why nashville // jamie fleming

Jamie Fleming / 22 / Chicago native / Hairdresser / Netflix addict

Moved to Nashville in January of 2015 because she fell in love with the city. Although she still loves Chicago, she loves the "southern hospitality" feel Tennessee has and the fact that there's live music everywhere. She plans on living here for the next few years, but sees herself eventually moving back to Chicago, and someday settling in Colorado. She loves the freedom, power, and independence that comes with living on her own, but she's not a fan of grocery shopping or bills. The first week after moving was the roughest because she didn't know anyone and it was hard to adjust without friends or family. Regardless, she has no regrets about moving.

"I wouldn't do anything different. I feel like we did the best we could without knowing what exactly we were doing. Because I was able to make this happen, anything's possible."

Jamie likes that Nashville is close enough to drive to, but not exactly in the city. Being a bit further south, it's a kind of a culture shock; everyone's friendly except when they "point out [her] Chicago accent."

"My favorite parts about living here so far has been back-roading, driving through the mountains, seeing Love Circle, and all the characters I've met."

If she could live her dream, she'd be a country singer living in Nashville with a second home in the country.
                                                                                                                                                                                    

Grateful to be this one's roomie.

nothing worth having comes easy.

I finally got it. I've been sitting on this one for about a year now, and last night I decided it was time. I can't even begin to explain how hectic things have been the past few months, let alone the past couple of weeks. I've been pulling nearly full time at work, I'm up to my ears in projects + papers, I've picked up extra hours babysitting- which make for extra long days, and there's so much going on in my personal life that I've been neglecting. I'm exhausted -- and life isn't going to slow down any time soon. But for the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe again. Yesterday I hit another breaking point; it was probably the worst day I've had this entire year. One of those collapsing-to-the-floor-inside-a-bathroom-stall kinda days. I was brought back up with the help of Molly's support and selfless heart. And before we knew it, we were at a tattoo shop in Chicago + I decided to go for it. There are going to be far worse days ahead and I need to remember that everything will be worth it in the end. Because nothing worth having comes easy.

I get by with a little help from my friends (and spontaneity).

2 || 14

Thursday night, Andy flew in from Nashville and spent the weekend here in Chicago so we could be together for Valentine's day. On Friday we celebrated at Maggiano's with Molly + Jon, and after went back to our hotel and popped some champagne. We were spoiled with a weekend full of good food, good friends, and zero obligations. The lazy scale was definitely broken.

He is one of the most optimistic people I've ever had the privilege of having in my life. He makes me want to be a better person. No matter the situation, he never fails to see the light at the end of the tunnel. While at lunch on Saturday, we were sharing stories and he said to me, "We've both been through a lot, but look where we are now. We're back at Portillo's, sitting at the same table we were sitting in two years ago. We've had an amazing past few days together. Everything always works out in the end." That had never even occurred to me. Life is all about living in the present and enjoying the little things. He is truly inspiring, and I will continue to use his positive influence as motivation to appreciate life wherever I am at the moment.

jam packed.

just as i promised, here is an update post.

01. catching up with old friends at old hangouts.

02. bonding with mom.

03. workout progress (july 19).

04. relient k at mojoes.

05. living the poolside life.

06-10. birthday.

07. //

08. // my four best friends.

09. //

10. // art by molly. {follow your arrow :: kacey musgraves}

11. amazing birthday stir fry dinner @ stir crazy.

12-18. day in the city.

13. // cousin's children.

14. //

15. //

16. //

17. //

18. // soaked on the seadog extreme.

19. pre shitty-in-the-city.

20. pre game.

21. gone :: at the MID.

23. no makeup days are the best days.

24-33. aug. 2, backstreet boys concert. aka :: best day of my life.

25. //

26. // our train hit a car. we were over an hour late.

27. // my date.

 28. // jesse mccartney.

29. //

30. // "leavin"

 31. // the legends. bsb.

32. //

33. // opening.

34-42. lolla day 1 {for me} ellie goulding.

35. //

36. // "anything could happen"

37. //

38. //

39. // ran into a very drunk jimmy tatro.

40. // steve angello.

41. //

42. // kendrick lamar's after party.

43-51. lolla day 2 {for me} sunday.

44. // angel haze :: no bueno

45. // me and angel.

46. // angel haze :: new york

47. // art department.

48. // met skrillex.

50. // finally found molly.

51. // wristbands.

52. preparing for fall weather.

53. my hair never curls.

54-63. chicago market days.

55. //

56. //

57. //

58. //

59. // my ginger friend.

60. // third time seeing aaron this year. still need to post past pictures.

61. //

62. // aaron sings radio hits. somehow this video has over 27,000 views.

63. // photo booth fun.

64. view at work.

65. perfect lazy day with shannon.

66. more fall shopping.

67. lost souvenirs from nashville.

68. first day of my last semester at community college.

69. if i could figure out how to do this to my hair daily, i would.

*also went to john mayer, but didn't take pictures + i'm very bitter about it.

but it was so, so good.