Nashville, Day 2

Our second day in Nashville wasn't as packed since we were in town for K-State's football game against Vanderbilt. We started off eating the donuts we purchased at the Nashville Farmers' Market; so good.

Next, we headed to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Since roughly 25,000 K-State fans were in town and the fact that Nashville is always busy, the Hall of Fame was PACKED to say the least. One could literally spend hours there. I LOVED looking at the colorful costumes. The museum appealed to my senses via the video clips, music, interactive aspects, and colors.

Of course, I like to add a few "artistic" photos in the mix. I definitely wish the museum had been less crowded, but it was still cool.

I was hungry afterward. We went to a nearby Jack Daniels, but left due to sitting at the table waiting for a server in a tiny, uncrowded restaurant for too long. We went back to "our" neighborhood and ate at Oscar's Tacos, which was across the street from where we stayed.

My friend got tacos and I got the surf & turf nachos. They were HUGE and delicious! We ate at a table outside and my beautiful nachos stopped many a passerby who stopped and went into Oscar's.

We made the poor decision to walk 1+ miles in the Tennessee heat to the game. We'd planned to just pop into bars and shops along the way, but unfortunately, there were none along the way, other than a strip joint that we weren't interested it. The area we walked in didn't look too safe, reminded me of Detroit. Finally, we can along an upscale looking wine shop. We were so hot and sweaty. We went in and stood in front of the open cooler to cool off. We also put our soon-to-be-purchased beverages on the back of our necks too. The good news is that we survived the walk. The bad news is that the Vanderbilt refs and fans were awful. The game was up and down and in the end we lost, while fighting both Vanderbilt and ourselves. :( Photos from our walk:

We got an Uber back where I heated up and finished my nachos.

Since Broadway the main drag was still so crowded, we went back to our beloved, The George Jones. Another terrific band was playing. We so enjoyed that venue and the top-notch bands they brought in.

While our team didn't come away with the win, we still had another great day in Nashville.

New Commercial

Last summer, I shared with you my first commercial.

Last week, I learned that some of my old footage had been included in a new commercial. Here it is (I show up around .20):

I just saw it on TV for the first time last night; so surreal!

What I'm Thankful For

I literally could spend hours listing all my blessing, because they are many. I'll try to keep this short and sweet.
I'm thankful for:

my parents; I haven't always appreciated them, but God has given me many circumstances that have helped me realize how blessed I am to have them in my life. When my dad had a TIA (pre-stroke), I realized just how much of a hole would be missing in my life without him. Whatever sense of humor I have; I got it from him. Any car maintenance, moving, or support I need he's always there, ready to lend a hand. His cancer bout several years ago brought us all much closer. Though he'll never be quite the same from the surgery, I'm just happy he's still here. My mom is the calm, steady rock in our family. Her lung disease diagnosis last year rocked our world. Despite the pain and lack of energy, she was still positive. What a blessing. We're all living with a new normal, but the point is that we're still living. Just over five years ago, I faced an trying nine months of doctors doing many test but not knowing what was wrong with me. Between the pain and steriods I didn't feel like myself. My parents had to help me with everything; carrying my groceries, opening things for me, and they drove me to every out-of-town doctors appointment and there were many. Rheumatoid arthritis has been a difficult journey, but I'm thankful for the company God has given me along the way. I'm so blessed that I get to see my parents at least once a week. I love going home!

my grandma; she's a strong woman. When I feel too old to do something, I remember that in her mid-30s with 6 kids, she put herself through nursing school to become an LPN and make a better life for her family. Despite being on a fixed-income, she is always generous with whatever she has. It doesn't matter what time you come to her house she always offers you food and drink; you never leave hungry. She's also pretty wise; always reminding me to "take it one day at a time" and to pray and ask the Lord for help.

both sides of my family which are really close. I know, if I ever needed anything they'd be right there ready to help. Over the years, I've realized not all families are like this.

our fur faces, Max and Riley. They're always happy to see me when I come home, but then again, they're always pretty happy. Reminds me to enjoy the simple things like the sunshine, time together with friends or family, fresh air, a treat, or a nap. ;)

my job; through it I get to impart on students what I'm passionate about: workforce development/professional development. I've also made great friends through my job. In just over a year, I've had experiences I never would've dreamed of: grad school, being in a commercial, and being a K-State Track and Field official. I'm definitely blessed to be at K-State.

friends. Though my friends are ever-cycling out of town, I'm thankful for the time I've had with each of them. I appreciate their perspectives and companionship on this journey through life.

In no way whatsoever, is this a complete list of everything I'm thankful for; like stars in the sky, my blessings are innumberable.