Didn’t You Just Book a Stay?

Today, I come as a ragamuffin storyteller. I have been working on writing mine and Lucy’s story, and that has taken all the best of me, as it should. But I thought I’d share a little story that happened this month. Maybe it can encourage someone who is on the same “wavelength” or a least you can get a good laugh.

A couple of weeks ago, we had flash flooding in NC. Around our area there was some damage near rivers and lakes. Actually the lake that our family lake home was on, that my parents sold last summer, had really bad damage. Where we are now, the water treatment plant flooded. So the worse circumstance we got was water restrictions. And then lifted after a couple of days, but still needed to boil water. All this would have been okay if we didn’t have doctors’ appointments that we needed to be presentable for, at least somewhat. So we decided we would just go closer to our appointments and get a hotel.

Now, there’s a couple of “old school” things that we still have to do when booking a hotel, because otherwise the “notes” on our reservation do not get paid attention to. Believe me I’ve tried booking online. So, yes, I call and make the reservation. I not only do this because of surviving a hotel arson fire, but also because of continuing health concerns and needing to use the stairways. The reservation is always made with these strong requests: first or second floor- nothing higher, close to the stairway, and always make sure they have sprinklers that work!

I had established all these requests, and had the reservation all set up. Unfortunately I was having a bit of trouble understanding the person taking my reservation, as I am sure he was have trouble understanding me also. And he asked me something about Hilton Honors. I assumed he was asking if I was a member, which I am because we used to stay for weeks at a time when I was traveling for shows. So I said, “yes.” Well, I was connected to someone else, so I thought oh ok a survey. HA! Supposedly he had put me through to earn 500 points for listening to a promotional deal. Instantly hand to forehead moment, as the guy starts his promo talk. If Hilton were to give you an all inclusive vacation, which of these places would you choose…. the list went on and on. I respectfully listened. (my parents in the same room were wondering what was going on) And when he finished I said, “I am so sorry, I couldn’t really understand what the guy was asking me when he connected me to you. I know you are doing your job and I appreciate that. But I don’t like to travel, so none of those places sound like vacation to me. I have some health challenges. So respectfully, I appreciate you and the guy who took my reservation, and the awesome job that you are both doing, but I don’t want to waste your time when you could be actually talking about these trips to someone who is interested.” He seemed startled and said, “Well, didn’t you just book a stay?” With everything in me I held back my giggles, and said, “I did, but it’s only like 45 minutes away. We have had flooding in our area and we just need to go stay somewhere for now.” With that, he accepted that I wasn’t a traveler and ended the call.

I have nothing against traveling- if you love it, great! I love small trips these days. I have never liked having to fight crowds, although visiting NYC once was fun, but once was enough. My parents took us on great trips! Before I was born, my dad had more business trips that included family, but then there were a couple after I was born that allowed us to take a fun trip. Nashville, well Tennessee in general has always been my “out of state” favorite. But NYC, Chicago-Wisconsin-Minnesota (all one trip- Main stopping points: American Girl Store, our coaching friend who took us to House on the Rock, Mall of America). If I am completely honest though, the beach, lake, day, weekend trips are what I remember best. Those times when there wasn’t an agenda, or places we had to be at a certain time. Heck, for my birthday for a couple years we just stayed in a hotel in the same town we live in, just for the fun of it!

The picture today is of my niece and nephew during one of our weekend trips. The trips that my parents and I have taken with them usually are about two to three hours away from home. There is something about a hotel that just captivates a child. I mean the breakfast bar has to seem massive to the littlest ones! One of my favorite things as a kid was calling my grandparents and telling them all about the room! They never interrupted and said, “yeah, yeah, that’s what they all are like.” They just soaked it in! And now I love hearing my niece and nephew do a play by play of the hotel room.

We have also lost power before and had to go stay in a hotel in their direction, just like a couple of weeks ago. We have also gotten a hotel when my niece had back to back days of recitals. And they always come to visit, and they always find something new and fascinating, it never fails!

Where would I like to vacation next? Somewhere close by. Hour or two max drive would be perfect. No bathing suit required. I am willing to sit on the edge of the pool and get wet, just don’t make me wear anything tight! And most of all, just let me have my people around me. 😊

If you have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or children that you have a special role in their life, think about just spontaneously staying at a hotel for a night, even in the same city, or go over a couple of cities to make it feel just enough like an adventure! Pack special pajamas or blanket or some kind of special surprise or snack. Order food and take it to the hotel and eat it in bed or however. Let them get what they want for breakfast. This is a memory that will stay with them forever!