2013: The year of "Thinking Big"

I have a thing for quotes. My walls, notebooks, and even my textbooks are covered in them. That being said, it seems fitting that I should start 2013 off with (you guessed it!) a quote:

"If you're going to be thinking, you might as well think big" - Donald Trump

If you just let that sink in for a moment - percolate, if you will - then you might realize that when your thoughts and ideas become big, you shed a lot of self-imposed (and perhaps subconscious) limitations. That's pretty cool, right? I mean, the realization that if you THINK big, you can DO big.

So that's the plan for 2013; Thinking Big and Doing Big. If all goes to plan, I'll be able to apply this motto to a lot of different aspects of life... school, biking, and everyday livin'. Who knows, maybe the key to success is to think of each day (or "everyday livin'") as something BIG; something full of POTENTIAL; something... special?

All pretentiousness (aka douchiness) aside, 2013 should be quite the year. I am BEYOND excited for the season to start. Having said that, I like to think I'm wise enough to not wish time to speed up. There are still a few months left to "get fast" (Arizona and California are on the agenda in the upcoming months) and I intend to use them!

Now, what you've all been waiting for... My New Year's Resolution! As everyone who knows me knows, I am afraid of a distinctly large number of things. So, I decided to make my NYR to conquer my fears. What are these fears, you may ask? Well, I have comprised a list. Here goes.

• Sharks. Watching Jaws when you're 5 is just a bad idea.
• The ocean
• Rivers
• Lakes
• Really just any open body of water where things could be lurking in the depths (or the shallows)
• Cliffs
• Cliff jumping
• The dark (yes, actually)
• Boats
• Drops (on my bike)
• Mussels/oysters
• Snakes (but only if they're touching me)
• Crowded places (ie. the city... there are just way too many people)
• Situations where my first instinct screams DANGER (97% of the time this is just an overreaction)
• Space (the kind that Astronauts explore)
• Airplanes... or more accurately, being airborne at 35000ft
• Needles/getting blood taken (hopefully I just won't have to deal with this fear, or else someone is going to have to deal with a passed-out Haley)
• Scary dogs (don't get me wrong, I love non-scary dogs)

There are a whole host of other things I am afraid of, but most of the ones not listed are completely rational (I promise). I mean, it doesn't really make sense to conquer my fear of skydiving, does it? It's perfectly rational to not want to throw oneself out of an airplane. Sooo, I am going to try and conquer the IRrational fears in 2013! I'm sure I will think of more to add to the list, but that's all for now. It's a daunting task, but I think I can probably-most-likely handle it.

Just to finish off I want to thank everyone for making 2012 a kick-ass year. Obviously, there where times that things didn't seem so great, but a positive attitude is everything - and what's the point of fixating on the negatives? I got to experience and accomplish so many things this year, and I am grateful for all of it! Thanks to Norco, Havi, all my teammates, both coaches I worked with this year, my family, friends, and everyone else! Life is what you make it, and you guys are making it awesome.

Just a little picture recap of 2012, to fulfill my sentimental side:

Great training camp with a great group of ladies!

OCA does Oxnard, California

Pretty nice view to wake up to

For someone who is terrified of the ocean, I sure do love the beach

Sprint practice... the day I realized why I am an endurance athlete

Start line of my first race as a U23/Elite. Can you say momentous occasion? 

Let's just say Texas produces some interesting spectators

First short track ever. It hurt. But somehow... still smiling?

Dawwwww

We decided to race tandem... it was rad.

Violating the Golden Rule (Don't look back!)

Worked on my Hunger Games skills this summer... you know, just in case.

Reconnecting with hockey teammates? Priceless

Learned how to walk the line. Seems like it was a year of firsts!

Can there be any question why I love Uxbridge?

Realized my school is actually very pretty :)

Let me tell you, that was one fiiiiiine cake. 

Can you spot what's wrong with this picture? Just a casual Monday morning in the Student Ghetto.

Got to race Crank the Shield with a great guy and an even better role model. Thanks for lending me your wheels, Watson. 

Raced my first 'cross race! Those mtb skills really helped in the mud

It's not every day you turn 19!

Pretty sweet Christmas present. Thanks bro.

Pond days with Dad :) 

I was met with incredulity when I told my teammates I bought a dress.  Not sure if I should be offended?

Not only did I buy a dress, I bought these bad boys. PHE/KIN semi was a blast. 

Well, I think that rounds out 2012. Happy New Year everyone!