I need a sign to let me know you’re here
All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere
I need to know that things are gonna look up
‘Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup
First, I need to thank those that reach out and let me know how uplifiting these emails make you feel. They are a part of me and I enjoy sharing this part of me with you.
Second, I need you to know, I do struggle, too. No, I am not all sunshine and smiles all the time. Through May, I have really been struggling. What is it I wonder?
One more child graduating high school? Our youngest finishing his last day at St. Cecilia school in Ames and moving on to middle school in a public setting?
No sports to watch since that last wrestling meet in February? No travel to see my #trustedfriendnetwork ? Or, dare I say it? Menopause. (Can’t be that, I’m counting down the days until I reach one year!)
Whatever it is, I am calling all my angels to lift up some prayers for me so I can stop Faking It Until I Make It (blog written on April 3, 2020) and not just keep moving forward, but pushing forward with gusto, soaring through the air as the beautiful butterfly (blog from August 17, 2020) I have emerged as.
I need a sign to let me know you’re here
Are you seeing the buses on the road again? Keep an eye out. Give us a shout out when you see us. Let us know you saw our sign – we are here.
And I won’t give up if you don’t give up
We continue to wait. The US Treasury website has a holder page for us. Once the application process opens, companies will have 4 weeks to apply. After the closing date, all applications will be reviewed and monies divided. That process will probably take one month. too. So, right now, the soonest we can expect any funds will be August. 17 months from our first cancelations, and 8 months after CERTS became a law. Good things come to those who wait? Right?
I did participate in another call with the US Treasury on May 14th as part of the Women In Buses Council along with the Hispanic Motorcoach Operators Council. We also continue to reach out to our federally elected officials to encourage an expedited roll-out and adding funds to future budgets for this program.
We are a private bus company chartering private service with you, our client. Your requirements are our requirements.
Yes, Iowa has more jobs available than those currently unemployed. Across the nation there is an expected worker shortage, especially in the hospitality industry. We had a driver shortage before the pandemic, so….. Please be patient with your hotels, restaurants, and charter bus companies as work comes back, staffing will pose unique challenges for us all.
Looking to the future:
How do you think this will work for a cross-country trip? I am hesitant.
I LOVE the smell of a new bus. However, it will be a while before enters our lot. In the meantime, we are still maintaining our great fleet for you to #experience the journey.
As you begin to plan your travel, here is a state by state guide from May and what you may encounter.
Don’t Give Up On Me – we will make it through the other side – together.
I’m not giving up – not yet – I still have breath in me.
Give me a call. Let’s be each other’s angels I’ll wait for you with my outreached hand. I’m feeling better already.
Kim Grzywacz, CTIS
