So last week(end), Nick and I went on our first "adult" vacation in Atlanta. We've taken a few mini-trips over that past six and a half years (for those counting, our "half" anniversary was July 14...weirdos) but those were usually with family or short like when he accompanied me to my med school interview in Kansas City last fall. Anyway, it was a new experience for us and the start of our lifelong goal of attending a baseball game at all 30 MLB ballparks. Collectively I think we have eight or so down but together we now have two, which is what really counts . We're thinking Detroit or Pittsburg next...nothing too expensive for quite a few years!
We left Cincy on Wednesday morning super early and made it to Atlanta in about seven hours - thankfully I wasn't driving. The best part? We didn't kill each other. When I'm in a car for hours on end, I tend to get pretty stir crazy and end up talking a lot (or making stupid noises to fill any silence). Next time Princess Heather says we fly.
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| Our Route//Pretty Smoky Mountains//Soy Chai Latte//A Typical Heather Face
Confession time: I'm enamored with the South. I don't know whether it's the accents, the charm, the beautiful scenery, or my issues with reality but driving into Atlanta was a magical experience for me. Don't hate me because I'm crazy. I kept looking for any sign of The Walking Dead or Real Housewives of Atlanta - a building I recognized or a sign, maybe a walker, something! When I love something, you'll know and I <3 Walking Dead & trashy reality TV.
OK so we made it to our hotel and we were tired. I elected to workout (my own and only workout all weekend) & Nick took a nap which was well-deserved after driving the whole way.
 
I ran two miles on the treadmill in accordance with my Hal Higdon training schedule and I hated every second. Treadmills suck. I'd much rather be outside which I easily could have done. We were staying in Buckhead which is a very nice part of the city (not scary) but knowing me I'd get lost. I also did a few rounds of tabata for arms and I was dunzo - I'm on VAY-CAY-SHUN, as Nick says. I used this to justify any poor food or beverage choices during the trip.
Speaking of food and beverages, can I just say that Atlanta has the coldest beer I have ever tasted? It was magnificent. (Is this a Southern thing? Or just a smart people thing?). As far as eating, I let myself have free reign. I don't get to go on a lot of trips and I see nothing wrong with going a little crazy. My favorite ballpark food of all time is nachos with lots of jalapeños. You better believe we got them at BOTH games. Sue me, I love that fake cheese!
With that said, we really didn't "over-do-it," in my opinion. One of the good things about going on vacation with Nick is that he doesn't like sweets much so we never got dessert. We share things and like to try different foods so that helps!
Lunch at SevenLamps - Everything in Atlanta has paprika on it!
Brunch before we left - Eggs Benedict with Fresh Orange Juice
When in the South, Drink Bourbon.
Thursday and Friday nights we had tickets to the Reds vs. Braves and lucky for us, there were a lot of Reds fans there! We met so many nice fans of both teams - that's probably why I love the Midwest and the South so much. Everyone is friendly and willing to help each other - they even helped us figure out how to use the MARTA. Yo Cincinnnati - it's time for a better public transport system like every other city!
Nick's Face //Random Pictures of the Field & Stadium
The games were awesome! I don't remember scores and who won because it's more about the experience for me - let's just say, the All-Star break is coming at a perfect time. I just love the excitement of being in the crowd and cheering for our team (aka being obnoxious). Turner Field was an excellent place to watch a game plus we had killer seats (probably because we bought tickets like three months in advance). I would go back in a heartbeat!
Another highlight of the trip was our brief trip to the CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which is headquartered in Atlanta and located near Emory University. I think we've already established that I'm a big nerd. I love museums, monuments, history, and touristy activities when I go on vacation. That's always how my family has always been. Nick is accustomed to boating on the lake or going to the beach so our experiences and expectations are very different. I need itineraries and plans (aka control) so I had to let go of my type-A, only child behavior and relax.
Working for the CDC is a dream job of mine. I have never really taken this dream seriously because I know how impossible it would be - especially for someone with no research experience at this point (I just don't like it - I want to be in the clinic). Infectious disease has always interested me so I was excited that I convinced Nick to go to their museum!
 
Transmission Electron Microscope//List of Pathogens Examined by Microscope//Machine used for Smallpox Vaccination// Iron Lung
The museum was awfully small but still very interesting. I wanted to see more but I guess that's what the Smithsonian is for...whomp whomp. I also wanted to buy a haz-mat suit (for Halloween - duh) but that's not an option either.
Finally, a few outfit pics.
When will I stop with the crazy eyes?
Please note, this mirror was surprisingly forgiving. My baby-making hips are like five times wider, I promise. The important part of this is that I'm wearing SHORTS. Aside from my running shorts, I haven't worn colorful summer shorts for a loooong time. I packed these babies thinking they probably wouldn't fit because they were a little too snug to button when I bought them. BAM. They fit! Let the happy dance ensue!
That's all, folks! I'm back and I'm getting lots of work done. Thanks for reading! I have a lot of cool things in the works in the next few weeks so stay tuned (a giveaway or two?).
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