First 3 months

When I think of one word to describe the last 3 months, I think of adjustment. From moving myself and everything I own to a new state, learning a new city, trying to maintain a personal life and meet new friends, learning new military terminology, figuring out how to live without roommates, understanding the workflow with a small staff, being in a wedding, getting a new kitten, and trying to find room in between for personal projects-- it's all been crazy so far.

The first month here was tough. Moving here was a stressful experience and trying to adjust to my new job and not knowing anyone here was difficult. I remember one night about 3 or 4 weeks in sitting in my apartment, watching TV, and thinking "I don't feel like myself." I proceeded to go on a hike-- one of the very few things that helps me feel balanced. I just took a deep breath, reflected and reminded myself why I made certain decisions, and it's been nothing but better ever since.

Even though Clarksville is the 5th biggest city in the state of Tennessee, it has a small town vibe everywhere you go. It's a military town and a college town. Obviously I don't fit into either of those categories, so there have been many times when I've met new people, and I've been asked the question:

"Why here?" 

Here are some responses I usually follow with: 

- Because, why not? I'm close to Nashville, a thriving city with huge growth. I'm in an area where within 3 hours or less, I have ample road-trip potential. Clarksville is also a growing city, and if you spend enough time anywhere you find those "hidden gems." And already, I've found a community of friends I'm very thankful for. Yeah, I don't see myself here forever.. I want to live many places in my life, but this is a great place to start.

- Because this city matters. With the military base, Clarksville is actually very diverse. It has so many different cultures in one large-spread out place, and there are many potential stories here.

- I've never envisioned myself living in the South, but I believe everything that happens in our lives has a greater purpose. Living here will only make me more well-rounded and open up more experiences in my life.

So with that, here are some of my favorite photos from the last 3 months.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team hosted 1175 candidates from the 101st Airborne Division for EIB (Expert Infantryman Badge) testing. Over the two weeks of training, the groups rotated through the different lanes: medical, weapons, and patrol. Receiving the EIB Badge is very prestigious, with only 10% on average passing.

A patient get his eyes checked by Optometrist Dr. Greg Ray.

Karley Musarra, 12, brushes her steer during the Clarksville Area Junior Better Beef Show. 

Zelma Potts, 85, poses for a portrait in front of her home. Her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all share memories at the house.

Hunters Lane 2017 graduates toss their caps at the conclusion of their ceremony on May 13, 2017.

Northwest High graduates line up next to the stage waiting to receive their diplomas.

EMS take a patient from the scene of the 4-vehicle crash on Highway 149, while 4-year-old Bradley Borowik wanders among debris on May 15, 2017.

Natalie Schreiber-Rivera, 8, laughs while riding the mechanical bull at the Kiwanis Rodeo.

Two soldiers face off in a match during the Combatives Tournament at Fort Campbell during Week of the Eagles on May 22, 2017.

Becky Smith, commander of the local Disabled American Veterans chapter, pets her dog Annie in her home in Clarksville.

Lauren Brickey of Elizabethon High School prepares to pitch to a Greenbrier batter on May 23, 2017 at Spring Fling.

Benjamin Brock and Logan Russell hug for a few moments away from their team after winning their championship game on May 25, 2017 at Spring Fling.

A worker smiles as he looks at the new cross placed at the top of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clarksville on June 1, 2017.

Pastor Jimmy Terry holds his bible in the air while asking for an "Amen" from friends and family at his luncheon on June 12, 2017. Terry passed away one week later from cancer. 

An ebony jewelwing rests on a leaf in the natural setting Mayor Kim McMillan is proposing to make into an "Urban Wilderness."

Trees reflect in the water of the stream that runs through the natural area which has been proposed to be an "Urban Wilderness" setting in Clarksville. 

Samantha Houck reaches to touch her husband's head one last time before the closing of his casket at his funeral service on June 20, 2017.

Eric Michael Houck's casket is carried out following his funeral service on June 20, 2017.

Soldiers salute the casket that carries the remains of Sgt. William Bays at Clarksville Regional Airport on June 21, 2017. 

Jasmin Bays cries as she hugs her daughter Laura after receiving the remains of her husband Sgt. William Bays at Clarksville Regional Airport on June 21, 2017.

Soldiers watching the casket with Sgt. William Bays carried down the aisle are reflected in the glass of the chapel on June 23, 2017. 

Jacob Waller rests his head on his girlfriend Alaina Ferrell's shoulder as they watch the fireworks during Clarksville's Independence Day celebration on July 3, 2017.

Katies Hildreth smiles while resting in her bedroom at home. In March, Katie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma. She has been in chemotherapy for 4 months, but no longer has any more active cancer cells. 

Katie smiles as she watches Gilmore Girls and colors in her bedroom at home.

Marvin Porter looks up to his sunflowers. He recently grew his tallest, at 14-feet.  He has gardened since he was a young boy, and continues to do it to keep his mind focused, after losing his beloved wife Irene recently.

Kids play freeze-tag during Project Transformation's summer camp at New Providence Baptist Church in Clarksville.

300 soldiers get ready to line up outside before entering the hanger for their homecoming ceremony, following a 9-month deployment.

A soldier cries as he hugs his friend after arriving home following a 9-month deployment.

Clark Sweeney holds his father's hand for the first time after a 9-month deployment in Afghanistan.