And months later... Another one!

So, I started this blog thinking it would be a fun way to recount all the ridiculous moments of life and then my life got so ridiculous I could never find time to do it! But, it's a brand new day and I have something to say!

I wish you suckers could see the ridiculous bruise that has sprouted up on my inner thigh from, I suppose, when I pulled a muscle in yoga the other day. It is literally the size of my entire hand. It's totally insane. I can't believe I injured myself doing yoga. Crazy.

Have you seen GLEE?! Holy. Crap. It is the funniest show EVER and it almost perfectly resembles my senior year of High School. Well, maybe not perfectly, but in my mind, totally.

When I graduated college, I was so excited. I have never wanted to be done with anything so badly in all my life. But, it's weird, because now, only a month or so after the fact, I miss it. I miss the sort of structure and the gratification of doing a task and getting feedback and feeling like I'm a part of this collective struggle to be and do bigger and better things. aybe I should go back, but what would I do? Who and what do I want to be? I have no idea. Should I stay at UTC or take this adventure on the road? Should I pull a Sarah Dodson and just start doing the vagabond thing until it slows down and the natural choice is to return to the daily grind? I don't know the answer. I wish I had some wise sage to give me guidance.

I got to see my favorite Jewels last night and it was lovely, but he really got me thinking about the state of one aspect of my life. Perhaps I should listen to my friends when they ALL tell me that what I am doing is a bad idea. Perhaps I should listen to myself when I say I am exhausted from having to constantly defend myself. Maybe I should consider that I have a weight on my heart from doubt and worry. Maybe I should open my ears and my eyes and do what I am sure is best.
I probably won't though.

There is probably much more to say here, but I'm going to let it go at this. I love you all.
x's and o's,
Hayley

Things I have learned on my summer vacation...

Greetings again from beautiful Destin, Florida. I am currently waiting for my DIY highlights to set and am avoiding the out of doors for fear of the pointing and laughing that regrettably must ensue immediately upon viewing this monstrous deal sitting atop my head. Therefore, I am blogging. It felt like an appropriate time anyway, as this is our last night here. It's a good way to reflect on a trip abroad (and by "abroad" I of course mean more than 50 miles from my house).

I have learned a few things about myself on this journey to my homeland (or, you know, Gidget's) and I felt that it would be beneficial for all of you out there in blog-land to learn from my vast wisdom. I am sure you are thanking me as we speak. You're welcome.

#1. DIY highlights hurt like a bitch. It sounds like a great idea in theory, but in actual practice you will begin to wish you were doing something way more fun... like cutting off your hand with a rusty hacksaw.

#2. I will never understand how some people (like my mom's friend and one of our tripmates, Debbie) can stay out on the beach from 930 in the morning until sunset. I mean, I love the beach, I love to swim, I love having a rockin' awesome tan, but I have never been fond of soaking in a puddle of my own sweat. Some people are born with a high tolerance for yuck. I am not one of them.

#3. DIY HIGHLIGHT UPDATE: I look just like Destin Barbie. Only, you know, with smaller boobs and a larger ass.

#4. If your younger brother accompanies you on any sort of vacay, be prepared to constantly say "Shut up" "no YOU are" "No I will NOT give you any money" etc. Otherwise you will be more prone to beating yourself about the head with something heavy and blunt just to get the sound out.

#5. Yeah, so parting your hair at the beach is a bad plan. Part = exposed skin = most painful sunburn EVER. (Plus add #1 to this scenario and you are totally effed.)

#6. If there are cute frisbee throwing boys on the beach, do not forget the terrible tan lines on your stomach. Put on a shirt while you gawk in a not so obvious fashion (read: with your mouth hanging open like a cat stalking a bird bath). Just a rule of thumb.

#7. Overeating at the beach does not make you look sexier in a bikini. But guacamole is tasty.

#8. Chances are, if your skin is burning... your skin is burning. Put on more sunscreen, moron. Not that I would know.

#9. Reading a book with a dude dressed like Jesus on the cover gets you a lot of funny looks. I'm not sayin'. I'm just sayin'.

Well, I'm tired. Perhaps there will be more to come but for now, I need some fried pickles.

Have a lovely evening. You people are fab!

xoxo

Haylezzzz

Welcome to the Beach!!!

Well, hello.

I am currently sitting on the patio of our condo overlooking the pool/beach. I love it. It's magical here. The water is freakin' beautiful and the condo is so nice. I love it here. Also, I have only wanted to kill my brother half a million times so far, which is better than wanting to kill him a whole million times so I think that is progress. The Twinkies are here and are so fun. Pam's going to try to help me highlight my hair (and put a pink streak in)! Also, we are going to have gourmet Mexican tonight and that makes my heart happy since I was really sick yesterday and am only now feeling not nauseous. SWEET!!! Guacamole, here I come!

Anyway, just a little update.

I love you,

Haylezzz

Thankful

I have been fortunate of late to have a great perspective check. Lately I've been hearing stories about the experiences of people that have shaken me to my core. It sounds dramatic, but it is dramatic. I've heard stories of pain and loss and suffering; of homelessness and heartlessness and it's drastically changing my outlook on life. I, like most people, have a tendency to dwell on certain negative aspects of my life or "sweat the small stuff" if you will. I don't mean to downplay any of my personal problems or anxieties or those of others because we all have problems and trials that are very real and very serious to us. But, what I am coming to realize is that, even on my worst day, my life is beautiful. I have a family and friends who love me and who I love more than anything in this world. I am employed. I can reasonably support myself. I am educated. I have a car. I am happy. It's so easy to become wrapped up in your own little world and it takes a lot of conscious effort to get past a lot of those problems, however, I am thankful for so many things in my life and I am proud to be who I am and I hope that you are too!

I love you.
Haylezzzz