On May 7th, 2016, I graduated from college. On August 2nd, 2016, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Everything in my life has shifted and changed and there’s only one word to describe it: WEIRD. (Caps, italics and underlines are absolutely necessary there.)
However…
Before I start talking about what the heck I’ve been doing for the past month of my life, I want to explain why I started this blog. I know, I’m not a philosopher or an author. I probably won’t be able to give you amazing DIY ideas, fashion tips or applicable relationship advice. But if you’re curious, bored or just plain nosy (like myself) then this is the blog for you. I created a blog to share what it’s like moving to a big city. The real stuff that you don’t see on Instagram and Facebook. We can look at it as a behind-the-scenes of a seemingly put together life. (Lol at the thought of me having it together.)
Here it goes.
To begin, I’m so thankful that I found a roommate (Shoutout to Meg.) that I get along with. Funny story, when I first met Megan, she was my “Angel Advisor” in my sorority. We both look back on this fact and just laugh. This past summer, Megan landed a job, while I searched high and low for a job in public relations. To my luck… I didn’t find one. Who’s freaking out right now? ‘Cause I still am. You might be thinking, “So you moved without a job? Irresponsible.” At this is the point, this where I turn into Stephanie Tanner, roll my eyes and say, “How rude!” But on a serious note, if there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my 22 short years on planet Earth, is that some of the best decisions are made on a whim.
When I decided to go to Mississippi State, it was completely on a whim. My parents and brother were very wary towards me going to MSU at first. (Considering we’ve all been Ole Miss fans since Day 1. Not anymore, Hail State to that.) I think I speak for us all when I say that it was the best decision I’ve ever made. If it weren’t for my seemingly sporadic choice, I wouldn’t have met my current roommate, my best friends, been a member of a great sorority, or found my calling in life. Until the day of graduation, I didn’t know whether or not I was going to graduate school or into the working world. I was being torn so many different ways by my parents, friends and peers. I always imagined myself having a Master’s degree before I tried to get a job before I realized I didn’t need one to be successful in my field. Why is that italicized? Because it’s absolutely true.
Reality: people expect you to have average of 5 years of experience you can do with less than 2. That had to be the hardest thing for me to accept. It’s been hard living in a big city, feeling unaccomplished because I haven’t landed my “ideal” job. One of the hardest things that I’ve had to give up to God is my expectations for everything to fall into place at once. I’m so used to going for something and landing it with ease. The past few months I’ve learned a TON about patience and faith. I’ve said to God at least a hundred times, “Why don’t I have a job in public relations yet? I qualify, I made good grades, and I have a college degree. Why is nothing working?” It was when I surrendered my expectations that I heard God say, “Why don’t you trust me? I have the answers, I have a plan, and I know your heart. Have faith.”
When I heard that, I immediately had a sense of relief. Everything’s going to be alright. I’m going to be alright. The past month I’ve left my family, school, friends, church and dogs to step out in complete act of faith– to move to Nashville, TN. (My dream city!) It’s going to be the craziest, weirdest, most exciting year and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next 11 months! I’m not one to open up on social media about my personal life, so this will be a new experience for me. However, I can’t wait to share a little bit of what I’ve seen in the city so far!!!
~Transition~
On to the fun stuff.
This past month:
I’ve left all my homies in Starkville. 😦
I’ve left my Nada Crew, too.
And my family… Which I don’t have a picture of because they hate pictures.
It’s been hard. My mom can tell you, I am rarely homesick. I used to live on the road, going all the time. I’ve lived on my own the past four years, but this time it has been different. And very, very difficult I can’t lie. However, I’m making it! I remind myself daily that I’m in a wonderful, beautiful place where I have the ability to better myself, and I smile and push through!
Something cool happened though…
I got a new roommate!!! Meet Megan. She loves spicy food, protein shakes and succulents.
And we did some exploring…
We casually found a patch of grass across from the Ascend Amphitheater and listen to All American Rejects, A Day to Remember and Blink 182. My early high school dreams were fulfilled on this very night.
Before that, we visited the Pedestrian Bridge to get some photos.
So dramatic, I know, I know. Also, Megan was really proud of this photo when she took it. Just look at that glow, haha.
So I don’t want this blog to be solely me talking about boring stuff like work and moving. I want to share with y’all my favorite things about the month, too. Places I’ve been and plan to go, my Nashville bucket list (the list keeps growing), music I’m jammin’ to, and what products I’ve been obsessed with lately.
First off my list is Arrington Vineyards. (I’m definitely going back.) I don’t know if it’s just me, but ever since watching The Parent Trap I’ve always wanted to visit a vineyard. I finally got the chance to, and it was beautiful!
Me being extremely photogenic. (Yes, I know, I’m awkward in front of the camera.) It’s fine, really. Also, my lipstick color is called Merlot, and I swear it wasn’t planned.
Lauren is better at this than I am. Just look at that sophistication.
I went to the Tomato Arts Festival.
No, they didn’t make all art from tomatoes or of tomatoes. (This being the exception.) The reason it’s called the Tomato Arts Festival is because the tomato is a representation of bringing fruits and vegetables alike together. Bringing the Nashville community (a bunch of fruits and veggies) together. It was seriously so cool. Check out tomatoartfest.com to see some fun pictures of the festival! It’s in a very hip area of the city, East Nashville.
Some more photos of the festival… (We didn’t stay very long because it was extremely hot, and mama’s makeup was melting off.)
Look carefully at the glasses. 🙂
Not sure what this is, but it’s awfully cute!
Megan and I also went to church on Sunday! Woo! After, we got tacos. Naturally. @bartacolife on Instagram. 😉 And @crosspoint_tv on the ‘gram.
Side note: Half of these photos are stolen from Megan’s Snapchat because my phone dies on like 90% when I Snapchat without a charger on standby. (Sorry, Meg.)
Lastly, here’s a list of things that have helped me get through the day the past few weeks:
1.) If I Snapchat you often you already know what I’m going to say… Red Bull. Don’t judge me or tell me it’s bad for me. Just let me live my life and die happy, okay?
2.) Sriracha. I honestly don’t know how I missed out on this for so long. I put it on wraps, sandwiches, salad, grits, and just about anything else, too. Seriously, the best wrap ever: fajita chicken, spinach, ranch, cheddar cheese (dat chedda) and Sriracha… You’re welcome.
3.) Chance The Rapper’s new(ish) album, Coloring Book. Top 3 songs on the album right now are: Summer Friends (feat. Jeremih and Francis & The Lights), Same Drugs (Misterwives does an excellent cover) and Blessings. Blessings is legitimately played at least once a day in my car.
4.) On the subject of music, here’s a list of songs that has been my everything the past few weeks.
-In the Name of Love by Martin Garrix (feat. Bebe Rexha).
-You & Me by Marc E. Bassy (feat. G. Eazy).
-Kids by One Republic. They did this song at church, and it’s my favorite.
-Electric Love by Borns.
-Bacon by Nick Jonas (feat. Ty Dolla $ign).
It’s a strange occurence for me to be listening to all pop these days, but I feel like this summer there’s been a lot of great pop music produced.
Okay, if you guys made it through this whole blog post, then you should be awarded a gold medal. You’re pretty much the Michael Phelps of blog reading by now. (Omg. I’m lame. Ugh.) Anyway, please keep reading these. I promise they won’t be as lengthy or scatter brained. I’ve been writing this over the course of a week. If you guys have any suggestions of places I should go in Nashville, hit me up in my Facebook or Instagram DM’s. (I’m always looking for a new restaurant, by the way.)
I can’t wait to see where the rest of the year takes me in the best city there is, Music City!
Thanks for reading!
-Carli
P.S. Logo and a better layout are coming soon!
Music City Muse 