Sleepless in Dalton

Have you ever had to sleep on the side of the road? Thankfully, I never have. However, after the night that I have just spent, I now feel as though I have. I have heard each and every 18-wheeler that has gone goes up I-75 north through Dalton, Georgia through the night. The fabulous plush bedding on my bed has gone to complete waste as I have hardly slept at all.


After my job yesterday in Cartersville, I drove the additional 50 minutes up here. I went to one hotel, but the only room they had had two double beds. It's my policy when I'm staying away from home to sleep in a bed at least as big as the one I have at home. And they were so unfriendly there. Add to that the fact that their rates were outlandish. I mean, come on people. This is Dalton, a small town in north Georgia. Not New York City. I then crossed over I-75 and went to the Hampton Inn, which is a hotel chain I've stayed in many times. In fact, when I was planning this little trip, I checked the rates here, but they seemed a little high. But not high compared to the unfriendly place I went to first. They had a nice room, gave me a good business rate, let me choose what floor I wanted my room, and they were just very, very nice. I obviously made the wrong choice of room location because of the proximity to the expressway, but, hey, who knew.


I worked for a good four hours when I got here. Got three jobs proofed, and that's pretty dang good. There is an outlet mall right across the street. Although I really wasn't in the mood for shopping (shocker, I know), I wanted to take a break, so I took a stroll in the freezing cold (I forgot my coat at home). The hours posted on the brochures that I had seen said they were open till 9 p.m. daily. It was before 6 and they were all closing. What's up with that? There were several stores that had closed down. For good. Tough times I guess. Outback was in the same area, so I stopped in to get something to eat. I just brought it back to the room. There was hardly anyone in the restaurant. I think this town is really suffering from this down economy. Well, back to Outback. They've changed their menu. So if you had something that you really liked, there's a good chance it's not on the menu anymore. If your luck's like mine anyway. The tilapia I order is not on the new menu, but I asked if I could order it. Evidently, they had a few scraggly pieces left in the freezer. They served it right up. It was not very good.


I come back to my room and work a little more. Then it's time for the highlight of my night. The Bachelor. I really don't think I'm gonna let myself get hooked on that show again. I think ABC just manipulates the viewers of the show too much. I'm just a sucker for a love story. I don't think it's gonna end the way I want it to. And then I'll swear off the show for good. Or at least till the next season starts.


I have a good understanding why business travel is no fun. In fact, it's really quite miserable. I don't think I'll be opting to do this again anytime soon. Give me my bed, my peaceful sleep and my evening at home any day of the week.


I don't have to check out till 12 noon, so maybe I'll take a nap. Think they could have a roadblock or something on the expressway so I could get some sleep?

Happy Tuesday!