Yes, we are ALL single. [I know, we can't believe it either]

Traditions, Traditions, Traditions!

[I encourage you to play this song as you read this blog. It may make it more interesting] 

My family is all about tradition. Thinking back to when I grew up (oh, so many years ago) I can think of numerous traditions my family clung tight to for as long as we could.

1.  The Candy Cain Hunt. [My mom would give us all different flavored Candy Canes and hide them around the house, the kid who found all of theirs first won!] This was never really my favorite tradition because my sister was way to competitive about it [and always won... just like at Easter] and we always ended up with weird flavored Candy Canes by the end. [No one wanted to eat them.] 
2. The Pumpkin Patch. This was BY FAR my FAVORITE event of the fall season. We would all pile up in our red minivan and head to Heritage Farm pumpkin patch. We would listen to Adventures in Odyssey on our way and discuss the type of pumpkin we wanted. And of course when Halloween rolled around so did the book, The Ghost Eyed Tree and Dad's Halloween song. (He still calls all of us and sings it on Halloween. I'm telling you, we are all about the tradition)
3.  Christmas Tradition. Why do we insist on Dad waiting to bring  the gifts to the tree after we are asleep? We all know Santa is NOT real. But, That's just what we do, cause it is TRADITION. My family is stubbornly stuck on traditions... There is a continues argument every Christmas about moving where we open Christmas from the basement to the living room... It is always 3 verses 3. But, Chandler won't be at Christmas this year.... So, maybe I have a fighting chance? Christmas in the living room anyone?

So, this is a little taste of my family. My family who have come to mean so much more to me over the past year of my life. Sometimes, at the end of everything, all you have is family and that may have been all you needed in the first place. I am so thankful for them and so blessed to belong to this amazing and eclectic group or clan. (As my mom reefers to us, 'The Collins Clan') 

2006? or 2007?

In the UP representing our family Roles. Go ahead and take a guess at what they are. 

2007? At  another 'Back to School' tradition. :]
Which I reinstated this summer, with dinner and coffee.

Let's go youngest to oldest. 

This is my little brother, Guthrie. or GU3. or Gunther. or Goose, whatever really. His personality matches the description you would seem to gather in these pictures. He's starting his Senior year at Calvary and I think there might be a sigh of relief once the last Collins kid leaves the campus. We may, or may not have been instigators throughout out our many years there :]] 

Turtle Hunting, another Collins tradition.

  

This is my older sister, Blythe. Who will probably not read this blog post, because I know she sees blogs as a waste of time, and that is just one of the many differences between us. I think our differences have brought us closer the past 5 years and maybe not sharing a bathroom helped a little as well. :] 

This is my lovely and super smart sister. Always doing something, always being somewhere, always with someone, or making friends as she goes. She has recently picked up photography and check her out, she's SO great! I love her. We had a longstanding tradition of spending Spring Break together, in Florida with our Grandma for about 5 years? This is one of the many pictures we took on the Spring Break affairs.

Florida... 2007?

Florida 2009?

Last Spring in the Burg.

And, the oldest and most wise sibling,Chandler slash Chan. I love my big broski. He has a blog as well, check it out! He has moved to Israel for the year. [Tear.] But, not because I'm super proud of him going and doing something different. I love to claim him as my older broski and he's seriously fabulous. And, if you were inquiring, he LOVES being named Chandler, especially because of its natural association with the popular TV series, Friends.

This pretty much sums him up.

Please note both shirts represent the amazing state of Michigan.

And of course, we can't forget Mom and Dad. These two people are responsible for the weird, quirky kids we are.  I thank God everyday to have parents like them. I know I am a really blessed girl and I cannot forget that. My parents are pretty awesome in their own quirky kinds of ways as well.

My dad has an iphone... and he is really good at taking pics like this, and mass texting them to all of us kids.
My favorte one was when he texted me a pic of him in a do rag, and asked if it looked alright.... and texted me another pic with a different one asking which one looked better.

My beautiful Mom! Who was really the mastermind behind
all these wonderful traditions and memories!
Our family would not have these funny and wonderful memories without her!

And lastly, the most recent and probably most loved member of the family... Meadow.

So, this is my family. I love them all. Now, after meeting all of us, I think I should tell you, we are all single

And yes, we love Michigan. Very much. So, don't mess.

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.

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.  

Happy National Coffee Day!

As stressed as I am, I'm trying to remember to enjoy the little happiness that come complete with this adventure we call- life. So. Today I am taking the time to blog, and celebrate 'national coffee day'. Not on its own, of course, as a college student- I must do some studying as my celebrating continues. But- none the less. I am sipping a yummy Autumn Spice Latte from the White heart in little downtown Lynchburg.

I think this is seriously the BEST place to be celebrating today. The hardwoodfloors, (that creek) antique looking furniture, wooden bookshelves, and custom chalkboards make this prime coffee day enviorment for coffee lovers, like myself. Simply sitting at a table forces one to look around, and grasp the little details making the white heart worth visiting, and revisiting. The complete coffee ambiance is created and held within the walls of this place. 

As I sit enthralled with my delicious coconut muffin and autumn spice latte- I decided my favorite accessory that the white heart has. Hanging on the wall above one of the fireplaces is a picture of JRR Tolkien this is my favorite partly because I am a lord of the rings fan- i know, i know, but- it runs in my family- and partly because of the memories the picture has attached to it. 

My dad read LOTR when he was a teenager, and passed the epic story down to my siblings and I though reading each novel to us.  I remember gathering together in my older brother, Chander's room sitting and anxiously awaiting what predicament the small Hobbit and his pal Sam would find themselves in that night! Since I was rather young it was not often I listened into these stories. Give me a break, I could bearly understand Amelia Bedila let alone the concepts of Mortar, Hobbit, Elfs, wars, Orks and so on. The picture framed above this fireplace hanging in front of my eyes- is the same one that was on the back cover of the LOTR books my dad used when reading to us! 

 I remember that picture scared me. Seeing an older man, with a pipe, laughing at something in the distance- I'm not sure what it was- but his profile was forever and still is imprinted in my mind. I stopped listening to my dad read after I saw that picture. I do wish I wouldn't have now, but fear can control children easier then adults I guess. 

Anyways-Enjoy this national coffee day! If you are in Lynchburg, you still have time! Get to the whiteheart! I may still be here! :]. If you're not in the Burg. Go to one of your favorite places, get your favorite drink, and do one of your favorite things. Oh! Or bring some of your favorite people! (my boyfriends on the wayyyy! :]- He's one of my favorites.) 

Coffee is about savoring the flavor, and making sure the drink is just right. Well- Get the moment just right, and savor it. Enjoy today to the last drop. 

Happy to be back! 

-Hales 

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!