Guests from Hell - Learning from Life's Experiences
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It has been a very busy three days that were challenging. My s/o, Phil, and I rent our cabin in Mt Hood, Oregon to guests; while most guests are considerate, a couple of renters even washed the towels and linens, vacuumed and left the cabin very tidy, there are, however, the occasional guests from hell. The last renters with two children, let their children go amok, broke doors, stained the carpet, broke a lamp, left ice cream marks on the walls; the local wildlife had scattered a week's worth of garbage over the entire property as they left the garbage out at the front door. We both realized there was nothing we could do to change the guests' behavior, and simply went about cleaning non-stop without saying a word, for 3 and a half hours, before new guests arrived.
It was an opportunity for us to put into practice what we talk so much about: being in the moment, surrendering, not resisting, and just going with the flow. Being in the flow does not always imply that the experiences are pleasant, it means being present with whatever is happening in our reality and doing what needs to be done. When we are present, intuition works better and the mind has greater clarity.
Interestingly, after we were done, we took a walk to chat in the forest, and had a mini whining session to let our emotions out, we were not drained. Since anger or resistance were not being experienced by both of us, just a mild annoyance, we did not create an energy drain through our emotions and drama.
The next day when we went back to the cabin after our new guests left, and while driving in the forest's road to the highway, Phil's van suddenly went dead. We were stuck in the mountains on a Sunday, without food and miles away from nearby towns. As we walked back to the cabin to make the needed calls for a tow truck, Phil who is able to fix almost anything, decided to walk back to the end of the road to try to fix the van before making calls, as we have a high business debt, and the towing and drive back to our town would be expensive.
As I was left alone in the cabin, I was okay, but all sorts of fears came out for me as the hours ticked away and the forest became pitch black. Here I was in a place without Internet signal or a phone that I could use should an emergency arise, because I am hearing impaired. I felt very vulnerable and helpless, and I am not used to feeling this way. I have always been very independent, lived alone for most of my adult life, often travel alone, but I am more in my element in a city than in a forest. In a city, I know how to survive, but in a forest, I would get lost. The forest is awesome, but in pleasant circumstances.
I was aware as I sucked and bit on cough drops as a snack, that nothing in the universe happens randomly. There will be events in our lives, even the seemingly insignificant ones as the rude cashier or nasty email, that pushes at our boundaries, and reflects where we are spiritually and psychologically. This was an opportunity for me to face my fears, to surrender, to trust, and be grateful that it could have been worse, his van suddenly stopping in the middle of the highway with ongoing traffic; at least we were safe! I confess that my fear boundary was tested greatly when I felt helpless; I did well, but not as well as I would have liked. I let my mind run away a little bit with "what if something should happen to Phil and I am alone", this is the stuff that illusory fear is made of.
Today we met another challenge with an unpleasant customer and more loss of money; again, we dealt with it, and let it go. The energy started to shift positively towards the evening, with a potential, friendly buyer for our cabin, a very happy Ebay customer sending us a personal note and giving us high ratings, and the van working perfectly, which Phil fixed by purchasing the needed parts.
Our days, are generally busy, creative and quiet as we hardly have issues with customers; the last three were a mini storm passing through, leaving in its wake, reminders on the importance of surrender, being in the flow, and not running away with the mind by going into the past or future thus creating self struggle.
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This is a very positive and inspirational hub. Glad to hear everything worked out well.
Sorry about those hellish guests but enjoyed reading this account of them. You might want to think about getting a security deposit from each new renter to cover the costs if they leave a mess. No mess, you return the deposit.
You're telling me about guests from hell? After 16 years of trying to maintain my beautiful Victorian B&B, I still struggle with the occasional slob.
Violet sun, I have rented many cabins and homes , No reasonable person would mind giving a security deposit, or at least a credit card number , you have a beautiful place , by the way. sounds nice. Maybe you need a very large Italian boy friend.Good luck.
Your hub was a real "upper". I may copy and keep it for a while. It was wonderful. Thanks for writing
Amazing hub voilet sun. Keep up da good work!!
Howanstono: Our cabin is 10 minutes away from the skiing area, perfect for skiers but too far for a few folks who prefer to hike during the summer. Thanks for your reading and your comments.
Mike: Things settled down, thank God, still more work to do, but nothing challenging.
Drjb: Wise words, we are new at this, doing it out of financial necessity. Will mention your suggestion to my s/o!
Nancy: I think of you, as I have read your hubs, and yikes, we had one guest also with kids who threw toilet tissue on the floor instead of disposing of it properly. Too bad we can't rely on housekeeping services as we need to ensure that it is not only clean but that everything is working, when new guests check in. I admire you for running your Victorian B&B for 16 years! It also helps me to appreciate myself and how considerate and tidy I am when staying in hotels!
Ahorseback: You made me laugh with the large Italian boyfriend comment, LOL! Thanks for the comments, and yup, the security deposit sounds good, will mention it to my s/o.
Jackwms: How nice you are thinking of keeping a copy of my hub, its a compliment. :)
Jay: Thank you for your continuing support!
VS - spot on with this comment: "It was an opportunity for us to put into practice what we talk so much about: being in the moment, surrendering, not resisting, and just going with the flow. Being in the flow does not always imply that the experiences are pleasant, it means being present with whatever is happening in our reality and doing what needs to be done. When we are present, intuition works better and the mind has greater clarity."
Speaking of purpose, this one appears to be about getting your thoughts and perspective clearer, which is a great outcome. Well articulated - glad you were able to put this into a "life lesson" category!
Gerg: You are right on, I am working on getting my perspective clearer, and allow for shifts of awareness to take place, and lo and behold the universe conspires to help me, but not always in ways I want to. :) Thanks for your comments!
Hi Marie, I loved, loved this hub! More of us writing spontaneously after Tatjana's comments. LOL You are so right about being in the flow and not resisting. It really helps in dealing with seemingly unpleasant circumstances! Hugs to you... :)
Michelle: You are right, I had no idea I was going to write this hub, it started as a short blog entry and turned into a longer article, so decided to publish here. You and Tatjana definitely motivated me to write spontaneously. LOL!
Stay positive, VS...and continue to move with the flow! :)
FP: Good reminder! ;) Nice to see you. :)
It's difficult at the best of times with rental properties. In my real estate days, I had to deal with the same type of problems for some of my investors who trusted me to rent out their properties and at times it was hellish to say the least. Why do people just have no concern for others properties, we rent them to them for their enjoyment and this is the thanks we get. Oh well a lesson in life to be careful who we rent to and get a damage deposit at all times in the event this happens again. Thanks for the share, glad it all worked out in the end.
Saddlerider: After I wrote this hub, a renter who didn't like the accomodations, checked out, broke the washing machine and took the spare key with her. My s/o fixed it but... yup, we are starting to see renting can be challenging at times. Its a good peek into human nature, methinks; most are okay, and even gracious, but there are the humans who do not have concern or respect.
Thanks for stopping by, always good to see you!
Hey, it's me again. I'm back. As usual, it's the short battle followed by a blessing, a lesson and a victory. The atrocity regarding the guests is what it is, but look at where it brought you? Look at those issues you resolved for yourself regarding Phil, yourself and your issues with the great outdoors.
Marie, I was born and brought up in Queens, NYC. So, when my parents took me from there to suburban Connecticut with woods and farms, it was a freakin' culture shock! I didn't even know what a cow was!
People do what people do. We see the same thing in our houses we have for the previously homeless veterans and nonveterans. There are those with the attitude of gratitude and then the ones who are USDA Certified slobs with no regard for anyone's property. These samesaid individuals allow this same behavior to bleed into their own lives in all aspects.
I'm glad to see it all turned out well, though I'm glad you came away with a bit of a spiritual awakening you would not have experienced had it not gone the way it did. In actuality, you saw a personal victory as a result of those 'guests from hell' so perhaps we wonder where those guests really did come from.
Unchained Grace: I chuckled out loud at your culture shock and not knowing even what a cow was. LOL! I am also from Queens, NY, and when I move to a semi-rural town in Oregon it was culture shock in not even having street lights and the like, but now I am acclimated to the town as its very peaceful and actually the view is beautiful! And yes, we have learned a lot in these past few days.
Good to see you brother.
This was really a nice piece. We never know what life is going to hand us. I have to agree with those people who have recommended getting a security deposit. Nothing makes them think like their own money. And you might try putting a nicely made sign in the bathroom, something about "We are not real estate magnates or a corporation", and this is like our home, etc., etc. It won't stop everybody of course. Some people are inconsiderate, and still others are hateful.
Hey, Chris: Thanks! like your suggestions, maybe we can modify your idea and put up the sign in the kitchen, in a friendly way, because it's true we are not a corporation or real estate magnates; we are opening the doors to our cabin for a very cheap rate, because we need the money, and we do the housecleaning and repairs ourselves. Can't wait to sell it, we have three very interested potential buyers. Whooo!
Great to see you!
You have an absolutely beautiful place. Too bad there are people that do not respect other people's property. We rented a home one time and ended up having to repair the floors and the walls after our guests left. Now we sell.
KoffeeKlatch: Thank you! I shudder at the thought of having to repair floors and walls because of somenone's insanity. Yikes.
Speaking of testing times....we rented a car in PA about 2 weeks ago during our vacation where my husband, despite being an ace driver, entered the wrong lane (on a highway) and we were on our way for a head-on collision when he swirled the wheel just in time and the car came to a screeching halt (on the extreme left side of the road). I wanted to, but couldn't scream. My husband was shaking with fear--fear of a catastrophe which was avoided (with God's grace). From there we drove back to the hotel in absolute silence. Neither of us was able to understand how this happened. Long story short--if it had been my old self, I would've probably made him feel guilty during the entire trip but, instead, I tried to calm him down and asked him to forget about the nightmarish experience. I realized (on contemplation) that I had certainly changed. I suppose the worst experiences we have, over a period of time, smoothen our rough edges and we transform into someone we ought to be...children of God...filled with love, patience, positivity and firm believers of His presence.
Loved reading your story. I could so well relate to it. Truly, life offers situations where our 'mettle' is put to test. Just like you & Phil did, perseverance and patience helps to sail through.
Anjali: My eyes got wet when I read of your experience and how you have seen your inner changes; its humbling to see how we can grow and become beings expressing Light.
We had a scary exprerience about 4 years ago, where we were on the highway and our van went over a piece of wood and it flew up in the air, slashed the tire,and Phil drove quickly to the side road. We were stuck for four hours until help came. We were so grateful that we were not hurt that, as the wood could have easily broken the window and we could have had accident. I was calm throughout the experience as was Phil. I kept saying it could have been worse! In my olden days, I would have panicked, and just be plain be unhappy being stuck in a highway. I guess maturity spiritual and emotional does come along when we contemplate. Life is all about Love and evolution.
Thanks for sharing your story, as it adds to the spirit of the hub's message, comments, and again so glad that you are both sound and safe!
Hugs~
Wow! So sorry to read of this experience for you, but I'm glad that you shared it with us. It is amazing how meanhearted and inconsiderate some folks are and it tells alot about their own values-or lack of as the case may be.
I agree with others who have offered the suggestion of a security deposit. It is a reasonable request and a practice of business establishments that may deter some people from their lack of manners in a rental unit.
Interesting experience that you observed with yourself in the middle of the mountain forest as night approached. Unnerving, yet staying with the experience. Your awareness is commendable. Most people are not as tuned in and therefore they miss the opportunity for growth and intimacy with their own True Nature. Sweet.
Hi Denise: Yes, the deposit suggestion is a good one,and we have implemented a few changes for our security. Being in a pitch black forest is unnerving for a city girl, LOL. Seriously, I lived in an area in NY where restaurants had white christmas lightbulbs burning 24 hours a day, plus there were street lights, so there was always light. Its quite a contrast!
Thanks for reading and your kind words.
Wow, how come I missed this Hub! Your cabin is just perfect !
How to find nice tourists - meditate on future ones at first.
I am not afraid in the mountains, feel better and more seccure there then in the city, alone or not, but believe me, if I would brake my eyeglasses I would feel veeeery uncomfortable anywhere , because I feel seccure only when my glasses are on my nose or somewhere nearby, LOL.
Love and hugs and I wish you a lot of well-behaved guests!
Tatjana: I thought of you, how you do well in the mountains. Its my hearing issues that makes me feel vulnerable at times. Good tip on the meditation for nice guests! Thanks for the visit. :)
How did I miss this?? So touching and so real...
De Greek: I often miss hubs from my favorite writers, can't keep up with everyone, so I am just glad you stopped by!
I am also learning how to not panic in the midst of the unfamiliar and unanticipated...how we respond to those who are inconsiderate and unkind is our responsibility, how they act is theirs...the relief comes in not carrying their stuff on our shoulders.
Flobe: Wow, I love, love what you just said, "how we respond to those who are inconsiderate and unkind is our responsibility, how they act is theirs..." Words that I will remember, thank you!
Hey, Violet, you inspire me in many ways! I am so blessed having known you! Voted up! =)
Hi, Dj, thanks again for your support and voting this hub up! :)
Your cabin and its setting are just gorgeous! You are so fortunate! :)
Thanks Suzanne! Good to see you here. :)
Nothing in the universe happens randomly - so true! Sometimes I am startled by it all - sometimes I ignore the messages - but I am getting closer to living one day at a time - thanks to another one of your hubs.
You know I lived in S. Korea over a 4 year period - and no matter what happened one day, disagreements, an argument, anything negative - the next day it was totally forgotten as if it never happened. I admit I waited for a continuation of an argument - but it was over and done - yesterday - (huh?). It took some getting used to - this idea of not holding a grudge. What a great way to live.
Thanks for sharing your most creative and accomplished day and the lovely photos. There were people that did not respect your place - but you made it beautiful once again and went on with your life. Yay!
Rated up!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, adds to the message of the hub. What a beautiful culture, we can learn from them. Its a healthy internal life to let go of grudges. We sold the cabin two weeks ago. YAY!
What an awful time you had with this - sounds like the renter was the start of the snowball...but as you say, what goes around comes around and being humble is the key to not being angry and causing yourself grief. I enjoyed reading your hub, thanks for publishing it!
Hi Suzanne, that was some experience. The good news is we sold the cabin in November. Yay! Thanks for reading and adding your comments!
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HOOWANTSTONO Level 3 Commenter 21 months ago
I love that place, skied many times on the Hood, have good memories of that mount, still with a wiff of sulphur.
Keep the head up