Crowds, Cold and Chaos

This past weekend, a friend and I headed over to a local Ski Resort where we spent the day snowboarding. Well, I went snowboarding and she tried a version of it on the bunny slope. This day was comprised of my least favorite combination of C’s, crowds, cold and chaos. Being in college I have little sense of the public schools academic calendar. Apparently it was presidents weekend and every youth group and family seemed to have a trip planned to the mountains this weekend. I was there for the better part of the day and into the night. The lines for the lifts, rentals, shuttles and tickets were incredibly long. There was not adequate inside space to accommodate people, there was a crowding on the slopes, they ran out of helmets for rent and the parking extended outside of their parking lots and into local businesses parking lots. All of this and the temperature was in the teens.

However, through all of the crowds, cold and chaos I still had a great day. There was hardly a time when I wasn’t having fun and at times I was snowboarding by myself. So, why was i having such a good time despite the C’s? Once I made it to the top of the mountain, after getting off at the last ski lift stop I realized that it was worth it. As I type this it all seems terrible, like a horrible experience but yet, it was incredible. The wind can feel like little needles on your skin but the snow looks majestic as the wind carries it away, almost like ghosts, towering high to the people on the ski lifts. The powdery snow gets stuck inside my gloves but is a dream to ride on. Riding the lifts at night is like a mid-air haunted hayride but, the trees, covered in snow, look better from this angle. The lines can be a pain to stand in but, i’m glad people are here to experience the beauty of where I live.

Sometimes the weather stinks and people can be annoying but, thats the great thing about the outdoors. A beautiful landscape and some fresh air has the power to change your mood, lift your spirits and transform your day.

Have a good day friends and stay warm.

Five for Friday- February 14th Edition

Happy Valentine’s Day Friends! Honestly,I am pretty indifferent towards Valentine’s day but, after my friend gave me a Valentine’s day card, it got me in the spirit.

Here are 5 of my favorite Valentine’s Day themed things!

1. YOU!

No matter what type of relationships you have in your life remembered that you are LOVED.

2. New2Me Nikon Coolpix

This picture may seem like it has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day but it actually has everything to do with Valentine’s Day. The camera this was taken on was my Valentine’s Day gift from my Dad. Like I have talked about before my Dad is a professional photographer. He didn’t exactly tell me how he acquired this camera but I received an older Nikon Coolpix camera in the mail on Monday, complete with 3 lenses. Due to the crazy Boone blizzard, I haven’t been able to take it out much but, I did manage to snap this picture in my backyard when the snow lightened up.

3. To the Moon and Back

I stumbled across this print on ModCloth and thought It was appropriate for today. No matter what day of the year, I would love to have this hanging on my walls.

4. Turquoise Gold Ring

I am not big on jewelry. My active lifestyle has me taking jewelry on and off all the time which usually results in me losing it. However, if someone was looking for a gift to get me for a special occasion, such as Valentine’s Day, this would be my pick.

5. Hallelu Notebook

Since I started my Blog I have wanted to write EVERYTHING down. Idea here, idea there, I am always looking for things that inspire me or that I want to write about. I am loving this cute little notebook that was made locally in my hometown, Wilmington, NC.

Sending you lots of love today! Join me in the LinkUp

Love, HayUp

A Good PenPal

Recently, I have read a lot of blogs about the value of a handwritten letter and how much other bloggers enjoy snail mail. This made me smile because, I too, love a good letter in the mail.I write letters from camp, from school, from home, from abroad…I will write a letter from anywhere and just about to anyone. Am I the only one that thinks that it is kinda of an obligation for a traveler to be able to write a good letter to friends and family back home? I have heard, from both my campers and my friends, the classic, “I just never know what to write about in letters.” This statement is always followed by a chuckle from me because often times, I write multiple page letters. Frankly, the only thing that stops me from continuing to write, is running out of stationery. Check out some of my favorite stationary picks (from the picture above).

Ostrich Hello I Keepsake Floral I Donuts Stationery I Pendleton Native American Note Cards

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Today, I am here to improve the letters of the world by giving some of my own personal and ultra cheesy tips for a solid, well-written and thoughtful note. A letter that will get you your stamps worth.

What your letter could include:

1. A fun and upbeat greeting and introduction

Dear Dallas!

Wow, can you believe how fast time flies. It has been a few weeks since I have heard from you so I wanted to send some love and encouragement your way.

2. A brief summary of what you have been doing recently

The beginning of the semester has been a whirlwind. I have been applying and interviewing for internships, getting adjusted to my school schedule, volunteering at the high school, playing intramural basketball, snowboarding and trying to stay warm. It has been a blast and I am thankful for so many opportunities to stay busy and be with friends.

3. Some things that you are looking forward to in the future

This week we are supposed to get 8 inches of snow. All of my teachers have been warning us to be careful in the weather. EEEEEPPPP! Good thing I just went to the grocery store because I might not be able to drive for a few days. Also, fingers crossed classes with get cancelled so I can snuggle up with the roomies and watch the Olympics.

4. Inquire about their life

Have you been watching the Olympics? I saw that picture that you posted from the circus. It looked really fun….made me want some cotton candy. Also, have you decided what you are doing this summer? I know you were trying to decide and I am sure that you will make the right decision. Also, did I hear a little rumor that you are coming to see me soon? I hope you make a trip up here so maybe you can try snowboarding again. I promise I am a better teacher now.

5. Tell a funny story

Today I had to do a social media presentation on the use of Pinterest. In order to demonstrate its use I had to pull up my own account. I didn’t exactly think this through. As soon as I pulled up my account I realized that my pinterest boards were a tad embarrassing. As soon as the class realized that I had a wedding board entitled “In Need of A Man” the entire class wanted me to open it up. I gave them a quick scroll through but I sweated for the rest of that class out of embarrassment. You would have made so much fun of me if you had of been there.

6. End on a positive and supportive note

Have an awesome week and I hope I get to hear from you soon. Also, tell your roommates hello for me! Loved getting to meet them last time I visited

Love Always,

Hayley

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Welp friends! I hope you found this post helpful and cheesy. If you are stuck inside due to a blizzard like I am then maybe it is a great time to sit down and write a handwritten letter to someone you care about. Remember to get your stamps worth!

What are some fun things you and your penpals like to include in your letters? 

Peace Out-HayUp

Lyrics I Live By

Happy Friday Friends! Luckily, I do not have classes on Friday so my weekend started last night at 8pm, when my CPR/First Aid class was finished. This week my blog has taken a back seat, mostly due to my insane workload and my lack of internet connection. Which has lead me to The Local Lion, a local coffee and doughnut shop, to steal their WIFI and enjoy their doughnuts.

Today I wanted to share a little peace of me, a little peace of my inspiration and a little peace of what keeps me going. As a tourism major and adventure junkie I have full intentions of traveling for the rest of my life. As I apply for internships and look ahead to my professional future I have no idea where my future lies. Alaska, out west, Australia, Europe, even Iceland, i’m willing to go apply anywhere and go anywhere. I am about 80% completely enthused with knowing my future could take me anywhere, 15% overwhelmed by all of the different directions my life could go and 5% scared out of my mind and want to live with my parents forever. (Twin bed 4 life…who’s with me??) That last 5% of me needs a little more encouragement and well…a little more inspiration on the subject.

These lyrics, by NeedtoBreathe, replay over and over and over in my head each time I fill out an application, have an interview or just find an agency that I would like to work for, none of which seem to be in North Carolina. These lyrics, that are so beautifully sung in the song, “Keep Your Eyes Open”, give me the courage and the faith to leave home, let go and make my way to seeing the Great Unknown.

This blogging community has introduced me to a world of people that have experienced and are experiencing the same things that I am. I am thankful for this  community and my home community  that continues to encourage me through my journey.

Have a great weekend friends! Thanks for stopping by!