Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

Now that I've secured a job, and with a later start date than "immediately", I have the freedom to take a bit of a vacation, knowing I'll return to an income. So much more relaxing than wondering when every dollar I'm spending will be replaced. I'm really blessed to have some time off with that knowledge, rather than going straight from "unemployed" to "busy as hell", as has been the case the couple of times in my life I've found myself unemployed.

Initially, I was thinking Niagara Falls and Canada, but not having gotten my passport updated yet, I didn't want to get into any potential issues crossing the border in either direction. It probably wouldn't have been an issue but, considering one of the goals was relaxation, I didn't want any underlying stress.

With another of the goals being to escape the heat of the city and not going too terribly far since it's only for a few days, coastal Atlantic City it is! So far, so good.

As I left Port Authority early this afternoon, I did so armed with a new book to read and a loaded iPod-- plenty with which I could distract myself for the journey. I maybe got through a chapter of the book before I was distracted by the scenery. I saw the reason this is called the Garden State. Everywhere I looked was green. Being a native Californian, I'm not used to that in the summer, where brown is usually the color spectrum chosen by Mother Nature. I'm still adjusting to being back in a place where rain happens often in the summertime.

Riding down the colorful highway, my mind began to wander, as it is wont to do on many journeys. Long flights, train rides, bus rides, there's a lot of time to spend in one's own head. I don't think i'm alone in this one. It usually brings out a bit of melancholy in me. It's time to sit and evaluate everything that's gone unprocessed.

Today, after an hour or so of staring at the window to the scenery, I was surprised at my mood and demeanor. I realized I was smiling ear to ear. I felt happy and completely at peace. I had Kurt Elling singing to me via headphones, nice scenery, on my way to a relaxing vacation, and there are promising things on the horizon. Pretty darn cool.

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So, for those Parker Brothers fans out there, I'm at the intersection of Boardwalk and Park Place.

When I went to book a hotel, boy, this place is booked! I think it's just due to summer destination vs. anything big actually happening in town. Still, booking was a challenge. I read a few reviews of the hotel I chose and was hesitant, but beggars can't be choosey when we don't want to pay $500/night nor $75 for a flea bag motel. I settled on something that appeared a decent compromize, but still was hoping not to encounter the negatives in some of their reviews. Since I booked directly through the hotel, rather than Expedia or Travelocity, I was able to specify the tower in which I wanted to be booked, etc. The price was negligable compared to Expedia.

When I got to check-in, the line seemed a mile long. It was a bit daunting. It moved pretty quickly, however, for the relatively few employees working the check-in desk. When I got to the front of the line, I was pulled over by the staff member working the "Diamond" line, since she was available. She confirmed my reservation and had a really puzzled look on her face, trying to find a room that was ready. I made a comment that, despite the reservation for the two beds, one king would be fine. She made a few more key strokes and clicks on her keyboard and indicated success.

As she was preparing the keys, I made sure to clarify I'd been placed in the tower I'd reserved (I'd read horror stories). No, I wasn't. She had upgraded me! I was in an even better tower and, as she whispered gently, a suite! Suite?? Did she say "suite"? Sweeeet.

This room is about twice the size of my apartment. I think my apartment could probably fit in this bathroom, with its stone floors and long, marble countertop housing double sinks, I think each in its own zip code. I immediately called my dear friend Sinead to share in my joy once I walked in the door.

The large living area houses a sofa and very comfy chez lounge with a view of the garden (this is the garden state, after all!). I'd later rest on that very lounge watching my huge plasma TV. It also flips around to be viewable from one of the most comfortable king-sized bed I've slept in. And I've experienced some pretty comfy beds in my time. For the first time in a hotel, I have more pillows than I know what to do with (I'm a bit of a pillow hog).

OH! And one of the best things about the casino... it's predomintately smoke-free! I'm guessing NJ has enacted some anti-smoking laws, so I would expect that's pretty standard here.

Needless to say, I'm a happy, well-relaxed woman right now. My phone's ringer is off and put away, I'm not using my computer for much more than writing (Can anyone write in long-hand any more without getting writer's cramp?), I just returned from a nice dinner, and I'm back in my suite chilling out. I may go out later, I may not. I don't feel a pressing need to leave at the moment, but I enjoy the freedom of choice.