Feeling 21

It's the big day. I Laura Katherine Schaeffer am finally 21 years YOUNG! Woke up when the sun was rising, tied my Nikes, and hit the road running. I devoted 21 minutes of my day in the 21 degree weather (that actually felt like -21 degrees) wiping tears from the chill, while kicking some major butt. Coincidence that it was 21 degrees outside on my 21st birthday?...I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Spent the rest of my birthday celebration in downtown Nashville. Surrounded by babies and minors, my choice of drink was the perfect nonalcoholic H2O. I'm saving the alcohol birthday drinks for a more appropriate time soon to come. More importantly, I enjoyed a lovely day spent with family and received much love from friends afar. I'd say my 21st birthday was a sober success!

Mega Bus, Mega Bargain

It's 2014 and I want to document that I just bought a bus ticket from Indianapolis, IN. to Nashville, TN. for cheaper than a gallon of gas. It was a whopping $1 thanks to Mega Bus service! Feel free to call me the Bargain Baller from now on.

Not only did I save big on transportation, but I snagged a 50% off Groupon coupon for a 5k beer run to celebrate my friends 21st birthday in March. I can't think of a more motivating way to actively ring in 21 years of life than running for booze every mile. Cheers!

Fans From Afar

There's nothing like an intense sunday night football game with these two goofballs. Without a doubt, the best 49er fans (Nick & Kyle) were here in Tennessee. Unfortunately, their cheering just wasn't loud enough...better luck next year. Being the black sheep of the group, I'm pretty happy with the final outcome. GO SEAHAWKS!! 

Visual Perspective

 Clarksville, Tennessee

Fell in love with this little red barn.

Rub-a-dub-dub!

Sunlight + Clean air = Photosynthesis. Stand Tall.

Be Happy

My adventurous heart is clearly speaking to my mind. Without any hesitation, I booked two different flights in one day. Denver, Colorado and Tucson, Arizona; get ready to show me a good time!

Received an encouraging letter from my cousin. The outside of the card read, "Be happy. It's one way of being wise." Being the quote fanatic I am, this one made it to the top of my favorites list. All the love, and support from my friends and family continues to encourage me to be a contributing member of society, so I  may selflessly express an appreciation for each beautiful opportunity life presents.

Feeling inspired, I decided it was time to clean the neighborhood streets. Carrying a black trash bag with a smile plastered on my face, I walked a mile down the side of a dirty road and picked up trash. Beer bottles, plastic straws, candy wrappers, and fast food bags said peace out to the ground and hello to the grimy green garbage bin. Keeping the environment clean!

Boom Boom Bang

Lightening, thunder, and rain oh my! Stormy weather excites me more than a child opening gifts on Christmas morning. The bright flash of light through my window is so vivid I feel like I could potentially be it's next target...lets hope not. One second, two seconds, three seconds I count until the thunder roars. I think I'm safe. Bring it on, Clarksvillle.

Also, a big congratulations to my brother-in-law, Nick for getting promoted to Specialist today! He just proved persistence and hard work consequently brings great rewards. That being said, God bless America and a sincere thank you to all the active soldiers keeping this country united.

Where The Sidewalk Really Ends

I finally understand why the chicken crosses the road (in Clarksville). It's obvious, there are NO sidewalks to cross anywhere. Playing chicken on my run, I ever so gracefully dodged every truck that came my way. After a couple honks and a few ankle twisting steps in pot holes, I am pleased to say I survived my first 5 mile run in this crazy sidewalk missing town.

Nick, being the awesome brother-in-law that he is, caught this humiliating moment on camera. I apologize for the blurry quality. Nick couldn't control his giggles. 

Getting fitted for my bike, the gentleman in red handed me a ruler with measuring tape attached. To get the most adequate measurement, he instructed me to hold the ruler straight between my legs and push up as far as it could go. Laughing while feeling uncomfortable, I looked at the man and said "well, this is awkward"...I'm so awkward. 

Ice Ice Baby

Currently, it is 4 degrees in Clarksville, TN and the tips of both my fingers and toes are number than numb. I mean, cold weather is chill if there's snow but all I see is ice...not so chill. Optimistically thinking, the freezing temperature was a reasonable excuse for me to spend the day lying under a pile of cozy blankets while watching The Bachelor and every other dramatically captivating television show. No complaints.

Right, Right, Right Left Right.

Woke up at the crack of dawn, packed an army backpack full of weights and left for Fort Campbell. It was time to put myself through the everyday challenge of a soldier. I went on my first 10 mile army ruck march with Nick and his Sgt. Being the black sheep of the group, I stepped right before stepping left. Like always, I chose to march to the beat of my own drum or in this case, chant.

Received an exciting phone call from my mother to view my Bike and Build fundraising status. Surprised, yet overwhelmed with much joy and appreciation to see a cousin of mine contribute a generous donation. I am now exceeding the amount needed to get my bike. I have been anxiously waiting for this day to come. Let the butt aching, long rides begin!

Watch out world, Kyle James is the futures next soccer star.

Day Uno

Panhandlers put down your signs and find a child. Giggles, and an undeniably cute smile leaves Aunt Laura and baby Kyle two quarters richer. The southern hospitality of being friendly is real.

As for food, I got a real taste for uhm, butter. With the intent of eating "healthy," I ordered a plate of egg whites, yet I was surprised with a plate full of egg yellows. Yes, yellow. The two eggs scrambled were cooked in so much butter that the color white was unseen. Sorry all you Portland hippies, a piece of kale or even a smidgen of olive oil might kill a Tennessean soul.

If there is one thing I didn't forget at home, it's my game face. Five rounds of UNO and I managed to pull off only one win to be the ultimate loser by the end of the night. Game face=1, Game face + winning= 0. Lesson UNO learned: leave the game face behind and play it cool.