#120 This Post for Rent

I've sat in front of my laptop for 2 hours now and I am completely stymied.

My mind is a completely empty vessel.

If I was ever going to meditate, *this* would be *the* moment to do it...

.. but instead there's a chocolate Easter Bunny that is not going to eat itself...

Back tomorrow.

#119 Office Departure and RepercusShawns

I realize it's not nice to take solace in another person's misery, but sometimes karma is really on target...

I forgot to mention at the end of last week that the dumb-ass General Manager will be leaving (there's a selection of theories: let go, fired, gave notice yadda yadda yadda, ultimately what's important here is she's leaving) ... and with her hopefully a couple of other pieces of deadwood. Said deadwood is already scrambling about the office like chickens with their heads chopped off.

While I won't say I'm glad to see her gone, no, wait, I am; I do wish her well elsewhere... 

As for the deadwood...  many in the office are enjoying the most entertaining activity.  It's interesting, most in the office never gave them much credit, but clearly they *do* have a clue seeing as they realize just how tenuous their positions now are with their sole point of support now departing.

I've never been much for brown-nosers, but it's nice to see that they are the ones scrambling for a change.

#118 Monday RationilazShawn

I can't say I love Mondays, but on those rare occasions when I don't have to get to work, Mondays are the BEST DAYS!!!

Today was one of those days. Even though we still have to leave the cottage AND drive through rush hour traffic; and that was all still better than going to work!

Speaking of rush hour, we drove 120 kms in a little over an hour, then once we hit the bridge to the island we traveled 20 kms in a little over an hour. That's just plain nuts!!!  But still, better than working on Monday.

#117 Today's EquaShawn

Cottage on the lake   +   (overcast, cold and rain showers)   +   a sick doggie   +   a pull out sofa   +   cable tv   =   the laziest day ever. 

It's 8:30 pm and we're still in our flannels.

But aside from a wee sick doggie with an upset tummy, we wouldn't have changed a thing about today.

#116 Perfect Cottage RelaxaShawn

Knock wood, (today isn't over yet but) no Septic explosions!

We had a wondrously, amazingly relaxing day.

Slept in, had Fruit Loops for breakfast (a guilty pleasure) and then Marcel made the most delicious lunch for his Mom, Sister and the two of us. It was a belated Easter dinner, so we has a roast Ham, with roasted veg (rainbow carrots, rainbow potatoes and asparagus). It. Was. Delicious!

After that we sat down in the living room and had a belated Birthday cake for his Sister. It was her often requested cake: a Cola Chocolate cake. It's unbelievably good! And this is either the 3rd or 4th time we've made it for her birthday.

There's something to be said for the comfort and familiarity of a the same meals, at the same times of years. With the same people and the fame food.  It might sound lazy, but to me it's in itself a tradition that you develop over time and make your own with those you love. Why else go through with it?

Then this evening, we took it easy and had some pea soup and a sandwich with left-over ham.  It could not have capped off a more perfect, lazy cottage weekend day. 

And we still have a day and a half to go.

#115 Cliche ReviShawn

You know that old saying, "The shit hit the fan"?

Well I think it's time we updated it... 

---

A little back story first...

As mentioned previously, we are having a little postponed Long Easter Weekend at the BF's family's cottage on the lake... Well it's very much a cottage, with some creature comforts... Cable TV, Heat, Microwave and the requisite indoor plumbing.

The plumbing however is septic and come's with it's own challenges.

---

We arrived a little after 4pm (thankfully) and when we opened the door, we were greeted by the most powerful musty odour. As we entered a little further we noticed some drying parches on the hall and kitchen floor.  Odd. There was also a thin layer of flake white... and then Marcel opened the door to the bathroom.

Ground Zero.

It seems that with the recent heavy rains and late spring thaw and run-off that the septic system backed up. In a scene reminiscent from a late 80's horror flick the floor, walls and the thone itself was firmly ensconced in a layer of, well... stuff.

Fortunately Marcel's Uncle was here and the two of them, latex gloved took on the challenge of clean-up crew. I was fortunate enough to be left the task of emergency run for cleaning supplies... bleach, paper towel, scented candles and other miscellaneous  odour cancelling items.

Nothing quite says "Welcome to the cottage", like an exploded toilet.

Still, it's good to be here...

We just thank the gods that we left Montreal early in the afternoon, so that we arrived while there was still daylight and did not arrive in the dark, to the crime scene. 

And one can take rather guaranteed solace that things can only improve... (fingers crossed)

#114 Over ReacShawns

Why are people so surprised when you do something nice for them?

Two nights ago as I exited Papineau Metro I noticed a person attempting to enter the station. She  was walking with walking aids, I guess she has CP or something similar. As heavy as the doors are to the metro station there was no way she was getting in by herself.  So I walked to the side she was trying to come in and smiled through the window and open the door for her. You could tell she was appreciative, but at the same time I think she was a little surprised I did this (as I was already near the doors of another exit.)  I just smiled and wished her a good evening.

Tonight coming home I was on the Green Line and seated in one of the seats that are priority for the elderly, pregnant or those with reduced mobility.  I'll sit in the seats if it's quiet and not busy, but I'll gladly give my eat up for anyone listed...

Well about 3 stops in an older woman entered so I gave her my seat.  She looked like I had 3 heads. She seemed hesitant to sit down. Why? No idea. At each stop she checked with me if I was getting off the metro car. Why? No idea. When I did exit the car, she did as well. As I was walking up the stairs she touched my arm and thanked me again.  I said, "It's really not necessary, but you are welcome."

When did basic manners and common decency become so rare as to elicit such reactions? Sad.