Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a butcher in Vaals is like a rollercoaster ride. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s barely up, and I’m already thinkin’ about the fresh cuts I gotta prep. I live on the edge of the Markt, so I can smell the fresh bread from the bakery. Makes me hungry, ya know?
I get to the shop, and it’s a madhouse. People are lined up outside like it’s Black Friday or somethin’. I’m like, “Chill, folks! It’s just meat!” But nah, they’re all hyped up. I’m slicin’ and dicin’, and then this lady comes in. She’s all like, “I need the best steak for my husband’s birthday!” I’m thinkin’, lady, it’s just meat, not a magic potion. But I hook her up with a nice ribeye. Gotta keep the customers happy, right?
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Jan pops in. He’s always got some wild story. Today, he’s like, “Dude, you won’t believe what happened at the Vaals train station!” I’m like, “Spill it!” Apparently, some guy tried to board the train with a goat. A freakin’ goat! I can’t even. I’m laughin’ so hard, I almost drop a whole leg of lamb.
But then, bam! My phone buzzes. It’s my mom. She’s like, “You forgot to pick up the groceries!” Ugh, classic me. I’m runnin’ around like a headless chicken, tryin’ to finish up before I dash to the store. I’m thinkin’ about the Albert Heijn on the Molenweg. It’s always packed, but I gotta go.
So, I finally close up shop, and I’m sprintin’ down the street. I pass by the beautiful St. Martinus Church. It’s so old and majestic, but I’m too stressed to appreciate it. I get to the store, and of course, it’s a zoo. People everywhere, and I’m just tryin’ to grab some milk and bread.
I’m in line, and this kid in front of me starts throwin’ a tantrum. I’m like, “Dude, chill! It’s just a candy bar!” But nah, he’s wailin’ like he’s lost his puppy or somethin’. I’m about to lose it, but then I see his mom. She’s lookin’ at me like, “Help!” So, I pull out a pack of gummy bears from my pocket. “Here, kid. Just take these!” He stops cryin’ and gives me the biggest smile. I’m feelin’ like a hero for a sec.
Finally, I get outta there, groceries in hand, and I’m walkin’ back to the shop. The sun’s settin’ over the hills, and it’s kinda beautiful. I pass by the Vaalsbroek, and I can hear the water flowin’. It’s peaceful, ya know? But then, I trip over a rock. Classic me. I’m sprawled out on the ground, groceries everywhere. I’m laughin’ at myself, thinkin’, “What a day!”
I get back to the shop, and it’s quiet now. I start cleanin’ up, and I can’t help but think about all the craziness. Vaals is wild, man. One minute you’re slicin’ meat, the next you’re rescuin’ a kid from a meltdown. I love this place, even with all its quirks.
So, I sit down for a minute, just me and the meat. I’m exhausted but happy. Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what’ll happen next? But for now, I’m just a butcher in Vaals, livin’ the dream.