Yes, you read that correctly, I am about to reveal precisely why I love my job.
And yes, when all is said and done, at the end of the day, I really do love my job.
- It pays my bills and provides my family with food, shelter, tickets to Twilight movies and comic books.
- People from all walks of life cross my path – and I get to laugh at them. But more about that soon.
- The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, has placed in my path some of the finest co-workers anyone could ask for – and more a than a few ancestors of the Missing Link. I’m thankful for all of them.
Back to business; here are some of the highlights of being a bellman in the great Canadian city of Niagara Falls…
KIDS ARE EVEN CRAZIER WHEN VACATIONING…
“My Mommy’s boss gave her $10,000 to go away! We were supposed to have a little brother or sister, but Mommy went to the doctor and then her boss gave her $10,000 and we got to go on ‘cation!” Naturally, the six-year-old James Bond wannabe was immediately yanked from duty by his handlers (the mortified and morally bankrupt parents) before he could reveal any other secrets his mother had rattling around in her suitcases. My response was, given my nature, succinct and direct: “If I were you, pal, I wouldn’t pursue a career in the spy biz.”
I GET TO OBSERVE THE BEAUTY – AND SHAME – OF THE MYSTERY THAT IS THE MODERN-DAY LOVE AFFAIR …
FRIDAY: An engaged couple checks in, their hearts bursting with love for one another.
SATURDAY: They take a solemn vow before God – assuming God hangs out at cheesy wedding chapels – and their small group of friends.
SUNDAY: The groom is taken away in handcuffs by the Niagara Regional Police for assaulting his no-longer-blushing bride.
Ain’t love grand?
In fairness to Cupid, I have served a few couples who were genuinely in love. But those folks are boring. Give me a Kim Kardashian/Kanye West train wreck any day of the week.
I GET TO SERVE THE MODERN-DAY CORPORATE WEASEL – AND OCCASIONALLY SCORE SOME COOL SWAG!
-
- T-shirts.
- Watches.
- Tires. Seriously.
- Booze. Unfortunately, I don’t drink but still..
You name it, I’ve gone home with it at one time or another. I’ve even turned down fringe benefits of a carnal nature, but that’s all I have to say about that…
I’ve had my share of highs and lows over the last fifteen years – the hospitality biz can be a wild ride – but overall, I can’t really complain. I’ve been blessed, and that’s all there is to it. This vocation has afforded me the opportunity to make the transition from bellman to bellman/blogger/starving author. Now if I could only get a response from a producer at Breakfast Television or Steven and Chris, I’d be over the moon…
TIME FOR OTHER BUSINESS..
A shout-out to my blog buddy, Kristen Lamb and her best-selling tome, We Are Not Alone: The Writer’s Guide to Social Media. Give it a try, folks. You won’t be disappointed…
CHECK IT OUT!!
ONE LAST BIT OF NEWS…
The next chapter of my first foray into fiction is up and running at Wattpad. I have a long way to go as a fiction writer, and I could use all the constructive criticism I can get, so help me out, okay?
Related articles
- Want To See The Hook on Steven and Chris? I Do! (thebookofterrible.wordpress.com)
- A “Queeb tax”? What’s Next? A “Courtesy Toll”? (youvebeenhooked.wordpress.com)
- To All Things An Ending… (thebookofterrible.wordpress.com)
You've Been Hooked! 
Now that is a life well lived. Keep on keeping on my friend.
I will. You too!
At times I actually envy you! You see a side of people that others rarely see. I’m so glad you love your job and you share your stories! Please don’t ever stop.
Not to worry…
Gotta love it when kids spurt out all the funnies. I once had a student say “my mom hates you but I told her you really are nice!” I couldn’t help but laugh my booty off, especially since she hated me for saving her son from being run over by a truck. (Apparently grabbing his arm was just not acceptable, even if a truck was 3 seconds from his face. Lesson learned, never grab her kid again.) On another note, I started reading your fiction, but I was wondering what age is it geared to? Is it for adults or youth readers?
I really didn’t have a target audience in mind, but Wattpad just placed it under “teen fiction”, so I didn’t argue. Thanks for checking it out! I’ve really go to get back to it…
“assuming God hangs out in cheesy wedding chapels.” Loved, loved, loved that. So funny.
You honor me with your praise, dear lady.
Love what kids say (more so when I wasn’t teaching, lol). And the couple story – So sad!! Omg! And swag is ALWAYS great 🙂
Yes, swag rules!
Kids say the darndest things! In this case 10,000$ = priceless…LJ
It sure was!
Mr. Hook, forgive me for I have sinned. Not been here for a while – but you never lose your edge. 🙂
Glad to hear it! And don’t fret, I’ve been an absent friend as well, so we’re even.
Great post…you have a gift.
I’m deeply honored, Granny. Thank you.
The world still rocks – and there will always be strange people to laugh at.
You said it, Jennifer.
You got tires?! That must be a first!
Yes, but a cool one!
Tires? Did they give you a full set or just one? I hope they didn’t stiff you a tire. That would seem rude.
Just one tire – but I was laughing so hard, I didn’t mind!
I alway tip bellmen in tires. Much more handy than a wad of one dollar bills. I throw in a tire iron when the service is exceptional.
Good thinking! I could use a tire iron – on the guests that get out of control.
YOu are awesome that you can remain cool and composed during these trying times when kids tell all, adults bare all…..just love reading all about it.
I’m glad I can make you smile, young lady. You could use a laugh or two…
Tires!! Amazing! All seasons I hope? And hey, I’ll take the free booze off your hands 🙂
I had a feeling you’d volunteer!
Haha! Your job is fantastic! I’d love to see people like that everyday
Please elaborate on the ‘fringe benefits of a carnal nature’. That story sounds hilarious!
We’ll see..
You overhear the juiciest stuff!
You have no idea!
Your every day realities are so much better than fantasy.
Very true.
I used to have a job when some people would try to bribe me. But I never received any tires. That would have been nice.
Yeah, tires are neat!
Loving your job AND free stuff… it’s a good life, Hook!
Yeah, when all is said and done, it is!
Here’s a little something to brighten your day: http://laavventura.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/the-reality-and-100-affidabile-reliable-blog-awards/#more-5677
You’ve been a great friend ans supporter, Jennifer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
In my time as a live-in waitress at a hotel on an exotic island I saw my fair share of weird things too… either left in rooms when delivering room service, or by the pool (that was always quite amusing… how did they manage that without being noticed?) etc…
It is true; where else do you get to serve your fellow man, and give him a serve at the same time.!?! That’s right; hospitality…. 😉
You said it…
If I ever go to Niagara Falls, I am coming to find you. In a non-stalker way of course. I tip well! Promise!
i just may have to give you a freebie, Becca! Free bell service, I mean…
Haha! I wouldn’t let you, but generous of you to say 🙂
I love your generous view on your work and your colleagues. And your story about the junior spy master is hilarious and horrifying all at once. I’ll bet you’ve got the best stories out there!
This made my day… lol
I want your job!
alison
Gratitude is a great attractor of greatness, my friend. Keep giving and appreciating and the literary/book world is your oyster! *raises glass*
I’ll try. Thanks!
I wish I could have said the same thing about my last job. While there perks (like being able to sneak a smoke break every time the store was empty), the downfalls were innumerable (like not getting to finish said smoke because there are no set break times, or deailing with drunks from the bar next door, or people getting pissy because their pizza is three minutes late when I was the only person working the cash register, cooler, kitchen and till, or the drunk boss never answering her phone, etc.).
I did, however, love the people-watching aspect. I could sit in a public area all day every day for a week and still not get enough of people-watching. It’s fascinating what you can learn from ovehearing a two minute conversation (one-sided or otherwise), or watching a family interact not only with eachother but people around them as well. We as writers need to be able to understand people from all walks of life, and people-watching is just honing that skill.
It’s great that you enjoy your job though. I find it extremely important.
lmao bit time!!!!!!! Love this bit:
FRIDAY: An engaged couple checks in, their hearts bursting with love for one another.
SATURDAY: They take a solemn vow before God – assuming God hangs out at cheesy wedding chapels – and their small group of friends.
SUNDAY: The groom is taken away in handcuffs by the Niagara Regional Police for assaulting his no-longer-blushing bride.
Ain’t love grand?
*****
hahahahahahaha …. I’m still hahahahaing! This post is freakin’ awesome! Stumbling it now 🙂
“People from all walks of life cross my path – and I get to laugh at them.” Love it! Probably would be a selling point for me. Actually my job entails that too, but unfortunately I could get arrested for talking about my patients 😦
Also, that engaged couple bit was hilarious. I’d devote an entire blog post to that.
I might just do that. Thanks!
You’re happy and contented, that’s very important. Cheers, Mr. Hook!
Cheers to you as well!
Nice to see you can be so positive in such a negative world. I am so sick of “corporate America.” I have to work for a security company getting paid 9.00 an hr managing a bunch of morons.
I hear you, Jackie!
What, aren’t Kanye and Kim getting on? I’m shocked!!!