hotlanta

Last week I went to training in Atlanta and had a blast! Training is always a huge party, and this year was no exception, despite class 'til six and class on Saturday (summer blast nothing). Everyone is out 'til all hours of the night. I myself made it to bed before midnight only once during the week-- a far cry from my usual work week routine!

A coworker and I flew down early to explore the city. Unfortunately, it was so hot and humid, we lost motivation to do anything but lay by the pool. Or I lost motivation, and she was stuck at the pool with me, hard to know exactly how things went down... Not that I would ever consider pool time a waste of a weekend, especially when someone is there to bring you drinks. I enjoyed pina coladas for breakfast and mojitos and sliders for lunch.
This view is from the pool at night. The hotel was right downtown, and it was definitely an unusual feeling to gaze at skyscrapers from my pool chair.

We ventured to Gladys Knight's chicken and waffle house (one of many amazing meals shared that week).

Chicken and waffles are a surprisingly delicious and natural combination.

Standard frozen custard for dinner anytime I venture eastward.

Training Saturday allowed us to enjoy a Braves game Friday night. (Delicious chili cheese dog. Per the usual, I'm just there for the food.) Participating in the tomahawk chop was quite thrilling, albeit borderline offensive.

Then the Braves ended the night with a fireworks display that much exceeded expectations. I always forget how much I love fireworks until I see them. Luckily there will be more coming next weekend!

In Atlanta I also went to my first concert solo. Being out of town always makes me braver for trying things alone (and the long list of friends back home I could text to look busy didn't hurt either). I felt a little awkward there alone at first, but eventually got over that, and really enjoyed myself. I was glad I didn't let the lack of companions keep me from attending a show I wanted to see, because Matt Pond PA was excellent. And the opening bands, What Laura Says and Wintersleep, were both fantastic as well.

i love visitors

This post is long overdue-- but I couldn't let it slip through the cracks. A few weeks ago Jamie surprised me with a phone call Friday night saying she was coming down to Portland the following day. I was so excited to see her, and it was just the motivation I needed to finalize my post busy season ritual cleansing (of my bedroom).
We went boating with some of her friends, and it was really awesome. We also went to the starlight parade, hit up two happy hours in one day (that made a total of three for the weekend) and had an all around fantastic sleepover.

Jamie also got to see my ward building. It's definitely a unique experience, and this room is one of my favs. What is with all of those stones in the floor, and why is there a fireplace in the church? We also found a closet in this room full of firewood. This building has so many different rooms, hallways, and secret passageways throughout its two levels. My favorite spot is the stairway from the downstairs banquet hall up to the stage. Anyone who comes to visit can have a tour!

text of the day

This afternoon at work I received the following completely real and completely serious text message from my sister:

"What is the name of the store where you and Mom bought those magical rocks?"

Because yes on my last trip to UT my mother and I purchased crystals with specific powers applicable to current life situations for ourselves and for Kirst. And apparently she needs some more or wants to get some for someone else. So I told her where to find Turiya's in Sugar House and on her way she went.