunately, a nasty flu bug followed along.
- A leprous – you read that correctly – homeless woman who was a few fingers short of a full set accosted us as we waited to drive onto the hotel’s valet deck.
- Sarah tripped on a carpet while journeying to the room. (The poor kid just couldn’t catch a break!)
- VampireLover called the game as it were, at 7 pm., and we headed for home.
I fully agreed and supported my wife’s decision at the time, but when we arrived home something changed.
I snapped.
I became moody, irritable and just plain angry. To anyone who thinks I’m perfect, know this: I HAVE MY MOMENTS OF WEAKNESS AND IN FACT, I CAN BE A REAL ASS AT TIMES.
I hope this public declaration of my tendency to be a douche is a step towards balancing the scales with two of the most important women in my life. I’ll try harder. Promise.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Calgary, Alberta has suffered devastating floods. You read all about it here.
Two of Canada’s finest citizens – and personal heroes of mine – have pledged their support for flood victims. From CBC Live:
Dragons Matching Your Red Cross Donations to Help Alberta Flood Victims
June 24, 2013By Jamey Ordolis | @jameyordolis
Over the weekend Dragons’ Den‘s David Chilton tweeted that he and Arlene Dickinson would match donations to theCanadian Red Cross in support of the victims of the Alberta floods.
Albertans need help. I’ll match to $10,000 all $5 contributions followers make. Rogers/Fido subscribers text ABHELP to 4664 and let me know.
— David Chilton (@wealthy_barber) June 22, 2013
For those on Telus network please contribute $5 to help Alberta by texting REDCROSS to 30333. @ArleneDickinsonand I will each match to 10G.
— David Chilton (@wealthy_barber) June 22, 2013
Arlene, who was raised in Calgary, retweeted and echoed the call for help…
Dear Canada-the water may be going down in some parts of Alta but need for help is going up and not going away soon. Pls help if you can.
— Arlene Dickinson (@ArleneDickinson) June 24, 2013
CBC News has the latest on the floods, what you need to know about evacuations, shelters and more, and a gallery of Alberta floods before and after photos.
David and Arlene have not yet hit their match goal of $10,000 each in donations and the people of Alberta still need your help. So, donate to the Canadian Red Cross’ Alberta Floods Fund here and tweet David Chilton or Arlene Dickinson to alert them of your donation.
A worthy cause supported by worthy souls. By the way, Jamey Ordolis is one of my favorite CBC personalities and an all-around cool gal.
NOW FOR SOMETHING CLOSER TO HOME…
Deadlocked in a pissing match with four of the biggest elevator companies, the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) across Ontario went on strike last week. Some 1,400 elevator workers are now on the picket line. Some of those workers have even picketed in front of my HQ.
Nothing about this strike is cool, folks.
- Wait times for service and guest elevators have been ridiculous. Absurd, even.
- There have been fist fights between guests. Fist. Fights. Between. Guests.
- I fully expect to see a homeless guy standing outside holding “The End is Near” sign any minute.
- Hotel renovations are moving at a snail’s pace. In fact, a snail could work faster and most likely produce higher quality work.
- A hotel under renovation in the summer is a hotel behind the proverbial eight ball.
And that’s my world right now. Prayers are always accepted and appreciated.
You've Been Hooked! 
Prayers and hugs are on their way!!
Thanks!
We’re only human. Having said that, quit being an ASS! Glad to hear all is well health wise.
I’m going to try to improve, my lovely friend. Thanks.
Hang in there, Bro. Prayers headed your way.
Re; Calgary – From what I understand, Calgary is very much like the City of my birth, Fort Worth, Texas (lotsa cowboys and a real Western “feel”) I pray for the citizens of Calgary and the flood-affected areas. I saw a photo of the water INSIDE the Saddle Dome and it was awful. I have a feeling that the people of the City will take the bull by the horns and get their town back to kickin’ ass and takin’ names post haste.
They’ll bounce back for sure.
Virtual hugs (((()))) to you for the second half of your trip. I trust everyone is recovered from the flu by now? I hope you are over your cranky period. It’s too bad about the renovations. I hate to go to a hotel under renovations, but it sometimes can’t be helped. Too bad about the elevator strike. Hope it doesn’t affect you too much. I have seen the flooding in Alberta and Calgary. Terrible. I know how awful flooding can be from the floods in San Antonio, but that is worse than ours.
Mother Nature is certainly ticked at Calgary right now….
Thanks for everything, old friend.
Sending calming, peaceful hugs your way Robert. Also to Calgary. Hope the strike ends soon and the hotel settles down as well. Don’t forget to breathe…
Cathy
I always forget to breathe. Thanks, Cathy!
We are all prone to indulging in growing horns and showing our asses at times. I had a meltdown a couple of weeks ago where I lit into a neighbor who had trashed our property, then lit into poor FD about something he had no control over, and later on got into it with my mother-in-law’s husband over something silly he did that just set me off – that all in a few hours time! Sometimes a person can only deal with so much.
What a mixed bag you have going on in your life. Never a dull moment eh? Well, it DOES make for great storytelling to the rest of us!
It certainly does.
As far as I’m concerned, you’re good people and you can be forgiven anything…
What a lot of turbulence you have going on, both personally, and all around you. You will weather the storm, and in the meantime I send my very best wishes to you, and those around you experiencing all of this!
I appreciate it. Things are good overall, so that’s something!
Why did I think you were headed to Toronto for your mini-vacation? I haven’t been to St. Jacob’s in several years. He-Who and I love visiting there. Back in the really olden days “The Market” use to be in Kitchener and I have wonderful memories of my Mom throwing our still sleeping little bodies into the back of the station wagon and waking up in time to see the many, many horse drawn buggies leading into the market. It was always a magical day. No flu bugs or leprous women but I’m sure I tripped more than once as I was/am fairly clumsy. I’m sorry it ended badly for you. Try to focus on the good parts. We are all asses at times. I have often been reminded to suck it up and put on my big girl pants. (FYI, that is not usually well received and leads to me being even a bigger ass for awhile.) Your family will forget your behaviour long before you will because they love you.
The elevator situation is one I have been wondering about. I was thinking about it when the elevator went down for “The Journey Behind The Falls”. I was pretty sure they wouldn’t leave all those people down there trapped behind the waterfall.
It must make your job hell! Prayers definitely on their way.
Thanks, Michelle.
By the way, we hit St. Jacobs and then TO.
Ah ha! You “Hooked” me.
Nice one!
We all have our moments, partner. We’re just human after all.
Sorry about the strike. But really, fist fights?!
Fist fights.
Oh, dear. Hope it gets better soon and the Alberta Flood piece was much appreciated by the folks dealing with the devastation left behind, I’m sure. Carry on and be positive, Hook.
I shall endeavor to do so, my lovely friend.
🙂
Hugs and prayers! Hope it all gets better soon.
Overall, CombatBabe, thingss are good!
But into every life a little rain – or a monsoon – must fall…
This is true. 🙂
Those best laid plans often have hidden pitfalls that cause pratt falls. Sorry to hear your getaway was less than perfect.
The weather has gotten so polarized. We need the rain!
Some of us do, yes!
As for the trip that went awry, at least we were healthy and together.
Good to see you back, Susie!
You’ve been missed.
I became moody, irritable and just plain angry.
We’ve all been there and done that. It’s just a build up of stress and anxiety over the last few weeks. That and vacations will make anyone insane.
My wife put me in my place and all is well now.
Those people better look out, I heard a rumor that bellmen can get pretty scrappy.
We can be tough customers, Katie.
Gosh darn. Can’t get a break (..shouldn’t have said that – tempting fate.)
Sometimes you just crash. Pretty normal considering, so don’t beat yourself up too bad ( others tend to do that for you…and writers, “sensitive” dreamers that they are get hit harder…carry it longer)
Sounds like you’ve already bounced back. But who couldn’t with the zoo you’re monitoring right now.
Been wondering about the floods in Canada. Pictures of Calgary on TV look dreadful. Thanks for the donation info. (Bothers me the US gov is more concerned with the other side of the world, when our neighbors could use a hand. Are we in backwards world? Insanity rules.)
HUGS – Eat ice cream – it helps!
Ice cream rules!
Wow – fist fights? No wonder you’re at the end of your emotional tether. All good thoughts your way
All good thoughts appreciated.
“Amish folks were spotted, examined and approved of.” I love this line. Reminds me of Mark Twain!
You honor me, my good friend.
No! Very nice. I enjoy your entries!
Prof VJ
Thoughts, prayers and good things winging their way ……….
They’ll be put to good use.
Mini-vacations often produce mixed results. They’ve been known to cause acne and pregnancy. What’s called for immediately upon return is a nap. Moody, irritable and just plain angry can be a side effect of life…try holding your breath and let me know how that works out for you. HA!
Peace & laughter to you.
I’m lucky my wife didn’t ensure I stop breathing for good!
Vacation is a drug and coming down from any adventure is hard, isn’t it? You’re in my prayers.
I appreciate the inclusion.
P.S. we did a mini-vacation, too. Please pray for the day I get my credit card bill that I don’t have a heart attack. I tipped wayyyyy better than I used to (when I had the excuse of a cheap husband) because of your posts. The motel maids and river guide who serviced us thank you.
You’ve validated my existence as a blogging bellman. Thank you!
And hang in there; credit cards are made to be used, after all.
Damn those hotel renovations! And nice double-whammy with the strike… Don’t worry, it will only be an eternity-and-a-half before they’re finished 😉
Good thing you had a little recovery time with the mini-vacation 🙂 Hopefully your job hasn’t sucked all the rejuvenation out of you!
Not quite. Not yet, at least!
Hugs to you. You are only human. I wonder what the Amish put in their fare to make it rock. Yum!
Amish fairy dust no doubt.
You, a douche? I can’t believe that! You folks have been through hell and back the past few weeks. I’d say you deserve a break. All of you. Go home, hug your wife, hug your daughter and I bet all will be forgive.
Fortunately, it was!
Such is the good and bad of a mini holiday, and the ps and downs of elevators. What I did like was googling up the location and checking out Where you went. Very cool.
You’d LOVE St. Jacobs, Jennifer!
Seriously.
Can’t wit yo visit! 🙂
Strikes are SUPPOSED to be a nuisance – otherwise they wouldn’t have any effect, thus becoming utterly useless. If the workers’ claims are right, you HAVE to side with them against the big bad suits.
I just want this thing settled after more than five weeks of madness, but I hear you.
Thanks for the Calgary plug. My family has gotten lucky, but it’s a real mess here and we could use all the help we can get. Clean up is going to take a long time and I know a lot of people whose homes are gone.
You never know what lies ahead, do you?
Be well.
We can all be asses Hook…at least you know you are being one 🙂 Hugs my friend.
I like hugs, Princess. Thanks!
Buddy! I have been off the radar for a bit (loose meaning of ‘bit) and it sounds like you are dealing with all levels of ridiculousness. Guests fist fighting! Remodels in the summer! You are on the heavy duty prayer list, friend! Sending you good vibes from here.
I appreciate the prayers, especially the time and distance from which they’ve sprung from!
Oh. I take it the vacation didn’t go well ?
It was a mixed bag.
St. Jacobs was great. Your daughter throwing up (not so much)
We’ll have a perfect day next time. (Vomiting puts a damper on any occasion.)
Can’t wait!!!
Didn’t know about Alberta, scary stuff
Indeed, Jim.
Glad you had at least some fun on your weekend, my friend.
I definitely had some fun, Revis. Thanks!
Oh i don’t even know where to begin. Don’t be too hard on yourself. All of us have an inner asshole that comes out sometimes. At least you keep yours in check most of the time. And fist fights. Really? people are silly.
People are nuts, my friend.
I HAVE MY MOMENTS OF WEAKNESS AND IN FACT, I CAN BE A REAL ASS AT TIMES.
Well I would have to agree with this statement but we will forgive you this time…LOL!!!
You’re the best, hon. I truly am one lucky guy; I don’t know what I’m going to do on the day I finally push my luck too far….
Love you, VampireLover.
You will never push your luck too far…and I would never let you go. Love you too.
Well, that happens sometimes – we all lose it. With everything that’s happening around you, it’s not surprising! Hope everything will turn out okay xx
So far so good, Pixie Girl!
Thanks!
>I HAVE MY MOMENTS OF WEAKNESS AND IN FACT, I CAN BE A REAL ASS AT TIMES.
– Zzzzz.
I fell asleep because you are no different from most I know.
Oh, wait. You ARE different, Hook.
You admit it.
Kate
I do what I can, Kate.