Exhaustion..is an understatement

Been working execessive hours. Last night I got so tired I realized I was not fit to drive. I had started the day with a migraine and continued to push through til nearly 1am. I knew I couldn't drive since I couldn't even keep my words straight (I'd reverse everything).

So I ended up having to go to a hotel downtown and it turned out to be quite nice. In fact, I have one of the best hotel rooms I've ever had in my travels which is high praise. I wish I had brought my camera but you can get an idea if you click this link to the hotel virtual tour.

This room has brushed silver accents with heavy deep purple velvet drapes, crackled gold sheers and another purple velvet accent: a chaise lounge. The beds are the now fairly standard "Heavenly Bed" set up with layers of blankets, comforters and a garden of pillows all dressed in a classic satin pinstriped egyptian cotton sheets. It looks like a fluffy cloud. The headboard is a tall leather affair with buttons - it's hard to explain but gives height to the room. Aside from the dramatic colors from the drapes and chaise, the rest of the room is in shades of taupe, chocolate brown and mahogany woodwork. The lamps are retro modern with basic brushed silver base for the most part but there's one unique lamp in hot pink. Three is real and unique artwork on the walls depicting some southern spanish art (judging by the historical senorita gear one is wearing and the northern african looking fellow in the 'pair' of the picture). Small touches are nice, like notices to the guest that are in picture frames. It's amazing how a picture frame on a desk adds an unexpected layer of cosiness. The Bose wave radio on the night stand adds yet another layer of homey-ness so a nice full stereo sound can be enjoyed rather than the tinny alarm clock radio most hotels provide.

The bathroom is quite nice with one of those arc curtain rods and the white brick tile in the tub. The standard coffeemaker is there but stocked with Starbucks, which I'm enjoying as we speak!! The free soaps and amenities are Gilchrist & Soames, which is funny because one of those names is the last name of a terror at work! But, I also found a smile of familiarity - I haven't seen Gilchrist & Soames at a hotel since I was at the Berkshire on Oxford St in London. The Berkshire, incidentally, has been remodeled and looks a lot like this hotel.

Bohemian is the theme and it lives up to its name. I am finding the silver lining in exhaustion and my breakfast is set to arrive in ten minutes for me to enjoy. I plan to turn off the news, put on the Bose wave, sit on the chaise and enjoy the view from my chair. I want a small parcel of quiet...for the users arrive in the system today.

We have...lift off!!!