Warning: This post is full of summer secrets. Enjoy!

 I am about 5 days away from crossing my summer finish line. My summer has been a challenge and something I needed to really experience, to say the least. As these months flew by I had alot of stuff to deal with, as you know if you have read through in my last couple of posts. I think I stopped blogging so much because I had much reflection to do and honestly, nothing to write, I was completely blank.

I am happy to say, now nearing the end of my precious summer months, I think I am ready to head back to school. I'm ready to finish up my Senior year with a BANG! :]

But, as I begin this last journey of school, I will bring with me some lessons I have learned. I think they are lessons every person should at least consider... So here!! Consider! (I even added pictures because that makes everything funner! Yeah, I said funner!)

1. Country music does not suck... and 90's rock does not suck either!

I think this little lady changed my mind about Country music.
http://youtu.be/a1KqNJXryXc

But they also had a little something to do with it as well:
If I die young- The Band Perry
Dirt Road Anthem - Aldean Jason
Just another picture to burn - Taylor Swift
Remind Me- Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley

2. Eating healthy food is actually really good for you. Last semester, I literally lived on Goldfish crackers [only the flavor blasted, of course] and progresso soup. But I learned this summer that cherries and blueberries are actually yummy. ...Like, really delicious. And eating healthy is not that expensive.

3. Sometimes mascara and blush is all you need. Natural is so much prettier then orange skin.

4. A guilty pleasure TV show is good for you! Now, some people may say 'That is a waste of time!' And if you would have asked me 5 months ago, I would have been one of those. But now, well, now I see reality TV as a comfort that I am not the craziest person in the world. Actually, comparing myself to reality TV, I am quite normal. Don't know which one to watch? Here's a list to help you!

1. Keeping up with the Kardashians. I learned that one sister is enough and that people can become minsters via the internet. 
2. The Bachelorette or the Bachelor. Now, there is this whole big debate I hear from Christian circles saying, "That show is degrading to men and women! That is teaching bad relationships and bad relationship habits!" And I say, "If someone is honestly looking to the Bachelorette for any type of relationship help or view it as a good way to meet people... Well, then you might deserve that reality TV show kind of relationship." Really, just chill and watch it or don't. Learn to enjoy the stupid things in life and laugh.
3. My Strange Addictions. The season finale was a women eating her husband's ashes.... Doesn't that make you wonder how they will top next years?!?!
4. Super Nanny. She seriously ROCKS. I wish I could be her intern.
5. Extreme Home Makeover. You'll leave feeling good. Like you were helping the family in need by watching an episode. Watch it. But have some tissues near by.
6. Toddlers and Tiaras. You'll be thankful for the annoying parents and bratty children in your life. Because they could never be as terrible as the ones on the show.  Well, unless you're one of them, and if you are... sorry, you're terrible. 

5. Cooking meat is not as hard as I thought it was. I made hamburger helper, chicken and tacos this summer! 

6. The iphone is as incredible as everyone says it is. (I no longer have to google words when I am texting... spell check is right on it!)

7. Going out to eat, to the beach, to the movies, to get ice cream and shopping is totally, 100% okay to do ALONE. Seriously. DO IT! If you are nervous, bring a book!  And since you won't really read it, bring any book... you can look super smart and sophisticated if you bring the right one. [I may or may not have brought an encyclopedia with me once.]

8. It is okay to go on dates for the free food.

9. And it is also okay to have your roommate call you and pretend her car broke down so you can leave the date.

10. And it is NOT okay to get fist pumped on a first date, especially twice.

11. I learned that my car is old, and needs alot of help. And I learned it feels pretty awesome to be able to pay in cash for car repairs... but that might have been a one time deal.

12. I learned God is too good to me. And I don't deserve anything from him. I also learned forgiveness and grace is an incredible feeling.

13. I learned that sunglasses are supposed to be too big for your face... really, it is okay the Kardashians say so! SEE!

14. I learned to embrace when your exhaust pipe has a hole in it...Even if you get a headache from driving your car. Turn the music up!

15. I learned it is funny the high school friends you keep up with. Because, seriously Jason Jung, who would have thought we would hang out like 5 times this summer?? Honestly, I never thought I would see you after graduation....Thanks for the dinners!


16. 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation ROCK. Watch them. If you haven't already. WATCH THEM!

17. Netflix is not as cool as I thought it was.

18. Tina Fey's book 'Bossypants' was one of the funnest things i ever read.

19.  Uptown Girls is ALWAYS on TV.

20. I learned it is okay to use wrinkle cream at 22. Anyone who says 'That's stupid' is just mad they didn't think to do it before you did.

21. I am funny. I really am.

22. Sometimes drinking out of a fancy glass and lighting candles while eating pizza is a MUST. Everyone deserves to feel fancy... light those candles and order that pizza!

23. I learned don't pay for a crappy cup of coffee, ask for a better one.

24. Paying $35 for a haircut is a great investment. [And so is getting your eyebrows waxed]

25. I learned the dollar store has some nice things.... I know, I know, but you should really check it out every now and then.

26. Everyone should have some sort of cabin in the woods.

27. I learned to say 'Hello' and smile at random people. I learned this from a man who was always, always at the pier with his dog, on the same bench every day. He was missing a leg and his dog was missing an eye. And it never failed, I saw him every day... morning, evening, whenever. And he always said 'Beautiful Day!' Rain or shine... But, I guess every day should be considered beautiful.

28. I learned, don't curse people out over the phone while in public... because no matter the situation, you look like the curse words you're saying.

29. Grand Haven rocks.

30. Anything that can be categorized as a 'Summer Comedy' Sucks. Such as: Horrible Bosses, Bad Teacher and Friends with Benefits. Please, can I have my money back?

31. Bridesmaids...Did you see it? Cause, if you didn't you missed out. Rent it... NOW! 

32. Bedtimes are overrated... just drink alot of coffee in the morning.

33. Aziz Ansari is hilarious.

34. I learned the Radio kills songs.... But, as overplayed as it is, this is my theme song.



35. Britney Spears has still got it!

36. This was my summer jam.



37. It is okay to carry around your iphone and let it play Pandora all the time to make your life feel more like a movie. Don't worry, you're so allowed to do that

38. Kayaking is not just for granola eating, bike riding, outdoor individuals.

39. I learned if you don't like your haircut, go back to the salon and have them fix it!

40. I learned who Bon Iver is. [Thank you E]

41. I learned your best friends will be content watching stupid TV and drinking lemonade outside with you on a Friday night.

42. I learned you can replace vegetable oil in cup cake mix with apple sauce to make it less fattening. But, I say, if you're making cupcakes, make them as fattening as possible!

43. I learned 2 bowels of ice cream a day keeps the blues away!

44. I remembered slashed learned I need to journal every day. EVERY day.

45. I learned belly shirts are coming back in, Yeah, I've embraced it.

46. I learned old jeans make wonderful daisy dukes.

47. I learned how to change my oil.

Well, if you made it to the end of my list, YAY! I am proud of you! Thanks for caring that much about my life and what I learn.

I am now heading to bed and hopefully, living these last summer days to the fullest.

Goodnight.

Haley the Nanny.

"I want to be an astronaut when I grow up."

"Why Abby?"

"Because then I get to see where all the balloons went."

Being a nanny has brought a variety of experiences to my feet and it has been...well, an experience.

Sometimes hard, sometimes easy, most of the time fun, many times challenging.

I have had SO many laughs and good times with these two girls.

The conversations that go on between a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old are amazing. I love getting involved.

Here are just a few examples:

'Haley, have you ever kissed anyone?'
"No Abby. Boys are gross.'
'Yeah, but you are in college so we know you kissed someone. Elle told me college people kiss.'
...... I kept denying.
'Haley, what does kissing feel like?'
The conversation pretty much ended there. :]

I am trying very hard to explain to the girls, they can be independent women. They don't need a man, they can do it alone... at least for a while! This is perfect during the 'boys are gross stage.' We do a little handshake, and celebrate the fact that we are all independent women together.

'I am always going to live with mom and daddy.' - Abby
'Even when you have a husband?' -Elle
'I'm not going to have a husband!' - Abby
'Why?' - Me
'Because... boys are gross. And I am an independent woman!!' -Abby

I think I am training this 4 year old pretty well. :]

This summer has consisted of always having to play the evil queen during pretend, dancing to Taylor Swift, playing just dance, going to swimming lessons, dealing with tears and attitudes, hanging at the library, ice cream and popsicles, crafts,  movies, sponge bob, sidewalk chalk, and hula hooping.

And honestly, it has been exactly what I needed.

I Think Summer Is A Feminist

Is that why everyone loves music so much? I think it is because it brings you back to that certain moment, that certain day, in that certain season… right back to that moment. That moment when you were road tripping to New York with a coworker. Or when you were singing your lungs out while stuck on a bridge drawing way too much attention to yourself. Or when you and your best friend were singing to the boys in the car next to you. Or that perfect night drive, looking at the stars… There are many moments that songs bring me too.

Last summer you would have caught me listening to:

1. Eminem- Love the way you lie

2. Chris Brown- Flyin' Solo

3. Katy Perry- California Gurls

And here we are, entering into the 2011 summer and have you noticed all the girl power songs on the radio just in time for summer?! Maybe it is because I am part feminist, but I am LOVING THEM… and I hope all the other girls (who are running this world) are enjoying them as well!

Don’t believe me- check out the list below:

1.

"Think of me in the depths of your despair."

2.

"My persuasion can build a nation. Endless power, our love we can devour You'll do anything for me."

"I'm repping for the girls who taking over the world. Have me raise a glass for the college grads."

(That is actually true. Go women! :] ... I honestly think, the day is coming for women to run this world...Is there a women candidate for the white house yet?)

3.

"Cuz honestly you turned out to be the best thing I never had. You turned out to be the best thing I never had. And I will always be the, best thing you never had."

4.

Okay, give me a break. I am hanging out with little girls all day at work.. we jam this song in the kitchen and sing and dance- daily. I think this has a little idea of girl power to it. :] 

5.

"I set fire to the rain and I threw us into the flames. When we fell, something died 'Cause I knew that that was the last time, the last time."  

6.

Some may not agree, but I think this song definitely has a hint of feminism slash, super girl confidence that can only be produced by someone like Britney.

7.  

"You're alright but i'm here, darling, to enjoy the party. Don't get too excited 'cus thats all you get from me.... I'm not the kinda girl who'd get messed up with you...Imma let you try to commence with you."

I've also noticed a hint of feminism in a certain commercial ads as well. But, that's a story for a different post. It is interesting to watch the advertising world so often portray man as clueless, unintelligent, lazy and actually, annoying... maybe it's just those girls with degrees getting things done. 

Also: Please compare these saxophone instrumentals.. 

What is up with that?

What are your summer jams?

Also, thanks YouTube!

I don't Think God Cares If I'm Happy.

Things bother me. A lot of things bother me. I think whistling is annoying. I don’t like blue, brown and black together. Slow drivers, crappy bubble gum, wrinkled shirts, long instrumental breaks, weak coffee… and the list can go on.  I get annoyed FAR to easily.

I am not a very patient person and unfortunately my face blatantly displays my emotions for the world to see, no matter how hard I try to hide my feelings.

This past semester I was very overwhelmed, and there were so many moments that I just wanted to jump in my car and drive away. I can fit everything I own in my car… so why not? But, with the help of friends and family I made it through my distressing semester.

And now here I am, home sweet home. I thought when I arrived here I would be so re energized and ready to go! And to an extent, I am. I always feel a 100 times better crossing that Michigan border. (who doesn’t?!)

But, moving home I have been reintroduced to all sorts of new circumstances.

One night last week, I just really felt as if I had reached the end of my rope, I was spent, done, drained in so many different ways. And my dad and I got into a long discussion about circumstances….

Have you asked yourself these questions?

• Why am I in this situation? 
• Why did God allow this to happen? 
• What am I supposed to do now? 
• Why isn’t God making me feel better? 
• How come things can’t just change?
• Why can’t I just feel better? 
• I’m trying REALLY hard…so why isn’t God making this any easier?

Sometimes in my prayers I just look up and say “WHY?!?’ I think God just laughs at me… “Oh, Haley, my little over dramatic daughter.”

But seriously, what am I supposed to do when things are not getting any better?

I’m not saying I have the answers, or that I am right, or that this is even scriptural… this is just me, trying to figure ‘things’ out.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I really don’t think God cares about our circumstances. I think God loves us and I think he loves us enough to put us in crappy circumstances. I really don’t think he is concerned with making us happy…I think he is much more concerned with how we respond to our circumstances.

This is much easier said then done.

But think about Job, Samson, David, Paul, Jesus…. They all had some pretty bad circumstances to live through and God didn’t magically make them feel better, or give them a new car to ‘cheer them up.’ These Godly men had to DEAL.

Is that what I’m supposed to do?

I guess, when life gives you some down right terrible circumstances, God is not concerned with making you ‘feel better’. God is concerned with your character and how you will deal with it.

This semester I had some pretty gloomy circumstances surrounding me and how did I respond? I wish someone would have said, “Haley, this is a time to test your character. This is a time to test who you are in Christ.” I think if I had thought about it that way, I would have dealt with things so differently.

While mistakes happen and I think they are necessary for growth, if I would have thought of my circumstances as a way to grow and test my character, I may have made some less dumb choices this semester.

People often said the definition of character is how one responds when no one is around. I think character is the way one responds when life is not going their way. Character is how someone chooses to deal with his or her issues in circumstances.

I think James 1 when Paul says “Consider it joy my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” So, should I be joyful?

I’m not sure. Because I’m still hurt, I’m still healing; I’m still trying to deal with so many different circumstances…

But maybe instead of waiting for God to ‘make me feel better’ or ‘change my circumstances’ I need to deal with my problems and be joyful in my circumstances.

This is a time for me to question my character; this is a time for me to develop my character…. And I truly believe that’s what God cares about.

As Christians, I think it is easy to compare us to each other. I was recently confiding in a friend and they compared me to other people we know, trying to prove a point… but at the end of that conversation I couldn’t help but think, but it doesn’t matter what other Christians chose to do…

Isn’t Jesus Christ the one I should be comparing myself too? What did Jesus do with his circumstance? He prayed in the garden, and then did what God needed him to do. He lived and died through his circumstances.

Now, of course, it’s Jesus…He’s ‘perfect.’ But isn’t that what I should be striving after?

All I know is, God is not going to magically change my life into a perfect storybook. If we were all honest, everyone’s life is a mess. LIFE IS MESSY. I think the only way to truly live life, is to get involved… and that will leave you dirty, scared, jaded, disappointed, sad and many other things…

But isn’t it better to live with grass stains, scraps and dirt under your finger nails, than to be to far back you never even graze the top of the grass?

I think so.

Michigan. That's all I need.

Moving to Virgina was an interesting experience for me. I really learned how ignorant people are when it comes to the north in general and specifically, Michigan.

Some reactions after telling people I'm from Michigan:

1. The assumption I grew up in the ghetto. After saying I'm from Michigan people get that look on their face like 'I think this girl could kick my butt because she grew up selling drugs on the street while rapping with eminem.' So, then they sympathetically say something like "Oh, Michigan. Too bad what's happening up there." My response, "Well, Detroit is not all that's up there. There is an entire state." 
2. My FAVORITE reaction is when people say "Oh my gosh! Michigan! How do you deal with all that snow! Isn't it like always winter? Are you going back for the summer? Do you own shorts?!" Depending on my mood I sarcastically inform them that Michigan is not the north pole and the sun shines up there too... or I will say "Yeah, it's always cold, I wear a parka home."
3. One time I made up a story about how the Great Lakes freeze over and we all drive our cars on them. Judging by how cool everyone said that was, I've told that story a couple of times.
4. Everyone comments about the Great Lakes. Michiganders know how wonderfully, amazing these bodies of water are... but most people do not understand how big they are. So many people make fun of their size. [I get greatly offended] I just remind them you can see the Great Lakes from SPACE....they have to be pretty big? Right?  Those overly trendy and way to laid back West Coast people refuse to think a Great Lake could be anything compared to the ocean. Sigh.
5. "You're from Michigan? Can you swim in the Great Lakes? Oh wait, it's like winter all the time there right? So, they are probably always frozen over."
6. "You're from Michigan... where is that?" [I'm not kidding.] I said, Michigan is the state that looks like a hand. It is hard to miss on a map.

Once I learned about the Pure Michigan campaign, I was thrilled to show off these advertisements and prove to all the ignorant people that Michigan was amazing!

"The Pure Michigan campaign is designed to introduce to the nation the attributes that make Michigan such a popular and unique destination," said George Zimmermann,Vice President of Travel Michigan, a business unit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

And I think it does just that.

This is for those who assume Michigan can not have beaches.
This is for those who think fall is prettier in the mountains.
This is for those who really think Michigan is all snow.
This is for those who think Michigan is full of empty cities and boarded up houses.
This is for those who think the ocean water could be superior to our Great Lakes.

Studying advertising at Liberty, I have found a great appreciation for these commercials and the advertising team behind these genius ads.

This campaign won the Best State Tourism Advertising (2007), Best State Tourism Television Commercials (2007), and Best State Tourism Radio Campaign (2008).

I could go on and on about how wonderful this campaign is and what a dream it would be to work for them. [Gosh, I think I would pinch myself each day]

Seeing the pride I have in my state made me think of all the other Michiganders out there... Do you also get excited when one of these ads play? What do these ads do for you? They often give me a flash back of an amazing Michigan summer night or a breathtaking Michigan moment. Moving out of the state has given me so much pride for my state.

So many people keep talking about the economy, education and all other Michigan issues.

Although we have state issues, I think we all hold a pride for Michigan in our hearts. Whether it be a city, sports teams, the UP, a job... we all have something to be proud of, Michigan.

I think this ad says it best:


And of course, the Michigan pride was all over the U.S. during the 2011 Superbowl.

As 'bad' as everything is in Michigan right now, I have hope in the Michiganders as people. We love Michigan, we hold pride in  Michigan and no matter what is happening, no one can take that away from us.

Like Chrysler said, 'the blue collar attitude can change the white collar world.' Michiganders know how to work hard and we know what it means to survive. That is why I love this state so much.

Not only is it beautiful, unique and a hidden oasis. Michiganders hold pride in what we have and provide hope for whatever is Michigan's future.

We are Michigan, and that's something to always be proud of.

I'm Back.

Hi Blogger World!

It is certainly very nice to be back. I have missed my writing, sharing and reading over the past couple of months. So, much has happened in my life this past semester! All exciting, life altering and a little overwhelming at some points, hence, the blogging break. [I even deleted my facebook!...That was life altering.] But, here I am. Back and ready to write!

I have missed blogging so much I  started a list in my email about blogging topics! I should not run out of blogging material for a LONG while. 

One major event that happened this semester was, my birthday! I turned 22 and can I tell you the reactions I have received?

'Boy, you are old.' - Some freshman I work with who thinks we are friends and that they hold the right to comment on my age.

'You're turning 22 and you are still in undergrad.' -College kids at the gym

'Really, cause I  thought you were  turning 20?' -Daddy

'Wow, you're 22! 22! That's SO old. Like, 21, you can still be a kid, you're only 21! But, 22. You're basically an adult.' -Both roommates comments wrapped into one

My birthday was pretty rockin'[Look Below] ...almost as good as 21. :]

Oh, my response to birthday comments? I just kept telling people I look good for my age.

Nose Pierce!

 

 As if you couldn't tell, my birthday was great. 

It is now summer and that means it's time to go home and face the music. I've been having a wonderful time being re-acquainted with my little home town, Spring Lake Michigan. I've fallen in love with Grand Rapids, again, along with Lake Michigan. Needless to say, I'm glad to be back in the Mitten. On the drive home, when I crossed that state line into 'Pure Michigan' I screamed for about 10 minutes. 

What have I done since I got home, you ask? Thanks for asking! Well, I left again and drove to Kentucky to visit my, sweet, encouraging, awesome, wise, hilarious and stylish Grandma! [Check below, you can totally tell she is all of those things]. We went to dinners, a winery, shopping (almost every day) movies and watch stupid TV shows, like, the Bachelorette. 

I am trying to convince my grandma to be the NEXT Bachelorette, but she insists I should do it.

Have you been watching this season?

 

I was SO EXCITED TO eat that! :]

We went to the Newport Aquarium.

Now I know what you have to be thinking, 'Haley, you drove SO much the past 2 weeks!' And you have that right reader, I have traveled a total of 1,766 miles in 2 weeks. I am proud to call myself a Midwest Traveler! Since, I am such an experienced traveler, allow me to introduce my traveling 'buddies'. [Look below.*I may, or may not have taken these pictures while driving.]

My Hula Monkey. It's a BOY.

My Sun Glasses.

Light iced, upside down, nonfat, Carmel macchiato and GPS. I could NOT have made it through without them.

*NOTE: This semi is not a 'buddy' in anyway. I took this picture to represent , all terrible drivers I encountered on the highway, all drivers in Virgina, and anything else that tried to get in the way of my wonderful journey. 

While driving through the country, I think I found the most popular hits on the radio stations. I heard these songs a MILLION times:

1. Katy Perry - ET
2. Kesha - Blow
3. Adele - Rolling in the Deep
4. Maroon 5- Never Gonna Leave This Bed

So, Why Audacious? Reader, thank you for asking so many questions, your intuitive nature is really motivating my writing. You're awesome. 'A moment with Hales', I think, was a deceitful title. This blog did not have 'Hales moments.' Frankly, I was just writing for the sake to write. I used topics like, design, sometimes fashion, crafts, and interior design, while I like all those things, that's not what I want to blog about. I want to blog about topics that pertain to me, now. If that happens to be something political, a new TV show, something religious, my life, music, or Starbucks, I'll write about it.

This blog is my place to write, misspell, have run on sentences, express, share, fill people in, and be AUDACIOUS. Audacious means :extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave; fearless: an audacious explorer. [Thanks dictionary.com]. And that's what I want this blog to be. Opinionated, Expressive, Informative, and Bold. 

I'm excited to dive in, be brave, bold, curious, opinionated and expressive. 

You are also excited? Thank you reader, of course you agree with me.  

Inspiration = 0

Hi blogger Friends. [If I even have any left]

Sorry its been so long! Not blogging I think has more effect on me then you! Unfortunately I have lost my inspiration for words and decor and art and crafting and all my creativity. The very small amount I have left is forced out of me during my creating campaigns, slogans and PR plans for class. So, I am taking a blogging break. [as if you hadn't noticed] I've found many things I would like to blog about but I cannot find any extra words in my head to produce anything worth reading. I do promise to be back this summer with the goal to write 5 times a week. [i know, i know, but that's something i really want to do...so if not 5...twice a week] I am excited to share the things I have found and I am currently working on a very fun, creative list slash scrapbook. So, I will be reveling all of that... this summer. Which starts in June.

Until then I will be doing things like finishing school, VA beach, having fun, drinking coffee...wayyyy to much coffee, getting out of Lynchburg, and hopefully traveling with my grandma.

Until June,

-Hales

Spring has stolen my heart.

I know, it's still only January. But recent weather patterns have pulled at my heartstrings making the air feel and smell springish.  55 degrees on New Years in Michigan... since when?

I will admit I am a fickle girl, but when it comes to picking favorites, well, I take that VERY seriously. For instance, if you were to ask me to choose my favorite Starbucks, I would tell you that depends on the season and time of day... For fall, the Pumpkin Spice Latte wins hands down. Winter, the Gingerbread Latte comes in a close second. For Summer, a Light Ice, Upside down, Non-Fat Carmel Macchiato is my favorite [which is really just an iced vanilla latte with Carmel on it. I like saying the whole name, I feel like a coffee expert. ha.] ... So, I'm fickle, point proven I guess.

Getting to the main idea of this entry [insert drum roll here] ... I have a favorite season. Spring. I will admit, sometimes I almost lose my loyalty when the fall leaves start to change, or the first snowfall happens. My heart almost gives itself to the summer late nights, and trips to the beach. I start to fall for the hoodies and bonfires, hot coco, and ice cream on the pier...

But today is a the kind of day that reminds me of SPRiNG, and my love for the season. Spring, is the time where everything comes back to life again, and everyone is given a brand new start. And the sunrises are the prettiest.

Ahhhhh, Spring. :]

Yes, it's January, but I am so on board with all these designers and retailers selling spring products already! PLEASE check out Starbucks new Springish mugs. [I fell in love this morning.]

 

 

Next Spring items on the list Coach Spring Shoes. I will admit I was surprised by the lack of color spring shoes are gaining this year. But I will also admit- I LIKE IT! [I'm a plain type of dresser, look in my closest, you'll find black, black, dark purple, and black.]

Hi, Boyfriends, buy me-- BUY ME! No, really. DO IT!
I'm a size 9.

Sophisticated, yet sexy and super trendy. Side note
  I HATE bows... but, I still like these!

Being slightly disappointed in the lack of color Coach Spring Shoes brought me, I had to check out my new colorful favorite Johnathan Alder.  Please look at the fun SPRiNG products I found below!

Buy ME.

My favorite find today!

Flowers PLEASE!

I will finish this entry with a small disappointment I had this Holiday Season. I had a major falling out with my favorite day of the year, Christmas Eve. It was sad, but true. We parted ways. Now I am missing a very crucial and critical aspect of my life,.... I'm thinking a new favorite day could be the first day of spring... or possibly Valentines day... Haven't decided yet.  I'll let you know when I chose.

Welp, I  hope you enjoyed this extra long moment with Hales! Have a fabulous Saturday!

My Beach Weekend.

 Being reunited with Liz this weekend was one of the major highlights of my summer! This summer forced us to be in completely different time zones! Being able to talk face to face, laugh, sing, drive, and get coffee together was WONDERFUL! Liz and I like to think we are known for the adventures we partake on. Now, what we call adventures some may call unwise. We embarked on our first adventure of the semester within the first 3 hours of Liz's arrival back in town. She drove 9 hours back to the burg from NY to only get here and get back in the car and drive 4 more hours to the Beach. :]]].


On our way back to the burg we sat in the car, talking, laughing, reminiscing, and just mentally preparing for the semester ahead. One week from today my classes will be starting!!! {[CRAZYYY}] We couldn't believe how unbelievably fast the summer went by!! 

When we talked over our summers together I couldn't help but think how blessed my life has been. Watching the sunset, in a working car, with my yummy coke, just finshing up a a day at the beach... heading back to my apartment, and waking up to go a job the next morning. I felt overwhelmed realizing how much I have. Its the little things I thought about. Like having my nails painted, and being capable to make a cup of coffee, or to drive 4 hours to a beach. Being able to go the beach, and having the money to pay to get to the beach. Having the eyes to watch the sunset, or the nose to smell the ocean. I know, it seems almost silly thinking about these things, but I guess most people don't think about them until they are gone or not so easy anymore. I'm not sure where you are, or whats happening in your life but I pray that you will remember the little things the Lord has given you, and you can find joy in the small gifts of life. Whatever happens this semester, no matter how stressed I get, how much I hate my classes, or get frustrated with my job. I am going to try to take the time to remember the little things in life I am blessed with, and be thankful for them.

FRiENDS.

Every summer vacation my family went to the upper peninsula of Michigan and the Brooks family came with us. Before it just seemed normal to me. I spent my summers with Ashleigh  running around trading stickers, and crashing four wheelers. Going to the U.P. was just what our family always had done. Then i learned that our parents had met and became friends at the very place we attended vacation!  

So the story goes: My mom (Ruth) roomed with Mrs. Brooks (Debbie). And my dad (Jerry) worked at that summer camp as well! Ruth and Debbie became friends after a few summers spent together in the kitchen, office and bookstore. Jerry and Ruth (after a bumpy road) eventually fell in love at that summer camp. Then Mr. Brooks (Joe) visited one week. Thus the love square began and each couple got married and still 30 years later spend there summers at that same lake.

Each summer vacation spent on Piatt Lake was one filled with bliss.Looking back on the memories Ashleigh and I made while being so called 'lakers' are some of the best memories of my life.  [Besides crashing the quad. that ones not so great]. My cousin, Katie's family came up a few summers as well. Katie and I would spend time crafting and writing plays. Then preform them charging admission fees of course! Katie joined me for part of the UP vacation and we laughed remebering memeories of the past.

Just being up there reminds me of all the childhood adventures i experienced, and almost brings me back in time. Since all of us kids have grown up we don't attend a month long vacation anymore.With all the kids leaving you would think that the parents would no longer see the need for a month long vacation, and late nights. But, oh boy do they ever! I hung out with the rents just enjoying there company and friendship for a week.Visiting them was one of the funnest adventures i went on this summer!

We played dominoes- and i kicked butt!

Even when the electricity went out, we played by candle light!

You could tell they had all been friends for years through how they talked to each other. Spending time with them made me excited to have family friends one day, and be all grown up together playing dominoes until 3 in the morning! 

Mr. Brooks and Dad.[[the goofballs]]

Mom and Mrs. Brooks [[The Party Planners!]] 

[[ 30 years and counting ]]

[[ Some of the Kid's. ]]

When leaving the beloved vacation spot I couldn't help but be so thankful for such a wonderful place to house my summer memories. My family has truly been blessed to have such dear friends and joyous memories.

HOME.

This time next week i will be in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan [one of my FAVORiTES places in the entire world]. You see I have spent the past 20 summers there, and this, being my 21st summer of living- I'm not there. It's been strange not spending my summer where I have been in the years past with my family. But for some reason the transition has been  unexpectedly smooth  for me.  I think its because I know, and understand that my life is changing, and my summers are going to be different. So are my falls, Thanksgivings, Christmases and springs. Life always change- but that doesn't mean we cannot go back to how things used to be for a moment, or for a week & a half. Needless to say- I am SO excited. This trip is exactly what I need! One road trip up north with my best friend in the whole world. Then to spend a week with my family and have some time to just escape. :D!

                                                                                                        5 Days! <3!

iwrite.

This is something that I have often been embarrassed about. But- I like to write. It's sorta my outlet. I have been writing all sorts of things this summer. I think its embarrassing because- well, I can't spell and I am TERRIBLE at grammar. I know what you are thinking- Spelling? Thats not that big of a deal- there is spell check- Well. I spell words to terribly- that sometimes, alot of the time- spell check can't even figure it out!

Regardless of spelling and grammatical mistakes- I have had the most fun this summer writing because well- i can!  No papers, no tests, no endless discussion boards on topics that I really could care less about.

I've written some poetry, some plans, started a communication theory- and who knows what is next. Maybe one day I'll be brave enough to post something I have written. :]].

For now to those of who even take the time to glance at my blog.  Just know- I write.