Journal Day!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

So, I decided to join in on the fun over at Danielle's blog, Sometimes Sweet, and post my own little journal entry. I always tell myself that I'm going to do it too every time she posts a new prompt, but I never do. So, this is the first, and maybe sometime I'll go back to and the others. :)

Looking at all of the life you've lived so far, can you pinpoint one time frame or instance that you feel truly contributed to your growth as a person? This may be a turning point, a positive or negative experience, a moment or collection of moments that stand out in your mind...something that changed you as a whole.

I moved out of my parents home at the end of June, and even though I was 20 years old and living on my own, I still felt completely dependent on my parents for everything I needed to help me get by. It was an awful feeling.

The first few months of living on my own were absolutely awful. Nothing was working out the way I planned at all. I moved out on a Thursday, and started my new job on Friday morning. I was an in home aid for old folks that were still independent. Within a week, I had already gone to the main office, making a crying fool of myself telling them I couldn't handle this job.
I was completely unemployed all through July. The only thing that got me by was my paycheck from that one week of working, and money from a painting I had done for someone.
I interviewed for a job at a clothing store, but after 3 interviews, and zero phone calls back, I didn't get the job, and was still super unemployed.

I was calling my dad every week to ask him to buy me gas. My grandma bought my groceries. My mom (and her amazing couponing skills) bought me all of the necessary things you need for a home. So I was living on my own. But still depending on my family for every single thing.

Halfway through August, I interviewed to become a nanny for a family not far from my town, and that night I was offered the job. About a week after I started, I was out getting gas, and as I pulled away from the gas station, I realized, "I just paid for that. I filled up my car, and I paid for it myself." The next day, I went grocery shopping. And I paid for my groceries all on my own. I had never felt this much independence in my life. For the first time ever, I felt like I could actually take care of myself. I was so, so proud of myself.

I never would've guessed that something as insignificant as paying for my own gas would make me feel independent. Although the first couple of months on my own were less than desirable, I am so thankful for the experience, and even more thankful for the job that I have. I am so blessed to not only be employed, but to have a job that I actually enjoy.


Just a little hello...

On Sunday afternoon, my Grandma and I went on a date to see Gone with the Wind at the Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield. I used to spend the night with my grandma every Monday night (a tradition that lasted from junior high until the Monday before I moved to Springfield), so I missed spending time with her, and this was the perfect little get together for us. We both share a h.u.g.e. love for the movie & book!

In other news..
I move in just about 2.5 weeks! Anna and I are getting excited, but we're not to thrilled about packing up the apartment and moving a few blocks away. Haha. But we're all about improving our current conditions. I can't wait to share pictures of the new place!
My momma and I are planning a special housewarming party at the new apartment as soon as Anna and I get everything moved in and such. So exciting!
I'm starting to gather inspiration for my new bedroom (and bathroom). I am SO excited about the new apartment, mostly because there are 2 bathrooms and a laundry room. Oh! And a dishwasher. Oh, how I've missed living with a dishwasher! :)


Blake and I are making a list of some Autumn traditions we'd like to start... have any ideas for us? :)

xo Haley

p.s. has anyone else noticed that We Heart It is a lot like Pinterest these days? You can now categorize the pictures you 'heart' into sets. Crazy talk.

Lately.

Friday, September 23, 2011

*my workspace.* let me tell you, nothing but a bunch of tweeting and facebooking goes on here.

So, my lack of blogging has been super depressing!
But life has been so exciting lately!

-I've been planning something, that only Blake and Breigh know about. But, I'm super excited and extremely happy. #vague
-All depending on if our application is approved (and there isn't a reason that it shouldn't), Anna and I will be moving in the next 3 or 4 weeks. EXCITING! We love our little place (it is so cozy and perfect for this time of the year), but we don't love the smokers below us, and we don't love the second hand smoke we've been breathing in for the past month. And the new place is so spacious and just all around gorgeous. So here's to hoping that everything goes smoothly and that I didn't just jinx it by blogging about it.
-I'm working on a new blogging schedule. I don't want to feel pressured to blog every single day, so I'll be taking the weekends off from blogging, but I'm going to try to keep blogging throughout the week. I'll be back soon to share what the new schedule is once I nail it all out!

I've got a hot date with Mr. Blake tonight, and then a fall festival tomorrow, and taking my Grandma to see Gone with the Wind on Sunday after church. It's a busy weekend for me! What are your weekend plans?
xo Haley

p.s. I blogged over at After Your Heart today.. check it out!


Life in Instagrams

Monday, September 19, 2011

Life has been so hectic lately, leaving no room for blogging. I absolutely hate that, but such is life. I'm finally figuring out how I need to be spending my time off of work (read: working on personal projects such as After Your Heart). Not to mention - I like to sleep any chance I get. 5:30 a.m. wake up times are not what I consider fun.
So, here's what I've been up to!

I got to hang out with this pretty girl! I went back "home" for a 2 days last week to see my parents and have a girls night with Breigh. Funny story: We spent over an hour trying to call Delilah's radio show. After what felt like foooorever, we finally got through, and we dedicated "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus to each other... haha, as cheesy as that is. It was a perfect end to our girl's night!
Blake got me a Red Velvet Dress!! (perfect boyfriend award) I absolutely love it. I had to get it taken in a bit because it was a little too big, but it's perfect now, and I can't wait to wear it!Blake and I had our very first jammies night of the season. We watched The Shining and drank spiced apple cider. It was perfect!

And...
We got tattooed!
I gifted a tattoo to Blake for his 20th birthday, and on September 10th, we went in for our appointment (of course, I had to get one too. Blake can't have all the fun!). Blake got the cover of Unknown Pleasures, an album by one of his favorite bands, Joy Division.
And I got a pretty (and outrageously girly) red bow! I promise to have better pictures of mine soon, but it's still healing. It's finally slowing down on the peeling, it's itchy as heck though!
I hope everything has been going swell for you all. I miss blogging so much, and I'm excited to start planning blog posts and get back in the habit.
I don't have much to blog about, except for the fact that because of my job, I've watched Little Mermaid over 10 times in the past 2 weeks, and I've probably seen the Mel's Bath Day episode of Jack's Big Music Show over 30 times since I started this job.
Oh, those kids. I love them. :)

I'll be back tomorrow, promiseee!
xo Haley