Sincerely, Hales.

[anxietyproblem]

[sincerelyhales-blog]

the kind of homesick that sits behind your ribs

It’s wild how homesickness creeps in when life gets quiet. Not in a dramatic, falling-apart way — just this gentle tug that reminds me how far I am from the people who feel like home.

I miss my mom and dad, and the comfort of knowing I could stop by whenever and instantly feel grounded. I miss Little Dog and Bubby doing their chaotic little routines that somehow always made everything feel normal.

And I miss my best friend, Mykayla — she’s about to have a whole baby in a month, and part of me just wants to be close enough to pick her up for a thrift run or sit on her couch like we always used to. Honestly, I even miss her husband Dylan, which is kind of hilarious but here we are.

It’s not that I’m unhappy — I just wish I could teleport everyone over for dinner sometimes, or pop into my mom’s house when I need a reset. It’s the small, everyday things you don’t realize you’ll crave until they’re not right there anymore.

It’s a soft kind of homesick, but it’s real.

[sincerelyhales-blog]

✨ Work Vent Time ✨

Because if I don’t get this off my chest, I might spontaneously combust like a microwaved marshmallow.

So there’s this person at work—no names, but if incompetence had a mascot, it’d probably wear their face. And honestly? I’m exhausted.

Imagine having someone on your team who just… doesn’t do their job. Not like “oh they forgot one thing,” but full-on “I’ll skip half my tasks because I don’t feel like it and someone else will handle it.” Spoiler alert: that “someone else” is always me. Apparently, I’m the unofficial clean-up crew, emotional support coworker, and full-time damage control all rolled into one.

Their attitude is very “that’s not my problem,” which—fun fact—is a bold stance for someone whose entire job is literally… doing those problems. They’ll look at something that needs to be done, shrug their shoulders, and wander off like an NPC on low battery.

And don’t get me started on the victim complex. You could offer the softest, fluffiest, most constructive piece of feedback imaginable—wrapped in a compliment, delivered with a hug and a warm cookie—and they’d still act like you set their soul on fire. Crying, excuses, dramatic sighing… the whole Broadway performance.

They constantly talk about finding “another job,” but somehow that job search has lasted longer than some people’s marriages. And despite multiple “talking-tos,” whatever that’s even accomplishing, I genuinely do not know how they haven’t been written up yet. I’ve seen expired coupons get more consequences than this person.

And the wild part? The job isn’t even hard. Like… it’s not advanced calculus. It’s not neurosurgery. It’s not decoding ancient runes. It’s literally just doing the tasks you’re assigned. Or at least pretending you care long enough to complete them.

Meanwhile, I’m over here busting my butt, holding everything together with sheer willpower, caffeine, and spite.

Anyway. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk—aka my digital scream into the Tumblr void.

[sincerelyhales-blog]

✨ five months in omaha — the plot twist I didn’t see coming, but somehow needed ✨

Five months ago, I announced we were moving to Omaha… and then promptly vanished like a character who needed a mid-season break. Not intentionally — just trying to keep up with life, emotions, pets, weather, and whatever personality arc Nebraska decided to hand me.

Now that the dust has settled (and by dust I mean actual snow flurries), here’s the update:

Devin and I have been piecing together a home one thrifted treasure and one “we forgot this at Target again” trip at a time. He’s out here living his traveling-businessman era, while I’ve become the unlikely leading lady in my own Pet Care sitcom. Head of Pet Care. Me. Wild.

Sage, my sweet dramatic boy, has appointed himself Mayor of the Apartment Complex. Rue? She’s still very much in her “I survived a villain origin story but now I’m beautiful and mysterious” phase.

Meanwhile, I’m the Arizona transplant trying to survive Nebraska’s version of weather, which seems to be: 1.) snow 2.) melt 3.) wind so strong it rearranges your soul.

I keep discovering new bugs, new thrift stores, new parts of myself, and new ways to accidentally overthink everything.

And somehow, in all the chaos, we’ve built something that feels… steady. Real. Ours.

It’s messy. It’s cozy. It’s growth. It’s a little dramatic. Okay, I’m a little dramatic. But the point stands.

Five months in, and Omaha isn’t just the setting of our big move — it’s starting to feel like the next chapter. The one where I figure out winter boots, find “my” grocery store, learn how to thrive outside the desert, and let myself settle into happiness I didn’t see coming.

So here’s to this new season!

[sincerelyhales-blog]

A New Adventure Awaits: Our Upcoming Move to Omaha!

As we wrap up the year and look ahead to 2025, Devin and I are thrilled to share some big news: we’re planning a move to Omaha, Nebraska, in March of next year! This decision marks a new chapter for us, filled with excitement, a bit of nervous anticipation, and endless possibilities.

Why Omaha?

You might be wondering, “Why Omaha?” Well, it’s actually a perfect fit for us. Omaha offers that balance of city life and a close-knit community feel, with plenty of green spaces, great local culture, and a growing job market. We were drawn to Omaha’s reputation for its friendly residents, vibrant arts scene, and the perfect mix of city amenities without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of a mega-metropolis.

Plus, the idea of fresh, snowy winters and beautiful Midwestern springs holds its own charm. For us, Omaha feels like a fresh start, and we can’t wait to explore all it has to offer.

Preparing for the Move

As exciting as it is, moving is also a big undertaking. We’ve started making plans, creating lists (so many lists!), and even scheduling some weekend trips to get familiar with Omaha’s neighborhoods. From researching housing options to packing up our things, there’s a lot to do between now and March.

We’re planning to make the transition as smooth as possible, taking time to say goodbye to our favorite spots here while eagerly mapping out our new adventures in Omaha.

Looking Forward

There’s so much to anticipate: exploring the Old Market district, enjoying the local music scene, and discovering new trails and parks for outdoor adventures. And, of course, meeting new friends and neighbors who will help make Omaha feel like home.

For now, we’re soaking up every moment of the planning process. Each step gets us closer to Omaha and this exciting new chapter. So, stay tuned for more updates and a glimpse into our journey. Here’s to new beginnings and a fresh adventure!