No news is...

     No news is...shitty blogging!  I have no excuses for being such a crappy reporter except to say that I'm a crappy reporter.  Many apologies for not communicating more often but the good news is that here I am again!  It has been a busy summer so let's get to it, shall we?

     No news is...bad news.  At the end of June, pretty much right after I returned home from visiting Virginia and watching my niece graduate high school, I got in a tussle with the HR department over a policy change going into effect at the gated community I work at.  Without getting into specifics, I voiced my negative opinions at the way the change was being implemented and the way it treated the employees who had the most years with the company.  The HR department didn't appreciate my opinions and I admit that I let anger get the best of me.  I admit that I handled the situation poorly, but as all of you know, I WILL tell you what is on my mind...(whether you want to hear it or not!)  Push came to shove and they pushed me out the door.  I lost my job! Quite a shock at first, but after several days of introspection...(when I finally calmed down), I realized that it was probably a good thing.  I really was unhappy...(not with the work, but the people involved).  There were so many problems there, but I guess removing the most vocal (that was me!) was the choice they felt would "fix" the problems.  I wish them luck...

     No news is...good news.  After tidying up the resume, I went about the task of finding my next work adventure.  I wanted to stay in the security business...(I was good at it) so I applied for something I hadn't tried before...hospitality security...(hotels).  I applied to the Arizona Biltmore and the Hyatt in Scottsdale called the Andaz.  The Hyatt responded first and when I visited for an interview I was impressed.  It's not like any hotel I have ever been to.  It covers 23 acres and consists of four room bungalows separate from each other all over the property.  There is a very relaxed atmosphere specializing in privacy and immersed in local culture...(I sound like an ad!).  I killed the interview and was offered the job which I accepted.  Good news...as a Hyatt employee I will eventually (probation period and first year) be getting great rates for rooms all over the world.  The benefit package is awesome.  Bad news... I am back on the overnight shift...(return of the vampire).  It will however, free me up to work a few gigs downtown if I choose to do so...(I still have a job at the Convention Center).

     No news is...bad news.  Because of the new job I will not be eligible for vacation (paid) until a year worked, so I am sorry to say that my planned trip to Aruba in December needs to be cancelled.
Many apologies to Bob and Toni Ann...(I really wanted to return this year).  I will not give up though.
It just means a postponement until next year.  I will have vacation time starting next August, and Aruba will be number one on the list...(God willing).  And, hopefully Bob and Toni Ann will be okay with the postponement.  Maybe the Daddy's can make a guest appearance?

     No news is...good news.  On a personal note...I am healthy (pretty much for a 59 year old man) with the usual aches and pains, but nothing serious.  My golf game is phenomenal...August 21 (eclipse day) I shot a four under par 68 at the Raven Golf Course.  It is the first time I have ever shot below 70 and it was just what I needed.  After almost 50 years of playing this wonderful game, a bucket list item has been checked off...(hopefully it is the first of many).  Sheba the cat is alive and well and a constant source of entertainment.  My Jeep is still on the road and still chugging along.  And the best news of all...I'M GETTING MARRIED!  (Just kidding...wanted to make sure you were paying attention and reading to the end! HAHA!).  The real best news is that I can still type and will attempt to blog on a more regular basis.  Hope this finds my readers...(hope you're still out there?) well and in the mood for more ramblings from the Great Southwest.  Oh yeah, it's still blazing hot here and will continue to be for another month or so.  God I love it here!