What a great weekend! Mom and I went to Nashville so I could do a prep course to get certified in OB/GYN. The class was only 4 hours a day in the afternoon, so we had quite a lot of time to explore. We stayed at the Loews Vanderbilt (across the street from Vanderbilt U) and it was gorgeous (and expensive). We never would stay in a place so fancy, but my company was picking up the tab (and the rooms were half off for the conference anyway). There was a spa inside, which sadly we did not visit, but our room had big, cushy towels, and we each got our own fluffy robes. There was even an art gallery inside. There is so much to do in Nashville, we are planning on going back because we didn't even scratch the surface.
Friday evening we went to Ruth's Chris steakhouse for dinner (after we hit the workout room). My mom doesn't eat steak, and there was no seafood she was interested in so she got the vegetarian meal, which is code for pick any 3 side dishes. I got the filet, which was amazing, as were my mom's side dishes, especially the sweet potato casserole. Yum, yum!
Saturday morning we visited the Country Music Hall of Fame. I don't really listen to country music, but it was still really cool, and I now know more than anyone should about the lives of Hank Williams and Hank Williams jr. Then we walked around a bit, I got my picture taken with a large wooden ice cream sundae, and 2 life sized Elvises, and we went to lunch at Hard Rock. During class, some of my classmates mentioned they were going to the Ryland Auditorium for a show that night. Mom and I were able to get tickets (great seats). It turned out it was the Grand Ole Opry. We had the best time. Crystal Gale was there, and in case you're wondering her hair still drags the floor. I kept waiting for her to step on it. There were many acts, some old as dirt, all entertaining. On the way home we stopped at Ruth's Chris and got the chocolate explosion to go. To.die.for.
Sunday morning we lounged around, then hit the fitness center where I did 26 minutes on the elliptical. And yes, I'm damn proud of it. When I used to belong to Gold's I don't think I could even do 10 minutes. Despite being the size of a small whale, I'm actually more physically fit than I've ever been in my 20's. We had lunch at the hotel cafe and mom did the private tour of the Ryland while I finished my class. The class was helpful, especially the workbook that you get. Plus it's nice to meet others in your field. Everyone I met was very nice.
I am so glad to be home, but I <3 Nashville and can't wait to go back!
