I apologize for the fact that I haven’t updated in awhile, but I’ve been rather busy lately. For one thing, I just returned from a recent road trip with my friend Alex that took us to Chattanooga, New Orleans, Biloxi and Greenwich this past weekend where we attended the wedding of the daughter of a good friend of ours. It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these trips and it was thoroughly enjoyable – covering over 6000km of driving in 10 days.
On my return, I learned that my “friends” Dave and Eileen have put their house up for sale. I haven’t spoken to them since moving out in January which if you’ve read other entries here you’ll see wasn’t under the best of terms. In any event, I made the decision to go after them for the $5000 loan that they conned from me back in November 2010 to repair the roof on their home. And so I sent them an email this morning requesting repayment. I don’t know whether they will respond or simply ignore me, but since it appears that our friendship of over 20 years means nothing to them, I’m assuming that they will ignore my request, in which case I will have to consider whether to sue. The way I see it, I have nothing to lose – they used me for so many years that I have given up hope of continuing our friendship.
that’s the way I see it
One of the questions we’re often asked at the hotel where I work is whether we allow pets. We do, but there is a $30 pet charge. In replying to these enquiries, it is sometimes useful to include a little humour as in the following reply:
“Thank you for your recent request. I’ve been managing this hotel for many years. In all that time, I’ve never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. Furthermore, I’ve never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. I’ve also never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at our hotel. And, if your dog will vouch for you, you’re welcome to stay here too!”
that’s the way I see it.
Since moving out of living with Eileen & Dave at the beginning of January my life seems to have taken a turn for the better. I moved in with another friend (Alex) whom I’ve known for more than 20 years. The difference this time is that we’re two single (divorced) guys living together. This avoids the obvious stress that came with trying to allow Eileen & Dave their time alone without me.
When I told friends last December that I was looking to moving back into the city, Alex approached me and suggested that we share his two-bedroom apartment in a triplex since his daughter Sophie, who had been living with him, had decided to move out. When I told Alex that I would move in with him he was happy because this meant his rent would be cut in half.
We’re very much like the odd couple – both 64 years of age, divorced and share common interests – a couple of “grumpy old men!”
Over the years, we’ve actually gone on holiday together and enjoyed ourselves. In fact, this year, we’re planning on a road trip to the States in May – to New Orleans.
I still haven’t heard from Eileen & Dave since I moved out. I think Eileen is bitter over the fact that she has lost a certain amount of independence she had when I was there. She had often complained that when she retired she missed having a paycheque and having to depend on Dave for any money she got so when I moved in and was paying the rent to her this gave her some spending money. After 18 months, she’s lost this “independence.” Hopefully, some day she’ll get over this and decide to give me a call. I’d hate to have a friendship of 25 years end over money.
that’s the way I see it
Most people would describe me as being a loner. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the company of others; it’s simply that I prefer to spend a lot of my time alone. Most of my travels have been done alone. The main advantage in this is that you get to do what you want and don’t have to worry about pleasing others.
Over the years, I can probably count on one hand the number of people I would call “friends.” A lot of the reason for this has to do with my early years – my father was in the military and we rarely spent more than 3-4 years in one place. It became a part of me that you don’t make friends, only acquaintances. Many of the people that I know now often ask me how I can travel somewhere alone. I try explaining to them that although I might be traveling alone, I do meet others on my travels and it’s these people that often make a trip a memorable experience. There’s nothing more enjoyable than visiting a place and meeting the locals. It’s not that difficult to strike up a conversation with complete strangers. The funny (strange?) thing is that I can do this in places I visit but rarely do so where I live. Maybe it’s knowing that you’ll never see these people again has something to do with that.
A professional analyst would probably say that I’m afraid of making commitments – which may be true. I do tend to keep my feelings to myself and find it difficult to truly open up to people – a defense mechanism that keeps me in control.
that’s the way I see it
Last year, I was fortunate to take full advantage of my 6 weeks annual vacation by taking several trips – in May to visit the kids I sponsor in the Dominican Republic; in September to stay at a friend’s place in Fort Myers, in November to travel to Costa Rica & Nicaragua and then over Christmas to visit Jamaica. This year, I’m hoping to once again travel as much as possible which will start with my visit to the Dominican Republic in May. I’m also hoping to go on a road trip somewhere into the States for a couple of weeks. It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these which I thoroughly enjoy.
The fact that I have 6 weeks annual vacation (having worked for the same company for 32 years) means that I don’t really have to consider retiring when I turn 65 in June and I can also collect my Old Age Security as well as the CPP (Canada Pension Plan). This additional income will allow me to continue doing what I enjoy – travel!
that’s the way I see it
