Hailey Hudson's Blog, page 12

Blogmas 2022 Day 17 (rest day)

Today was my favorite thing in the world–a Saturday at home! I laid in bed all morning because my eyes were burning from being up late last night. Then I sorted through my stationery and letter writing supplies to take to church tomorrow (we’re going to be writing notes to a missionary from our congregation, and I don’t think my church knew what they were getting into when they asked me to bring snail mail stuff).

I was still feeling really sleepy and just not-great, so I set up an infusion and made a nest on the couch. I caught up on some YouTube videos, journaled, and dozed.

Late afternoon I filled out a questionnaire for a website that’s interviewing me about my career and my business. I also scheduled all Diamonds social media posts through Christmas. Then, I had the foresight to make cookies so I’d have something ready for when my blood sugar plummeted after my IV finished (this is typically the only time I ever feel hungry).

I ended the day with laundry and reading. Overall, I didn’t really do much of anything today, but that’s okay! Some days need to be like that.

Today I’m grateful for: Turns out my car is okay!

Check out Blogmas Day 17 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 16 (night out)

It was a bright, sunny (and cold) Friday today! After sending several emails, I got started working on the rheumatoid arthritis piece. I also made some medical phone calls, wrote a piece about special needs health plans, and did a mattress review piece… all between periods of lying on the couch resting, because I felt weirdly off (like I’m getting a migraine).

At 4:30 I shut my laptop and got ready for a fun night out! I went to meet my friend Kenna at our favorite coffee shop, and we visited for a while and exchanged Christmas gifts there; I did a “cozy” theme for her with a blanket, decorative pillow, and mug warmer, and I love the self-inking stamp she got me with my address.

Next, we drove to the downtown area of a town near us. It was decorated for Christmas, of course, and even had fake snow blowing on the square. We tried on ridiculously sequined $200 dresses in a boutique, stopped for tea in a pie shop, and sat by the fire to warm up. It was a really nice evening; I love spending time with Kenna and it just felt good to be out having fun on a Friday night when it’s almost Christmas.

After a stop at Publix (just the essentials–alcohol pads and candy canes), we headed back up toward our houses. But when I got in my car to drive home, I didn’t even make it to the highway before I saw white smoke curling up from under the hood. After a slightly frantic call to my mom (because what else do you do when your car spontaneously starts smoking?), I left my car in a random restaurant parking lot and my dad came to pick me up. I finally got home around 9:30.

Today I’m grateful for: Having a little more energy is the most amazing feeling and makes everything so much easier.

Check out Blogmas Day 16 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 15 (voice lessons)

At some point during the month, I always feel like my Blogmas posts all start to sound alike. Today, just like every other morning, I laid in bed snuggling with my kitty and working on my Scripture memory verses. Then I got up and started an infusion. By 11:00, I was sitting down on the couch to get to work. But regardless of how monotone it might sound, I like my routine and I’m thankful for my little life!

Today I worked on two work projects: an article about ADA certification for websites (I will never get over how cool it is that I basically get paid to do disability advocacy), and an article with tips for talking about your final wishes with your loved ones (we talked a lot about death in Bible study last night, and after researching and writing this article I have a lot of thoughts on how the Christian worldview affects end-of-life planning).

This afternoon I cleaned my kitchen and my bathroom (as much as I could with my heart rate going up and blood sugar going down.) Then I headed to my music studio for my two lessons. I had a substitute voice teacher today and we mostly worked on the classical piece I’m learning (I also made her listen to me sing Stay I Pray You because I’m so obsessed with it). In my songwriting lesson, we worked on my song Crystal and talked about improvisation, dynamics, and why Anastasia was so good.

After my lessons I ended up hanging around for two hours to play the piano. I played some songs from musicals, some classical songs, and wrote “a lullaby for the one who is trying so hard” and posted it on Instagram. I didn’t get home until after seven–very sleepy and very ready to crawl into bed with a book.

Today I’m grateful for: Sunshine and driving and music and work and a place to belong and all the things.

Check out Blogmas Day 15 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 14 (epilepsy clinic)

Today my goal was to focus hard and bang out as much work as possible. So, after getting cozy on the couch with my infusion (the rain is back yet again), that’s what I did. I wrote an article about consultative exams in the disability application process. I wrote an article about business continuity risks. And I wrote an article about ways to alleviate anxiety around routine health screenings and exams. It was a lot of deep work for one day, but honestly, each piece was pretty quick and easy.

This afternoon I was supposed to go to Atlanta for an appointment at my epilepsy clinic, but it ended up getting switched to a telehealth appointment last minute yesterday. So I met with my epilepsy specialist over video call instead. Among other things, we determined that I can drive!! (Well, he told me the state law–which, I know full well from firsthand experience, is six months–but then he said that since I have “reasonable warning” before my seizures, he’d leave the decision up to me. Which means… I can drive. Yay! Hopefully no cops are reading this lol. I promise I don’t drive very far or very often anyway.)

After the appointment I did some research and outlining on a piece about rheumatoid arthritis. Then, since my day had gotten freed up by the appointment being changed (and to celebrate my newfound driving freedom), I went to church for Bible study. I hadn’t read any of the material because I didn’t think I’d be able to go, but regardless, I always leave with so much to chew on (we get very off topic on random, super specific questions–like, why does the Bible say He will wipe away every tear, because that implies there will BE tears but there’s no sadness in heaven and also will our new bodies even have tear ducts?? We get pretty deep into those kind of rabbit holes, haha). It was good to see everyone (we normally average ten adults plus some littles at Wednesday night Bible study) even though it’s freezing cold and flooding rain.

Today I’m grateful for: I got my Noah Kahan ticket for next summer! I’m 2/2 on concert tickets this week!

Check out Blogmas Day 14 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 13 (respiratory therapist)

I had a really rough night of bad dreams, night sweats, etc. I managed to revive myself back into the land of the living enough by 10 AM to jump into the artist presale for Sabrina Carpenter’s tour next summer and get tickets for myself and a friend, which was so exciting and a great start to the day!

Then I dragged myself into the living room to set up an infusion and start work. I have to say, I’m starting to feel pretty stressed about the amount of the work I have to do in the next week. I wrote a quick blog outline for a client and jumped on a meeting with a potential new client (which ended up being really great–I think she has a lot of good work for me, and I also just enjoyed the conversation about business, healthcare, how freelancing is so empowering, etc. Gosh I really love running a freelance business). Next, I did some research and edits on a piece about good apps for selling stuff. (Forever taking selfies at my desk because of the good lighting. Peep the Christmas tree earrings!)

This afternoon I had an appointment with a respiratory therapist to teach me how to set up and use a CPAP. (I developed obstructive sleep apnea about 6-8 months ago–I now stop breathing 11 times an hour when I’m asleep, because I didn’t have enough chronic illnesses already–and it has been absolutely ruining my life ever since.)

On the way home we stopped by Walmart because I needed distilled water for my CPAP, and I also got a little sidetracked, as you can see below. (My cat is completely ignoring that seven-dollar cat toy.)

I got home around 4, got cozy, and pushed myself to practice voice before I crashed. I ended up just mostly singing the breathtakingly gorgeous Stay I Pray You from Anastasia instead of working on what I was supposed to be working on, lol.

After that I was going to sit down and bang out a little more work… but I got distracted by 1) my pastor/his wife/my friend Facetiming me to ask me to head up a project on Sunday (which I was happy to do), and 2) my cardiology office calling me at the exact same time to tell me that my labwork results from this week were concerning (which made sense based on a few certain symptoms I’ve been having), and I might need to go to the ER. Why is this my life??!

We managed to work out a plan to let me stay at home (for now), and although I felt like I was losing my mind, somehow I also managed to send a proposal to my new client from this morning (I honestly love drawing up proposals) and prep a new piece/put out a HARO request. Then I tried to calm down my brain by journaling.

My evening ended with another emotional rollercoaster as Joshua FaceTimed me to inform me that my family compromised their morals and bought a fake Christmas tree for the first time in my life (sarcasm, but also, fake tree fake Christmas). And I still need to go set up my new CPAP. Man, today was WILD and I am very ready for bed.

Today I’m grateful for: The absolute sweetest text from a friend tonight.

Check out Blogmas Day 13 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 12 (shopping day)

I know I said I was enjoying the cozy rain, but it was really nice to see the sun today! My Monday started with a visit from my home health nurse for labs and port access. Then I did about an hour of work–mostly working on a mattress review.

This afternoon my mom and I ran “fun errands”/went Christmas shopping. We didn’t make it everywhere we had planned, but we went to HomeGoods, TJMaxx, and Target.

Some of the items I got were Christmas gifts and others were boring household items, but I did get a few fun things for myself too–see below. (Although now that sign is just going to bother me forever, because it should say “every day,” not “everyday.”)

I was wandering through the Target grocery aisles looking for snacks and drinks that my stomach might be able to tolerate (or that I could drain) when I saw a little boy with a backpack that looked like a feeding tube. I tried to not-creepily follow him for a minute to make sure I was right, and then I went up to him and his mom and asked. And I was right–he had a GJ tube! Y’all, this five-minute interaction was hours ago and I STILL cannot stop smiling!!! I think meeting each other was more exciting for myself and his mom than it was for him, lol, but it was the sweetest thing. Every night for the past year and a half, I pray as I set up my feeds that I would be able to connect with kids who have medical devices and/or chronic illnesses (I’d love more than anything to volunteer at a hospital or nonprofit with medically fragile kids, but unfortunately I AM the medically fragile kid, lol, and I can’t do something like that). But this was the first time I had EVER met someone else in person who also has a feeding tube. We compared tubie pads and he asked me if my feeding tube glows in the dark like his does (sadly, no). It was the happiest thing!!

When I got home this afternoon I unpacked everything and did a little work (uploading the mattress review piece to WordPress and finishing this week’s Diamonds social media posts). Then, after a YouTube/dozing crash on the couch because I was fading fast, I wrapped some Christmas gifts (I have one more thing coming in the mail this week, but other than that, I’m done with all family, friend, and gift exchange Christmas gifts for the year–I had one wrapping session a few weeks ago and these are the rest).

Here, you can all do the virtual version of shaking your Christmas presents.

Today I’m grateful for: Sabrina Carpenter is coming back to Atlanta! I just barely missed her tour this fall because I saw Lizzy McAlpine instead, but (hopefully) I’ll get to see Sabrina next May!

Check out Blogmas Day 12 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 11 (church)

Does anyone else feel like December has lasted forever? And yet in reality, we’re barely halfway through the month. Anyway. I was dragging this morning (what else is new), but I got up and got ready just in time for my friend Annabelle to pick me up for church a few minutes after 10.

I had not been to church in a week and a half, and it was so good to be back and catch up with everyone! I love my tiny country church with all my heart. This December we’re focusing on giving to ministries in our community, so today my pastor’s counselor (who runs a counseling nonprofit in our town) was there to share about his ministry and give the message. It was a good morning.

I was home by 12:30 and pushed myself to tidy up and start an infusion before getting in bed. Despite how exhausted my body was, though, I couldn’t sleep. I was basically just lying there making a client analysis spreadsheet in my head. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shut off my brain to let myself truly rest. So eventually I got my computer and scheduled some work emails to send in the morning. (Not how I recommend spending a Sunday afternoon. Do as I say, not as I do.)

Tonight I caught up on letter writing, which felt so good! Now I’m planning my week before showering and going to bed.

Today I’m grateful for: Always-exuberant hugs (and the sweetly concerned TLC) from my favorite little.

Check out Blogmas Day 11 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 10 (Anastasia tour at the Fox)

Today I had tickets to see the Broadway tour of Anastasia at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta! I love Anastasia–I’ve been waiting to see the tour for years–and I’d never been to the Fox at Christmastime. My dad and I were gone from about noon to 6 PM today to see the show, and IT. WAS. SO. FREAKING. GOOD. WHAT THE HECK.

I was a bit disappointed I didn’t get to see the most recent iteration of the cast with Kyla Stone, Sam McClellan, et al, but Veronica Stern and Willem Butler were lovely too (I learned a lot about head voice placement just from listening to Veronica). As expected, Bryan Seastrom as Vlad stole the show. The tour doesn’t have the turntable but the set and the lighting were still really well done. And I noticed several unique, rich harmonic choices that were different from the OBC recording. GAH I JUST LOVE THIS SHOW. The matinee today was also pretty much sold out, and it was really fun to hear everyone reacting to what was happening onstage (like the iconic blue dress moment).

There’s nothing like the euphoric feeling of bursting out the side door of the Fox into the city after a show, navigating down the staircase on the side of the building with hundreds of other people with all of the music you just heard swirling around in your head.

I’m home now and while it was the MOST glorious show, I cannot keep my eyes open (beyond my usual drowsiness, I was awake throwing up for a couple of hours last night) and I’m going straight to bed.

Today I’m grateful for: Live theatre. Remember when we didn’t have it for a year and a half?

Check out Blogmas Day 10 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 9 (rainy work day)

I have to be honest: I’m actually LOVING this rainy weather that Georgia keeps having. It’s just so cozy! I was running behind this morning, but I finally started my laundry, lit some candles, set up an infusion, and settled down on the couch for a nice work day at home.

My main project today was to write the piece on tax tips from personal finance experts. That went pretty fast and I was happy with the piece; I always produce my best work and get in that flow state when I’m working with original quotes, even if those quotes are from an expert source rather than a personal interview. Next I wrote a blog post about how to avoid scams, and puttered around with some marketing, resting, etc.

Late afternoon I turned on some music and put away my laundry. (Nothing to see here–just a cat who just happens to be sitting by the Christmas tree with round sparkly balls, having a perfectly normal afternoon looking out the window and not doing anything suspicious at all. What Christmas tree?) I had more to do this evening. But unfortunately by 5:00 my body was done and I was crashed on the couch. I could barely move enough to take a shower.

To be honest I’m really struggling today/tonight with trying to prioritize my energy. People keep asking me to hang out or come to events, but I’m trying to hit a certain income goal this month/year, and I’m doing my best to keep up with creative hobbies and life stuff, and keeping up with medical admin/treatments/feeling bad all the time is always a lot. All of the invitations are leaving me a little bit feeling stressed out and as if I’m missing out on everything. I’m doing my best over here to keep the most important balls in the air… so just know that if you’ve asked me to hang out this month and I’ve said no, it’s not because I don’t want to see you!! (And please keep asking because we will make it happen, just maybe not until after Christmas!)

Today I’m grateful for: I’ll be getting a new treatment early next week that I have a lot of hope for.

Check out Blogmas Day 9 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 8 (antibiotic aftermath)

I was going to go straight to bed last night, but I got distracted on the way and wrote a song instead. It’s tentatively titled “Fun,” took me exactly an hour start to finish (I’d come up with the concept earlier this week, but had not worked on it yet), and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. It’s bouncy and sassy and I’m just obsessed. I’m really excited to finesse it some more and see where it goes. It’s giving me Abigail Barlow pop vibes, which is what I was aiming for.

Anyway, long story short, I didn’t go to sleep until almost midnight last night because I get really giddy and wired whenever I’ve been in a state of creative flow like that. So I was really dragging this morning… and, all I wanted to do was write more songs. But I had to work. So around 11, I started my infusion, wrote an article about the role of the vocational expert at a disability hearing, and finished the article on repurposing old clothes. Then I went back to bed to doze and rest for an hour or two.

I managed to make it to my voice and songwriting lessons in the afternoon but honestly I don’t even remember what we worked on. This morning I started a course of antibiotics to try to make a dent in chronic adenoiditis, and while I thought I was fully prepared for them to wreck my GI system, I just kept feeling worse and worse and worse until I was unable to do anything except lie flat in bed or dry heave over the sink. (My mom when she saw me coming down the stairs, before she knew any of this: “You don’t look good.”) I finally got the edge off my nausea, but during my lessons I was miserable–dizzy and sweating and felt like I was going to pass out. I was glad to spend a quiet evening in bed catching up on Monica and Shelby Church vlogs and continuing the Bookwanderers series (which are the most perfect cozy wintertime read).

Today I’m grateful for: My port and the ability to run IV fluids at home.

Check out Blogmas Day 8 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?