Aug 26, 2010
Sometimes I “bend over backwards” waaaaay too far. I’m sure you do it too — both at home and in the workplace. I have a conference call scheduled for 8:15 AM EST (less than 7 hours from right now) and I have the big eye. WHY did I agree to accept a business call before business hours? I’m never, EVAH up at 8:15 AM, but tomorrow today, I will be.
The scariest part is I’ll be expected to be “on my game”, and I figure I’ll be lucky if I can achieve coherent. I truly believe that “bending over backwards” is the biggest contributor to burn-out. This is the last time I’m going to agree to something even remotely like this. Maybe.
My only hope lies in the equalizer. Wish me luck!
Aug 25, 2010
If the song fits, take a photo.
I think Wednesday is just a day stuck in the week to remind us that Friday is coming. If it’s a really bad Wednesday, it only serves to remind us that the good times we had LAST weekend are over. Gone. His-toe-reee.
Aug 24, 2010
I like going places where the scenery looks different than Indiana no matter which way you turn your head. The beach, the desert, and yes, even the mountains…
These photos were taken out of the car window simply driving along the countryside near Gatlinburg. Not one sprig of corn or soybean field in sight — the staple of all the mind’s eye images I have from the Ville. Even a plain ole’ hill makes for an incredible view when it’s something you don’t see every single day at home.
And something else fascinating? The Sevierville County Courthouse’s centerpiece is a Seth Thomas clock which is located in the 130ft tall tower. This clock’s cost was more than $1,300 when the building was constructed in 1895, and it’s still operational today. A little. Kind of. Not all that clear in this photo — but take my word for it — the times are not the same on all sides. So of course, I think maybe the times are different time ZONES — but that can’t be right either. Seriously, the MINUTES are off.
So what time is it, Sevierville?
(Reminds me of the Jimmy Buffet song, “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On” — they might consider just making all the clocks say the time is “NOW”.)
Aug 23, 2010
I’ve stayed at Hidden Mountain Resorts in Pigeon Forge, TN before. My good friend, Alisa, stays there often. My first visit I remember I thought it was so cool that a gas grill was provided, and they even changed the foil on it every morning. I remember how awesome it was to relax in a hot tub, and would only choose cabins that had one. If you’ve ever stayed in Hidden Mountain’s EAST chalets, you’ve probably crossed the bridge.
To say I had the same ‘ultimate experience’ as I received in time’s past would be a flat out lie. The real truth is, I was extremely disappointed. Upon check-in, the lack-luster hostess asked, “You want clean towels tomorrow?” What was she thinking? Did she expect me to say, “No thanks. I’d rather use the same wet, dirty ones I used the day before?” Next, I was handed a map to the cabin, 2 key-cards and was told to enjoy my stay.
Being from the Ville, we weren’t totally comfortable navigating our way up inclines that made the tires skid on the way up, or topping hills when you have no clue what’s on the other side — but are hoping there’s a road there. But hey, it’s Tennessee and that’s all good — it isn’t like Hidden Mountain Resorts is responsible for the terrain, right? But upon reaching the chalet and noticing cob webs all over the outside, stretching from the dirty windows to the porch swing, I started to get this icky feeling in my gut — one that proved to be accurate.
I think the photo on the Hidden Mountain Resorts website is a little deceiving (their photo of the Dolly House in the upper left corner of the REAL Dolly House). Dolly would really be disappointed y’all. For real. Inside was ok, but spend $100 bucks on a decent freaking coffee pot — one that makes coffee in under 30 minutes would be nice. Take a broom and knock down the spiderwebs from the walls and decorations. Put up curtains or SOMETHING so guests can block the morning sun from the bedroom, turn the hot tub’s heat on when your guest makes a reservation (c’mon now, you can’t call the front desk to send someone out to heat up the hot tub — by then, it’s too late to get in anyway), and it would be incredible if more than 2 jets were working in the thing. If this hot tub were a 10 — mine in the back yard would be at least a 45.
Funny, shopping at the outlets in town and striking up a conversation with the locals working there, they too commented on the current reputation of Hidden Mountain — even sharing stories with us from other shoppers who had similar tales of dissatisfaction. I guess my buddy, Alisa, has just been lucky. Or they like her better. Or something. I’ll be looking elsewhere to stay when I go back. That’s for sure. Upon checkout, I went inside to drop off the keys and the hostess flatly said, “thanks.” Of course she didn’t ask, “did you enjoy your stay?” My bet is she already knew the answer.
Aug 23, 2010
Rain on a tin roof is a pretty incredible sleep aid. But if you’re only visiting a place for a short time, you’d rather have sunshine to start your day. I want to share with you a little known fact — if you buy an umbrella, it will stop raining. Probably.
However, even a really awesome umbrella has no effect on heat or humidity, but it may ALMOST give the illusion that you’re where you’d really rather be — like Henderson, NV maybe… (only thing missing is a cactus!)
