My New Afternoon Homework Routine

Last year at JMU I lived in an on-campus dorm and I'd come home from class and do my homework in my bed and night.

This year at JMU I live off campus in an apartment and I come home from class and do my homework in my bed in the afternoon and at night.

So what's the difference?

I now share my living space with three furry animals (all cats) which has changed my homework routine a little bit. Now, I come home from class in the afternoon and I get in my bed with my homework. I get started and my roommate and best friend Tasia's cat first hops on my bed.

Then I get a sleepy kitten on my lap behind my laptop as I write an essay.

Then I get a cuddly kitten beside me.

Then I get my vision blocked by a first cuddly, then sleepy kitten blocking my view from my laptop where I am writing my essay.

And then the final position is another nap on my legs, which is where she is now.

What I've learned so far from my three days as a college sophomore is that some change to an everyday routine can always do some good.

Love ya mean it,

Bailey

xoxo

Another Chapter In My Life

Today I'm a Sophomore which is weird considering I feel like my first day of classes ever at JMU was just yesterday! I'm so excited to start taking mostly just my major classes and be on track to graduate with a Hospitality Management degree. I'm also excited because tomorrow I begin my first business class which is my first step to my Business major. Exciting things!

One of the best things about not being a Freshman is that I already know people in my classes! My RA from last year is in my History class and one of my best friends from my Hospitality class last year is in both of my HM classes so far!

I thought about channeling my inner Blair Waldorf on the first day of classes but if you've ever been to JMU, you know that heels and hills don't go together (it doesn't matter that they rhyme). Also JMU and Columbia aren't quite the same, not many people walk to class in dresses and heels from the Upper East Side.

Instead I wore letters similar to the ones below because recruitment is just around the corner, next Thursday to be exact! I am so excited for our chapter to grow in volume and for all of the new ideas that will come with a new pledge class!

What did you wear on your first day of school?

Love ya mean it,
Bailey
xoxo

Happy Birthday to Someone Special!

Happy Late Birthday to someone who means so much to me! I was too busy enjoying spending Trevor's birthday with him to write a blog post about it on the actual day but I don't think a day late is too bad!

I couldn't skip wishing someone who brings so much joy to my life happy birthday in every way possible. I'm so blessed to have you in my life as my boyfriend and best friend.

Can't wait for you to help me celebrate 19 in a month!

Love ya mean it,
Bailey
xoxo

Clarity

I go into this post trying to find clarity in all of this. I have had a lot of eye openers lately that have made me think of how short and precious life is but all have been distant signals. A girl from my area that I didn't know died. Robin Williams committed suicide. I read the book If I Stay. But this signal is direct and real.

The county I'm from is small and the one beside it, Madison County, is even smaller. My dad was born there so I've spent a great deal of time there since birth. This morning Madison County lost a young life to a four-wheeler accident, an 18-year-old girl approaching college. Recently graduated, I did not personally know her but I watched her play softball and volleyball many times and she is a close friend with many people I know. Her parents are friends with my parents.

I learned the news that she wasn't doing well on my way home from the beach. The conversation turned from quiet to silent when we got the call that she had passed.

It's common to say "I can't imagine that happening" but that's exactly what I feel. I can't imagine losing a child at all, especially so young. She had a bright future ahead that was cut short and we ask why, not expecting a clear answer. This young girl meant so much to so many which pains us even more.

Like I said in the beginning of this post, I hope we find clarity in this situation. I know it will not come immediately or soon but I hope one day her parents and close friends will be given an answer. This situation has hurt me and I did not personally know her. My heart aches for her family. I can't imagine feeling that pain. As I tweeted earlier today, God works in mysterious ways and this one is one we might never understand.

My mom told me that she read a story one time about a 10-year-old boy that died. When the news interviewed his parents, they said that God had loaned them the little boy for 10 years and they were thankful for that. The boy belonged to God and it was time for him to go back to heaven to be with God. It's hard to think that way though. It's hard in the midst of a tragedy to thinking that God has a plan and he's in control. If I were a parent in this kind of situation, I would not be strong enough to think in such a positive manner. I would be angry, hurt, and broken. How are we supposed to feel during such an awful, unfair thing?

But time is short. That's how the saying goes, right? We say it and then go back to ignoring the fact that it is true, but it is. You have few precious moments on this Earth and you never know what is coming. Kiss your parents and your kids if you have them. Call up your friends that you haven't talked to in a while just to remind them that you're here and you love them. Most of all love all that you have and appreciate it while you can. Be blessed for all you have.

Prayers and love to the Aylor family and Kaitlin, I hope you rest peacefully.

Love ya mean it,
Bailey
xoxo

What Being A Server Teaches You

I've been thinking about the best way to write this post because I am done working at Fawn Lake for the summer as of Friday, August 6, but not forever but this goodbye has meant a great deal to me.

At the beginning of 2014, I was now embarking on a upcoming summer practicing a new major (a switch from Undecided aka nothing to Hospitality Management) and the need to find a new job in the field of Hospitality. This later resulted in me having to leave my first job and find a new one, a task that I was prepared for but not 100% ready for.

With all of this in mind, I got the job as a server at Fawn Lake Country Club that is 15 minutes from my home. It is not at all easy to dive into being a server for most people but I dove in with both feet and got nothing but positive feedback which is rare in this case. Of course I am not a perfect server, but I was lucky enough to not face obstacles that many do.

This summer has taught me a lot but not scared me away from the Hospitality business. I have learned a lot about myself through others direct compliments as well as indirect actions. I was told that my confidence is a very important trait in this business and one of the main reasons I succeeded so quickly. My work ethic also attributed to that which I was thanked for, even by some that I thought would never mutter the words "Thank you."

Although I face struggles and hard times, my life is not very difficult and I had a few serious reality checks within my 3 months of work. I work with people who are raising children as well as struggling to pay rent which is the last of my worries as I'm saving up for college where my parents pay my rent. I had one of my coworkers tell me that out of the many vehicles he owned, all were paid for out of his pocket with no help from his parents which completely differs my situation where my parents bought me a used but decent car.

Work became my home away from home with long hours with people I had just met who soon turned into family. I made friends that I know I'll keep in touch with while others tested my patience and criticized me which thickened my skin after it hurt my feelings. I heard people whisper and then stop when I got in earshot but I also received hugs and kind words as I spread the news that it was time to head back to school.

When I graduate I will have a Hospitality Management degree under my belt which will assure that I have learned enough from the book to get a job but I think experience like I got this summer is just as important. When I have people below me later in life in positions like I was in I will be able to think back to when I was in their spot and know how I felt.

Aside from learning about Hospitality and the restaurant business directly, I have also learned many life lessons that will stick with me forever. I have learned that some people will complain no matter what they're given and others will always be patient and thankful.

So many things have warmed my heart and made me so thankful to work in a place like Fawn Lake but one statement that was made to me on my last night for the summer will stick with me forever. One of my customers told me, "You do not have to be a waitress forever but you sure were born for it." Being told that I have the perfect personality for Hospitality Management will always stick with me when times get tough and remind me that I must carry on.

Love ya mean it,
Bailey
xoxo

What's In My Beach Bag?

Because I'm at the beach this week, I figured I'd take a few minutes away from relaxation to share with y'all what I keep in my beach bag.

1. The Beach Bag

I found my whale beach bag for $8 at TJMaxx which is what I consider a deal! It's burlap and huge so it gives me plenty of room to just throw everything in there on my way down to the beach.

2. The Towel

The towel I brought this week is actually my mom's and she got it when she got her Ray Bans in 1992. Clearly a throwback, the other end of the towel talks about the 1992 Olympics and this towel outdates me by 3 years.

3. The Cover-Up

Trevor bought this Ralph Lauren cover-up around Christmastime and although I often sport it around the house as more of a lounge outfit, I thought that this was the perfect time to whip it out on the beach!

4. The Book

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin, also a movie that I have not seen, is an awesome beach read. Okay clearly I'm saying that because we all know I have an obsession with weddings and there's an engagement ring on the cover but I promise it's great for other reasons. I can't wait to watch the movie when I'm done!

5. The Sunscreen and Tanning Oil

I'm 110% loyal to Banana Boat on tanning oil because I love the quality and the smell but I'm less loyal to one brand when it comes to sunscreen. I've been using different brands all week but today I sported this Neutrogena Beach Defense Water & Sun which did an amazing job. I was lucky enough to not add onto my burn from yesterday and I'm closer to a good tan now. 

6. The Koozie

Can you even go to the beach without a Lilly koozie?

7. The Drink Holder

I got these "sand koozies" as I like to call them off of Etsy for my mom, Tasia, and me and they're so nice when it comes to putting your drink down and not having a thick layer of sand all over the bottom. I think this has moved up to a necessity on beach trips now.

8. The Other Little Things

The first of the other four things in my beach bag is a water proof bag which I like to keep my phone in. I never take my phone in the water but you never know when sand or water can come out of nowhere and I like that it protects my phone. I also have a State Farm football that my mom got from work that hasn't been whipped out yet, brand new headphones that I haven't used yet, and a seashell I found while tanning today.

What's in your beach bag?

Love ya mean it,

Bailey

xoxo

My Most Recent 10 Pictures in my iPhone

I was stumbling through my daily scroll of Bloglovin and Pinterest when I saw a list of possible blog post options and the one that caught my eye said, "Post your most recent ten pictures in your phone." So here we go: a look into who I am.

1. Charmin Ultra
The most recent is from Twitter, which provides me with many giggles, including this witty one about your tush.

2. 1852 give a cheer for Phi Mu
As recruitment rolls around, I've been thinking a lot about the reasons I love Phi Mu as much as I do. As I was sending in pictures for our Tumblr this morning, I came across this one of us breaking records together and I had to screenshot it to save it on my phone. Also, sorry for the awkward layout but like I said, I screenshotted it.

3. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree
A picture of me and my momma from dinner last night, also one of my favorites.

4. Here for a good time
Likewise, a picture of me and Tasia from dinner last night.

5. Beachin'
A selfie I took of me and Tasia on the beach yesterday. We're both wishing that we could stay forever.

6. You are my Bucket List
I screenshotted this picture because I thought it was absolutely adorable and I meant to send it to Trevor but he was asleep. It also doesn't hurt that I found it after it was posted on Instagram by Ed Westwick (#chuckbass).

7. Sail Away With Me
I found this hanging on the wall in the beach house that Tasia is staying in and I couldn't help but snap and Instagram a picture of it.

8. Caught Ya
I secretly snapped this of my brother on his way out of the water cause he's not the biggest fan of pictures but I thought it was a cool shot.

9. JM[I Love]U
One of my fellow JMU students (I can't remember who or I'd give them photo creds) put this up right as I was thinking about how much I wanna go back. So clearly I had to screenshot it and save it forever.

10. Dean and Frank
Last but not least is this picture of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. My favorite pictures ever are ones where people are laughing and this seemed to show them in such a beautiful light.

I tend to have dumb pictures saved in my phone but I guess they characterize me in a way that I don't usually realize.

What are your most recent pictures in your phone?

Love ya mean it,
Bailey
xoxo

Car Troubles

So when I was in Driver's Ed and they told me what to do when I broke down on the side of a highway, I thought it was one of those things that I would never really have to deal with but it's nice to know either way. Okay well I was wrong because on my way to Short Pump today with Tasia my car overheated and started smoking which resulted in us sitting in the heat in my broken car for 2 1/2 hours waiting on my dad. Not fun.

Of course we broke down 15 MINUTES FROM SHORT PUMP which ruined our shopping trip which is clearly not the priority or biggest problem in this whole debacle but still a big bummer.

So as I'm left driving my dad's '09 Camry this week (definitely not complaining), prayers for my lovely 2000 Accord Athena for a hopeful sudden recovery.

Love ya mean it,
Bailey
xoxo

The Only 10 I See: Payne Family Takes Tennessee 2014

I've always wanted to visit Tennessee because I've always heard the Smokies are beautiful and Tennessee is a unique and cool state. Luckily, I got to check that off my bucket list this past week when I vacationed in Sevierville, TN with my boyfriend Trevor and his family and it exceeded my expectations. I thought I was gonna get to do a lot of vacation blogging but unfortunately that was prevented by the fact that our resort had no wifi but that gave me more reason to spend quality time with Trevor.

We stayed at the Wyndam Resort in the Smoky Mountains which was absolutely beautiful. The picture above is a view from outside Trevor and my bedroom window and the first picture below is Trevor and I in the room and the second is the view from outside the balcony. The resort had an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a hot tub and even mini golf!

My week was filled with a million and one fun things which all started with hitting the Tangier Outlets for a little retail therapy. I got new Nikes and Trevor got the most amazing deals from Polo Ralph Lauren. We also hit up Fantasy Golf for a little mini golf competition. The next day we hit Dollywood and Trevor did what he does best and won an Alabama basketball in the 3-Point Challenge. 

Fun fact about Tennessee: their sales tax is almost 10%! Yikes!

The next day we hit Gatlinburg, which was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Gatlinburg is the cutest town and has a ton of stores that you can walk to! Trevor and I were the DDs so we acted touristy while his parents explored the moonshine spots. We got to ride a sky lift which was not very secure but awesome! You can stop at the top of the mountain and look around and buy souvenirs so the beautiful views below are from up there! In one of the pictures above you can see what the actual cable cars looked like (scary)! Trevor's aunt and uncle rode them too so below you can see our mountain selfie with Aun

After exploring Gatlinburg we got dinner on the river at a cute place called Drafts! The menu was very simple but the food was great and Trevor said that the wings he got were the best he's ever had. We stopped for a little photoshoot thanks to a random boy named Dequan and Trevor's mom who acted as our photographers.

The next day we decided to face our fears and go white water rafting. I was not at all up for it but I wasn't gonna be a party pooper. I wasn't nervous when we left the resort but as soon as the white water came into view the nerves appeared. Turns out it was a blast and no one even fell out of the boat. We did get to hop out and go swimming though at one part which was tons of fun! Big thanks to Juliet for being an awesome guide!

The next day the boys hit the water park while the girls hit the Wonderworks Indoor Amusement Park (where I crushed everyone in laser tag) and Hard Rock where we admired the greats (especially Bon Jovi who is Trevor's mom's fav!). We took a picture posing as Shrek characters which generated a lot of laughs and hit the toot bus to meet the boys and the rest of the crew for a great dinner. After that we wrapped up our trip with a game of mini golf which I shockingly won for the first time all trip (maybe ever).

So glad I got to tackle a new state and a bucket list item with my favorite boy and his fam and got to face some fears and have some laughs along the way. Next year we'll tackle a new state and who knows what memories we'll create along the way.

Love ya mean it,

Bailey

xoxo