Sunset in Alberta. Courtesy of Talie

What is it with hotel bathtubs? There’s sooo small!

Now, I know that I’m a big guy. I’m 6′0 tall, 2xx lbs (did you really think I was going to tell you?). Anyway, sometimes I feel like I am going to get STUCK! When I go to get out I can hear the *suuuuck*ing…. <sigh> Would it hurt to make them a little bigger?

On a nicer note, I’ve just checked into my second hotel on this little adventure of mine and I’m in the executive suite. Top floor. Awesome shower, so that’ll make up for the bathtub… which is still small despite the $200 / night I am paying.

Technorati Tags: Hotels, hotel bathtubs

I drove from Kingston to the little town of Renfrew, Ontario to see my friend Erin today. Erin’s a top-notch virtual assistant that I met last year while helping one of her clients at a business event. We spent the afternoon together and had a ton of fun. Isn’t it fun getting to know someone?

Anyway, back to the marshmallows. At lunch we were discussing what each of us likes to drink. I don’t drink coffee. Erin does. I get my caffiene from pop (which isn’t good I know). I also don’t drink hot water. I don’t like hot water, don’t see the point. The only thing I like is hot chocolate when it’s done properly and not just coloured water.

I lamented that a lot of the instant-powder-based HC has these stupid dehydrated marshallows (it’s like that dehydrated astronaut food). They don’t plumb and they don’t improve the fact that you’re drinking coloured water.

Anyway, Erin was kind enough to make a me a nice hot mug o’HC complete with REAL mini-marshmallows. It was awesome, better then the cup I got at Starbucks yesterday (I mean that!).

Fight for real drinks! If you can’t find it, drink COLD water!

Technorati Tags: Marshmallows, hot chocolate, Erin Blaskie, Business Services ETC, BSETC, virtual assistant

This is called a Flowerpot. It stands on the edge of Flowerpot Island near Tobermory, Ontario. The top of the flowerpot used to be the top of the island. Over time erosion slowly carved away the rest and left these cool (and very tall) structures.

Eventually they will topple over as well. Thankfully, it wasn’t that day when I was standing right underneath it.

Technorati Tags: Flowerpot, Flowerpot Island, Tobermory, Ontario

So my energy has been a little low lately so I decided to take a mini-vacation. As we speak (er, type), I’m in my hotel room in Kingston, ON (2 hours east of Toronto). It’s great. I’ve ordered room service, watched too much TV, slept in WAY to late, and read some great books (I’ll post what I’ve been reading in a separate post).

I’m on the 3rd floor of the Holiday Inn and I have a nice view of the water. Looking out last night the water was pretty calm. The ducks were swimming around and going from the water to the last remnants of ice. This morning, it’s choppy looking. I can hear the wind through my closed window. I was going to go out for a walk today, but I think I’ll order lunch and stay in some more.

When was the last time you took a time out just for you? I don’t just mean an hour or a day, but a 2-4 days retreat just for you. Get out of the house book a hotel - heck, book one in the same city you live in, who cares - and just be prepared to do nothing but what you want. Shut off the cell and RELAX. It’s awesome and you’ll be glad you did. You’ll have more energy, more creativity, and I bet success will come easier and faster.

I can’t take the time away from my business, family, life, etc! Hmmm… you sure about that? Can you afford not too?

Better yet, why wait until you feel burned out. Schedule these breaks into your yearly calendar. A truism in the athletic world is that you need to drink the water BEFORE you feel thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty you’re already dehydrated. Take a break before you need one.

Technorati Tags: Holiday Inn, Kingston, travel, relaxation, rejuvenation