My day-to-day life is fairly mundane. On Sundays, I write this blog and check my schedule for the week at my greeting card job. Then, I plan out the remainder of the week, based on how many days I have to leave the house to get my grocery job done and figure out how many days I can devote myself to writing. Boring stuff, eh?
A few Mondays ago this point was driven home to me. The bank called me bright and early to go over some activity on my credit card. Had I made a purchase at Wal-Mart? Yes, I replied. Purchased something from Barnes & Noble? Yes, I had another book on my Nook which will languish there for months before I get around to it. I was lamenting the fact that, even with my credit card purchases, one could determine how bland my life is. Their next question: Did I make a reservation at a hotel in Slovenia last night? Wha-a-a-t?
I assured them I was not in Slovenia, had never been, that I was, in fact, in Ohio, which is as far removed from Slovenia as one could get. They assured me they'd take care of the charge and cancelled my credit card, with instructions that I should head to the bank that day to be issued a new one. What a headache.I was grateful that the bank was on top of this fraudulent behavior and I wouldn't be stuck paying someone else's bill. But then, I got angry. How dare someone expect me to pay the bill at a swank hotel in Slovenia and not invite me! I could use a vacation, too.
Is there even a swank hotel in Slovenia? I wondered. A quick internet search answered my question--yes, Slovenia is a great travel destination with many wonderful hotels. It's nestled near the Alps, providing stunning views to any tourists who happen to wander into the country. Gorgeous scenery and historic old buildings abound. It's even home to the Lipizzaner stallions!
Perhaps, one day I'll join my credit card and venture to Slovenia. I'll stay in the best hotel, I'll ride the stallions, I'll spend a weekend in a castle. Right now, though, it sounds like a great backdrop for one of my stories. This country was never on my radar before, but now I'm thinking about it in terms of how I can use it for my writing. This never would have been conceivable before the call from the bank. Which goes to show that inspiration can come from anywhere and anything. I guess I need to thank the predators who somehow managed to steal my card.
