ALL's WELL THAT END'S WELL (REPOSTED)

[GLADIATOR]

Well I thought I would fill you in on yesterdays saga of events. Not just the issues, but how I think I acted compared to say 10yrs and 2 Yrs ago.

As most of you know, I am taking a break to Spain to-morrow for 8 days. Nothing remarkable you may say, but to me it is, as it is my first family holiday in 19 Yrs. Yes, I have never taken a holiday with my children.

So for 5 weeks I have been arranging everything, hotel, flights, hired car, and various other things. All seems on track.

Yesterday, my good wife came in and announces that Katy's passport is away at some ones else's place. Katy does gymnastics and is going to Russia, Carolyn had sent them the passport weeks ago to get a visa. Only remembering yesterday, that she did not have it.

200 phone calls, could we track down these people? No way. We tried their mobile, their home, their gym club, nothing. So we went to bed thinking "what family holiday?".

This morning from 6.30am we have tried to track them down, even getting an emergency announcment over a tannoy at a huge gymnasium. Nothing.

15 mins ago, they called, and we can collect the passport to-night. We leave at 4.00am to-morrow. A family again.

Well that's the story. For certain, I was pretty upset, and claimed Carolyn hard, but 10 yrs ago, I would have gone ballistic 5 yrs ago, into a deep depression, this time I was disapointed and upset, but not so angry (My wife may dispute that)

I relate this story for two reasons. Firstly to tell you that you will get 8 days of peace from me. Secondly to say how people can change.

Anger is a choice as well as a habit It is a reaction to frustration.

Thanks for reading this little saga.

[GLADIATOR]

Well I arrived back yesterday, main pictures to follow, but a small update anyway.

Well we did all arrive back safely and in one piece. It was not always perfect, as at times I could feel we were being overpowered by each other. Three woman against one man.

In general, I tried very hard to 'fit' in with what they both wanted to do, and their definition of a holiday. Considering I had never taken a holiday before, I felt they were all better placed than me to decide.

I got angry twice. First, when I got totally lost in the hired car, while looking for a furniture shop, got angry and shouted it was Carolyns fault, the second time on the Saturday evening (second last night) where after a great dinner, I wanted to take them some where else, and they just wanted to go home to bed. (Boring)

Apart from those two incidences, we really did have a great time, both as a vacation, and getting our apartment furniture and fittings.

Michelle, my eldest, is not into sand, sun or dirt, so hiking over a building site with 5 inch heels, did not impress her at all. Choosing the material for curtains, and lounge suites did.

Anyway, as they say "Every picture tells a story" and I took over 80 photos.

Oh, and the thought of coming back to UK and work, made me ill.

[Diva]

As much as you really needed to go on a vacation, I am really glad that you are back. You were truly missed. I don't think I've ever heard of a 'perfect' vacation. But the fact that you got out and enjoyed yourself is a big step.

I am glad that you reposted your first story. I too have changed over the past year. It's strange to sit down and see a marked difference in who we are becoming. But change is a good thing.

[SysLord]

A good holiday is any holiday that:

a. makes you don't want to go back to work

b. makes your forget all your computer passwords

:)