I'm Not 21 Anymore, Toto

I have 5 minutes left in my day at work and I have decided to tell you that this week has taught me a valuable lesson.

When I was at Baylor, I thrived on 4 hours of sleep a night. It allowed me the perfect go to class, nap, study, and play time ratio.

This week, I have realized that I am no longer 22 year old Carrie.

True, I enjoy a good time. I like hanging out with friends and occasionally staying up a little past my bedtime, but this week was one of those every night something was going on weeks and quite honestly, I truly miss the sleep.

With that I bid farewell to my 21 year old self. I am no longer a part of you nor are you a part of me. We have parted ways indefinitely. I will no longer be hanging out, except for in my dreams.

I think I need a nap.

One More!!

22. NashTrash Tour!

Thanks Mary Katherine

Nashville Bucket List

I have 2 months left in this city as a permanent resident and I plan on making the most out of the situation! Last Saturday morning, I went to breakfast with my friend Levi and we created my Nashville Bucket List...or the list of things that I should have done in the last 3 years while I lived here.

If you would like to help accomplish any of these goals with me, please let me know!
1. Loveless Cafe
2. Frist - check! did this one last week
3. Titans Game
4. Fall Creek Falls
5. Brown's Diner - don't know why...haven't been there though
6. Be In a Music Video (which will take some effort)
7. Karaoke on Printer's Alley
8. Thirsty Thursday at the Sounds Games
9. Tennessee Fair
10. Pancake Pantry (okay, so I've been here, but not in a while)
11. Shakespeare in the Park
12. Rafting on the Ocoee
13. Dollywood
14. Graceland
15. Yazoo Brewery Tour
16. Belle Meade Plantation
17. Arrington Vineyards
18. Bluebird Cafe for a Show
19. Ryman Tour
20. Meet a country star at the Stage
and obviously: 21. Throw an amazing party on September 20

I might add to this list as I see fit :)

**Thanks for the Spelling Lesson, Tim.

Man Vs. Wild

Okay, so I have to admit...I'm so addicted to this TV show. The way that he makes everything look so simple makes me actually think that I too could survive in the middle of the antarctic wilderness...using only my body heat to keep me warm...and a tooth pick...and a piece of my shirt.

He's like the modern day McGuyver. The guy is a legend.

However, I was mildly distressed to find out that he had been duping us all along. Not actually spending the 48 hours in the wilderness, but taking himself to a nice little hotel to sleep then tackling the outback after a nice massage. So, maybe man cannot conquor wild afterall. I feel hurt.

So then I realized that maybe all along, the real Man vs. Wild would look more like this

At least he's realistic.

Dear Diary, Today was Swell!

Well, I'm here on day 11 and it's starting to kill me. Okay, not really, but this time without sugar has been a reflection of all the sugar I actually ingest on a daily basis! Crazy!

The last week has been fun. Friday night, I went to a concert for Jason Reeves and Brendan James (both on the playlist). Jason co-wrote all of Colbie Caillait's album (the "Bubbly" song) and is seriously an amazing songwriter. The great part is: the concert started at 7 and was over by 9...on a Friday. Me and my "I think I've finally hit old" self went to bed by 10. Amen sister...amen.

Saturday night was different (obviously). I went to see Paper Route (see playlist) play at Exit/In in Nashville and enjoyed the sweaty heat of 500 bodies packed into one tight room. Seriously though, they are amazing live and if you get a chance to see them you should! Then we went over to dance at my little spot B23. We always end up in VIP there and I was amazed to see that there weren't many people up there this time. Well...I realized when I looked over that it was because Carrie Underwood was enjoying hanging out up there as well on Saturday night. I danced crazy hoping that she would be like "that girl looks fun, we should be friends" but to no avail. Carrie Underwood still doesn't know that we need to be friends. Hopefully she'll figure that out soon.

The week so far has been great! Monday...we found out that Ellery, my nugget little niece, is going to have a baby SISTER in December! Not only that, but my brother Mike and his wife Ashley will have a baby BOY in November!! I'm getting a little niece and a nephew!! I'm so excited!!

Then, last night, the women in my Women Acting with a Vision group (WAV...pronounced "wave") went to Olia Zavozina's house where her new husband grilled for us and we talked about future trips that we need to take. The most exciting thing, however, was that Olia was contacted by some women in Nashville who are taking some of her clothes to possibly featured on some of Oprah's shows! She's really excited about that...and I'm pretty excited for her! What talented friends I have!

I'm going to start a poll (if I can figure out how)...please click to the left :)

**entertaining post to follow tomorrow**

Day 4

Before I take time to write this, I just want to point out one of the greatest sounds on this great earth...the sound of the cicadas outside my house right now. This sound to me evokes memories of lemonade stands, baseball games, slumber parties, and wrapping houses. How innocent and fun everything was before the world got complicated. *sigh*

Good news is, although I'm not 10, I have been having a great time since getting my job! Last weekend (4th of July) I spent the entire day with friends. I woke up late, went and laid out with 2 girls from Whirlpool (Heather & Erica), then went to Beckah's for some hot tub action, then to Andy's for a cookout. The group of friends at this cookout is the same group that I've been with for the last 3 years for 4th of July. It's definitely tradition now to see them.

The thing I love about these friends is that we pray before we eat together. It makes me feel like I have this amazing family in Nashville. This family that I will dearly miss when I leave. The good news is that it will make it so much more special when I come in for Matt's Christmas party or Brashier's Thanksgiving. I'm so excited for the move!

Monday started a new endeavor, no sugar/bread/fruit/alcohol for 2 weeks! Today marks day 4 and I can already tell you that it's pretty much all I think about! I've been cooking though, and it's been really fun to be creative in the kitchen. Tonight, I made Spaghetti Squash with meat sauce (Ground Turkey). It was very YUM and I felt quite satisfied to have made such a delicious meal using only "approved" ingredients. I'm going on a cruise at the end of September though so this little bootie needs a kick!

Other news: found out the nearest Starbucks AND Target to St. Joseph, MI is 35 miles away. Someone PLEASE tell them to build one there before September. Thank you