11: LIFE/happiness

Finally have something to write about this week. :-)
Hope you are all doing well out there in the world..Im doin pretty darn good. I have a lot on my mind lately..so warning.. this post might get a little lengthy...and maybe a bit emotional...

 I went to Wyoming to visit the family for the week of the 4th of July. I had a great time. Its always great to be home..However it is much different coming home now than it was 10 years ago. My friends all have little families of their own and I got to spend some time with them..never enough time tho..I also got to spend some time with my family which is way more important to me now than it was 10 years ago when I would have rather been partying with my friends. Life is different..things are different..but in a great way!! I couldn't be happier to see my friends so fulfilled and so in love with their new families. It literally brings me tears of joy...I so wish I could be around more to be a bigger part of everyones lives..And as for my family..we have a brand new addition that I got to meet when I was home. She is beautiful!! And while her life is just beginning, other family members are aging and changing everyday and it seriously kills me to not spend every possible minute that I can with them..So going home was amazing...but it makes leaving so incredibly hard.

As I previously mentioned, we had a new addition to the family..My youngest cousin and his wife had a baby girl!!  I am so a happy and proud of both of them..I decided to declare myself "crazy aunt Jennell" :-) Ill post pics below! So exciting!!! However, with that exciting news, I got asked the question by several family members when I was going to settle down..HAHAHA..They say Im getting old and need to hurry before they aren't around anymore..Not to pressure me or anything right??...HAHA..Well..This darn dream of mine that has me on a wild goose chase makes settling down and having a family right now preeeeetty difficult. My 96 year old great grandmother seems to think that I don't need a man..I can just go have a baby injected into my belly...I suppose she is right..and I guess at some point..it may boil down to that.. :-)

Carly Jo
July 2nd 2014 

Self Declared "Crazy Aunt Jennell"

Now back to that dream.... Lets take it back to where it all began..many many moons ago... It started when I was about 4 or 5 and was introduced to Shirley Temple films..I was hooked and had the bug ever since. All I have ever wanted to do was sing, act, perform, and entertain..Sometimes I wish this wasn't what I wanted..and I wish I had a different dream or plan.Sometimes I really just wish I could be satisfied with a more typical life, steady career, a home, a family etc...But right now I can't be. I get the question all the time.. when am I going to quit/ how long will I stick it out/ when am I going to settle down/etc...And here is my answer: When I know I have given it 100 percent, and have achieved everything I think I possibly can, then I may consider retiring and just focusing on the finer things in life such as family, etc..But Ill never quit..Because Im not a quitter. I never said I was the BEST singer, the BEST actress, or the BEST entertainer..There are millions of people much more talented than me...But I might be the BEST at wanting it most, and I may be the BEST non quitter..and I absolutely LOVE it..So whether I am average, good, great or the BEST...I love doing it and am going to stick to it!!

So now that we have that covered...
My last day of work was last week and there was no bitter sweetness to it..it was just sweet!
Leaving that job has given me some free time to focus on why I am here..I had an excellent couple of writing sessions last week!! I am super excited about the new stuff!! Not sure if the songs will be for me to sing or if we will try and get someone else to sing them..either way they are cool and I can't wait for everyone to hear them. I also had my first Nashville show last thursday night at Tennessee Brew Works..It was just a little acoustic set..but it  was really fun and I was just happy to be back doing what I love.
This week I got to finally meet with my band that will be performing with me this weekend at the Pepsi Southern Original!! The band sounds AMAZING!! So much better than I had anticipated!! I can't wait for Saturday and really hope it goes well so I can preform at the Gulf Coast Jam Festival in Florida alongside Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood!! PLEASE KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR ME THIS SATURDAY!!!

Well that is all my news for now I think!!
Ill let you know how Saturday goes..I should know the results of the contest by Aug 4th!!
Keep sending me those good vibes!!

Mom, dad and I on the boat

Grandma and Grandpa 

My rocks..

My BFF Joy!!
So happy for her and her adorable family

So proud of all these girls
And so happy for them!! 

Congrats to the new parents
of our newest family member!!
Love you all!!

First show in Nashville 

Jennell
#onestepcloser

10: GOOD NEWS..Making moves..Making changes.

Well, clearly this is no longer a weekly blog...Hahaha..Where to start??? I have been so busy the past few weeks with work. I have been working 5 nights a week for about 10-12 hr shifts and then sleep a lot....That has been very frustrating for me. Its hard to be productive in music when I am always either working or sleeping. SO I am making changes. Yesterday I put in my two weeks notice. I am not usually one to quit a job before I have something else already lined up, but I was so miserable, and if I just didn't get it over with it would just keep draggin out. So now..I am back on the market (job market that is.) I do have a possible lead...Vanderbilt Children's Hospital is trying to make space for me at their clinic. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME. At first I didn't really want to do therapy here because of the commitment that comes with it. I couldn't just ditch a patient for music. I figured a server job would be easy and flexible, but its not all its cracked up to be either... I can make much more as a therapist in a lot less hours and have more time for music..So fingers crossed children's hospital has room for me soon :-)
EXCITING NEWS!!!!
I got chosen to sing/compete in Montgomery Alabama for the PEPSI SOUTHERN ORIGINAL..
Basically I have to perform two original songs with a full band.. (STILL ON THE HUNT FOR A FEW MORE BAND MATES) If the judges like my songs and I win then I get to open for BLAKE SHELTON at the PEPSI GULF COAST JAM in Florida. SO..Again...please cross your fingers and toes for me!!
More good news:
I have my first Nashville gig on July 17th at Brew Works. Its an hour set of originals so that will be fun :-) If you are around you should come on down. Show starts at 6pm :-)

Other news and stuff and things:
The past few weeks I have been working in the studio with a guy named Rory..He is quite the character. He invited me to come in and sing back up vocals and harmonies on some of his tracks..It went REALLY well, so he asked me to record a few duets with him. They are sounding pretty awesome. We are pushing to release one early Feb for Valentines Day :-)

Hmm what else??
Yes.. I am leaving town again...But this time I am going HOME!!!! YAY...Back to Wyoming for the 4th of July.. some BBQing, Fish Fryn, Boating, Boozing. Family Good Fun!!!  I can't wait..

Thanks for sticking with me...Have a safe and fun 4th of July!!
#onestepcloser
Jennell

http://www.gulfcoastjam.com/lineup/pepsisouthernoriginal/

Recording our Valentines song :-) 

2 AM studio session after 7 hrs of work..

My view from the vocal booth 

A peaceful walk at Lake Radnor to replenish my soul

9: BACK WITH A VENGEANCE :-)

Well hello world!! 

I am back from Australia!! I have been back for a few days now, but for some reason had difficulty this time round getting back on a normal schedule..so I have been sleeping A LOT!!
Melbourne was a success...Recap: (I went to Australia for 3 weeks with the company I used to work for in LA. We provide intensive therapy for children with disabilities) The kids did awesome and made great progress/improvements...always rewarding :-) ...We also met some amazing people and made some life long friendships with the families. I miss them already. COME VISIT!!
On our free time we were able to attend an AFL game (Australian football League) which was pretty cool. The boys wear short..SHORT, shorts..BONUS FOR US!! ?? haha..We also did a few day trips which were so much fun!! We got to go climb some trees in an adult obstacle course which also included zip lining...IT WAS HILARIOUS watching all of us try to land on our feet..AMAZING..the videos are priceless. I may just have to post a few below :-) We went to Phillip Island to see the Penguins..I was bummed I didn't see any do the penguin slide on their belly..They were pretty cute tho. The following weekend we went on a wine tour through Yara Valley. It was awesome..Interesting part of the story...I missed the shuttle to the winery because I was locked out of the apartment with a dead cell phone..So.. In tears and my clothes from the night before.. I spent 120 dollars in a cab and met up with the rest of the crew..Poor cab driver...The cab fair was very worth it..And I think my friends and our shuttle driver who got to see me roll up in a cab an hour late at their first winery thought so too..:-) HAHA. So embarrassing..Made for an interesting day..
Anywhoo..Saying goodbye to our new friends wasn't easy...but after sharing an apartment with 6 girls, 5 beds (i had to share) and only 2 keys...and..knowing I would be coming back to summer, music and my own place/bed, made it a tad bit easier. :-)

Now...I am back with a vengeance and ready to focus 1000000 percent on music. I will be working on writing my new album...FINALLY!! AND.....I get to start the hunt for my new band mates so I can start performing around town. YAY!! I  have several co-writes in the books, so I am looking forward to that as well!! Got to keep moving forward. :-)
Well, Back to work!!
#onestepcloser
Jennell

AFL GAME...GO ST. KILDA

Adult Obstacle Course/Tree Climbing..Enchanted Forest

Wine Tasting YARA VALLEY

Showing up late to wine tasting...So glad they captured the moment haha

Napa Melbourne 2014 

ZIP LINING FAIL!! 

8:Hello from the land down under!! (Melbourne)

Hello Mates.. How you going.. (As Australians would say)
Things are good here. Just about to finished up with week #1.. We are all pretty mentally and physically exhausted, but the kids are already showing great progress so that keeps us all motivated!! . Our nights consist of dinner by 6 and bed by 9... Kinda pathetic really.. We wake up at 6, work out, and then do physical work from 8-430 so i guess it makes sense, just not what I am used to. Hopefully by next week our jet lag will fade and we will do a bit more exploring.. (I hope)!

The week before I left I was very busy exploring and writing!! Turns out there is a lake 15 minutes from my apartment. It's beautiful! I met some more awesome new friends and they just so happen to have a boat so we did what anyone should do with a boat and went boating!! Woohoo!! Nashville is like everything I loved about Wyoming, combined with most things I love about Cali, just add it's own southern uniqueness.. And.. It's perfect!!!

The cowriting sessions went really well.. One was slightly frustrating at the beginning...it was our first time writitng together and that can always be a bit of an adjustment.. However, when we met for the 2nd session it went much better and our song turned out pretty cool.. Most Arists/musicians are very opinionated people with their own way of doing things so when you put two artists/strangers from different backgrounds together. and tell them to write a song.. there is going to be challenges, egos, opinions, etc...It may turn out great or...it may be disasterous!! Luckily ours came together. So...that is one of my new goals... Write with as many people as possible whether we clique or not, so I can become a better writer., as well as a better, more patient, tolerant and accepting person.

Welp!! Two more weeks and I'll be back in Nashville to focus on music!!
Thanks for following along!!
Cheers
Jennell
#onestepcloser

Percy Priest Lake

Love Nashville 

Australia Crew

Napa Crew at work with an ocean front view 

7: "Success: When preparation meets opportunity"

I can't believe how quickly I have learned to love and appreciate this town. I actually missed it here when I was away. Don't get me wrong LA..I miss you too, but Nashville is a good fit and a great place to call home.
The friends I have made in the few months I have been here have really made this new life transition 100X easier!! They gave me such a warm welcome when I returned from Singapore which really surprised me. I felt missed...:-)... totally unexpected. I quickly got back into the swing of things with music, work and networking, I even had a little free time/me time to do some exploring. I went on a beautiful hike at Edwin Warner park, took a stroll through Centennial park and saw Nashville's very own Parthenon..(Exact replica of the Parthenon in Greece...why is it here??). I even enjoyed some Cinco De Mayo festivities with some great friends....AND NOW BACK TO THE MUSIC
...I had several writing sessions this past week and I am really excited about some of my new material. As soon as I can get them demo'd for you all to hear, I be sure to let you know...I also made my way around town, watching various bands play. A few bands let me get up and sing a few songs with them. One performance landed me a writing a session with a super talented musician..The other.. landed me future gigs and a potential guitar player!! You just never know who is listening and what might be around the corner.."Success is when preparation meets opportunity" Aint that the truth!! I have been told this quote several times when living in LA and it has always stuck with me..When I missed out on parts and gigs I realized it was my fault because I wasn't prepared and needed more practice..Well I think the practice is starting to pay off. My opportunities are consistently becoming more successful and I can only hope and think that this will continue and things can only go up from here. I just got to keep on prepping for my "Big Break" in life that is surely just right around the corner... FINGERS CROSSED!!
#onestepcloser
Below are some pics of my latest adventures..
Jennell

 
 Writing session at NSAI                              Brunch!!

Writing session at Muy Bueno Music Group-affiliated with George Straight.

Nashville's Parthenon..

 CINCO DE MAYO

EDWIN WARNER

Week 5: Blue Bird Cafe!!!!!

Hello world,
The week started off a little rocky saying goodbye to SL..but... we are still friends and left things on a good note and still talk when we both aren't crazy busy!! So all is well..:-)
I had a pretty busy week. I went to watch a few writers rounds (where songwriters get up and sing 2-3 original songs a piece) in hopes to meet new co-writers, friends, etc..ITS ALL ABOUT THE NETWORKING!!! But, hey!!...I am starting to get pretty good at it. I remember when I first moved to LA... it was SO hard for me to have the courage to go places by myself and force myself to talk to people that I didn't know..Now..I just do it. (This add is sponsored by NIKE..haha just kiddin). Anywhoo. I did meet some AWESOME people at the writers round. Afterwards a few of us went to the studio where I met Colbie Caillets drummer Billy...He played "show and tell" with all of his percussion equipment. He uses the most bizarre things..several kitchen supplies (broccoli steamer, nuts, little brooms, big chains, garbage cans..etc. You name it..if it makes noise..he probably uses it. :-) He was super cool, and I have been lucky enough to hang with him a few times since then..He actually just moved to Nashville from LA as well..so we have a bit in common. (YAY for more new friends)

Another one of the writers/singers that I met, Jason Adamo, and I decided to write a little bit that night. We got a great start on a duet..however..after a few too many drinks (Ooopsies) we decided to call it a night..We will start back on that as soon as we both are back in Nashville..(I am leaving town for a month...Ill explain later..)
Jason invited me to sing a duet with him at the one and only...Blue Bird Cafe..(This place is so cool, and has so much history..but you might be more familiar with it now because of the ABC show Nashville) SO EXCITED!!!!! I went over his song in my "free time"...(I worked 4 doubles meaning I worked from about 1030AM to 2AM 4 days in a row.EXHAUSTING!!) ..so I didn't really have any free time..but would listen to it while I was getting ready in the morning. We went over it together a few times Sunday afternoon before the show Sunday night..It went really well surprisingly, but I am kind of a perfectionist...(Type A to be exact) and know it could have been better had I been able to practice more and lock those lyrics in my brain.however, it still went great, and everyone in the crowd really seemed to enjoy it. Not to mention... it was A BLAST!!! I had a pretty overwhelming feeling when I got up on that stage..knowing the history behind it, and the many talented faces of country music that have sang there. It was a cool feeling, but also a bit intimidating. I have a few very short clips from the show below. Hopefully this is just the first of many Blue Bird Cafe performances...:-)

Below I will also post the link to Jasons music. He is SUPER talented. I am so thankful that he has been so friendly and welcoming. He has introduced me to some great people, and I really hope he and I can continue to write and do music together. Look him up!!  

http://www.jasonadamomusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JasonAdamoBand


Thanks again to those that are following me on this journey!! All of your support and kind words really means a lot to me!! I feel great energy here in Nashville, and couldn't be happier with how things are moving along..
#onestepcloser
Jennell

Week 4: All Good Things Must Come to an End

 Hello world!!
Can't believe I have almost been here a month already. Its amazing how quickly the time goes...
I didn't do much with music this week because I had a visitor. My boyfriend from Los Angeles SL (Using his initials) came to see me!! I showed him all around this awesome town. Played tour guide even tho I still feel like a tourist myself. We checked out the country music hall of fame...pretty cool place..lots of history (check it out if you have never been)..tried some Nashville BBQ at Pucketts (SO YUMMY) went to watch a friend from LA do his comedy thang!! (Micheal Yo), watched some amazing musicians, and of course we did what I do best..got festive and celebrated green beer day!!! (P.S. ANY excuse to dress in a costume and be festive is my favorite thing!!) AND I SAW A LEPRECHAUN!! We had soooo much fun. The weather was great on Saturday and this town was a sea of green!! We also got to do some GREAT people watching...not that that is hard to find in Nashville!! I will post a video and pics below :-)

Unfortunately, SL and I decided to go our separate ways..which was heartbreaking for both of us!! We had so much fun together.. He is such a great guy, and a great friend!! He recently took a job in Dallas which is an amazing opportunity for him..and Im..well I'm in Nashville..We know long distance could work, but with neither one of us having plans to move to the same town..it doesn't really seem manageable.. He will definitely make some woman very happy. Bummed it won't be me..I am thankful for the time we had together..and I am thankful that we ended things in a way that we are still friends and still care for each other. I have nothing but love for SL and wish him the best on his new adventure!!

Back to music next week!!
Gotta keep on keepin on :-)
Jennell
#onestepcloser

Week 2: I have a job already???

MONDAY MONDAY!!! (singing the song) ALL ALONE!! Still haven’t wrapped my brain around the fact that I actually live here in Nashville and I’m not just a tourist....I guess it will set in eventually...Anyways today I woke up and decided to go find a job. Since my focus is on music and my Cali OT (Occupational Therapy) licensee hasn’t transferred to Tennessee yet, I decided to look for a cocktail waitress/server job..Didn’t think I would be doing that at the ripe old age of 30..but i guess you gotta do what you gotta do right?? ..So...I looked up all the local bars and restaurants in the area. I haven’t worked in the service industry in 6 years and LA was a tough town to get a job in so I expected it to take AWHILE!! Like weeks...buuuuuut.. NOPE!! I got lucky..The first spot I went to, Bar Louie (across the street from my apartment) briefly looked at my application and hired me on the spot. They asked me to come in for an orientation that night..I looked at them like they were crazy.. I was like “you realize that I have very little experience” and they didn’t even care...Not sure if it was good timing, luck, or what..but I had myself a job..I just didn’t expect to start so quickly!! Everything happens for a reason I suppose. 

After orientation I met up with a few local songwriters at Whiskey Jam (a songwriter showcase) and we are supposed to get together to write next week!! Can’t wait!! 

Tuesday I went to Silver Creek Records for a meeting.  (They invited my to come in at the CRS festival). I chatted with them about my plans, my goals, my music etc. Everyone here is so damn friendly. In LA, no record label is going to ask you to stop by for coffee..Here, they do...AND I LOVE IT!!! I feel like everyone is family, a neighbor, or a friend. They have welcomed me here with open arms. Back on topic...He listened to my songs to see if any  of them would work for his younger artist...Unfortunately mine are about what I do best...Partying..so they are a little too adult for her..haha..BUT HE LOVED THEM...Especially “One Night Stand!!” We talked about publishing deals/contracts and told me that "One Night Stand" could easily get picked up by other artists to sing so I need to start pushing it!! YAY!! What good news!! 

Tuesday night I started my first work/training shit..What the hell am I doing being a server???? I felt like an idiot.. I hate being the new girl on the job. I just want to know what I am doing and be past all the learning!!! HEEEEELP!!! 

Wed and Thur nights I worked again.. Did I mention I have to take menu tests...EVERY NIGHT..and  FINAL...well I do..I thought after grad school I was done with tests..I am sure these sound easy but who has time to memorize the ingredients in every dish, sauce, cocktail etc?? I sure don't..nor do I have the brain capacity to retain all that unnecessary information..But....at least I met some fun coworkers!!! YAY for more new friends!! 

The weekend came and went..Nothing tooooo exciting happened. Just more neighborhood exploration.. It poured rain over the weekend and their was a chance of snow for monday so they canceled school and basically closed EVERYTHING down...Emphasis on the EVERYTHING because its true. It was cold and wet outside but REALLY?? If we shut down Wyoming every time it was wet and cold (or a chance of snow)..we wouldn't get much accomplished. I found it pretty entertaining until I wanted to get some food..(I had no groceries) but nothing was open, not even subway. So...I decided to be a little productive and started a really cool new song. Its about my favorite shot/drink...any guesses??? HAHA. 

Anyways..some fun stuff happens week 3. I will tell you about my meetings with Curb Records..Have a great rest of your week!! :-) 

Cheers,

Jennell 

Week 1: Let the work begin..

Week 1:

Let the work begin...My mom and I were super exhausted after our long drive, but that didn’t stop us from getting busy. We immediately began our hunt for furniture that will fit in my lil shoe box..I mean apartment..Did I tell you how small it is?? IT’s SMALL!!  (450 sq feet to be exact). I even have a murphy bed ( a bed that pulls out from the wall). At first I thought this was going to be fabulous because I wouldn’t even have to make my bed in the morning... just fold it up into the wall...WRONG!! This sucker is HEAVY!! Its like doing a dead lift/squat thrust thingy first thing in the morning..And getting it down at night...well thats another story...I am pretty sure one of these days this thing is going to squish me like a bug..All you will see are my feet sticking out like the wicked witch from Wizard of Oz. HELP!!!! 

We found this really awesome furniture store (Atlantic Bedding) where we finally found a couch that barely/perfectly fit...with a hide a bed.( meaning there is no excuse not to come visit haha) a dresser for my closet, and a cute little table. Not only did I get furniture from the store, but I also made some friends..Who woulda thought??? We randomly bumped into the furniture crew again at a bar..and when I say bumped into..I literally mean RAN into them..BAM!! oopsies..Well he introduced me to his fiance (she is a doll) we talked midgets (I mean little people..I LOVE THEM) and instantly became friends. They even invited us to dinner the next evening and to join their softball team. :-) YAY FOR NEW FRIENDS!! 

My tiny little box of an apartment is finally starting to look like a home..I used yellow accents to make it my happy little box. :-) Its pretty cozy in here and I am loving the building..Met another girl in the building..We also instantly clicked..She actually lived in my hometown for awhile as a training news reporter for K2..Small world huh?? 

Even tho we were working our butts off..,my mom and I got to enjoy some great quality time together this week and had a blast per usual.. I am so thankful to have her in my life. She has always been very supportive of me and my dreams. She helped me so so much this week with EVERYTHING!! I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for her!  We had a lot of fun exploring the town and my neighborhood together. We checked out the Belle Meade plantation/winery, and the Belmont Mansion. (BOTH WERE BEAUTIFUL) We also checked out the fun bars and restaurants in the area..Of course we enjoyed some much needed wine..and... maybe a few fireballs here and there...but who’s counting :-) Saying goodbye to her on Sunday was devastating. Goodbyes are never easy!! 

 

Friday the 21st my mom and I attended CRS 2014..(Country Radio Seminar) where I was able to do some great networking. I was asked by a few record label execs, managers, etc to stop by their offices next week to discuss my career. They also want to hear some of my music and possibly use me as a writer!! SO...Stay tuned and Ill let you know how it all goes :-) 

Cheers, 

Jennell 

#onestepcloser

And so it begins..

I wanted to start this blog the day I left LA to document my journey, but it turned out to be a pretty busy time in my life so that didn't happen. Therefore this first post is going to be a little lengthy. Bare with me if you can :-)
Oh and just a heads up..I am not a great writer or anything..this is more like a messy journal..so please don't judge me on my grammar, punctuation, etc..:-) Thanks!! haha

A little about me:
My name is Jennell. I was born and raised in Casper Wyoming, but have been living in Los Angeles the past 6.5 years pursuing a music and acting career. I also attended USC during my time in LA and earned a masters degree in Occupational Therapy..Let me tell ya, the past 6 years went by in a blink. I was working as a pediatric occupational therapist part-time while also working on music...writing, recording, etc..The acting thing..well I loved it, but didn't have the time to really pursue it, so that is on hold for now...I really would like to give that another shot at some point tho, but for now..music is my priority. I can act till Im old as dirt, but nobody wants to see me singing when I'm 90.. :-) right??  Considering I am pursing a career in music (country music to be exact) I had contemplated moving to Nashville for quite some time..Everyone told me I should, but I couldn't imagine leaving LA. I really loved my life there. I had a great group of friends, a great job, a great guy..and lived only a few minutes from the beach..so leaving didn't really seem like a good option. Until, one night in September changed everything. I went to watch Lee Brice (A great country singer/songwriter) perform at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. It was a small crowd, and it was more of a question/answer type of show than an actual vocal performance.. but what he said about his decision to move to Nashville to pursue songwriting pretty much sealed the deal. He basically said, if this is what you want..you HAVE to be there..You can't just go visit, drop off some demos, and go home...So, I went home that night and told myself that I am moving to Nashville. Shortly there after (October 2013) I took a trip to Nashville with my mom to check out it, and LOVED IT!! I set my moving date for Feb 2014...So here we are...
Feb 8th- my bff Erin threw me a going away party at The Parlor (my home away from home)
It was absolutely just as awful as I imagined that it would be to say goodbye to my amazing friends..AWFUL!!! But I know that they will come visit (they better) and I will definitely be back to visit them (soon). ;-)

Feb 9th- With a very heavy heart, I got on the plane and flew to Wyoming to pick up my mom..It was freezing..(-25 to be exact)
Feb 12th- My mom and I started our LOOOONG 22 hr drive to NASHVILLE!! We started at 6:00 am..saw the most incredible sunrise..hit some gnarly roads...stopped in Lexington to see our Aunt Sharon..stopped in Lincoln to see more relatives and two new little additions to the family (twin boys :-) sooo cute) then continued on to Omaha..Had dinner with my bff from my childhood, Kellie, her husband, and their precious daughter..(crazy how quickly we all grew up...with the exception of me of course hah) chatted and stayed the night with more cousins in Omaha..(I have a lot of cousins).
Feb 13th- Made it to St. Louis..Visited one of my moms friends from high school, had dinner, then visited another one of my childhood friends..had a much needed beer and hit the pillow...
Feb 14th-  our last little trek. Stopped in Kentucky (to eat fried chicken obviously) then.....du du du daaaaaa (super hero voice).....NASHVILLE!! Happy Valentines Day to me!!
Saw my apartment for the very first time....its SO SMALL!! but adorable..and in a great neighborhood. Just downstairs I have a few great bars, restaurants, boutiques, and an awesome lil grocery store..So much to do to make this lovely apartment a home...LET THE WORK BEGIN!!

Well this post is LONG ENOUGH!! if you are still with me..I am IMPRESSED!!! Please continue to follow along on my journey. Next post will be about my first week in Nashville!!
Jennell