A Relax and Think Weekend

As you probably already know, I travel about every 6-8 weeks. Victoria and I have decided this cadence is appropriate for our busy schedules. We both give each other a weekend of our own. Victoria usually gets a hotel and just takes the weekend to herself. I use my weekend to travel.

In this case, I decided to follow Victoria's example. Instead of pushing myself with traveling, I would take it easy. I would also take the time to reflect and think about things. I wanted to figure out more long-term plans for traveling and this blog. I also just wanted to mess with AI and not be interrupted.

While the weekend was reserved, I decided to shoot for a Monday and Tuesday. The Wisconsin and Alabama game was in town, so hotel rooms in this general area were super expensive. Also, I could do my weekend routine and take some time away from work.

I wanted to stay somewhere close so I wouldn't spend a lot of time driving. The Clarion by the Alliant Energy Center had reasonable prices, so I booked a room there. Since I had taken all of Monday and Tuesday off, I would need to wait until check-in time on Monday.

I first got breakfast from Casey's.

Casey's zesty dill pickle pork strips package displayed next to a white plate containing three slices of pizza topped with sausage and melted cheese on a wooden floor

I then hung around the house. For a late lunch, I stopped at Cousin's.

Submarine sandwich loaded with cucumber slices, jalapeños, and vegetables on white paper, accompanied by a bag of chips and fountain drink on a food court table

I didn't want to leave the hotel room if I didn't have to, so I needed food. I stopped by Metro Market.

Black shopping basket containing Monster Rehab energy drink, Cheez-Its crackers, and a clear plastic container with multiple compartments holding cheese cubes and deli meats

I was soon at the Clarion, checking in with the few things I decided to bring.

Modern multi-story Clarion Suites hotel building exterior with white and gray facade, featuring large windows and contemporary architectural design under partly cloudy sky Hotel room entryway showing two luggage carts with backpacks, red cooler, and plastic bags hung on the handles against teal-painted doors

The check-in process was super efficient. I usually stay at Wyndham Hotels, but Choice Hotels are more efficient in this regard. Even the key packet was super organized.

Hotel room materials including navy blue Get Together Here folder, Clarion hotel key cards, and white card for room 412 displaying complimentary breakfast hours and pool information

The room had everything I needed to be productive and also relax.

Hotel room interior featuring king-size bed, work desk with chair, green upholstered couch, flat-screen TV, and wall-mounted lamps with brown patterned carpet

I was also impressed they had a recycling bin. Many hotels will greenwash and say they care for the environment, but this is my test if they actually care.

Two hotel room trash cans lined with plastic bags - one blue bag and one tan/beige bag - positioned on white tile floor

I set up my computer and got to work.

Hotel room desk workspace setup with laptop computer flanked by two portable monitors in standing position, wireless keyboard and mouse on brown wooden desk surface

They got good internet, so that helped.

Mobile phone Speedtest results screen showing 89.0 Mbps download speed and 93.8 Mbps upload speed with Spectrum Business provider

I bought a lot of junk food. This was time to relax, so a healthy diet wasn't the biggest concern.

Hotel room counter displaying CVS coffee maker, two bottles of water, orange juice boxes, Nature Valley granola bars, and packaged breakfast items on beige surface Mini refrigerator interior stocked with string cheese sticks, charcuterie meat and cheese container, pickle jar, and various snack items on two shelves Hotel room meal spread featuring meat and cheese snack tray with crackers, bag of Skittles candy, Doritos chips, cup of instant noodles, and beverage with straw

There wasn't much of a view, but sitting on the couch and looking outside was still nice.

Hotel room seating area with flat-screen TV on entertainment center, large window with city view, and wall-mounted HVAC unit with brown patterned carpet

I did leave the hotel room for a short walk, but otherwise, I just hung out in the room.

Clarion Suites by Choice Hotels exterior sign mounted on tall pole with hotel building and parking lot visible in background under blue sky

On Wednesday morning, I ate the hotel breakfast. It was sparser than a La Quinta, but I still got the basics and a full belly.

Hotel breakfast plate containing scrambled eggs with shredded cheese, hash browns, and sausage links served on white disposable plate with plastic fork and bottled water

Overall, I'm glad I deferred traveling to take a weekend to relax. I was able to think deeply and make bigger plans. I also got to play with AI, which will help with implementing these plans.

The Clarion was the perfect place to do this. I may have to do this again on a future weekend. I'll probably do some more traveling on my next upcoming weekends. On the other hand, I could go for another relaxing weekend sometime in the future.

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