Now Playing

Living in Nashville means living amongst musicians, songwriters, and artists. Those that don't already hold one of those positions either work in the music business or aspire to be any of the previously mentioned. I can't tell you how many times I have met someone whose parents "work in the music business" or themselves "work in the music business". Whenever I tell people my family moved here from Little Rock, I often get the question "Did you move here so your dad could do music?" HA...no. Now I should probably give my dad a little credit here, because he is the only family member that is actually musically inclined. He has a beautiful singing voice and is a very talented pianist. In fact, he recently discovered the piano app on my mom's iPad. Despite his aversion to advancing technology, he was very entertained by this touch screen handheld piano. His musical abilities, however, don't lend to his career path. So to answer your question, yes I live in Nashville, no my father is not "in the music business".

So back to my point about living in music city...there are always concerts and music events going on. I wish I was a little cooler, a little more "Nashville cultured", a little more in the know; because I know I don't take advantage of this town. Since moving back home, I have joined a Nashville twitter (keeps me updated about what's going on in Nashville), signed up for Groupon and LivingSocial, and have even started reading the paper (online...but it still counts, right?). I'm trying to become a good citizen to this place. Really I'm just trying to find things to do, since I already lost some cool points by living at home with my parents (Kidding...I know they're reading this. Just a little joke for them. Love ya roomies!) So one of my first big contributions to becoming "more Nashville" was this past weekend. My sister-in-law and I went to the Taylor Swift concert. Yeah, I know. Talk about being in the know. You would literally have to live under a rock if you weren't aware that T.Swift was on tour right now, better yet that she was doing two shows in Nashville. My SIL and I have been counting down the days, hours, and minutes since we got the tickets in March. It was better than we ever dreamed. Surprise guests? Nashville celebs: Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw. It was truly magical. She is amazing!!

Krista & I ready to see our BFF, Taylor. Cowboy boots and all.

If this guitar ever went on eBay, I'd be the highest bidder. Sparkle guitar? Yes, please.

Tim McGraw--Taylor's inspiration for her first hit song.

One of my favorite bands, NeedToBreathe opened, which leads me to my next point (I'm feeling very musical can you tell?). They just released a new album this week called The Reckoning. Go buy it! Favorite songs: White Fences, Angel at my Door, Slumber, Able.

NEEDTOBREATHE

No, I'm not done yet. Who knows, you may be one of those people that stumbled upon my blog, happened to have received an iTunes gift card recently, and have been thinking "I wish I knew of some good tunes to buy with this!"...well now you're in luck!! Next album that is currently on repeat on my iPod is Ben Rector's new album Something Like This. Favorite songs: She Is, Hide Away, You and Me, Wanna be Loved, Falling in Love (Seriously...this whole album is amazing-all of them are great. His other albums don't disappoint either).

Ben Rector

And my final suggestion for your listening pleasure is a new artist who I was recently introduced by one of my Nashville friends (who is clearly cooler than me and knows about up and coming artists). She's super hip and trendy and is actually friends with this guy; who in my opinion will soon become very well known. His name is Steve Moakler. Strong voice, talented musician, and incredible lyrics (and he's extremely good looking--Steve, if you're reading this...we both live in Nashville, are you single?). Buy his recently released album Watching Time Run. Favorite songs: Best Thing, Thing About Us, Truth, This Ain't Rock and Roll.

Steve Moakler

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now. Just thought these new albums deserved a little recognition. So if you need some new jams to cruise to this weekend, or just a change from your same old, same old--go download these! You won't be dissapointed, I promise. Happy listening!!

P.S. If you've got some suggestions, please pass them on. Like I said...trying to be musically cultured.

new season, new state, new job

I have really got to get better about being more consistent with this blog. Making a vow now: I will be more consistent with this blog. Well that was easy! But really, I will try. The past few weeks have been a little crazy and so much has happened!

Most importantly, football season has finally begun! This means many roadtrips south to the loveliest village to see my Tigers play. It is so weird going back to Auburn, using a regular "non-student" ticket, and also seeing my little brother there...as a student! The past two games have been such fun reunions with friends and even better because we won both games!

sweet friends!

an Auburn tradition...War Eagle!

McKinney siblings--"Fam Jam 2011" as we called it

In addition to following Auburn football in the fall, Sundays are spent watching Titans games, sometimes attending them. I'd rather watch college football than NFL any day, but I watched the Panthers play for the first time this past week. Why you ask? Their newest addition is actually my boyfriend! Cam and I plan on marrying soon, save the dates coming to your mailbox in the near future.

Cam Newton. Need I say more?

Labor Day weekend was spent at the lake with family friends. It is a Labor Day tradition and we always head there after the first Auburn football game. Unfortunately, this series of tropical storms not only sent us a cool front, but also lots of rain. Lake time was minimized, but it was still a fun and relaxing weekend with family, friends, and some intense board games.

My older brother and his wife are moving to Dallas in 3 weeks. I am so excited for them and selfishly can't wait to visit. I've never been to Dallas! Of course I am sad that they will not be living here in Nashville anymore, but newly married, I know this will be a fun and exciting adventure for them. At times challenging, but I have no doubt they will learn so much on their new journey. My sister in law is going into it completely ready to join the Texans that love their state so dearly. I honestly think there are few states that are prouder of their own. She has even told me she would like to invest in running shorts that resemble the state flag. I laughed at the thought of this (and honestly thought she was exaggerating), but after Googling what I thought would be nonexistent; I found them. So despite the hesitations there may be about this move, and aside from the bittersweet feelings from both families and friends, I can be at peace knowing that on a sidewalk somewhere in Dallas, Krista is running in Texas-flag shorts, proud to be where she is, and excited about a new adventure in the Lone Star state.

I finally have some exciting news in regards to the job hunt that has been taking over my life for the past 3 months. I AM OFFICIALLY EMPLOYED!!! I only use CAPS if I would yell the sentence if speaking it aloud. Trust me, I would scream it from the rooftops. My goodness what a process it has been, and such a relief to finally have a job. I will be teaching Preschool full time. I have already met my class, and they are just the cutest little angels I have ever seen. I honestly never thought my first job would be with Preschool, but since I am early childhood certified, I'm glad I will finally get some experience with this age group. Today was my first official day and I can already tell I am going to love it. Have I mentioned the benefits? Please, that is the best part! Everyday includes 2 hours worth of naptime, 2 recess periods, 3 snack breaks, AND as if that isn't enough, every Friday is FOOTBALL FRIDAY. Again with the CAPS I know. This means on Fridays I'll be rocking the following jersey. All for you Cam. War Eagle, Go Panthers.   

Purchased this jersey around this time last year-best investment ever!