Nashville, TN

I loved Because of my new position, I was able to go to Nashville, TN for training. I actually only left the hotel once, so I didn't get to see much. But the place I was stayed was nice enough, that I still feel like I saw plenty. 

The night I flew in, I didn't get there until 11 pm, but as soon as I walked in, I knew it was a nice place. The conference center was hooked on to the hotel. When I checked in, the clerk asked me how far I wanted to walk. (A bellhop walks an average of 11 miles a day at this place!) I told him I didn't mind walking, and I wanted a room with the best view. I did end up doing a lot of walking, but it was worth it! I was in the garden center and had a balcony to to the atrium. It was GORGEOUS! I spent some time on my balcony every day. 

I don't know why I keep calling it a hotel. This place was a huge resort! They had several restaurant and tons of shopping. They even had a radio station located inside! There must have been someone famous in there one day because there was a huge crowd standing around taking pictures. I didn't recognize her, so I didn't take a picture. But I did get a picture of the store they named after me. 

The first day was the only day I had some free time. After that, I was in classes all day. I might have tried to explore more, but I got sick half way through the week, so after that, I went to bed early every night. The first day, I did take the resort shuttle to the mall located down the street. Of course I had to go into BassPro Shop and take pictures for Josh. I loved this bear mount with the cub walking over the fish tank. 

On my way back from registering for my classes, I passed this fun boat ride inside the resort. They have a river that is a quarter mile long. The line was short, so I decided to do it. I was glad I did, because the place was so huge, it was easy to get lost! By the time I found the river boat ride again, I was sick at that point and I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much. 

During the boat ride, we saw a part of the water show. I was able to go back that night and see it in full.

I could not get over how green this place was! There was plants, trees and flowers EVERYWHERE. I saw several workers whose only job seemed to be to take care of the plants. 

I had to take this picture for a few reasons. Each year, they award a male and a female payroll professional of the year. The winner for the male professional this year was from Utah! That had me pretty excited. I can't wait to learn and grown in this position. Maybe it can be me on that stage someday. But I also took the picture because the guy in the light suit reminded me of Ceaser from the Hunger Games. 

The 2nd to last night they had a party. The dress up theme was rocker, metal gear, funky sunglasses, disco or English High Tea. I was looking for high tea wear when I found this cute dress. 

I loved Nashville and hope to go back day when I have time to explore. Our resort was right next to the Grand Ole Opry. I also loved the spirit I could feel there of Southern Gospel. It made me feel right at home. 

But I can't deny how excited I was to see those high peaked, snow covered mountains when I flew home. 

I'm glad I had the opportunity to go and learn more about my new position as a Payroll Specialist. I even made some new friends.