Good Ole Tootsies

So, last night deserves an immediate blog! You may remember my "buddy", Scott, that sings at Tootsies who I believe slightly resembles Kenny and acts/sings like him. Well he was supposed to be playing from 2-6pm yesterday according to Tootsies website. We weren't going to make it down there during that time because Chris had to work and Scott and Barbara were only able to get a babysitter for the evening. So, I was able to let it go . . . I wasn't going to get to see Scott. I came to terms with it . . .

Well we get down to Tootsies right before the huge crowd came in and got seats at the bar. There was a 22 year old playing who was pretty good, but no Scott. (See below)




When he finished he says, "Stick around for Scott Collier coming up next!" WHAT!? I was so excited, Chris said I was acting like a little kid. As most of you know, I'm pretty low key. But I was all nervous and couldn't sit still. It's like I think this cat is actually Kenny or something?



Scott & Barbara





Not only did we get to hear him sing, but he did his sound check standing right next to me. "Check 1, Check 1, 2 . . " never sounded so good. haha THEN he proceeded to sing 2 songs standing on the bar right in front of us. It was fabulous! We didn't get to stay too long because we are old now and go to bed at like 10, and Scott and Barbara needed to get home to the kids, but it was lots of fun.









As we were standing outside, Scott came walking out to smoke (yes, to smoke, but we will ignore that flaw for now). So, Chris asks for my camera and walks up to ask him if he could get his picture with me. It was so nice! And Scott remembered Chris from when he was known as profanity man the last time we were there. He said to come back and he would get Chris on stage! I was a little jealous! ha



Scott Collier (Chris' new buddy) & Jill

We're Engaged! (Bling Blog)

As most of you probably know, Chris proposed to me on Saturday, August 16th and I said . . . .YES! :-) Chris only knew two things ahead of time: 1.) I wanted it to be a surprise and 2.) I wanted him to pick out the ring. And both were perfect.

I was excited to spend our first weekend here in Nashville with no plans and relaxing. So, I woke up around 9 and was just laying around. Chris pulled out this big box from Shutterfly and handed it to me. So, I opened it and it was a photo book he had made on their website of pictures of us over the past 3 1/2 years. I started looking through it and still didn't really think anything of it (other than how lucky I am to have him and how he always does neat things like this for me). I was crying and laughing, because of course the pictures included captions that were typical hilarious "Chrisism's".

I started to notice when Chris was laughing he sounded a little nervous as we got towards the end of the book. But I thought it's 9:30am, he just knew I had a bad week and wanted to cheer me up with this. Then on the last page his caption was more serious and said something to the effect of we have had a lot of good times together and "I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together." And I thought oh no (in a good way of course).

He asked me to close my eyes and when he said "ok" I opened my eyes and he was on his knee with a beautifully wrapped little box. It took both of us to open it, because I wasn't functioning very well. ha Then he asked me if I would spend the rest of my life with him and I think I said yes out loud, but Chris will have to confirm that because it was a little fuzzy at that point.

The ring was beautiful, and as I knew when I told him to pick it out, it was much more beautiful than what I could/would have picked out. It was perfect, but as I told him I had to get used to it since I don't really wear jewelry and it had so many diamonds! That took about 2 days and I was ready to pick out more for the band though. ha

Then I wondered how the day could get any better. . . it was only 9:30am!! And he got me good. Well he told me to pack my bags, and I went from being emotional to excited wondering where in the world we were going.

We took a couple hours to call our families, I threw some clothes (very random) in a suitcase and we were off. 19 miles later we arrived at the Opryland Hotel and I was thrilled! http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland/?source=www.oprylandhotel.com I had been there with my family a few times and always thought it would be such a romantic place to enjoy with someone you loved, and so we did. . .

We went straight to a pizza place inside for lunch. As I was on the phone with someone and staring at my ring, I looked over to find the cashiers all staring and waving at me. Chris was smiling and I knew he had just told them the good news. I got a little embarrassed and just smiled and waved. I just found it cute that these girls that didn't even know us were so excited. Then as soon as we finished our pizza, all the girls came walking outside with a plate of ice cream and chocolate cake with a candle. I looked at Chris and said, "Did you do this?" and he goes unfortunately not, but that would have been good. ha Everyone at Opryland continued to make the day that special from the lady that checked us in making sure everything was set up to the waitress at dinner to the room service guy that Chris enjoyed talking to. They all had that southern hospitality and friendliness that just added to the special day. We even got chocolates and a nice note of congratulations delivered to our room from the woman that took Chris' reservation.

Cake from the "pizza girls"

Dinner in the hotel at the Old Hickory Steakhouse

Breakfast on our balcony

Needless to say, I didn't want to leave and I didn't want the day to end . . . but that's how every day is with Chris. :-)

Enjoy some more pictures: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8FbNGLVq4aIE

Nashville Highlights

EY Office is literally is a block and half away from BROADWAY. This is where the Famous Tootsie's and Western World is located. I drive by these places everyday on my way to and from work. I drove by Tootsie's at 7:30 A.M. on my first day of work and the front door was open. I immediately had to call Jill to tell her the news. New Orleans is the only other city I can think of that you can listen to Live Music this early in the morning.

On Friday, I ate Lunch at Jacks Bar-B-Que (http://www.jacksbarbque.com/) on Broadway. Literally, next door to Tootsie's. I walked inside and there were literally 20 or so people in line waiting patiently for some good old Bar-B-Que. As I waited I glanced through the Guest Book. To my surprise I saw a couple from Findlay, Ohio had just recently visited Jacks. This is a must visit when you come to Nashville. Its worth the wait and time. Afterwards, I popped my head into Tootsie's to see who was playing. Unfortunately, I had to head back to the office. Trust me I'll be back to hear the sounds that I grew up on.

Last night, Scott and I headed over to the Brentwood Recreational Center, to do our best impersonation of Michael Phillips...It only cost $2 to enter....Come again. You must be kidding. I took one look at the pool and knew I found my NEW HOME. This is by the far the nicest pool I have swam in since my Glory Days at Kentucky. After swallowing some water I quickly realized this was not a normal pool. This was a SALT POOL....Don't get me wrong... I was happy not to breath that smell that I had become way to familiar with over the years. As I was swimming I wonder how effective the SALT was...I did look around to see if there were any little kids in the pool.

I really hope all of you have been watching Michael Phelps...What he is doing is absolutely amazing...By far the Greatest Swimmer ever to Swim the Planet.....

Long time no blog

To say the last week was crazy is kind of an understatement, so it was hard to try to blog in the middle of everything! So, to make this easier, I'm going to give quick updates:

• We had a going away dinner with Bryce, Toni, Abby & Luke on Tuesday, July 29th at Bravo!

• Chris had his going away lunch with people from work on Thursday, July 31st at Cheesecake Factory:
  

Jill, Chris, Jenny, Ann, Dan, Heidi & Angela

• We took off for Nashville in both packed cars on Saturday, August 2nd, stopping at Cracker Barrel and in Elizabethtown to see my grandfather who had been in the hospital the night before. Hope you are feeling better, Grandpa!
  

• After throwing our stuff in the door when we got to our new apartment (see pictures below) we headed to Colin's 2nd B-day party on Sat night!

• Sunday we went to the Arrington Vineyard where we celebrated Lea's baptism with Scott & Barbara's families. It was so beautiful there and I can't wait to take people there when they come visit! http://www.arringtonvineyards.com/home.html
  

• We both started work on Monday, August 4th, however my plane ended up being delayed 4 hours that I had to take to Chicago for training. So I ended up being late to my first day! :-( It was fun and I met some nice people, but I was so excited when Chris picked me up from the airport on Tues night.
  
• Wednesday, August 6th we went out to dinner with Scott and Barbara to the Park Cafe, where they so graciously shared a gift card they had with us. It was such a neat place . . . again I can't wait to take people there! :-) http://www.parkcafenashville.com/
  
• Thursday, August 7th we went to Scott & Barbara's house for a mexican dinner for Colin's actual 2nd birthday party. Guacamole and mexican food (his favorite ha).


• Friday, August 8th we headed back to Indianapolis after work, so that I could be back for Heidi's bridal shower on Saturday afternoon and the couples shower on Saturday night. We had a blast and it was so fun to meet her and John's families. I can't wait to be a bridesmaid in their wedding in Tennessee in October!

What I am excited for in Nashville . . .

To keep things upbeat before we leave tomorrow and since I made a list of things I will miss about Indy, I thought I would be fair and list what I am excited for in Nashville! (in no particular order)

1. Going to see "Scott" at Tootsies - When we went down for our interviews we wandered into the famous Tootsies at noon on a Saturday to hear us some live country music, only to find "Scott" and the Outlaw Kid (who is 14 and had just signed a contract with the guy from Big and Rich). Now Scott looks like and sings like Kenny Chesney, so as Chris later stated, I didn't take my attention away from them for about . . oh . . the next 5 hours. :-)

Scott (left) & the Outlaw Kid

I think Chris would admit that he really enjoyed it as well. As we listened to all the old country music it reminded us of growing up with parents from the south. I don't think we listened to lullabyes, I think they played Hank, Alabama and Kenny for us from birth (as in Rogers, not Chesney). We both said over and over how we can't wait to take our Dad's there, although we are a little concerned they may end up on the stage with their guitars/banjo!

Us with the Outlaw Kid

Scott and the Outlaw Kid got to know Chris and he was soon known as "profanity man" because he seemed to know exactly where the audience participation should come in on those famous Jimmy Buffett and David Allan Coe songs.

Check out our new favorite place: http://www.tootsies.net/

2. Puckett's - Scott and Barbara took us to this little restaurant in downtown Franklin the first time we visited and we always make a point to go back now. It is set up like an old grocery store and has the best food! It also has live music sometimes and has that warm southern feel.

Check it out: http://www.puckettsgrocery.com/

3. Being close to the Adams family - Most of you know Chris' college roommate, Scott, lives in Nashville with his wife, Barbara, and their 2 kids, Colin and Lea. We can't wait to be close to them and get to know the kids better! They are adorable!

Lea, Chris & Colin

4. Wildhorse Saloon - So my friend Katie and I took a trip to Nashville about 3 years ago and went to the Wildhorse Saloon. We found this ham & cheese pretzel sandwich that I just couldn't get out of my head and I had wanted to go back ever since. So, Chris and I hit it up last time we were there and it was just as good as I remembered. They also have line dancing lessons and my goal is to hit those up some night, too! :-)

Katie & I in 2005; Chris & I in 2008

Check it out: http://www.wildhorsesaloon.com/