See you in the sandbox, or on my vacation in Florida. 

     You could say my vacation was not all that relaxing if you look at it in bullet points:

• my boyfriend didn't have a phone the whole vacation
• it was cloudy the whole time we were in Florida
• we were caught in hurricane Debra
• we were stuck in an airport for 2 days waiting for flights
• my luggage was sent to Chicago without me
• while waiting on stand-by my boyfriend and I were separated and I sat in an airport for an extra 2 hours while he made his way to Chicago

     Yes, actually there were many stressful situations for this short 3 days we had planned. But I learned something important, even though we were stuck in the airport for 2 days waiting to catch a flight and I had to wear the same clothing for 24 hours, anything in life can be viewed as stressful, and honestly I have been more stressed running to Starbucks before. 

     I admit it, when I tell stories I word them in such a way that the stress level is enhanced, and when I do that I stress myself out even more. So I don't want my vacation tale to stress me out more, so using positive bullet points, here is how my trip really went:

• I bought 2 round trip tickets for only $160 to Florida!
• we took a stroll on a cool overcast day alone the white sandy beaches of Florida
• I learned that palm branches are ridiculously big & there are more deaths every year from coconuts hitting people on the heads than from shark attacks
• we saw a manatee in the harbor from our balcony 
• I experienced a hurricane for the first time

I feel refreshed, satisfied, and I can't wait for my next vacation to bring some crazy tales to share. 

Hailey

59 days

"From the eyes of a newbie 59 days"

     All life’s experiences lead to something, and most times I don't know what that something is until years later. I have worked for the last 59 days without a day off. Today is not only my 25th birthday, but also a 21 hour work day, and tomorrow starts my 10 day vacation that I have been dreaming about for the last two months. Although I am exhausted and relieved, I still have a feeling of guilt for taking days off. I have an obsession with working and reaping the rewards. 
     This past year has been one of the most pivotal points in my life and was jam-packed with experiences. To end my 24th year of life I cannot wait for my first trip to Florida and first paid vacation. I have much to celebrate. This coming year I want my focus to be "quality of life," these 15 hour days, and juggling two jobs will have to be cut down. I learned just recently that your body can handle only so much, and I finally know my limit. 

     Now in my 25th year of life I feel like a grown up. This past year has been a journey and I am glad I have a blog to show for it. “From the eyes of a newbie” I am very blessed, but now 10 months into my job, and settled into my new city, my blog will morph with my place in life:

“See you in the sandbox”

-Hailey Schultz

I want sandy feet

From the eyes of a newbie's sandy feet.

     My last true vacation was 3.5 years ago when I visited a good friend in New York where we proceeded to travel to Atlantic City for a birthday. We slept in, spent a lot of money, went out for dinner, laid around on the beach...all the things you should do on a vacation.

     I am long overdue for some traveling and this one will be my first paid vaca! I can't even plan it because I am so excited! A cruise, Mexico, Bahamas, TOKYO!!! WHERE TO GO WHAT TO DO! The options are endless and I fear I won't even go because I can't decide. 

     Wherever it is that I go I want to bury my feet in the hot sand and just stand in the sun sipping on an ice cold drink. If you know of a great destination for my first vacation in 3.5 years let me know! I need help deciding.

Hailey