Georgetown, Shops at Georgetown Park, 3rd floor

At 3:50 p.m. as we were leaving Georgetown for the day, I had to make one last stop before we hit the road. This is standard procedure for anyone with a small bladder. The thought of traveling more than 40 minutes without access to a bathroom is scary, especially if it's been more than an hour or two since your last pit stop.

I walked into the bathroom and surveyed the atmosphere. Two women at the mirror -- one was washing her hands and the other was right up on the mirror doing something with her nose. I don't know what, and I really don't want to. She kind of scared me.

Now I know it's not fair to judge a potty by its occupants, but so be it. I did. Plus the mirrors were sort of peeling off if that's possible. The walls were a little dingy -- mostly just old, not dirty, and the whole scene left a little to be desired. It was clean, there was toilet paper, and the toilet flushed -- all good signs. Plus there was nice foamy soap and plenty of paper towels.

I didn't take a picture, because, let's face it -- it's kind of creepy to take a picture in a public bathroom when you're not alone in there. So, take my word for it on the rating.

Overall, a perfectly fine option if you need to go, but don't go out of your way or anything. I'm sure the mall has better options. It's a big mall -- and very nice.

Rating: 3 toilets

Georgetown, Starbucks, 3301 M Street

This afternoon, around 2:30 p.m. we stopped at the Starbucks near the famed Exorcist stairs in Georgetown for a latte. Of course, I always take full advantage of scheduled stops to take a potty break.

In most Starbucks, you get a private potty, which I generally always rate in the postive. Plenty of space, privacy, and generally kept clean -- well, it's easier to clean one stall than several.

As expected, this Starbucks didn't disappoint. It was a clean, well-stocked private potty. Not immaculate, but perfectly fine.

Rating: 3.5 toilets

Welcome to the potty blog

You might be asking yourself, "Is this really an entire blog that's dedicated to rating public bathrooms across the country?"

Yes, yes it is.

You see, when I was a kid, I drove my parents crazy with my frequent trips to public restrooms. Whether on a road trip, a day trip around town, or even a trip to the grocery store, you could be sure I'd need to go. That's just what happens when you have a teeny tiny bladder.

My dad often joked with me that I must be writing a book about bathrooms. And every time I'd get out, he'd say, "Did you bring your journal? Is that one going in the book?" I'd get so angry every time!

Well now, the laugh's on him -- and so I dedicate "Public Potties: A Bathroom Blog" to my dad, who's made many a pit stop for me. But I also must dedicate it in part to my husband, who has already and will continue to make many more pit stops for me.

So, instead of frustration, I'll get a chuckle from my hubby because he knows each stop will be chronicled here in the potty blog.

If you find yourself driving across the country (or at least across Maryland), wondering where the cleanest -- the coveted 5-toilet potties -- are, consult the bathroom blog and I'll keep you updated.