DC CELEBRATING
personal
THANK YOU, JOSH.
To the man who carried me up a flight of steps at 13 years old to meet my idols, No Doubt, thank you.
To the man who walked me to the Metro countless times after my shift to make sure I got home safe, thank you.
To the man who stood behind me while I got yelled at through the box office window from a patron, then made me laugh it off, thank you.
To the man who carried me down a flight of steps to the Backbar at 23 years old after a few too many stellas and jamesons, thank you.
To the man who let me interview him for a college exam, then who scolded me when I got a B- because, "I'm 'A' material," thank you.
I'll never have another friend like you who looked at the world with such thoughtfulness, meaning and non-judgment. Thank you for just being you. You will always be missed, Josh.
THAT COLORADO AIR
I spent a good two weeks taking in as much of the Colorado mountains as I possibly could and it was just as awe-inspiring as I imagined. For my birthday, we drove the winding and no-safety-rail byway all the way up to the top of Mt. Evans. The views are insanely awesome and it was also insanely cold (duh, on the top of 14,200 ft mountain will do that) but it was so, so worth it.
A huge trip highlight for me was going to see Red Rocks. I've dreamed about this venue, the drive up, the atmosphere. And it was...everything. It's incredible to see something natural preserved and enhanced for people to appreciate and enjoy. Now all I have left are the Gorge and Hollywood Bowl. But I have a sneaky feeling Red Rocks will always win.
On one of the last days I begged to go on the Estes Park Tram and when we got there I almost completely chickened out. The IDEA of seeing the sights from way up is great in theory, but getting into this old tram with wobbly cables was nerve-wracking. Once I was in though, it was amazing. We could see the mountains for miles and miles and even spotted a bald eagle in a nearby tree.
I'm lucky to have a few friends who have made Denver their home and just going to all their spots, experiencing their routine, and seeing them all settling into this scenic city made me so happy. I love that all my friends aren't afraid of taking risks, moving to new cities and just making it work. After seeing the art museums, delicious restaurants, and just the heart that folks have there, Denver will always be a place I want to go back and visit again and again.
AT HOME
Every spring I have made it a tradition of rereading, 'One Hundred Years of Solitude.' There's just something about the writing, characters and settings that makes me read it like the first time, every time. So, this week I opened my windows, arranged some makeshift patio furniture and spent most afternoons on my balcony reading and thinking about how much has changed in 12 months.
In one year, I have moved to Nashville, made it my home, embraced stranger's kindness, become less alarmed at people asking how far I parked so they can carry my groceries, got back onto a tennis court, bought vinyl, scratched vinyl, dealt with job setbacks, learned not to place my entire value in work, left people not worth my time in the past, been confident to go to dinner alone, made great friends, ordered moonshine more than once, gotten butterflies again and grown up.
My apartment feels like a home and the many friends who have spent nights chatting over whiskey have made me feel more loved and supported than I could have ever imagined. Right now I'm on the cusp of making some decisions on jobs and for the first time in a long time, I'm not anxious about it. I'm excited at the prospects, taking chances and just living. Who knows where I'll be a year from now but I'm hoping it involves a good book, sunshine and many more airport pickups.
LIVIN' ON BISCUITS
It may be April showering as I type this but last week it was THE best weather for my mom, little sis & brother's visit! They chose to spend their Spring Break with me (I really think it's the access to delicious tacos and Loveless Cafe biscuits but that's a-okay with me) and I'm so happy I got to spend some time cooking, picking their brains and playing cards with them. My little home already misses the screaming and their cat running around like crazy and I'm so thankful I was able to take in a week of family and visiting the Parthenon, which is quite the sight to be seen in the midst of downtown Nash.
SUNDAY SUPPERS
My wonderful friend, Allyson came to town and we spent a few packed days wandering around Nashville, record shopping, drinking whiskey and of course, eating tacos. I've officially converted her to a Mas fanatic but still have work to do on Robert's baloney sandwiches :) Ally is also a big Shovels & Rope fan, so it was such a good night seeing them up close at the Mercy Lounge.
Since I've been here, I've had a friend come visit every few weeks. This is kind of amazing in that I rarely get lonely and it gives me a good reason to plan little day trips around town. I'm happy we got to spend some time in the small but mighty, Third Man Records and I can't wait for more friends to come see why I'm always gushing about this town. And for City Houses' Sunday Suppers... it's almost not right how good that place is.
JANUARY 2013
This month was filled with crazy weather with temperatures reaching the low 70's, then immediately heading into chilly winds the next day. I debated scarf etiquette, wandered around my hood, job interviewed, got lost trying to find the post office for an hour, made delicious banana bread, and smiled at seeing the pool open like a summer day. But last night will be remembered as the night I unintentionally slept through multiple tornado warnings (and sirens? what?) and woke up to a bright sun peeking through the clouds and quite a few missed calls from concerned friends and family. My building is an renovated old warehouse, so I feel pretty safe against bad weather but since I'm sleeping next to 15 ft. windows I might have to abandon my love of ear plugs when the skies start lookin' grey.
DC REMINISCING
Today as I watched Inauguration coverage from the comfort of my couch, I started feeling super nostalgic about my time and memories in DC. 4 years ago I was one of the many hopeful and excited people on The Washington Monument lawn watching President Obama get sworn in at the U.S. Capitol. To this day, that whole weekend with everything from the freezing weather, the Inaugural Ball, playing dress up, drinking gin & tonics, making new friends just by wearing an Obama sticker, and seeing a military tank parked outside my dorm, it was one of the best DC experiences I and many of my friends had. Going to a school in the district was made even more special when big events like Election Night, the Inauguration or even going (and being late) to class because you watched the motorcade drive by.
I'm thankful I was a part of the action that weekend and got to see DC in such an electrified moment in time. 4 years later, I'm happy and excited to see President Obama serve for a second term and see what the future holds. And I'm hoping every student, professor, friend crashing from out of town that's in Foggy Bottom right now are taking advantage of being in that 20052 zip code.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT HONKY TONKIN'
One of my very best friends Amanda is in town to visit and we've spent our days catching up, honky tonkin' at Robert's, going to Bluebird Cafe, watching Shameless, eating incredible meals, and of course getting her some cowboy boots. It's amazing what quality time with an old friend can do to lift spirits and keep you focused on what's important. After hours at the Country Music Hall of Fame looking at Patsy Cline memorabilia, Elvis' gold car and piano and too many framed platinum records to count, I found a new favorite place here and started to feel a little bit more at home.
Amanda has said more than once that one of her hobby's is going to restaurants. To say she loves food is an understatement, so from the airport (after a quick pit stop at my place) we went to Mas Tacos for a meal so good we went back again later in the week. I knew City House had to be on the list for their belly ham pizza and top notch cocktails and they didn't disappoint. The Catbird Restaurant (look out for an entire post on this meal....) had to be our highlight though, with its 10 courses, savory & sweet oreos that bookend the meal, and impeccable service.
This city is booming with food so delicious and sights so fun you don't want to leave. I'm so happy Amanda has gotten to experience the best Nashville has to offer at the moment and I'm counting down (and making reservations) for her next visit in June :)
FRESH START
13 wishes for 2013:
1. Explore a new exhibit/restaurant/park every week
2. Express more gratitude to others
3. Read and finish a new book weekly
4. Pray more
5. Live and stay on budget
6. Travel to Tokyo
7. Compliment strangers
8. Stick to and keep up this blog
9. Learn to let things go
10. Write in a journal nightly
11. Visit at least 3 friends in different states
12. Sleep less
13. Love even more
THANKFUL
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a year since I was basking in warm desert sun. I still think of the sights, people and hospitality of Joshua Tree every day and can’t help myself from planning another trip out west. But right now I am taking in cold and crisp Nashville air and happy that the stars aligned to give me this little slice of peacefulness in the south. Short days & cold nights mean plenty of hot tea, trying new recipes and getting ready for visits from friends. I have a feeling 2013 is about to be the best year yet…