Struggle #16: Being Conservative

This past weekend I was lucky enough to go to Nashville with three of my closest friends! We didn't really have any reason for going besides having two days off of school and it being Halloween but who needs an excuse to go to Nashville. We left Thursday morning and got back Sunday night. While it was a long, crazy weekend, I had an absolute blast and was so happy that I went!

The Bushwacker

We went exploring all over town but our favorite place was definitely "The District" or the downtown area. On Thursday night we went on a ghost tour and explored some of the bars downtown. The tour wasn't very haunted but we met two awesome older couples traveling from California and also found the drink of choice for the weekend, The Bushwacker. This is literally one of the best drinks ever! It is like a Wendy's frosty with rum in it! Definitely used my ice cream quota for this week on them.

Friday we explored the town and got prepared for a Halloween evening in Nashville. My friends and I decided to dress up as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and let me tell you we were a huge hit! We were asked for so many pictures throughout the night, people were singing us the theme song, and my friend even got into a fight with Shredder. I had a great night and ended up being out way too late but I got up early in the morning to get after a spicy workout in the hotel gym. The gym didn't have any weights though so I had to be creative. Since someone was on the treadmill, my workout consisted of 3 rounds of: 2 minuted on the elliptical, 40 air squats, 30 V-ups, and 20 strict hand stand push ups. Afterwards I did 7 minutes of burpees, which totally stunk but I definitely was able to get my sweat on there.

 Saturday was a pretty chill day but we did walk all over town and visited some of the hot spots around the area. We walked over the pedestrian bridge and got some cool pictures and views of Nashville. However, I definitely wore the wrong boots and my feet were killing me. Our rest break before the night felt great on my feet! We made the drive back on Sunday and I was welcomed to a lot of homework and other responsibilities but it was definitely worth it. This week had been crazy but today it has finally started to slow down and let me tell you I am taking full advantage of it.

One of the reasons I chose this struggle today is because I almost talked myself out of going to Nashville with my friends. I knew that the trip was going to be expensive and I was going to come back to a lot of things to do and knowing that made me want to forego the weekend. I am a very conservative person, I try to be very frugal and I am not the best person at just dropping everything and taking chances. going to Nashville, spending a chunk of money, and going out in an unfamiliar place is very out of character for me. It makes me uncomfortable, I sometimes just enjoy living in my conservative little bubble.

This coming weekend I am headed to my first individual competition. Originally, I didn't think it was going to be that big of a competition but it seems about just like every day they announce someone new who is coming. A games veteran or an up and coming star. It has become a huge competition and for my first one I am definitely in over my head. I am excited about the opportunity but I am also terrified. Competing against these big names at my first individual competition is not conservative and for my first one, I would appreciate being a little conservative.

Nashville's Skyline! So amazing!

But hey, this is an opportunity for me. One that I have to embrace and something I need to do. I have to step up to this challenge if I ever want to make a name for myself. I am terrified but I am also ready to go. My knee may not be 100% yet but my training has been going well and I am strong mentally and physically. I am ready to prove to myself that I can do this and that taking chances isn't always a bad thing. I am ready to go to the Ozark Mountain Shred-Fest and show them who I am. I may not get first but I am going to show that I too am up and coming and ready to go. So here is to a great weekend! Wish me luck!