Hailey Hudson's Blog, page 13

Blogmas 2022 Day 7 (meetings)

I had a lot to do today, so as soon as my body would let me, I got up and got started. First I worked on a piece about the best technology for aging in place. Then I did several small tasks, like making medical phone calls and answering work emails. (How cute are these short little saline flushes? My blood sugar levels today, however, were not as cute.)

Early afternoon I had two video calls. The first, at 1:00, was with a financial planner; I interviewed her as a source for a story on tax tips (she was a good interview and is just a super impressive person in general–way smarter than me). My interview prep process is pretty simple–I research the person and brainstorm a list of questions to have on hand and refer to, but I keep things flexible so the conversation can flow naturally. I ask for permission to record the interview and then get the recording transcribed (usually by my virtual assistant, but today I actually used Rev for the first time).

The second call I had today, at 2:00, was a telehealth appointment with my sleep specialist. She told me all the numbers and statistics of how bad things are, which, yes, I already knew. When those meetings were over, I desperately needed to go to sleep, but I couldn’t because I had stupidly made a CVS delivery order and I had to stay awake and let them in the gate (except then it never even came). So I laid on the couch watching YouTube (catching up on Shelby Church vlogs and Jordan Bauth) and working on finishing up the aging in place piece.

Late afternoon I managed to get a second wind to start a piece on upcycling old clothes and practice voice. Then I collapsed on the couch to doze with YouTube and Pinterest. (Ideally I would’ve made it to Bible study at church tonight, but I did not. I’m also technically drafting a novel right now, but I’m sort of taking a break until I get treatment for a recent diagnosis, because my body and brain just really couldn’t do it.)

Today I’m grateful for: Planning fun things, like trips and concerts, for next year.

Check out Blogmas Day 7 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 6 (brunch date)

It was another cold, rainy morning in Georgia. I turned on Phoebe Bridgers, got ready, and took an Uber to meet Andrea at a brunch cafe. (My Uber driver: “You look like you’re going to school.” Thanks a lot, I thought I looked cute.)

Andrea and I visited for about an hour and a half on a cozily heated outdoor patio. Despite still feeling sick from eating yesterday, I had a couple of mimosas. She had to leave at noon for an appointment; I switched to herbal tea and hung around to start doing some work (edits on the massive marketing piece I turned in last week).

Andrea ended up coming back to join me and do some work of her own when her appointment finished early… and then she realized she’d locked her keys in her car, so we both hung out at the restaurant for a while longer as she figured that out. While we waited, we did work on our laptops and giggled at an influencer-in-the-wild situation happening behind us.

Eventually she was able to get her keys and leave. I stayed behind a little longer to finish up a mattress review piece. All in all, I was at the restaurant for over four hours, and I was glad to come home and fall into bed for a much-needed afternoon nap. (How amazing is this Narnia book art at my library?)

This evening when I woke up, I spent some time writing on an automation blog post and uploading the mattress review piece into the client’s CMS before going back to bed with a book.

Today I’m grateful for: How cozy winter is feeling this year.

Check out Blogmas Day 6 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 5 (GI testing)

On Mondays I get my weekly visit from my home health nurse–primarily to access my port (which means sticking a needle in it so I can use it), sometimes to take labs, and also just to do a general check-in. Today was my monthly “supervisory” RN visit, so I had the nurse I see less often (turns out it’s her last week full-time with the company, which is sad). Also, look at my Christmas tubie tape from Threads of Kindness Co.! I love her stuff so much!

I was able to do about an hour of work (finishing an MSP piece and starting a mattress review piece) before it was time to head out. I had some GI testing today that I’ve been putting off for literally years ahaha. Here’s the fit–Birkenstocks truly are the superior hospital shoe. (In the words of the Frey Life, do what you think you can’t do, uh-huh!)

Today I was at a branch of my GI hospital in Atlanta that I hadn’t been to before. It was a freezing cold and rainy day. (Me: “Birkenstocks are the superior hospital shoe. [My friend] Shannon says so and she’s right.” My mom, as we’re running between buildings: “Unless it’s raining in December. How are your superior hospital shoes holding up now?”)

When I was done, we headed back up this way with a stop at Panera. I often get asked if I can eat. For all intents and purposes, the answer is no; I can no longer eat by mouth because of the severe GI symptoms I get when I eat or drink orally (pain, nausea, extreme fullness, etc). And I don’t need to eat because I get complete nutrition through my Kate Farms formula in my feeding tube every day. However, I’m encouraged to eat as I can–for pleasure and to hopefully retain whatever function my stomach has left, as well as to boost my blood sugar when needed (I can easily drop into the 40s when not hooked up to feeds or an infusion). So, although my symptoms vary by the day and I hardly ever have an appetite (except when aforementioned blood sugar is low), I will generally try to snack once or twice a day on basic, bland, easy-to-digest things like animal crackers, cheerios, Italian ice, etc. Sometimes I drain these foods right back out of my stomach through my G port so I get the satisfaction of eating but don’t have to go through the pain of digesting them (that’s what I ended up doing today). Anyway, long story short, I was craving something sweet and warm after this freezing rainy hospital day. So I ate something from Panera, and it was worth it (even though five hours later, just looking at this picture is making me sick!).

This evening I got all cozy in bed with my kitty (fairy lights, Christmas tree, and candles included) and watched a movie (since my migraine had lifted and my library books hadn’t come in). I watched The Golden Compass, which I had actually never seen before (I remember not being allowed to watch it as a kid when it came out–yes, I was homeschooled). It was pretty good, but it made my afternoon migraine come back. So after some time researching the results of today’s test, I’m going right to sleep.

Today I’m grateful for: My grandpa texting me a history podcast he thought I would like.

Check out Blogmas Day 5 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 4 (rest day)

I hate missing church, but there was no way I was making it out of the house today. I couldn’t keep my eyes open from the moment I woke up. Despite the drowsiness, though, I did have three main goals for the day: finish a homemade Christmas gift, practice voice, and schedule some Diamonds social media posts (in order of priority). So after finishing my book in bed, I got up and got to work.

I was able to finish part of the Christmas gift (I’m so excited about it!), but not the whole thing. Aaaand I can’t say much more about that. I spent a lot of time on Canva today making graphics for this week’s Diamonds Conference social media posts. I’m not a graphic designer, but Canva makes it easy and I enjoy it. Here’s a glimpse at what I scheduled for this week, plus a look at our current Instagram grid because I work really hard to keep it looking aesthetic. (Follow us on Instagram! You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter, but we have by far the most engagement on IG and that’s where we focus most of our efforts.)

I was sleepy and in pain today, and although I did get done the three things I needed/wanted to get done (yay!), I also spent a lot of time lying in bed, resting and sharing photos from 2022 on my Instagram Story. One prompt asked what six photos described your year, and I pulled out the following–hospitals, people I love, writing, my church, and my music studio. Man, I am richly blessed.

I ended the day by planning out my week (this includes scheduling emails to send on Monday morning, prepping work to send to my virtual assistant, etc) and picking up a baby swing from a neighbor (see below, and yes, my HR was over 170 even though I’ve taken multiple beta blockers today… I’ve now been dying for two hours).

Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that I hit a freaking F6 in my vocal warm-ups today? And yes, somehow I spent the first 20 years of my life genuinely believing I was an alto. Wild.

Today I’m grateful for: I deaccessed my port yesterday, so I was able to take a normal shower!

Check out Blogmas Day 4 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 3 (graduation party)

Today I had fun plans with friends that I was determined to make happen, which meant first resting as hard as I could for as long as I could! I got up briefly this morning to start my laundry and set up an infusion. Then I went straight back to bed. It was a rainy day and I lit some candles and had the loveliest screen-free morning reading books. (Can we just appreciate the cover of this one? And oh my word, the inside is even more magical–you HAVE to read! I’m so thankful to have grown up as a bookwanderer. Although not for real, but how cool would that be? And I screamed this morning when I found out there are three more of these! I’m so glad I’m still discovering brand new series and books after a lifetime of reading. Okay, moving on.)

Early afternoon I got up and put away a shipment of medical supplies (every spare nook and cranny of my home is used for medical storage–this is just a glimpse), folded my laundry, and got ready to go. I was sweating and shaking, but I managed, and it felt so nice to have a tidy and organized house!

This evening my friend Andrea’s husband had a graduation party. Since Andrea lives almost an hour away from me and I’m not allowed to drive right now, her sister and brother-in-law (who I also love spending time with) were kind enough to pick me up. After a pit stop for coffee/tea, we headed that way midafternoon to spend some extra time with Andrea and Josh before the other guests came. 

Once everyone arrived, there were about a dozen people total at the party (we shuttled back and forth to park at the nearby Walmart), and it was such a fun night! Amanda and I commandeered the charcuterie boards to make a GT for Georgia Tech, and I loved this perfectly fall-ish spiked cider drink (apple cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and rum… or something like that). It was great to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones, too. We played a few rounds of the card game Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza (which got competitive and I think I reinjured my bad thumb–it involves slapping the cards/table–but the important thing is, I won). Spending the afternoon and evening with everyone today was so much fun and left my heart feeling very full!

I’m also loving this peaceful, beautiful Reel that my friend Olivia posted today. My favorite line from the caption:

I think it turns the mundane into something very holy to think that every quiet moment — every unproductive minute that passes — could be the one that holds the whisper of God.

Today I’m grateful for: The people in my life.

Check out Blogmas Day 3 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 2 (voice recital)

I woke up this morning exhausted, in pain, and struggling to walk… all of which makes me very stressed. I have a lot of things to do these next few weeks, and I feel like I can’t cancel or postpone most of them. (This first picture is not mine–it’s something I saw on Pinterest this morning that made me laugh. We lasted almost two weeks before my cat started having fun with my little Christmas tree today. This is my fourth Christmas in my apartment but only my first year to have any kind of tree, so I didn’t know how she would react.)

Around eleven I dragged myself to set up an infusion and then came back to bed to try to get some work done. I managed to answer my emails, update a piece on over-the-counter hearing aids, and write the majority of a piece on MSPs (managed service providers). Then I tried to get some rest.

Late afternoon I moved to the couch for a change of scenery. I sent some queries to agents (I’m currently querying my YA contemporary Things We’ve Lost). I was expecting that most literary agents would be closed to queries by this time of year, and sure enough, I was really struggling to find people. Eventually I gave up and read a book for a while. (No filters here–you get the migraine ice cap and all.)

Tonight I headed back to my music studio to see a recital! My friend Ari was singing in a Christmas recital and invited me to come. She sounded amazing and it was fun to hear the other students as well–lots of talent. I had a great time and I’m glad I got to go.

Also, Jonah Kagen’s EP Georgia Got Colder is out today! He opened for Maisie Peters on her tour this year, so I heard him live in March. Most of the songs on the EP are singles he’d already released (meaning I’ve already played them so much I’m tired of them lol), but you should definitely give it a listen. I’ve had Chemicals on repeat today–I remember how fun it was to hear live.

Today I’m grateful for: A place where I can be around my people (musicians!).

Check out Blogmas Day 2 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

Blogmas 2022 Day 1 (voice lesson)

Blogmas is BACK and I am so excited! Each year, I start thinking about Blogmas in approximately July, and by the time November rolls around I cannot wait. It’s such a fun way to document and share not only the Christmas season, but also just a snapshot of what my daily life looks like right now–and since this is the seventh year in a row (!) that I’ve done Blogmas, I have a lot to look back on (although that’s not always a good thing, lol).

If you’re new here since last year, my version of Blogmas is sharing a day-in-my-life blog post each day in December leading up to Christmas (similar to how many YouTubers do Vlogmas). You’ll see a glimpse into my daily life working as a WFH freelance writer, managing chronic illness, and enjoying my creative hobbies and the holiday season. So… let’s get started!

I had a terrible night of bad dreams and blood sugar lows and felt like trash this morning. Eventually I dragged myself out of bed, set up my infusion, and settled in for the workday (I say “workday” but it was barely over two hours, which is pretty typical). I had some final edits to finish up on a massive piece that I’ve been working on since two Mondays ago. Then I did some edits on another piece; sent some invoices and emails; and worked on interview questions for a source before going back to bed to rest because my body desperately needed it. I didn’t really do any deep work today, but that’s often the way things go at the end/beginning of the month.

On Thursday afternoons I go to my music studio. I headed out around 3 (I’m currently not allowed to drive because of my seizures, so I’ve been paying Joshua to be my cheaper version of Uber). Fun fact: This shirt is actually a dress, but I’m wearing it as a shirt because why not?

Normally, each week I have a voice lesson and then a songwriting lesson back-to-back (and then I hang around for a while and use one of the practice rooms to play the piano, sing, and write songs on my own). But today my songwriting teacher was out, so my studio offered me a doubly long voice lesson–which was actually awesome, because I’m learning SO much from my new voice teacher right now, but our lessons go so fast!

Right now I’m working on my head voice placement using God Help The Outcasts from Hunchback and Beyond My Wildest Dreams from The Little Mermaid. We went over those songs and tweaked the head-dominant mix I’m using. Vibrato also really clicked for me today in a way it never has before, and we were both SO excited! At the end my teacher had me sight read a classical piece because she’s been wanting me to transition into some classical stuff, and honestly I might convert because I actually really liked it.

As usual, it was the best hour of my week. I love music, I love learning, I love singing, I love my studio… all the things. The adrenaline wore off pretty fast though, and I came home to crash into bed as early as possible.

Today I’m grateful for: A phone call that was way faster and easier than I thought.

Check out Blogmas Day 1 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016. What did you do today?

November 2022 Monthly Wrap-Up

November was an interesting month. I had a lot of emotions about chronic illness, time of year, holidays, etc; I had a grand mal seizure for the first time in a year and a half, and now am not allowed to drive. I also really struggled to keep up with creative work (I think my brain is still recovering from Covid?). But I enjoyed getting some new clients and I spent a lot of time with Annabelle, which has been so nice!

This month I’m…

Reading: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow, and Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow, Jessica Townsend. We Rule the Night, Claire Eliza Bartlett. The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, Meghan O’Rourke. Portrait of a Thief, Grace Li. These Hollow Vows, Lexi Ryan. No Limits, Michael Phelps. 8 total (this is a low number for me and shows you how bad my fatigue and brain fog has been).

Listening to: Charlie Puth’s new album. Renee Rapp’s EP. The CODA soundtrack. My November playlist. Christmas music.

Watching: YouTube–Madison Strong; Kenna Krueger; Sadie Aldis. Movies–CODA; Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Writing: I continued querying Things We’ve Lost, drafting Butterfly Island, and writing songs, but sadly, I feel like I made very little progress in any of those areas. As usual, I also did volunteer work for the Diamonds Conference and People Hope.

Buying: Christmas gifts! Also scrunchies, books, and a “cat mom” shirt.

Grateful for: My new voice teacher. Unexpected, exciting new clients. Faraway friends sending flowers to my door during a hard week. Energy to tidy up my house. A friend bringing me a Christmas tree and decorations after I’d casually mentioned in conversation not having any. A thoughtful text from a new friend on Thanksgiving. An easy, common diagnosis.

What did you do in November? The seventh annual Blogmas starts TOMORROW and I am so very excited!

Movies I Watched in 2022: Part Three

It’s that time again–another post recapping the movies I’ve watched this year! (You can read part one of this post here and part two here.) Be aware that this post may contain spoilers for the movies discussed. And… let’s get into it!

EncantoMusical/family, 2021

“Am I too late for a miracle?”

Six months ago, when I first told a friend about my now-current WIP Butterfly Island, she told me I should watch this movie as research. I really liked it! I actually liked the instrumental music better than some of the songs. I brainstormed two pages of notes for my novel while I was watching. It was so good and so colorful; if I’d known it was set in the mountains of Colombia, I probably would’ve watched it sooner!

Nim’s IslandAdventure/family, 2008 (rewatch)

This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and I rewatched it while out of town on my writing retreat as research for Butterfly Island. It was cute, but kind of dramatic, and it didn’t really make me feel anything.

HugoFantasy/adventure, 2011

I LOVED this movie! I loved the aesthetic from the beginning. It was really visually beautiful–a wintery, whimsical, industrial/steampunk type of vibe that reminded me of both Rooftoppers (Katherine Rundell) and Clockwork Angel (Cassandra Clare) (it would be a great rewatch around Christmastime). The film made me think about what our creative work is worth. I also loved the station romance subplots. And the ending was just… YES.

The Secret GardenFantasy/drama, 2020

I didn’t really like this interpretation of The Secret Garden. The garden isn’t supposed to be magic; the point of the story is about finding magic in the ordinary. It’s not a fantasy story. And don’t get me started on the trope of curing disability in kidlit. That part seemed a little too conveniently magical, too. If I just go play outside more, will I too be suddenly cured just like Colin? Yeah, don’t think so.

The Scorch TrialsSci-fi/action, 2015 (rewatch)

“Hope is a dangerous thing.”

I’ve been wanting to rewatch this movie forever and I’m so glad I finally did! It was so good. The ending was EPIC! I love this cast so much, and it just felt good to escape into a good solid dystopian (although it was interesting watching a world taken over by a virus, lol). And now that I have more context, I really want to watch The Death Cure again… but I’ve seen that movie so so many times, I need to watch something new.

Thor: The Dark WorldAction/adventure, 2013

This was pretty good, but honestly not my favorite, especially the romance. It mainly just reminded me that my main goal in life is to have a black cat named Loki and a yellow Lab named Thor, lol.

You’ve Got MailRomantic comedy, 1998

“You are daring to believe you could have a different life.”

I loved this movie! The autumn vibes were immaculate, and I definitely teared up at the end (even though the current state of YA has me absolutely sick of “big bookstore vs. little bookstore” and “we know each other both online and IRL without realizing it”… I guess this was the original before it was overdone). But also: Being a writer now is great and all, but why didn’t she get to keep her bookstore? (Also, what is it with daisies? Lorelai Gilmore, Kathleen Kelly…)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceFantasy/adventure, 2009

Over Halloween weekend I was looking for something fall-ish to watch in the background and turned this on. It used to be my favorite of the HP movies. I think it still is! It’s the best feeling to come home to Hogwarts.

CODADrama/romance, 2021

“Do you have something to say?”

I CANNOT EXPRESS the depth of my love for this movie. The title alone already had me falling in love (the play on words made me ridiculously happy), and the movie itself could not have been more tailor-made for me. I mean, ASL? Boats? Singing? Hello, yes, yes, yes! In this movie, a hearing girl from a Deaf family is torn between helping her family on their fishing boat and going to music school. I was definitely crying by the end; I thought it did an excellent job of exploring the family dynamics. And I’ve had the soundtrack on repeat ever since I finished the film.

Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverAction/adventure, 2022

I cannot describe my excitement level for this movie! Joshua and I saw it in theaters (the first Marvel movie I ever saw, five years ago before I was even into Marvel, was Black Panther–so it was a full circle moment). But unfortunately, I didn’t like it nearly as much as I’d hoped. It was good, but LONG, and I was also a little confused because I didn’t totally remember who everyone was.

Have you seen any of these movies? What did you think about them? What was the last movie you watched? Let me know in the comments!

October 2022 Monthly Wrap-Up

I got COVID for the first time this month and it was really rough on my body. That took up almost the first two weeks of my month. Even though my health continued to be terrible (as usual), thankfully I was still able to go on our family beach vacation later in the month. And back in Georgia, can we talk about how freaking GORGEOUS fall has been this year?! Plus all the good music I’ve been listening to…

This month I’m…

Reading: Defend the Dawn, Brigid Kemmerer. Beach Read, Emily Henry. I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy. The Scorpio Races, Maggie Stiefvater. Start With Hello, Shannan Martin. Dancing Shoes, Noel Streatfeild (reread). The School for Whatnots, Margaret Peterson Haddix. The Betsy-Tacy Treasury, Maud Hart Lovelace. Beyond the Wand, Tom Felton. Strawberry Point, Florence Roe Wiggins. 10 total.

Listening to: My October playlist (SO good). Noah Kahan’s new album, Stick Season. Something Rotten. Chapel talks from Covenant College.

Watching: YouTube: Lindsay Heather Pearce. Movies: The Scorch Trials (rewatch); Thor: The Dark World; You’ve Got Mail; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (rewatch).

Writing: In October I queried Things We’ve Lost and drafted Butterfly Island; I volunteered with People Hope and the Diamonds Conference; and I also wrote songs like crazy.

Buying: Stickers from Redbubble for my water bottle. Books from the library booksale. A costume and makeup items for the Halloween show at my music studio.

Grateful for: Doctors who are always “on my team.” My magical new Hogwarts floating candles desktop wallpaper. Being outside. The GLORIOUS fall leaves. Days with that main character energy feeling. Making a new friend. Meeting a neighbor’s dogs. Work taking so little time.

What did you do in October? What music are you listening to? Are the leaves colorful where you are?