Business As Usual – Almost….

When writing a blog, one has to remain ever-mindful of two irrefutable truths:

1. If you don’t feel passionately about your subject matter you’ll never attract an audience larger than one.
2. A loyal audience will stick with you if you dedicate enough time and effort to any subject you tackle. Successful writers – if they’re truly dedicated to their craft – can make any subject enticing. 

So what am I on about, you’re wondering?

My task this time around  is to please two masters. Let’s begin, shall we?

The wife – VampireLover to the newbies among us – says I have difficulty accepting my shortcomings; namely, the way I sometimes rush to judgment of people or situations.

She is absolutely right.

Consider my first call of the day; two gentlemen – the Grandpa and Dad of one of two rooms – approached my desk. When they spotted our carts they were like kids in the proverbial candy store.

GRANDPA: Hey! We could use one of those!

My colleague explained the protocol, they accepted the terms and they walked away – shaking their heads, usually a very bad sign. It was my turn, of course.

I arrived upstairs with one cart – they requested two but it’s tough enough negotiating one and I can usually work my “bellman packing magic” pretty easily.  Unfortunately, I miscalculated this time and one cart was not going to be enough for this collection of stuffed animals (2 bags worth!), toys, duffel bags, coolers, etc. My mistake did not go unnoticed…

PERTURBED MOM: This is not going to be enough for everything!

Fortunately, everyone simply ignored her! We loaded up – with great difficulty – and I met up with the “menfolk” downstairs in the parking garage. Most of my colleagues aren’t fans of the extra hike to the garage, but I really don’t mind; it’s better than waiting in the lobby with the crazed, impatient crowd! We loaded up two cars and I decided to make a second trip back upstairs on my own; I think the guys were trying to spare me some of the Perturbed Mom’s wrath!

PM: I thought we were using manpower this time!

THE HOOK: But I am a man, miss…

PM: I knew that! Okay, let’s go.

Her entire demeanor changed from that point forward. We met up downstairs – everyone else seemed to conveniently disappear – and she was nice as pie, as they say.

PM: I had a feeling you knew what you were doing! You fooled me for a minute there!

THE HOOK: I’m full of surprises, miss.

So there you have it: a good call wrapped in a tough, chewy exterior. Do me a favor though, will you? Don’t tell VampireLover she’s right about me!

The remainder of the day paled in comparison, with one exception.

WOMAN IN ELEVATOR: You’ve been here a long time, haven’t you?

THE HOOK: From Day One, yes.

WIE: And they call you The Hook, right?

THE HOOK: (Stunned – but in a good way for once!) Why yes, they do.

She got off at the next stop before I could inquire as to just how she knew of my alter ego. I know some of my colleagues have shared my “other identity” with a few guests but the circle was relatively small as I understood it.

Apparently not.

AND NOW, A BRIEF ROMANTIC INTERLUDE…

As romantic as I get, anyway…

Where to begin?

To describe my love for you in a single post would be as simple as peering beneath the ocean’s surface and describing the treasures within in a single sentence.

You are…

• As hot as the Sun yet as cold as the dark side of the Moon.
• Accessible, but as unreachable as the stars.
• Vulnerable but powerful and poised to strike in an instant.
• A puzzle I will never solve, a fate I accept happily.

You are also – as long-time readers can attest – somewhat fond of specific members of the undead.

To say the least.

That having been said, here is a little something to whet your insatiable appetite..

l may never be the perfect mate for a lover of the Undead, but I’ll never stop attempting to achieve mortal perfection.

HAPPY…

• VALENTINE’S DAY.
• BIRTHDAY.
• ANNIVERSARY.
• And any other holidays that seem to fall within the same blasted month!

I love you. Now and forever.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE…

June 9. 2012 10 A.M. – 7 P.M.
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Niagara Falls. Ontario. Canada

For full details, click here, fan boys and girls!