The Job and The Weekend

A common trap that I seem to fall into is avoiding writing whenever my life gets busier. Scratch that, the "busy-ness" isn't so much the barrier as is a job outside of the home. I originally set up this blog account over two years ago entitled "Eu escrevo" (meaning "I write" in Portuguese). Ironically, I didn't post a single word in any recognizable language to the public. I barely posted a word in the secrecy of the draft folder. I convinced myself that I couldn't spare any time to write so I didn't. To say that I regret my actions would be untrue. The truth is that I learned from them.

By taking some time to write on this pleasant Sunday night, I am preserving memories. A gratifying feeling.

Not so new job

In a previous blog, I wrote about an opportunity to work at home for another company. Not a week after I started that job was I given an even more attractive opportunity from a former employer. I would retrain onsite for a couple of weeks and then work from home having to only go in once bi-weekly for team meetings. I couldn't pass it up. While I wasn't looking for new work, this opportunity appeared to embody the work/life balance that I sought. I said yes.

After an hour plus bus ride from Homestead to Workplace, I quickly walked to the office building eager to meet my new boss and retrain. New Boss put me at ease right away and brought me over to My Trainer. My Trainer, who was previously my team lead when I last worked there, set to task right away with getting me back into the role. Having worked in the department before, I remembered the basics of the plan, the preferences of the client, and even had print screens dancing in my head of the software program used. I was relieved when it seemed that my memory had not failed me. There were some changes but they were minor and more administrative as opposed to groundbreaking. I hope that I don't live to regret my words and as I become more and more entrenched in the role again, I won't suddenly feel like I've arrived on an alien planet.

The Weekend

Realizing that by accepting a new job, I was bidding adieu to "time away" flexibility, I suggested to Mr. Unfazed that we do a quick family getaway to one of our favourite spots - Niagara. After soliciting recommendations on Facebook, we decided on the Americana Conference Resort & Spa. Our decision factors: indoor water park, decent package price for room and water park access, and oh, yeah, frolicking at the water park.

We were not disappointed. The girls loved it. LittleLady is tall enough to go on the body slide by herself and was very proud to do so. Spitfire had a blast tubing at alternate turns with Mr. Unfazed and I. Of course, I would be lying by omission if I didn't admit how much Mr. Unfazed and I enjoyed ourselves there. We are unashamedly kids in adult bodies and it doesn't look like that will change anytime soon. Nor would we want it too. Each time LittleLady and I went down the tube slide, we'd holler "Batman!!!" in the manner of the 1960s TV show at the top of our lungs.

Food was a part of the trip but not an integral one. The bonding was far more important. I must mention though the Monticello Grille House and Wine Bar. Not only is it a classy establishment with decent food and good service, it also featured an incredible kids deal. $2 for pasta and meatballs. The kids meal deal sign brought us into the restaurant and we had our preconceived notions about the place but we were wrong. The kids meal deal did not take away from the warmth of the fireplace, the sophistication of the ambiance and the juiciness of my prime rib dinner. Mr. Unfazed ordered the grilled snapper and was quite pleased. As for the little ladies, a little pasta was all they needed but of course, their stomachs found a way to make room for ice cream.

Another spot worth mentioning is The Butterfly Conservatory. Just taking in the sights of the gushing mini waterfalls and the kaleidoscope of colours as the butterflies flutter about; evokes a sense of profound peace. I remember sitting on a bench, looking up and seeing the magic of the flying creatures around me and I didn't want to leave. Already I'm planning my next trip there.

We are thinking Niagara will be the spot to celebrate my next birthday. February can't come soon enough.