The mid‑level manager wheels his carry‑on down the identical beige hallway, swipes a keycard, and steps into the cool sterility of a Hilton Garden Inn perched off the interstate, a full twenty‑five minutes from anything resembling downtown.
- Thermostat: 62 °F
- Curtains: blackout.
- Of the two queen beds, one is instantly designated “work,” piled with laptop, charger snake, and tomorrow’s presentation; the other, “pleasure,” destined for crumbs and regrets.
general tso's and shark tank in here is pure hedonism https://t.co/HhIrN8hq9b
— Mohammad (@MargBarAmerica) April 16, 2025
Dinner isn’t a search for local flavor but for reliable comfort. A glossy carton of General Tso’s chicken arrives via delivery app, joined by a six‑pack of convenience‑store IPA. Or, for a real sense of adventure, a harrowing journey across a four lane highway to the Ruby Tuesday.
Cable surfing locks onto Shark Tank—nothing pairs with sugar‑lacquered chicken quite like small-time entrepreneurs bartering equity. During ad breaks, the screen flips to Wicked Tuna, then Forensic Files, then Impractical Jokers.
No one actually wants to stay here, but the room rate is within company policy and you dream of the SLH hotels the Hilton points will get you-if you ever find the time.
Ong do people actually like their rooms that cold? I was at the lex Hyatt and could not get it above 62!
I’m usually down-to-clown, but what even was this post about, Gary? Bah!
I too am a little confused but I could certainly go for some General Tso’s! Reminds me of the New Orleans Downtown Hilton Canopy that serves a very tasty General Tso’s Alligator dish.
That is my life!
Is this an outtake from the John Varley short story “The Flying Dutchman”?
Now make it into a haiku
Are you feeling okay, Gary?
I love this. Somebody make it into a should make a short film.
Ps lalf also published. Matthew’s story of repeated flight cancellations at lax.. It ends with Matthew playing a mournful Ode to Joy at 2:00 am . Put them together and we have an Oscar.
Forgive the errors please. We have no power : /
Gary clearly got himself into a few bags of discounted Easter candy at the CVS near the hotel and started writing this before abruptly posting it before he passed out in a coma.