I woke up early with peace in my heart and a thirst for life. I quickly showered, got dressed and ready for the day. I wore jeans, boots and a blue and gray hippie looking shirt. I pulled out two crisp notebooks, a package of mechanical pencils, and a bag of treats for our adventure.

I arrived at Kelli’s house at 10:00am. She had a cup of hot chocolate waiting for me with a homemade blueberry muffin. It taste like heaven. Kelli signed up for Lyft and had 11 free rides. The driver pulled in her driveway at promptly 10:45. Her name was Britta and she is an English Major at Belmont, driving for extra cash so that she can go to London over the summer. It was raining and Kelli held the umbrella over my head. With Nat King Cole in our ears and the city rapidly flashing past our windows, we scribbled away memories that had never happened as our driver took us to Cross Point Church. We arrived at our first destination at 10:55am.

The service was great. We’ve been in a Series for the last 3 weeks called XOXO – friendships, flings and relationship things. I have learned so much during the last 9 months about relationships, what’s healthy, what’s not. What I’ll accept, what I won’t. This series has been mind-blowing and super fascinating. We’ve discussed everything from sex, when to have it, how to handle a fight, how you know if you’re falling in love to how to stay in love.

After service was over, Kelli requested Lyft. While we were waiting, I spoke to Jarrod, the music director, briefly regarding my first solo performance playing the cello. He wants me to play Completely by Among the Thirsty. In three weeks. Which means, I need to begin practicing soon, very soon. I’m excited about playing again. I haven’t played in over a year other than quick visits to music stores but I am confident with the beautiful instrument.

Our driver showed up at 12:45pm. His name was Jeremy and he had a flashy BMW. It was painted a special blue and just so pretty. He drove us to A Game Sportsplex. We arrived at our next destination at 1:15pm. We hopped out of the car to go ice skating and get something warm to drink. We rented skates and made our way to the rink. I grew up roller skating and prided myself on the fact that I could turn pro. Ice skating, however, is a tad bit different. I wobbled to the rink while Kelli was laughing at me. After only a few minutes on the ice, my feet adjusted and we were skating to see who could do the most brilliant moves. I may have fallen once or even four times, laughing the entire way down to the floor. I had the most excellent cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. What a wonderful treat.

We called for another Lyft driver and Jeremy actually came back for us. What a lovely coincidence. He took us to Parnassus Bookstore in Green Hills. I enjoy locally owned businesses versus big chains and the store is so quaint. It reminds me of a log cabin in Gatlinburg. We played tic-tac-toe, read a few chapters of a couple of books and enjoyed a couple of chocolate covered strawberries.

Kelli requested another driver to come get us and take us to a house on Love Circle, off of West End Avenue. Our driver was Suzy and she was withdrawn and bashful. We sat in the back of the car eating twizzlers and cabbage patch sour candy. We had the best view of the city. We danced to Etta James just as the sun went down. Laughing as an older couple across the street heard our music and started dancing, too. We scribbled in our notebooks again as if we were starving for a feast only words could fill.

We shared a blanket and she put her jacket around me. We laid there talking about everything from my thesis, to our plans for the future, to her transfer to Cali, to the events of yesterday, to her new love interest, a girl that she met at a grocery store in Alabama. We laid there laughing for what felt like an eternity. They are going on a date later this week.

She keeps reminding me that one day I’m going to open my heart up again to someone and she’s going to be worth the wait. I’d like to believe in that and today, I think that I do. I am excited about love and life and right now, just living today.

We danced some more as we were waiting for our final ride back to her house in East Nashville. I love how free my body feels when I’m dancing. I played a few songs from the Pitch Perfect soundtrack. The sun went down and the city lit up. It was absolutely gorgeous.

When we arrived at her house, we stood outside saying our goodbyes and making plans to hang out this week while I’m on spring break. We discussed the challenges of my thesis, her decision to join the Navy and she reminded me to set my alarm. I hugged her and headed home.

Days off should be celebrated. Spending time feeding your brain is just as important as every other sexy part of your body.

JMS