Welcome to Atlanta

I spent a long, exhausting first day at my new job. It was the first time I had worked in an office setting since working part-time at an independent living facility in my early twenties. I learned a lot. I learned about the German community in Atlanta, I learned about Atlanta demographics as a whole, and I learned that my boss was leaving her position as executive director in exactly two weeks. To make matters worse, one of the full-time leadership roles had been held by a volunteer for nearly a year. I moved to Atlanta to work for an organization that was quickly becoming unstable without a plan to make it stable. What a way to be welcomed!

Although there were some very basic onboarding moments, like getting my computer password and my parking pass, my organizational education came in the form of me sifting through any files and correspondence I could find. Primarily, the day was spent reading old emails from my predecessor and trying to figure what the heck my responsibilities were. As I dug deeper, I saw so many opportunities for improvement, and got excited. Somehow change management has become my strength. I sent out dozens of emails introducing myself in my new role, offering assistance, and suggesting future collaborations. I felt energized in a situation that would have left many disheartened and de-motivated.

The day went by quickly and the salad I ordered from Moe’s had long worn off. I was ready to wrap up my productive start and pick up where I left off the next day. As I was logging out of email and shutting down the computer, my real life came rushing into my head. I lived in an Airbnb, and while I had access to the kitchen, I wasn’t sure what kind of schedule the guys kept. In addition, I hadn’t yet been to the store and had no groceries to make dinner if I even wanted to, I didn't by the way. I pulled out my phone looking for dinner ideas. The options were endless. I wanted something local, not too expensive, and a portion big enough for lunch tomorrow. I scrolled through the options, the reviews, the locations, and for the first time all day I was incredibly overwhelmed.

I decided to drive towards home and just get fast food. I was starving by this point and getting agitated. I was also frustrated the way I get in new places when I can’t make a decision about where and what to eat. Somehow I ended up on a different road than expected, but did recognize it from my mini-tour of the city the previous morning. At least I knew I was close to home. I saw a flashy, albeit slightly dilapidated, sign and an announcement for a drive-through window. Perfect.

I pulled up to the menu and instantly heard a voice with such a specific drawl on the loud speaker that jolted me.

Zesto employee: Wecom t’Zestos. How m’I help you?

Starving me: I’ll take a hamburger with fries, please.

Zesto employee: ‘Nyting else, ma’am?

Starving me: No, thank you. (Thinking: I’ll take some chicken, tots, and a shake, too.)

Zesto employee: svnftytu

Starving me: (Taking a guess I pulled around.)

Zesto employee: (Names my price and takes my debit card.)

Starving me: What is the best thing to order at Zestos? I ordered a burger, but what do you recommend?

Zesto employee: Sorry, hun? You ain’t never been t’Zestos?

Starving me: No, I just arrived in Atlanta two days ago.

Zesto employee: Darlene! She ain’t never been t’Zestos!

Darlene: (Appearing from the back) Sugar, you ain’t never been t’Zestos?

Starving me: No, my first time.

Darlene: Aww, next time, you gotta get you some chick’n. We got da best chick’n.

Zesto employee: Ya, chick’n. Butcha gotta call ahead. Takes awhile.

Darlene: Ya, ya. 30 minutes. Call ahead. You like chick’n?

Starving me: Yes, sometimes.

Darlene: OK. Get da chick’n. Right, Linda?

Linda: (Appearing out of nowhere as the first employee vanishes.) Yes, ma’am. Sweetie, if you like chick’n, get our chick’n. We make da best chick’n. But ya burger is good too. Why you come to Atlanta?

Starving me: (Thinking: where’s my food?) I got a job here.

Linda: (Now standing with a fourth woman.) You like it?

Starving me: Well, today was the first day, but so far, so good.

Linda: Ya, you’ll like it here. Everyone likes Atlanta.

Fourth woman: Honey, Atlanta’s got great food and great people. Glad you came t’see us.

Darlene: (Reappearing with my food.) Baby, enjoy ya burger, but come back ‘n’ see us. Get you some chick’n.

Starving me: Thank you. I most definitely will. Have a great night!

I drove off with a huge smile. Hun, Sweetie, Sugar, Honey, Baby. That was quite possibly one of my all-time favorite conversations. I was confident that I chose the right place to eat and the right city to live in.