Tonight, I sleep in Big Rapids, Michigan — but I’m not supposed to be here.
I’m supposed to be sleeping in Atlanta, Michigan, but it ain’t gonna happen. You see, I have a gig tomorrow in Atlanta, Michigan, and don’t worry: I’ll get to the church/quilting retreat on time. But I had no choice but to stop and sleep.
See, I left Chicago at 4 p.m. with six hours of driving ahead of me. (Trust me, it worked out to be quicker than flying and driving.) I knew it would be a long haul, but I felt good about things when I got the car all packed up. I had a book on tape. I had a falafel sandwich. But things didn’t go well getting out of the city. I didn’t get free of the traffic snarls until it was going on 6:00 p.m. or so and then my toll pass thing didn’t work and I wasted more time at two different toll booths and — ugh!
As I did and redid the math to see when I would finally get to my destination, I watched my good night’s sleep slip, slip away. I started to feel true panic and dread.
When I don’t get at least six hours of sleep, I feel ill. As in nauseated. You know that feeling? Most people do. And to have to be “on” for a day of teaching and lecturing? Heck no. That’s like operating heavy machinery under the influence. People can get hurt out there, including me.
So when I realized I’d be getting to my hotel after one in the morning because of the time change, instead of crying (more) I called a Holiday Inn Express a little over an hour from the McDonald’s parking lot where I had parked for a minute to figure out my life. I got a room. I booked the room.
After I got off the phone, I had one pang of buyer’s remorse: Couldn’t I make it, though? Was I just being a baby? I mean, this $149 + tax is gonna come out of my pocket; the organizers shouldn’t have to pay for this travel snafu, I figure.
But then I thought about safety (my own and others’) on the road. I thought about putting my head on a pillow. The choice to stop and sleep was the right one, that seems clear.
And I know I’m a lucky gal to have such options.
Goodnight, Big Rapids,
Mary
Jeanie Lutz
Oh Mary, Glad you stopped, I hope you can relax and get a good night’s sleep tonight. I’ve heard from several people that getting around Chi was a little rough tonight. You have about 2hr 30min to Atlanta, MI in the morning. Take it easy, watch for deer & have a safe trip there and back. I’m in Muskegon.
Donna Glade-Tau
Smart move!
Helen Dollar
Been there done that. My kids used to call me the road warrior
.Now that I am 69 I do not go as much. I am a quilter.
Your body tells you when it has had enough. That is when the panic sets in. Take care of your body, it is the only one you get.
Jennifer Reinke
It’s better to be safe than frazzled! Starting fresh in the morning is always the best. Safe travels
Georgeanna Couldry
Smart Move Mary!
Patti-Ann Kubacki
You made the best call under the circumstances. It was the best money you could spend at the time.
Lenniesmom
The choice to stop and sleep is always the right one!!
Dorothy
Great decision!!!!!
Anne
Mary, you called a hotel and booked a room? You probably paid the max (rack rate) that way. Internet, woman! 🙂
Linda Duff
Desperate times call for desperate measures, Anne! I’ve been in Mary’s shoes … you have to do what you have to do!! I can’t go without a decent amount of sleep, either, so know exactly how you feel, Mary!! Sick from lack of sleep is NOT good.
Hope your morning found you refreshed and rarin’ to go!! I’m sure that everyone in Atlanta, Michigan has enjoyed/is enjoying you and your presentations.!
Safe travels back home!
Linda the Bag Lady in Winterset
Anita Brayton
I’ve slept in my car at rest stop. Dangerous, maybe, but less so than staying on the road. Travel is exhausting without snafus. Good choice on your part.