Paved and Rural: April 2012

I recently celebrated my 33rd birthday month. Yes, month. Why celebrate one day when you can celebrate for an entire month? A bit narcissistic? Maybe. I use it more as an excuse to spend money on myself. I want a new pair of shoes? Wait, it's my birthday month! They can be a present and I don't have to feel guilty about spending that money! It works for me... and my birthday is at the end of the month so I get 29 days of me. My friend Sue doesn't think it's fair, but mainly because her birthday is on the 1st.

During this birthday month I was able to mark something off of my list. I was able to go to Nashville and see Keith Urban play at the Grand Ol' Opry.

A couple of my girlfriends joined me on Friday morning to begin our trip. After breakfast and a detour for some outlet shopping we finally made it to Nashville.

The concert was that evening so we needed to get ready, but first things first... we needed boots. If you are ever in Nashville and want to fulfill your inner cowgirl's(cowboy) need for boots go to Boot Country. Everyday they have a special, buy 1 get 2 free. If you can convince two other people that they too should fill that cowboy boot void in their lives you get away with an awesome deal and a pair of real cowboy boots.

It is no surprise to any that know me that I would make a trip any where to see Keith Urban play his music. I adore him. The Opry needed to be marked off my list and Keith Urban just happened to be playing in my birthday month so it was clearly meant to be. We didn't run into him like I had hoped, but I have a few more years before that becomes a failed goal.

We were also able to get into the Bluebird Cafe, a legendary spot in Nashville where songwriters showcase their music. Many country artists scored recording contracts after playing there, including Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. Small and intimate, the line to get in started forming more than an hour before they were set to open the doors. We were nearly turned away because they were already at capacity, but they put a few extra stools out for us to sit on and we got to enjoy the show.

Our last adventure was to the Wildhorse Saloon, a 3 story country bar with a huge dance floor and lots of pool tables. They were giving free line dancing lessons at the top of every hour, so we were able to take one. That has since sparked my desire to bring back line dancing. It's fun and people leave smiling like they've had a good time.

All in all it was a great birthday month and I am looking forward to fulfilling my new mission in life.