Bailey vs. World (of animals)

I just read an article from cosmopolitan about a woman who summarizes her dislike of pets and was happy because I haven't read anything like it before. I also learned that animal lovers can be very hostile to those who are not (I am not heartless because I'm not interested in your dog). You can read the article here. You'll also notice that the comments on the post are AWFUL. Defensive pet lovers are seriously throwing around the C word at this poor woman who wrote a respectful article about why dogs are gross and she doesn't want one. It's unbelievable. 

So here I am, coming out as a not animal person (I'd be surprised if anyone was surprised by this) and I hope that people aren't actually that cruel to me because of it. And I also hope that people aren't offended by it. Don't get me wrong, I love my dog, and occasionally my sister will show me a picture of a particularly cute dog and I will think it is cute, but I usually just don't see it. 

*Proof that I love my dog*

I just want pet owners to be more conscious and know that not everyone loves their dog like they do. Just yesterday at work I had a table outside. While I was walking inside (with an unsteady stack of about 5 plates in my hands) a lady walking her (rather large) dog was walking past the restaurant. The dog came up to me and started nudging me and licking me and the lady DID NOTHING except say "aww *dog* you don't need any pasta!" and then let it linger. Seriously??? I could not believe that lady let her dog do that. It was not only dangerous for me and the dog (what if I dropped 5 heavy glass plates on myself [or the dog?]) but so rude! Another quick anecdote: a couple of weeks ago, I saw a dog wearing jeans, a flannel shirt, and A BACKPACK on an 85 degree day. What could that poor dog possibly have in that backpack? It was probably hot and miserable. I do not understand why it was necessary. 

I'm also allergic to animals, as are many people, so I really do not want your animal rubbing up all on me, drooling on me, etc. Barking is probably the most annoying noise ever. It's not that I hate animals or animal people, I just really don't understand or relate and I think my annoyance stems from the few ridiculous, over the top pet people and bad dogs of the world. So, the next time you're walking your dog and you pass a person who is not cooing about how cute it is, please consider people like me first. :)

Music, Man.

Music is awesome. It's just so cool to me that (some) artists can take just 4 minutes and use it to impact your life, or that a song can make you feel a variety of emotions. That's why a good concert is probably my favorite thing in the world. In particular, one of my favorite life moments was hearing fun. perform their song "The Gambler" live. The energy of the song and the atmosphere of the concert were unforgettable in themselves, but that song is just ~*~*amazing*~*~.

So, as John Mayer said in concert last summer, put down your phones and just get lost in the music! It is much harder said that done, but at the right concert, it's easy. Happy concert season, my friends!

Finding the Silver Lining

I have returned from my vacation and am happy to report that I met some amazing people while in Florida and am very grateful for that. I also grew closer with a couple of friends and family on the trip. 

Anyway, today I saw this image today and couldn't resist sharing: "Every experience, no matter how bad it seems, holds within it a blessing of some kind." -Buddha

I'm not going to elaborate but I will encourage that you all consider a bad experience and think of something positive that came from it. I find that this makes a huge difference in my way of thinking. If you are struggling, here's something that my mom says that will ALWAYS apply: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Image: blog.freepeople.com

11 Reasons Why Having a Sister is THE Best

To all of those who are fortunate enough to relate!

1. Double wardrobe

I get confused about who owns what sometimes. Also, we split the cost of things we buy intending to share. It's awesome. And also equates to insane amounts of clothes. We opted to share a room (it's a sleepover every night) so we had the extra room to hold all of our clothes. 

2. Life is a team effort.

Being close enough in age with my sister, we took a few classes at the same time. And those classes were definitely a team effort. Also things along the lines of curling/brushing [loooong, knotty] hair, choosing outfits, and doing make-up: much easier to tackle as a team.

3. Splitting meals

Whenever we go out to eat, chances are I am splitting a meal with my sister. The portion size is literally perfect. In fact, I am physically unable to eat more than half of an omelette, half of the hash browns, and half of the toast when I am not with her.

4. Family vacation

Having a sister is basically like getting to bring your best friend along with you on a family vacation.

5. Same sense of humor

Just thinking about my sister makes me laugh. We have the exact same sense of humor. And we can be as weird as we want without being judged. You know those telepathic conversations they have in How I Met Your Mother? Yeah, we do that. In fact, once we googled exercises that would strengthen the ability to read each other's minds. LOL. 

6. We share everything.

Seats, secrets, gossip, you name it. We would share a tiny bar stool if there was only one left. Also, she keeps me up to date on all the "cool" music and high school drama that I am missing out on.

7. Partner in crime

My sister is always my player 2 (Mario Party), shopping buddy, passenger seat, duet partner, selfie-taking, go-to girl. From getting ready for homecoming together to sitting around doing nothing, everything is better together. And it's so awesome to have that person. And even better, that can't get rid of you.

8. The look we exchange when people tell us how much we look alike. 

As we both force a laugh. 

9. Non-judgement, no questions asked, advice.

10. Always having someone to lean on.

When the times get tough, I know I will always have my sister. Even though I know we are totally different people and have distinct personalities, we can talk about anything. Nothing is off limits.

11. Love

Sisters are your first and best friend. Someone you can be weird and ugly with with no bounds. Someone you have so many memories with, and so much to come. This list could go on FOREVER but i will end on that note. I love you, my gorgeous sister!

"Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't"

Having recently discovered the Bill Nye *the science guy* quote: "everyone you ever meet knows something you don't," I am inspired and hope to think of this concept often in the future. However, lately my mind is engulfed solely with daydreams of my up-coming vacation. This blog post is my attempt to integrate this idea with my current ocean obsession.

Beautiful, beautiful ocean.

This winter was (still is) depressing (see below). My sanity can be credited to a round trip plane ticket to Florida. While Florida is a regular vacation spot for many, myself included, I want to get something out of this trip that I haven't before. I hope to come back to Michigan with more than a tan and a charmingly stupid souvenir for my boyfriend in order to make up for leaving him to brave the polar vortex alone.

Horrible picture my mom sent me. Yes, there is a car in the ditch.

Although I am not quite sure how I am going to do that, I know I will think of Bill Nye's trinket of wisdom often. I will try to get to know strangers. Although I will never see them again, their stories and experiences could be of value (maybe through advisement, or possibly simply entertainment.)

I will try new experiences. And by that, I don't mean that I am going to swim with dolphins nor watch the sunrise. I'm talking about the small stuff. Like, did you know that there's stuff you can do on the beach besides tanning? This is news to me.

I'll read less Vogue and more novels. I'll be adventurous. I'll get to know strangers. I'll order something new. I'll be open-minded. I'll ask questions. I'll take advantage of opportunities.

And worse case scenario, I'll still come back with a tan and a tacky souvenir. And that's not even a little bit bad.

But now I am left with this thought...do I need to use a vacation as an excuse to do any of this?