Work has really been the theme of the year. When I started PetSmart, I did not have much vacation. I'd work all year and take the back half of December off. It became a bit of a ritual and was amazing. The first week was always running errands, catching up on things, etc. The second week was always amazing. It was the week where there were no needs and there was a lot of time. It would allow me to really reset. I've done this basically every year and it has been fantastic. This year, I needed to shift things up due to some critical work stuff in December. I decided to check out L'Auberage again and spend a night in Flagstaff just before Thanksgiving. Overall, it was nice.
I was late to get ready for things. I started the vacation on the 21st. The week before was very busy and I did not get some of the time at night that I was hoping for. By the time that I wrapped on Friday night, I had not gotten much done that I hoped for. Saturday and Sunday, I felt terrible. I slept poorly and felt like crap. I got laundry done and was able to gather all of the things that I needed. I got things packed for a few days out.
The 24th, I woke up after sleeping in a bit. I did log into work for a while to check in on some things and catch up. Things looked ok and I decided to head out. I headed north and exited out north. The drive was nice and calm. I threw on some podcasts and tried to settle into the drive. I decided to hit up Cottonwood on the way in. I hit a few of the normal stops. I checked out the gaming store again and checked out what they had. I then headed east, made a few more stops, and got to the hotel. I was able to get checked in and get out to the room. This time, I was in the main lodge which was part of the older property.
Overall, the room was nice. It was large and well appointed. I got my things unpacked and checked it out. There was a small private sitting area that I briefly examined. I got things situated and decided to run out for some food. I made the walk up to the main drag and grabbed Chipotle as I did last time. There was a tourist bus that got in just ahead of me so it was a longer than expected wait. I headed back to the room and ate while I caught up on things on the internet. The room was nice, but the lodge was louder than expected. Lots of slamming doors and hallway noise that made it into the room. I wound down from the day and called it a night.
I got up fairly early so that I could grab breakfast. Benefits had changed and the complimentary item was one thing from the menu. I got that and a few extras. The outside space was closed and everything was inside. For the small number of people in the dining area, it took a really long time to get things. One couple near me actually left after about 15 mins of no real service and long waits. The experience this time was much different. I finished up and headed back to the room to grab my things. I got loaded up and checked out. I had to confirm the bill. Each time that I stayed here, I saw charges on my credit card for the room when it was a free night redemption. I caught it early this time and made sure it was corrected. I got in the car to head north.
The remainder of Sunday was all about winding down. I ate half of a sandwich on my balcony and enjoyed the air. I walked all of the complex and checked it all out. I had some time while the sun set so I got the room completely packed and ready for the early checkout. I saw more stars again and was grateful to have the chance to do so. I called it a pretty early night. I was in bed around 10 and probably fell asleep around 11.
Wednesday, I woke up unexpectedly early. I decided to go downstairs and grab some breakfast. The spread was great and it was cool to try out. I headed up back to the room and relaxed for a few more hours. My alarm went off and I got up and made sure I was all packed up. I made a run to the car with things, headed back up for an idiot check, and then checked out. I hopped in the car and started making my way south.
The trip was cool. It was different that a few of the others but it was nice to be out of town. I'll probably do things a little different next time but and still very thankful for the opportunity that I had.
