The Mountain Challenge

So on Monday, my roommate and I participated in our very first Mountain Challenge. What's the Mountain Challenge you ask? Every Monday around 7pm at Kennesaw Mountain-this challenge is made up of unique workouts up hill, and composed of several moderate to intense exercises designed to challenge and push every fitness level...all while going up 1.5 miles of black tar!! So at every cross walk, we did a series of workouts: burpees, lunges, duck walks, and squats. But the thing is, it changes every week! 

Let's just say, it kicked my butt. But getting a different type of work out with roughly a 100 people, was worth all the pain and sweat. Will be going again, and hopefully building up my endurance and stamina. 

One of my goals while I was here for a semester was to get in really good shape, and this may be something that helps me reach that goal. 

Piedmomt Park (8/24)

Piedmomt park was a perfect way to spend a hot, Sunday afternoon. Walking around and enjoying the nice weather was just what was needed before a week of work. 

Shilo and I had the opportunity to pet puppies, taste popsicles made by King of Pops (salted chocolate!), and enjoy some beautiful views.

Can't wait to go back in the fall to see all of the colors on the trees. Piedmomt park was a success and in an great area of Atlanta. 

First day in the office!

So there was a little delay due to my boss being ill. But today was the first day at work, and it was a pretty easy day. First off, we get to wear casual wear for the first two weeks, which is great! 

Eric, my boss, talked about the background of the Georgia Games, the main purpose for the fall internship program, and how we have goals to reach. It's going to be a busy semester, to say the least. But I'm not in a cubicle, my boss is so open and easy to talk to, and I have the opportunity to get this kind of experience. 

Shilo and I are basically finding sponsors and fundraising, and building from the ground up! I'm so use to working athletic events, and being up close and personal with the athletes...so being able to be on th other end and help raise money for the amazing events that are held in the spring and the fall--this should be rewarding. 

Let this crazy adventure finally begin. 

Day one: complete. 

Downtown ATL-The Fox Theatre

Cannot wait to see a play in this marvelous theatre. Phantom of the Opera, Mama Mia!, and Wicked are just a few shows on the line up at The Fox. It's architecture was out of this world, so beautifully built, and in the middle of a concrete jungle. I am looking forward to seeing the inside of the historical theatre. 

The Fox opened in 1929, and was originally planned to be part of a large Shrine temple, and was turned into a threatre with seating for about 5,000 spectators. 

"Not only is it on the National Historic Register, but it is one of the most beloved landmarks in the city because it is a real memory maker for the citizens of Atlanta. They may have come here to see their first performance or Broadway show, they had their first date here, and maybe even had their first kiss in the balcony." -The Fox Theatre president. 

Downtown ATL-Olympic Park

Olympic park was full of life today! People sitting and enjoying the gorgeous day, kids playing in the water fountains, and dogs on leashes ready to play. It's was a gorgeous park that could be a perfect place to read, people watch, or even go for a jog. It's crazy to see so much green and lush in the middle of the city. You don't see much of that in Houston.

Quick Facts about Olympic Park:

• Approx. 800,000 bricks were used in the construction of the 21-acre park. Laid end-to-end, lengthwise, the bricks would stretch from NYC to Philadelphia, approx. 100 miles. 
• There are roughly 486,000 engraved bricks 
• In the beginning, Olympic park was an idea to convert a multi-block gathering spot for vistors and residents to enjoy during the 96' Olympic Games 
• An estimated $75 million in development cost--all from donations 
• Following the Olympic Games, a large portion of the park was closed and redesigned for daily public use. 
• Today, the 21-acre park performs a dual mission: it serves as Georgia's lasting legacy of the Olympic Games and it anchors efforts to revitalize residential and commercial development in Atlanta. 

Downtown ATL-Georgia Aquarium

Wow, today was great. Exploring downtown Atlanta with Shilo was a great way to spend this amazing Friday. 

First off, the Georgia Aquarium was SPECTACULAR! Not only was it a huge place full of sea life, but everything was so interactive and amazing to see. Think my favorite part were the Otters and the Beluga Whales. So playful and gorgeous. If you ever come to Atlanta, go see and experience the aquarium. It was amazing, and such an amazing thing to see!

Hiking Kennesaw Mountain (8/12/14)

A major attraction in Kennesaw is Kennesaw Mountain & national battlefield park. Yesterday, I took the journey of hiking many miles to the top to see a gorgeous view. Kennesaw mountain is an overlook of the near Atlanta and northern Georgia terrain. Up the hike, you see exhibits and gun emplacements dug by the Confederates to control the Western and Atlantic railroad. 

It was a breath taking hike, especially when you don't see mountains like that in Texas. I plan on hiking it more and maybe even joining a hiking/fitness club that hikes the mountain every Monday! To say the least, it was a work out, and my legs are killing me today.  

If you ever visit Atlanta, make sure you visit Kennesaw and hike the mountain. It's a wonderful site. 

I have arrived!

I finally made it to Georgia after a 12 hour drive from Texas. We have only been here for about an hour and I already have a great feeling about this place! I'll be moving into my new apartment tomorrow, and I'm more than excited! Looking forward to meeting my new roommate, Nick's friends, and exploring the city! Let the fun and hardwork begin! Plus a huge thank you to my family and Nick, I am truly grateful!! 

Less than 24 hours to go.

It's less than 24 hours before I head off to Georgia. It feels like yesterday that I accepted this internship, and thought "why the heck am I doing leaving Texas?".  By the end of the day, my car will be loaded full of my belongings, and my heart will be full of emotions. Honestly, I think saying good-bye to my dog, Butters, will be the hardest. I know that this will be great for me, and will open so many doors for my future career. My brother has traveled coast to coast with the Marines, and seeing him enjoy all the places he gets to travel to really opened my eyes, and gave me some courage. I've heard great things about Kennesaw and Atlanta, and by the looks of pictures, reviews, and things to do--I am going to love it (hopefully). People have asked me, "What if they hire you full-time?", and if I would stay in Georgia. That's a long time coming, and I have to kick butt at this internship, even if I don't stay in Georgia. My answer to that questions would be Yes and No, I have to see how things go this Fall and what God has in store for me! I have lived in Houston, Texas for my whole life, and at the age 23 I am having the privilege to travel to a city and state I have never been before. Yes, feelings of sadness and worry may happen with me and my family, but I have to cherish this moment, because this is going to be a great experience and adventure-no matter the chances of me staying in Georgia or coming back home. 

There are some things I am going to have to get comfortable with, like: 

• People say that Atlanta traffic is awful. If I want to travel into Atlanta around the time traffic begins-I will have to plan accordingly. Here I am use to the fact that around 5pm, Houston traffic is somewhere you don't want to be. 
• Watching Fightin' Texas Aggie Football from afar. I'm taking plenty of maroon, my white game-day towel, and that "red ass" spirit. Farmers Fight! Whoop! 
• Skyping/FaceTiming with friends and family. Texting is no longer going to cut it! 

"Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith." -Margaret Shepard