Trending

Sometimes it's really hard to think of something to write about. Sometimes it's not. Today is one of those "writer's block" days. So lil' ole twitter to the rescue. Trending right now: five things that annoy me. Boom. Instant blogging material.

Someone telling me to "calm down" when I'm not even mad. I don't know about you, but those two little words hit the magic button. And by magic I mean the instantly-piss-Kalyn-off button. Calm down? CALM DOWN? I was calm but now I'm not and it's all your fault. By all means, if I'm irrationally biting your head off.... well, nope. Probably not safe to say it then either. Let's just go ahead and make a rule that the words "calm down" should not be used around me.

When I can hear your music through your ear phones. Why do you need to listen to your music that loud? Do you have a hearing problem? Do you want other people to hear what you are listening to?

Not using your blinker. I will curse you and give you the finger if you are in front of me and you don't use your blinker. Or if I am trying to turn on to the road that you are turning off of, and you don't use your blinker. It would have helped me out a lot to know that you were about to turn off and I had plenty of time to turn in front of you.

When the movie doesn't match the book. Obvs I know that you can't follow the book to the tee. But why on earth would you completely change something? Why not just delete it from the story line?

People being rude for no reason. I understand if you've had a bad day or I have done something to tick you off. But having worked in the service industry for a looong time (I consider nursing a type of service, you'd understand if you've ever dealt with family members) I have come across people that are just flat out rude for no reason, and it really strikes a nerve with me. No one deserves to be disrespected, yelled at, or belittled for no reason except you're on some kind of power trip.

And because no post is complete without a picture that has nothing to do with this post whatsoever:

I used to hate him but now I love him.

That's all folks! What are #fivethingsthatannoyyou? Linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday!

That one time my life couldn't get any better

I can't believe I'm 23. I know 23 isn't old, and I'm not trying to say it is. It's just hard for me to believe that it's already been a year since my last birthday, since it seems like yesterday. This time last year, Derek was taking me on our first date. We talked for hours, and I'm pretty sure that's when I fell in love with him. My favorite thing about birthdays is all of the love I feel. From family. From friends. From co-workers. From fellow bloggers. It truly melts my heart to know how many people love and care about me. Here's a few pictures from my second birthday celebration:

Out to eat at our favorite wing place! The staff sang "Happy Birthday, Haley." Close enough, right? And I just can't get over how ecstatic Derek looks. You would think it was his birthday with all that excitement.

 

After dinner we headed home for on of my favorite things. Cheesecake. Man was it good.

(Apologies for the cell phone quality)

 

Another angle.

 

"Okay babe that's enough pictures."

 

The last picture of the cheesecake alive. We pretty much demolished it.

 

I still can't believe I'm going back to school. I am so excited to be going back with most of my classmates from my LPN class, including Morgan. Between carpooling, studying, classes, and clinical, we were probably together more than her and her husband (not really). But we became very close and I can't wait to take this journey with her again. Even if we won't be carpooling this time. I am so glad and proud of myself for taking this opportunity to better myself and further my career. I just can't wait to see what kind of doors God will open for me along the way!

 

Linked up with Robin and Shanna. Cheers to hump day and being half way to the weekend!

Linking Up

If you're not new to blog land, you probably already know what a "link up" is (also referred to as a blog hop) but if you don't know here's a little help from google:

 

Link Up - (noun) 1. connect: be or become joined or united or linked (source)

 

In blogging terms: when you link your blog post to the host blogger's page for a common theme. Usually the host blogger will have a button or image with a code to add to your post that will link back to her page. Some of the weekly link ups I join are:

 

Weekend Shenanigans with Sami from Sami's Shenanigans. A link up party every Monday where us bloggers share our exciting weekends. This was my first ever link up. The first two times I "linked up" all I did was add her button to my page and didn't actually submit my link on her site. Such a noob.

Travel Tuesdays with Helene from Helene In Between. This is a newer link up and quickly becoming a favorite. Every Tuesday you write about a travel experience and link it back to her page. I love visiting everyone's page and seeing all of the fun places they've been.      Just Because with Northern Belle Diaries. This is a link up party on Tuesdays where you don't have to write about anything specific, just add the button to the end of your post and visit other blogs.

  

 
Random Wednesday with Shanna from Because Shanna Said So. Every Wednesday, you write about whatever you want to write about and join the link up party. Shanna usually posts a super adorable outfit but I look awkward in pictures so I don't go there.

 
Back that Azz up Friday hosted by Whitney at I Wore Yoga Pants to Work. This is a link up that doesn't require a whole post or even a sentence. Just ad your favorite Friday jam to the end of your post and link on up.


On Saturdays, add the week's Instagram images and link back to Sara at Pearls and Curls. Usually I don't post on weekends but this is one of those posts that you can do in about 5 minutes and gives people an insight into your week.

There are quite a few one time link ups that I've participated in and you can read about them here, here,  here, and here. They are some of my most visited posts and I had a blast writing them and visiting other bloggers who linked up as well.

 

Wow that's a lot of link ups throughout the week, I link up on five out of six blogging days. Why, you ask, do I participate in so many? I like all of these link ups because you still get to write about what you want and then you just link back. Yes, link ups are a great way to get traffic on your site but they're also a good way for you to discover new blogs and people. Most every blog I follow I have found through one of the above weekly link up parties. Every link up I participate in, I try to visit as many blogs as I can, usually somewhere between 5-10. Sometimes I find blogs that I like enough to follow, but usually I have a good time just visiting and commenting on others' posts.

Do you link up? How many do you participate in?
 
Do you try to visit/comment on a certain number of blogs when you link up?

 

The Silver Linings Playbook: Book Review

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

As you may have read here I finished reading Silver Linings Playbook this weekend. This book has been made into a major motion picture starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence (who I'm currently in love with) so naturally I wanted to see it. As I was browsing B&N the other day, I came across the book. Which I didn't even know existed. As I've mentioned before I like to read, and I'm a little obsessed with reading books before I see the movie. Naturally, I had to buy this book. There was no way around it.

 

This book, by far, is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Yes, I have read easy, fun books that are light on the mind and quick to make you laugh. But this book made me think. The emotions I experienced when reading this book were almost overwhelming. One minute I was crying, the next I was laughing; and the next minute I was in awe at the simple joy the characters and story gave me.

 

The story centers around Pat Peoples who was released from a mental institution at the beginning of the book who believes in silver linings and happy endings. He has banned himself from watching movies, because he is currently focused on the movie of his life, directed by God. He is also a die-hard Eagles fan and avid runner and weight lifter. He uses these things to end "apart time" with his estranged ex-wife, Nikki, to regain old friendships, and to make new ones with Tiffany, who has her own dark past. The book deals with love, loss, life Philadelphia Eagles, family, trust, and Kenny G. I read this book cover to cover in less than 48 hours, literally could not put it down. I can't wait to see the movie. I am so glad I stumbled across this book, it will definitely be one of those "re-readers" that I'm so fond of.

 

So if you're looking for an invigorating, soulful, hilarious read, definitely check this one out. 

Gym thoughts...

A friend of mine was asking me for some advice about going to the gym. She says she wants to start going but is afraid she will get bored with it after a week or so and it will be a waste of money. So I talked about what keeps me at the gym, and keeps me from getting burn out. Here are a few pointers:

one. Set goals. Be specific. "I want to squat 100 lbs by March 31st." "I want to do 5 double unders by March 20th." Goals need to have a who, what, and when. (They can have a where and why too, if you want). When you set specific goals, you hold yourself accountable for what you do in the gym. It gives you motivation to keep going and to work harder every day.

two. Have a plan. Don't go to the gym thinking, I'll just figure it out when I get there. Or I'll do five legs and five arms. Buy a notebook, or planner, and plan your work outs. Specific lifts, movements, or distances. How many sets, reps, or miles. By having a gym "to do" list, it makes going a lot more time efficient and you aren't just roaming around trying to figure out what to do today. A good website to use is Livestrong. They have tons of 3, 5, and 7 day work out plans for men and women.
And if I ever get bored with my routine, I'll just pop into a class like RPM, step aerobics, or Body Combat for some variety.

three. Have a partner. Having a partner is one of the best things to do if you are just starting to work out. When you work out with a partner, you have someone else to hold you accountable. When I first started going, I went with Derek every day. Now, we don't always go at the same time. But knowing that we both go helps a lot. Cause if he went and I didn't, I would feel really bad about it and vice versa.

four. Know your equipment. Don't know the proper squat technique? What exactly is a double under? Wondering how to use a machine? Almost all facilities offer a free training session with a membership. Even if its not free, it is still a good investment to utilize a personal trainer for a few days if you've never worked out before. Or if you have a good friend that has worked out and knows their stuff, call them up to help you. Fortunately, I learned proper technique when I was in high school, and Derek is also a gym know it all so I didn't have to use a trainer. Either way, be sure you know what you're doing because lifting or doing an exercise wrong could lead to serious injury.

Now, here's some things that float through my little brain while I'm at the gym:

Yes, I just caught you staring at my butt.

Am I making too much noise?

No, I don't need you to lift those plates for me.

I think my boobs are going to slap me in the face. (Attempting double unders)

Maybe if I grunt harder I can lift more.

Did I lock the door when I left?

After random guy comments on my lack of iPod:
I should start listening to music so I can just act like I don't hear people talking to me.

I don't have pockets for an iPod...

If I run 2 miles I can have chick fil a.

No, you have sweet potatoes at home.

He needs a bigger shirt.

Man boobs, gross.

Dude, really, stop staring at my butt.

How does she squat so much?

Whoops, sorry for staring, promise I'm not a lesbian.

Instead of Chick Fil A I can have Zoe's.

Nah I can make a salad at home.

Is it me, or did somebody fart. Definitely you, crazy eyes. Stop looking so weird, everyone does it.

Including me, 'scuse me.

I could kill for a pizza.

'I'm sexy and I know it... wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle YEAH'

Wait, was that out loud?


Hope you're all having a fabulous Hump Day!

That one time Destiny's Child saved my life

Check out Bey, rockin' the ombre hair before it was cool.

 

Okay so maybe they didn't literally save my life. But they saved me from quitting my run on the treadmill. **Side note: I hate the treadmill. We do not get along at all** So there I was, running along at a moderate pace and I was just about to call it quits and "I'm a Survivor" starts playing on Pandora Workout (which I normally don't even listen to) and I was able to finish my run in under my goal time. I almost even started singing but then I remembered it wasn't a Saturday night at Chucks Marina and I didn't have a microphone in one hand with a beer in the other. But that's another story. My point is, I've got to have some good jamz going while I'm getting my cardio in, especially running on the treadmill since it's so incredibly boring. I mean, who's not going to run faster when Pre-Sasha-Fierce-Beyoncé is talking singing about surviving and not giving up?

So what are my favorite jamz to run to, you ask? Currently I'm loving any kind of electronica or techno music. The beats and fast paced music easily get me pumped up and running faster. I also am a big fan of late 90's/early 00's hip hop. Especially the ones I can sing along to.

Do you listen to music during a workout?

If so, what's your favorite genre or artist?

Mama Tried

Random Wednesday #2

Ever heard the song "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard? No? Okay so I'm the only one that listens to country music from the 60's.... cool. The lyrics to the song are technically about a man, but they can definitely be applied to certain aspects of my life too.

"I turned 21 in prison, doing life without parole.

No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried.

Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied.

That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried."

 

Okay, so I didn't turn 21 in prison, and I  certainly have never been sentenced to life without parole... but you can get the idea. Let me change the lyrics a little so you can get where I'm going with this.

 

"I turned 21 in college, doing jager without chaser

No one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried.

Mama tried to raise a lady, but her pleading I denied.

That leaves only me to blame 'cause Mama tried."

 

Bless my poor Mama's soul, because try she did. Succeed, she did not. There are plenty of things she tried to embed into my brain on how to be "lady like" but for some reason, most of it never stuck. For instance:

 

How to eat in public. Putting noms into my face hole is probably one of the things I enjoy doing most, second to napping and playing Call of Duty with the man-friend. Unfortunately, stuffing said deliciousness into my mouth isn't always attractive. Seriously, finally she just gave up, her last piece of advice being, "You better hope he doesn't take you out to eat on a first date." Anywayz, snaps to you if you can eat a hamburger and still look feminine.

 

How to control my bodily functions. Once, my mom walked in to my fifth grade classroom only to hear what she describes as "the loudest, manliest belch" she has ever heard. She looked around at all the boys in disgust only to find the teacher pointing at yours truly. Another time at the dinner table, my Dad reached to my Mom, index finger out, and said pull my finger. When she grabbed it (in attempt to break it) the loud rumble came from my bottom, not my Pop's. To this day my brother claims it as the best fart ever. On a side note, I have only ever heard my mother pass gas TWICE in 23 years. How she does it is beyond me. I do not attempt this magic.

 

How to lose graciously. For this one, I can't blame my mom because she is as competitive as they come. But do not challenge me and then beat me or I will hate you forever. Okay, not really but I will be feet stomping, baby whining, name calling upset. You'll probably be a cheater in my book since obviously I'm the better player.

 

There are some awesome things I did learn from my good ole' Mama, though:

 

I am beautiful. She never hesitates to tell me that I am the most beautiful. With or (especially) without make up. She tells me to never try to be anything I'm not and that I'm a beautiful person inside and out. Whether it's your Mama, Dad, or Aunt Kitty, everyone should have someone in their life that reinforces this every time they see them.

 

Not to be scared to run with the big dogs. I have always been athletic. I love any sport you throw at me (not saying I'm a champ at all of them). And I'm definitely not afraid to jump in a game of pick up basketball with the guys, or throw the weights around in the gym instead of prancing on the treadmill.

 

I am worth it. I had a very bad relationship. A long one, too. And in the end, it was my Mother that gave me the most comfort, reminding me that I am worth being loved for who I am, not what I can give. That one day someone would jump into my life and appreciate me, not make me feel like a sack of poo (of course she was right).

 

 

What has your Mama taught (or tried to teach) you?



That one time we snuck out

Random Wednesday #1:

So this one time, when I was about 14, my cousin (whom I was staying with at the time) decided it would be fun to "sneak out" to meet up with one of her friends. Don't get any ideas (Mom, i'm talkin' to you)....it was a meet up to get a couple 4x6 pictures her friend printed out for her.

Why, you ask, did we need to sneak out to get some printed pictures when we would be seeing said friends the next day at school? I guess because they were our neighbors through the woods and because 14 year old girls think sneaking out is fun and exciting. So we made a plan. At midnight onthedot we would meet our friends in the clearing in the back of my cousins property right at the wood-line.

We "went to bed" at our usual time, as not to "look suspicious" to the parentals. Turned the lights off. And waited. At precisely 11:50 we slipped our shoes, grabbed our flash lights, and slipped out the back door. So sneaky! As we walked across her never ending yard to the woods in silence, this "feeling" came over us and we looked at each other at the same time and broke out into a sprint to the wood line where it was safe to use our flash lights. (We didn't want to risk using them in the yard, incase our parents saw out the window). And waited some more while having and extreme case of the giggles. You know the ones where you don't have to say anything, but everything is funny? Yeah those.

Finally our friends showed up, we swapped goods, made small talk about having school the next day, and high tailed it back to the house. All without getting caught. What bad asses we were.


Did you ever sneak out as a teenager?