Go Fish Galvez

Courtesy the United Van Lines gorilla crew who packed and unloaded my paltry possessions. Everything finally arrived in Galveston two days ago, some of it actually intact. Imagine that.

Historic Register plaque for the Balinese

Far worse than damaged stuff, though, is a damaged relationship. And for some mysterious reason that continues to elude me, I’ve had more than my fair share of disintegrating relationships over the past year or so.

I must be doing something terribly wrong but I cannot fathom just what it is.

The most recent plummet from grace, though, is truly staggering in its scope. Old family friends, or so I thought, have now decided to sue me over money that I owe them but have not yet been able to repay since a certain Root Street property has not yet sold thanks to a soft real estate market.

Never mind that I have always been, and continue to be, fully dedicated to repaying them in full, both principal and interest, and that the interest they are earning on my loans is significantly higher than what they could be earning elsewhere in this continuing economic slump.

All that's left of the Balinese

So why have they taken this action? Who knows? Maybe they believe that my physical location is somehow tied to my personal integrity. If I am local, I will pay; if I am no longer local, I will not. This is silly and wrong-headed but perhaps that is their thinking. Of course, I can’t really know what’s in their minds or in their hearts because they refuse to answer my repeated phone calls or make a single attempt to contact me.

Another relationship severed and over what? Money? Or paranoia, lack of faith in me, greed? Whatever the reason, it is unjustified and, worse, pathetic.

I’m beginning to believe that many people are just evil at their core, no matter the rosy exterior they present. I hate to be so cynical but experience continues to pound the lesson in.

Still, I refuse to allow my life to end up damaged goods at the hands of misguided others. Life is precious, and I am determined to live what’s left of mine to its very fullest, notwithstanding the slings and arrows of my outrageous misfortune.

So after getting notice of this pointless and stupid legal matter, I got into the truck and headed for the beach. Stopped by the old Balinese Room pier, or the former location of it, since the pier itself is now long gone thanks to Ike. It seemed a fitting place to visit.

Old things gone away.

But new things are coming into focus, with the promise of a new and happy life. The sun is out, there’s a smile on my face, and I’m looking ahead with hope and joy.