Tuesday, May 24, 2011

1 Year Down...

If you were to ask me a year ago where I thought I'd be today, I'm not really sure what my answer would have been. A year ago from today, I had just graduated from Baylor. I thought I knew everything. I was at the top of my game after climbing the huge mountain called college, had the best friends anyone could ask for, and life couldn't have been better. I can say it's been a crazy ride with twists and turns, most of which I didn't expect.

A year ago, I was in Nicaragua, with BRH (Baylor Religious Hour) Choir. We were on a mission trip to build latrines for a community that didn't have running water, much less electricity. It was there that I found out that one of my best friends, Katy Reeves, was diagnosed with cancer. Watching close friends deal with their own journeys have been really motivating for me. Katy is knocking out the CPA exam,  Lisa Sorenson has started her own design firm, getting to do what she loves, Ryan Brinson has started his own venture in the online magazine world called Bleep! Two of my other best friends Ryan and Cheryl are chasing their dreams in education and I couldn't be more proud of them. Seeing theSix (it's a brand) do so well in a year has been awesome.

I returned to Austin from Nicaragua on a Thursday and had to start work in Nashville on the following Monday, so I quickly gathered my things, piled them all into a Uhaul, and started my new life in Nashville. I moved away from pretty much everyone I knew to chase after this Nashville dream of mine. I've been incredibly blessed with amazing co-workers and a great job. I get to talk to people all over the nation on a daily basis. This week the Baylor students came in to learn about the music industry and I was able to tell them about what I do. It was crazy to think that I was sitting in their seats two years ago.

Many sweet tea, biscuits, and pancakes later I can say that it's been a pretty awesome year. Meeting awesome new friends, going to concerts, and living the Nashville life has been such a treat. Adjusting to the lack of Spring Break and Summer vacation, mixed with the snowy weather, and icy roads have proven to be a challenge, but one that I've grown a lot from. Today I'm saying goodbye to that apartment that I moved into a year ago, and am ready to see what this next year holds.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Life's a Symphony

It's been a while since I've been able to post! It's been a crazy busy few months! Lots of "firsts." I've been published for the first time! Who knew that talking about food would be something that other people would want to read? Check out my article on some of my favorite local Nashville restaurants in the latest digital issue of Bleep Magazine! It's free of course!

A year ago when Nashville had the flood of the century, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center had large amounts of flooding and had to close. I hadn't been to the symphony before the flooding but it opened up this year and I have had two opportunities recently to go. Let me just tell you that it's worth it. It's very rare that a young twenty-something like myself has the opportunity to mix and mingle with the elite socialites of Nashville, but I guess with my old soul I love every time it happens.

The first opportunity I had to check out the re-opened symphony center was for the Lifetime Tribute to Bill & Gloria Gaither. It was incredible event with the Nashville Choir and Orchestra. Performers included the Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patti, Larnelle Harris, Buddy Green, Russ Taff, the Voices of Lee, Gordon Mote, Steve Green, and the Issacs.

Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty singing "I've Just Seen Jesus"
Performances that gave me goosebumps included Sandi and Larnelle singing "I've Just Seen Jesus" with the choir and orchestra as well as Michael W. Smith singing with the Voices of Lee. David Phelps singing (blasting) "Because He Lives" was also a moment I wont soon forget.

Me and Bill Gaither
Getting to meet the Gaithers afterwords was incredible. They're so humble and sweet. When we talked to Gloria, she already had her shoes off and sat them on the table next to her and she told me "I just can't stand to wear those for another second." I can't say that I blame her. It was wonderful getting to see the things that they have done over a lifetime.

Michael Cavanaugh and the Nashville Symphony
The other opportunity I had to visit the symphony was for the Nashville Symphony Pops Series. Michael Cavanaugh, who was the original lead in Movin' Out on Broadway, sang the music of Billy Joel. Let me just tell you that Billy might have not been in my generation but those of you who did have him in yours were lucky. He has some awesome music! Michael did an incredible job with the Nashville Symphony and made the whole concert a great experience. Being in a box for the concert certainly added to the "cool factor" as well.