One more profession I could do (if it existed, and it should!)

Long title, I know, but here it is. I have strong opinions about public restrooms. I'm sure you do, too, if you've ever stepped foot in a gas station restroom. Here's what really gets me about restrooms: they say so much about an establishment, and it would seem relatively easy to make going to the restroom a pleasant experience, or at least not an unpleasant one.

I would love to be the person who will either visit your existing restroom and tell you what you need to do to improve your w.c. or I could see/hear the plans you have for your restroom and do the same. I'll call myself a Public Restroom Consultant. No kidding!

I mean, there are those places where you're not surprised to find that cleanliness is clearly low on the priority list. I've even refused to go in some places because I just couldn't take it. But then there are those places where you may be enjoying your meal, thinking you've just discovered a little gem of a place until you visit their restroom, and you think, "What happened here?" All of a sudden the little attentions that were obviously given to the menu and decor were just totally forgotten. When we were in Alabama we found this great little Italian cafe and were pleased by the menu and the neat surroundings. However, after a trip to the restroom, I was so turned off that for the first time ever I had to tell the guy at the counter that it needed attention. I will keep myself from telling you why.

Anyway, I was reminded about these thoughts today as I visited a restroom at McDonald's and found a relatively small overlook: no hook in the stall for my purse. I ended up doing my business with my purse over my shoulder! ugh.

So I decided to list some components of the perfect restroom (which, by the way, I've probably only experienced a handful). Some of these are essential, some would just be more helpful.

1. a hook for my purse/bags/sweater/keys. I don't want a little shelf thingy. The bottom of my purse is dirty enough, thanks, and you don't need more horizontal spaces to catch more germs and dirt.

2. clean the floor. thoroughly. 'nuf said.

3. a trash receptacle in every stall.

4. paper towels. I know what they say about the hand dryers being more "environmentally friendly", but they stink. Most of the time, if that's all that's offered, I just shake my hands dry or pat them on my relatively clean jeans. Just put out the towels, that's what we all really want. Then if you must, slap on one of those stickers/magnets that remind us to just use one towel - it's all I really need, and the rest can air dry.

5. a working lock on all stalls.

6. pull the door to enter, push to exit. I've just washed my hands and I don't want to now touch anything. If this isn't possible, put a trash can next to the door so that I can easily throw away the towel (see #4) that I used to open the door.

7. good toilet paper. Not that stuff that I have to get a mile of to have any substance, y'know?

8. extra points: decor that matches the rest of the restaurant. I love how La Madeleine has the audio french lesson. I love their tile floor and full door stalls. Please don't install that full on downward facing lighting right over the mirror (am I right, ladies?)

I'm sure that there are more. I'm sure you have your own list. Go ahead and let me hear 'em. I'll add them to my job description! :-)