Uncommonly Great

Waffle Queen

2011-08-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Waffle Shoppe has been taking over my life. But in a good way! It's so much fun to see people get excited about plain old waffles and syrup. I love spending my Saturdays at the Provo Farmers Market and meeting new people!

And just a word to the wise:

If you haven't stopped by yet, please do! And the Frozen Hot Chocolate is to die for. To. Die. For.

Waffles, Waffles, Waffles!!!

2011-06-03T09:48:00.001-07:00

Come to my Waffle Shoppe for some deliciously delectable waffles and special Shoppe syrup!!

You can find my sister and I and our famous waffles at the Provo Famers Market most Saturdays from 9-2. We have a Facebook Page too, so search for Waffle Shoppe and "like" us in the month of JUNE and you will receive a free drink of your choice when you purchase some waffles!

And if you like us a lot, you can take a punch card so you can come back and get your 6th waffle purchase free!

If you've never been to the Farmer's Market, I highly suggest it! Its a fun summer saturday activity, with entertainment, crafts for sale, and of course delicious food.

And I'm back in the game!

2011-05-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

I started tennis lessons on Wednesday! I know, right?

So I played a little bit in high school. ... Well, lets face it, I played my sophomore year, then Junior year we got a new coach and didn't end up making the team again (but his daughter - not as skilled in tennis as one might like - did make the team. Nope I'm not bitter about it still. No way.). Let's just say that that was the hardest I had ever cried up until that point in my life. The next hardest was when I got my first speeding ticket 2 months after getting my licence. But that's beside the point.

Ever since then I played off and on but never very seriously. I knew I had skill, though. That is, if you call "skill" losing [badly] to your 50-something year old father who doesn't even have to move his feet - he just hits a hard one, I duck, and its his point. Again, beside the point.

So I decided that this summer, I'm going to get good again. So I went to my first lesson, and naaaaailed it! My teacher even threw out a "Man, I'm going to have to be harder on you." Little did he know my head had just grown three times bigger than before. But then I remembered I'm taking lessons with girls my age(?) who I caught saying to each other when the lesson was over: "Like, let's totally go tanning later, ok? Ok call me. TTYL bff!" I was like, so totally not judging them or anything. But you know what I mean.

The real point is - I had fun and I'm excited to refresh my skills. And I made Jake promise that our Friday night date would be a few rounds of tennis.

I'll let you know who wins.

It must almost be lunchtime

2011-05-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Its 11:30 and my tummy is starting to growl. It doesn't help that I've been blog surfing and stumbled upon this to die for blog. I swear, when I die, my obituary will say "death by bread". I'm a CARBavore to the max - bread, potatoes, cookies.... oh boy, they are my weakness. Anyways, you should go check it out and maybe try one of her amazing looking recipes... like these DONUTS (See below...ho-ly-cow, I just died and went to heart attack heaven). If the picture alone doesn't do it for you... I don't know what will.

Brilliant

2011-04-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

So I've finally done something I've wanted to know how to do for a long time now. (Well, technically I haven't done it yet, but I will soon) And that is customize my blog, rather than just using the same old blogger templates they have (which aren't that bad, I must say). Hopefully in the next week or so it will be looking extra cute!

Along my journey I came across this brilliant site that is so helpful in DIY blog customizing. Some of the advanced stuff might be either over your head (coding with HTML and CSS... gulp), or using programs such as Adobe Illustrator to make your own designs. I was actually surprised, though, that I followed all of their advanced tutorials without flaw. Well, I guess I do have the advantage of owning some Adobe software and I happened to take a web design class last semester so I kind of understand HTML jibber jabber. But this website makes it so easy! Try it!

Or, if you're needing extra help or tips or want me to design something custom for you, I'd be happy to! Just let me know

Enjoy!

I know I know...

2011-03-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while. It's because I'm boring.

Here's what I've been doing in school.

It's been a good semester... but let me tell you, I cannot wait for April (aka the semester) to be over. I need a break.

Another video I made

2011-02-14T20:51:00.002-07:00

Okay, so this one is a little bit better than the first one. What do you think?

Also very fitting for Valentines Day!

Can I get married again?

2011-02-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

What a perfect day for Anthropologie to come out with their new Wedding line.

Yes, I would like to get married all over again.

Of course, to my Jake, still.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

My first Motion Graphics movie

2011-02-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm in a Motion Graphics class. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. I've had to learn a whole new program (ugh). It makes me feel like a small child learning to read. So here is my first kindergarden-ish movie.

I told you it looked like a 5 year old did it.

Oh well, I'm just impressed that I did THAT.

I had this idea...

2011-01-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

It came to me the other day, and I haven't been able to get it off my mind.

The reason I'm putting it up here is because I want YOUR feedback. I want to know if you would do it. What you would/wouldn't want. Any additional input or ideas or suggestions.

Here it is...

I want to make a website. Since I got married, I've been really trying to be a good wife and cook dinner as much as I can (Almost impossible with 3 night classes this semester... but I'm trying). I've accrued so many cookbooks and miscellaneous recipes from here and there and they're all kind of creating a big stack in my kitchen. This drives me NUTS, being the organization freak that I am.

So I thought, how nice would it be to have them all in one spot, all in the same format, somewhere I could access them easily and in various locations (ie. iPad, smart phone, laptop, at work, at friend's or family's homes). And what do all of those have in common? The internet. So, I want to keep all of my recipes on a website. NOT a blog. Please do not get this mixed up with a blog. If you have ever used a photo-storage website, such as photobucket, it will be more like that. A place to store all of your recipes. You could have the option to share the recipes, or just keep it private to yourself. You would have your own account (like an email, blog, photobucket account, etc.).

I was thinking of charging $10 for an initial account with storage space enough for maybe 50 recipes. Then if you go over 50, its just like $2 for an additional 50 recipes. Or something like that. Or just charge a little bit more initially to have unlimited storage space.

Of course the format for the recipes would be designed super cute. There would probably be a variety of designs to choose from.

You would have the option to print them out.

You would create your own different "sections" (ie. Appetizers, desserts, etc.).

It would almost just be like a digital recipe book (similar to the Kindle concept, where you "flip" the pages)

You could upload photos of the recipes, even add photos of each step if that's your thing. (I love having images of the food!)

Personally, I often use my laptop in the kitchen to read my recipes, so this is perfect.

I know there is software out there that can do something similar to this, however, I feel like the website concept is much more accessible and cost-effective, like I said before, you can have it on your iPad, phone,... anywhere that has internet... Not just your home computer.

Now its your turn. What do you think? Leave a comment or email me at htintle at gmail dot com.

Love me some Crocs boots

2011-01-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

Got these in the mail yesterday.

And I refuse to take them off.

I've never been a Crocs fan. In fact, I kind of despise them. But THESE... these are some of the most glorious boots around. Not to mention I'm loving them in Navy.

I think I'm ready for Spring.

I just have to say...

2011-01-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

That I think this might be the funniest, most ironic thing I have ever put together...

I'm not much of a sports fan, but the game happened to be on at my house last night, and with all of the Jimmer hype, I just had to contribute.

Fall Semester 2010

2010-12-15T10:39:00.002-07:00

Its finally over. Not that I didn't like it, its just time for a much needed break. So, I thought I'd share with you my projects from the semester.

Eh em...
(click on any of the images to see them bigger!)

From my Typography and Layout I class:

MONOGRAM - basically a logo with my own initials. Can you tell its two h's but the bottom one is on its side, and just that little slice out of it makes it into a c? I thought it was kinda cool.

TYPOGRAM - making a word have more meaning by visually changing an element. For this, I simply took the dot of the i and put it into the o to make it look like an eye. The dot of the i makes the dot of the eye. I ended up turning in the second one down on the left. What do you think? Such a simple change makes the word make that much more sense.

TYPOGRAPHIC POSTER - The assignment was to chose a typeface, make it into a poster and include a 300 word essay, the typeface designer, the name of the typeface, the year it was created, and the entire alphabet in that typeface. I chose Century Schoolbook, a typeface commonly used in children's books to help them learn how to read - hence the shape of the essay forming a book shape.

BROCHURE - This is just the cover of a 4 spread brochure I made for a product the company I work for sells called a Letterpress (If you got my Cmas card, I hand letterpressed it with this machine).

And for my Digital Painting class (all photoshop):

SELF PORTRAIT - The first project of the semester. I had no clue what I was doing. A self portrait incorporating something we are passionate about. I'm passionate about Jake so I incorporated the necklace he gave me as a wedding gift with our initials on it.

DESIGNED SHAPES - Requirements were to show an animal, being the focal point, in its environment, with type displaying the location. The process of this assignment was very fun and unique. The style of designed shapes is similar to art deco type posters with simple shapes and shading.

MIXED MEDIA - We had to used other media - anything from photography, to paint, to drawing, whatever. I hand sewed both of those dolls (it took me forEVER) and drew his hands and face. For this assignment we had to pick a historical event and take an artistic standpoint on it, incorporating mixed media with a purpose. I picked Thanksgiving, which, come to find out, was not always on the 4th Thursday of November. That date was chosen by FDR who chose it with the specific purpose to boost sales for the holidays to help the economy. I'll let you figure the rest out.

AIRBRUSH TOY - I am actually extremely impressed with myself on this one. We had to design a toy (not already existing) and make it look REAL - like on Toy Story. I didn't think I could do it, but I did. He's a little dancing monster. Cute, and too bad he isn't a real toy or else I think he'd be a hit this Cmas.

And one last project for my History of Graphic Design class:

THE WAFFLE - We had to pick one designer from our textbook and make a poster based on their style, advertising a product, event, or service. I've been dreaming for a few years now to have a waffle stand called The Waffle at the famers market. So I chose to do my poster advertising that, based on Bauhaus designer Herbert Bayer's style. I even used a font he designed himself. Can you see the ego-shaped waffle?

I can't believe how busy these projects kept me this semester - or how much fun I had doing most of them! I loooooove what I do.

And now I'm off to MEXICO for two weeks!! I know what you're thinking... Again?? Yep, again, but to the other side this time. See you next year when I'm tan tan tan.

I've submitted!!

2010-11-16T16:48:00.001-07:00

Hey guys.

So I've been wanting to submit designs to either Threadless or Minted for a while now. I finally got up the guts.

Vote for my
design on minted.™

see more from Hayley Castle

vote for me!

Check out my competition in Christmas cards and Save the Date cards at Minted.

My design could win for $$$ for me and to actually be purchased on their website! I would love any feedback you have, because I can change my design from now until December 10th. So critique away and let me know what you think! Oh, and VOTE! I'd love to win :) But more than anything this is a great experience for me to get my designs and my name out there in the design world! FUN! I love what I do.

**NOTE: Voting opens around Dec 10th, so don't forget to come back and vote then. :) Thanks!

Web Design: Hate or Love?

2010-11-02T14:02:00.002-07:00

I'm in my very first Web Design class.

I wouldn't go straight to hate, but lets just say I never thought Graphic Design would involve learning a new alienish language. (Ever heard of HTML? Yeah, that.)

However, I am getting a little bit (nerdily) excited to make my own website to post my portfolio. As I've been researching and coming up with ideas, I found this amazing design portfolio that I am thinking of stealing. (Okay, not really, but I wish I would have come up with it first.)

Here's a little peek at what it's like. Clever, simple, easy to navigate, creative. Love it.

How I gained the best five pounds of my life.

2010-10-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

First of all, a shout out to my awesome and generous parents for taking Jake and I to and all-inclusive resort called The Excellence in Cancun, Mexico! It was a dream, thank you Mom and Dad!

Back to telling you how I gained the best five pounds of my life...

It started with eating. Out. Everyday. As much food as you wanted. (not a good thing)

We made some friends along the way. Geckos and Iguanas were literally everywhere.

We spent an entire day snorkeling and relaxing (and eating) at an amazing ecological park called Xel Ha ("shell-ha"). Jake was a little fish the whole day. This was the night our Resort told us a Category 2 Hurricane was expected to hit Cancun. I was a little freaked out. It didn't end up hitting, but the power went out a few times and the next day it rained half the day, which was actually beautiful!

This was the bridge we crossed from our room every day. The pool you see here is a lazy river. Yes, we were very lazy.

On Sunday, we actually found a small branch in a town called Puerto Morelos about 10 minutes from our resort. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. The people were so kind and humble. See that little black sign telling us that this was the church? It was actually a rented house they use to have church in. Cool.

The resort lobby.

We had a carribean fiesta right on the beach one evening and danced the night away to Jakes favorite music: Bachata.

Oh, and we ate some more....

And met some dead people. This was actually pretty cool. Every night at the resort they had a show, and this night was a tribute to MJ. It was so entertaining.

We just layed out at our very own private, white sand beach. No biggie. The even cooler part was that guys would come ask us if we wanted drinks, and I would say, "Yes, one pina colada, no alcohol." And five minutes later I'd be sipping a pina colada. Heaven!

This was probably the most exercise we got, walking down this pier. We went to the city Puerto Morelos and did some bargaining.

Again, we ate.

Our beautiful beach!

Our resort always had activities from volleyball, soccer, water aerobics, yoga, and here you see us kayaking!

Oh, and is that us eating again? Yep. And there's one of my many pina coladas.

Laying out.

Jake was always at one bar or another ordering more drinks. I was so proud of him for using his spanish while we were there. Its so cute when he espeaks espanish.

Just another view of the pool. So amazing. You can see kind of in the middle of this photo, there were full on beds to lay on by the pool. Can you say heaven?

The only bad part was that we both got eaten alive by mexican mosquitos. No clue why they chose us, because nobody else had them. We think its because we were probably the only ones there not drinking alcohol.

And this is what we look like now.

But what a wonderful vacation it was!

My thoughts exactly

2010-10-26T15:50:00.001-07:00

Lately, I've been struggling with being original in my design work. I've actually gotten quite down on myself for feeling like everything has already been done... How can I ever come up with something new, exciting, original, unique?

Then I saw this...

Thank you Jim Jarmusch, whomever you are.

I also really appreciate what President Uchdorf had to say about creativity (I stole this from my new cousin Lexi's blog, thanks Lex).

Wasn't that so inspiring?

That's all I have to say about that. Have a lovely day.

The Wreath

2010-10-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't do anything too fancy or complicated. But here's the finished product!

Ta dum!! What do you think? It took less than the whole movie Pillow Talk to make, and wasn't hard at all! I'm pretty proud of it. I already have a Christmas/winter one in mind. And that one will have a lot more floof (floof = cute sparkly flowery stuff).

And just in case you wanted to know what my kitchen looks like:

Lots of lovely cupboard space. Jealous?

This weekend...

2010-09-29T12:49:00.001-07:00

Is one of my favorite weekends of the year. Its General Conference and I get to r-e-l-a-x and listen to the wonderful messages from my church leaders!

I've been wanting to make one of these.

And guess who's going out of town Friday night? (Jake) Which means I'll have HOURS to craft whatever I want. Isn't it adorable?? There are so many color choices, the hard part will be picking a color palette. I think I may make one for every holiday/season. Good thing I have my 50% off coupons from my good friends JoAnn and Michael and Robert. Stay tuned next week for the finished product!

Design Inspiration

2010-09-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

Okay if you haven't already, I would definitely start clicking on the links to the right to see some beautiful design inspiration. Just an idea.

The ones on the top of the list are the most recently added, so check back for more additions!

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Nightmares

2010-09-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Check out my adventure of the week here.

So scary!

P.S. If you're wondering what homemakers is... A group of my girl-friends and I get together once a week to do girly homemakery stuff. It's pretty fun.

Hello Friends!!

2010-08-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

So, I know not that many people look at this blog, but I thought I would start to get the word out.

I'm saving up for a new laptop. And I figured I could speed up the process by doing Graphic Design projects for you, or anyone who is interested! I can do logos, blog headers, notepads :), letterheads, baby/wedding announcements, posters, newsletters, custom prints for home decor, greeting cards (thought about your Christmas cards yet??), you name it. Anything you would need me to do would be very reasonably priced - but I would LOVE to do it. I absolutely love this design stuff. And, the sooner the better because I am starting school in a week and a half.

If you're interested please email me at: htintle at gmail dot com.

I didn't forget you

2010-08-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

I promise! Those of you who sent me an email wanting a notepad... they're on their way SOON. I'm so sorry, I just got busier than I expected. Luckily, just 6 more days of school, then I get a week break! Whew. I'm pluggin along. As much as I love it... I just want to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Light, where are you? (And by light, I mean graduation)

School

2010-07-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I'm having fun at school? I'm LOVING it. Learning tons of new stuff, which is overwhelming, but I'm super excited for what's ahead.

Want a Notepad??

2010-07-20T12:12:00.001-07:00

So, I talked to my teacher today. He said it would be very easy for me to just send anyone the file to my notepads, and you can take it to your local or preferred copy center and have them print them and bind them for you. Anyone interested? Anyone want a different notepad? I'd be happy to take requests, because I'm kind of turning into the biggest computer/design geek. No charge, cuz I'm the beginningest beginner and I can't promise it will go smoothly. Let me know. And I'll keep you posted on all of the other fun projects I'm working on.

Again, I really appreciate all of your comments and feedback. It makes me more confident and all warm and fuzzy. But, I do appreciate any suggestions or constructive feedback too. :)

**UPDATE-send me an email at htintle@gmail.com if you want them. It may take me until next week to figure it all out.**

What I came up with...

2010-07-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the two notepads I came up with. These are the ones I would use the most. What do you think? Be honest. I'll find out what my teacher thinks tomorrow...

Thanks for all of your ideas! This was really fun!

Notepad

2010-07-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

For one of my classes we get to design a note pad. Any kind of note pad we want. ANY kind.

So, I want to know... what kind of notepads do you like? What do you use notepads for?

Groceries?
Just notes to remember things?
To leave notes in lunchboxes?
To write down phone numbers?
To doodle on?

Do you like lines or no lines?
Colors?

What would sell YOU on a notepad? And I'll design it.

One Year of Bliss!!

2010-06-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Jake and I were married one year ago today! It was a beautiful windy rainy day (but did we notice?? nope). Jake is my best friend, I love him so. Thanks, my sweetheart, for loving me back.

We've got more bounce in California

2010-05-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

So Jake and I headed down to California for a few days. Here's what we did.

Got fried at the beach.

Rode some sweet beach cruisers around Newport.

Then, guess where?!?!

Jake, I mean, Jack Sparrow.

Big Thunder Mountain! We we a little disappointed because after waiting for 20 minutes in line, we were next in line to get on the ride and the ride broke down. Sad day, but it was up and running later.

Big Ship Ride ... Don't know the name, but Jake loved it.

I get a kick out of seeing our last name everywhere. Jake is used to it.

Main Street, just before the fireworks! You can see the itty bitty castle behind us.

And my favorite part... MINNIE!! I was really tired if you cant tell.

The next day, we went to Hollywood. I was hoping to see Ryan Seacrest or Simon, but no luck.

Look at Doris Day's little stilletto prints. Cute!

Jake's friend recommended we go to Roscoe's Chicken N Waffles. It's literally fried chicken and waffles together on a plate. I wasn't a fan. Plus, I was really scared to go inside because there was a bouncer at the front door. I guess things get pretty crazy at Roscoe's.

We also got to see the LA temple! It was humungus! And so cool and pretty surrounded by Beverly Hills neighborhoods. We also got to go to the beautiful Newport Temple.

One thing we didn't get a picture of was a really romantical date we went on. Thanks to my Aunt Susan (who'se house we stayed at), who gave us a $50 gift certificate to an amazing restaurant called the Anaheim White House. It was an old mansion covered in twinkle lights, white linen tablecloths and delicious food! We felt like stars! In the entry there are pictures of famous people who frequent this restaurant. Gwen Stephani was the main one, they even have an entree named after her! I was hoping to get a glimpse of someone famous, no luck again. The only crummy part was that this was the same day that we went to the beach and I got seriously fried. My skin was maroon. And it hurt! But, it was still so cool!

I had a great 5 days with my sweetheart! Since we will be in school for our 1st Anniversary next month, this was technically our Anniversary trip. Love you Jake my hunny!

It's me again!

2010-04-23T21:30:00.001-07:00

Well, hello there! I am back. Back from the valley of the school zombies. I plan to be blogging much more often. For now, a few fun things going on in my life...

I turned 22.
I am almost done with finals.
I still love Jake. Alot.
We live in a house.
My next project is office/craft room. Get excited!
I'm turning into a Graphic Design junkie.
I'm taking summer classes starting June 24. (And oddly excited about it)
We may or may not be getting an iMac this summer. (To complete the new office, of course)
I teach the Beehives.
I'm running up hills.
And most importantly...
Disneyland next month.

Right now, I'm watching my husband watch the Jazz game. He's pretty cute when he talks all sports-like.

Oh, and did you notice my new header? Cute.

I've officially lost my mind

2010-03-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is my 7th semester of school. I thought I had finally decided a major this semester (Art Education), which ended out being a bust. Me, teaching hormonal, bratty teenagers - yeah right. I thought I would just stick with it since I'm going to be a Super Senior pretty soon and I just want to be done. Then I realized that something I would actually like to do would take me the same amount of time.

Enter Graphic Design Major.

I met with my counselor, and come to find out, getting a BFA in Graphic Design (which I actually LIKE), will take me the same amount of time as Art Ed (which I don't like as much). So Graphic Design it is. I apply for the program October 2010. I will have to do 3 extra semesters past the 8 semesters normal people do. I'm pretty much going to be in school forever, but hey, I think I'm going to like it.

A big bonus of Graphic Design is that after I get some real-world experience, I will be able to do it from home. How cool will that be to have a family but still be able to earn a little bit of extra dough?

So, Graduation Spring 2012, here I come!

(That's not so far away, is it??)

This Uncommonly Great Blog

2010-03-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

...is going down the drain. I really have nothing to blog about. We moved, we're settled (sort of), we just got internet today (...three weeks later...), and I have no pictures to show for it. Bad Hayley.

Soon, hopefully, I will be impressed enough with what I have done with this old mutt of a house to post pictures. But, for right now it's all still missy-matchy, borrowed furniture from this relative and that. Maybe once summer comes, I will have more time to put into it (or not).

But, we're happy. We're in love, and we have each other. Can't ask for more than that.

Inspiration

2010-02-13T09:06:00.001-07:00

I added a new link list to the left.

It's a list of creative blogs that inspire me! Just thought I'd share the joy! I'll be adding more all the time, so keep checking for new fun blogs to check out.

Oh, and Happy Valentines Day!!

Help!

2010-02-05T09:46:00.002-07:00

I need some cute-ish contact paper for my kitchen shelves and drawers. Anybody know where I couuld get some for a good deal? There are SO many cupboards and drawers in this new (old?) kitchen.

Moving...

2010-02-03T21:47:00.002-07:00

Remember that cute apartment I posted about not too long ago? The one where Jake and I live? Well in about 2 1/2 days, it will no longer be ours. We are moving to Orem, into Jake's grandfather's home (he doesn't live there anymore) for FREE. Plus, it's close to school. But let me just say, it is a major fixer-upper. We have been working on it for 3 ish weeks and I still feel like there is so much to do. Wish us luck.

Back in the day

2010-01-17T13:50:00.003-07:00

I seriously cannot help putting this on the blog. This is a video Jake and his friends made in high school. It's a music video to "After Today" from Goofie Movie. Jake is seriously SO funny in this. I've seen it a million times now and still can't get enough. He's so attractive. Not to mention, this is about the time I met Jake. He was a senior, I was a sophomore. ...Awe... Okay, just watch for yourself...

Gold

2010-01-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

I decided that if Jake and I were to strike gold someday, I would get rid of every article of clothing I and he own, and start from scratch. And I'd start at Anthropologie. Then to J.Crew, because Jake would need new clothes too.

...Oh, the dreams of a poor, college student, newlywed.

School Nerd

2010-01-08T11:15:00.003-07:00

Is it weird that I am excited to go back to school?? Cuz I am. And I love my classes so far. Watercolor, Pilates, Intro to Art, Art History from the Renaissance, and two Education classes. I'm loving it. PLEASE, don't be back-to-school-syndrom, PLEASE! You know, the syndrome where you say to yourself, Self, you are going to read your chapters BEFORE class, and you are going to study so hard for all your tests and you are going to actually learn the material. Thats the syndrom I'm talking about. I hope it lasts.

Merry Christmas from the Castle's!

2009-12-09T10:36:00.003-07:00

So, we're not sending out Christmas cards this year, our first year. We thought, we've been given enough hype being the newlyweds and all, that people are probably sick of hearing about us. And, truthfully, the only thing new with us is that we are "new"lyweds and loving every minute. Christmas day will be our 6 month Anniversary. We live in beautiful Alpine, UT, are not planning to have children anytime soon, will both be in school full time in January, are hoping to graduate within the next year or two. Jake still works full time at a boy's group home (and is currently looking for a more business-related job) and I am a Customer Service Rep at QuicKutz part-time. The closest thing to a pet (or child) we have is our house plant, David Archuleta. Guess who named him? Jake loves to play soccer in his free time. I go to pilates and try to squeeze in some crafting when I can. So, as this weak replacement for a Christmas card this year, we wish you all a Merry Christmas!

The Griss-ley

2009-12-01T18:29:00.002-07:00

So, Griselda called again today. She wasn't very happy. Guess what our resolution was? We found an actual worker in our QuicKutz warehouse who personally owns the die cut Griselda has not yet received (neither have we), the worker drove home, got the die cut, packaged it up, and sent it to Griselda. We told Griselda this, and no "thank you", no "oh how nice", not even an enthusiastic tone. I wanted to reach down the phone and wring her measley neck. Call me fickle, but holy canoly. People these days.

Tree!

2009-11-28T15:27:00.006-07:00

We got our first very own real Christmas Tree!

Jake getting in his {very hot} jumpsuit.

It didn't take us long to find the perfect little tree!

And you can't go to the mountains without shootin' yer gun.

Here is our little tree! We only got one strand of lights for some reason, thinking it would cover the whole tree. Gotta make another trip to Target. And more ornaments are on their way. I'm thinking we should string some popcorn, yeah?

Merry Christmas!

Dear Jake,

2009-11-19T07:27:00.003-07:00

I'm going to miss you while I'm in Texas. (Actually, I started missing you a couple days ago) Be a good boy while I'm gone. I left you some dinners in the fridge and freezer. Call me every night when you get home from school so you can tell me how your day went. Even though I know we will probably text throughout the day. Don't forget, I love every little bit of you.

Love, Hayley

Griselda

2009-11-14T10:07:00.004-07:00

I really like my job. I knew nothing about QuicKutz before I started working there. But let me tell you, there are some crazy obsessed women who "...have purchased thousands of dollars of QuicKutz products over the years." I hear that all the time if you couldn't tell. And when I started, those women knew way, way more than I did about QK. Not so much anymore.

So, my job is customer service. Low end of the totem pole, yes. But I sort of don't feel that low. I know more about the products now than I ever really wanted to know. And, because of that, all the high people on the totem pole come to ME with questions. They want to know what I know. It's pretty cool actually.

There are some downfalls, however. The customers all want to know what I know, too. But, sometimes, they are already angry that they don't know what I know before they call, so the conversations just starts out on the wrong side of the bed.

Take Griselda, for example. I am naming names. Simply because if I were to choose a made-up name for this unhappy customer, I think I would chose Griselda. Anyhow, poor Griselda's car has been broken into. And her die cut has been stolen! (Wo is me! I'm sure an angry robber would steal a die cut...but the customer is always right, right?) Here is what her die looks like:

From this lovely poinsettia die, the basket part was stolen out of dear Griselda's car. And Griselda wants a replacement. (Side note: Griselda had called in a month or so earlier - before I had even started working there - inquiring about the same issue and whomever spoke with her told her we would replace her stolen poinsettia basket with a free one. No biggie, I would have done the same thing.) So the order was in for her poinsettia basket die, and she still hadn't received it, simply because we had run out of this die and were waiting to receive more.

When I told her this, all hell broke lose. She accused me of lying, she said that I was the one she spoke with months ago and that I was rude on the phone, she said I didn't care about her [precious] poinsettia die. Guess what, Griselda? I didn't lie and it wasn't me you talked to before. (And, you're right, I don't care THAT much about your stolen die that we were replacing for FREE.) She went on to tell me I was horrible, that my customer service skills suck, and then...

...she began to cry. She had gotten so worked up calling me a liar and a horrible person, while I sat there and patiently waited for her to finish, that she began to cry. Griselda had feelings. Then she just said, "I am done." and hung up the phone.

Griselda was having a bad day. Even though she took it out on me personally, I didn't take it personal, because she obviously didn't know she was speaking with The HBC.

So for those of us who run into Griselda's out there, just smile. Feel for them. Tell them you are sorry they are having a bad day and that Jesus loves them (in case no one else does.)

And for those of us who are Griselda's out there... be nicer to customer service people on the phone.

My Wall.

2009-11-09T16:35:00.002-07:00

I kind of love the wall in my bedroom. No pun intended.

Sick.

2009-11-03T14:29:00.002-07:00

My poor, cute husband is sick. The poor thing has been coughing and hacking the last couple of days. And if I try and make him laugh, he goes into a coughing spell. So if I ever accidentally say something funny (it happens all the time), he just smiles and says, "I'm laughing" instead of really laughing. It's quite amusing. And cute.

Dumb Squared

2009-10-26T18:23:00.002-07:00

There are many, many downfalls to being indecisive about a major. But the worst downfall of them all is thinking you are done with math only to find out you still have to take one more math class. And since it has been more than 2 years since you have taken a math class, you have to take a test to make sure you remember what you learned. I don't remember.

Extra math class + math placement test = Dumb squared.

Jake and Hayley

2009-10-12T17:05:00.003-07:00

H: Ew!

J: What?

H: Stink.

J: Who?

H: You!!

J: Why?

H: Fart.

J: Sorry.

This was a conversation Jake and I had yesterday. We're so married that we can talk in one word sentences and still understand each other. True love.

My Fifteen Minutes of Fame...

2009-09-30T13:11:00.003-07:00

...And nothing to show for it.

Jake and I were invited by Jake's friend to a Humanitarian dinner at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. We got all dressed up, arrived feeling a little bit like college students surrounded by millionaires (okay, we really were) and we were pretending to be one of them. We walked around trying to be interested in the silent auction, when, really, we were there for dinner. (Again, we are college students. A meal is not just a meal, especially at the Grand America.) We wandered over to the Grand Ballroom where it was set up with near 100 round 10-top tables for dinner. We found our assigned table, sat down, and looked around. There was Lavelle Edwards. Pretty cool, right?

At this point, people were trickling in and sitting at their tables. I looked towards the door, and there was David Osmond walking with 2 or 3 other guys. He stood out to me because 1) he is really tall and 2) I've seen him a handful of other times. I mumbled to myself, "Oh there's that David Osmond guy..." and he was walking towards me.

Just moments before this, Jake had pointed to Lavelle, whom I was still a bit shocked to see just sitting tables away from me. Then Jake said, "Um... Hayley, do you see who is right by him?" I'm looking at Lavelle and the few people surrounding him, not seeing anyone that I should really care about.

And just then, Jake points. To David Osmond standing at the table next to ours. Jake says, "Not by Lavelle, by David Osmond..." And I said, "Yeah, I already saw him, big deal."

And then I see him. The boy next to David Osmond. The REAL David.

David Archuleta.

David Archuleta was standing approximately 4 feet from me. I might as well have died and gone to heaven. But really, I could have died from hyperventalation. Jake claims my face went bright red and I started to wheeze, covering my mouth and fanning my face. (You should really have him tell you the story. He tells it much better than I do.)

My family and close friends know what this means to me. David Archuleta is my Michael Jackson. I worship him. I love him!

Anyways, as I'm hyperventalating Jake is trying to say something to me but I don't even remember what it was. I think he was trying to get me to go talk to him but, I couldn't. I couldn't move. I couldn't even LOOK at David. I was star struck. Completely and adoringly starstruck.

So Jake, being the brave one in the relationship, gets up. He casually nudges David A. and says, "Hey, David Archuleta. How's it goin? My wife over there wants you to wave to her." I'm dying. He waves. I think I waved back. I don't know.

Suddenly the lights begin to dim, and the dinner show is about to start. The National Anthem is sung, I'm still just inches away from my childhood dream boat. (Lie: He has been my dream boat for 3 years, I've been an adult all 3 of them.) Seriously, people. David Archuleta is standing inches from me. The back of our chairs were touching! And all I could do was wheeze and blink.

Then, he gets up. I'm sure that he is going to perfom. So, I wait while he is gone, thinking of things that I can get the courage up to say to him. I finally feel brave enough to say something. So, we wait for him to go up to perform, and... nothing. The clock was ticking, the show was almost over. No David. And that was it. The show was over and David Archuleta never came back. I never got to tell him "You Can sing with my husband at our wedding" (Translation: "My husband and I danced to 'You Can' at our wedding", I was so nervous that even in my head the words were getting jumbled.)

So I never got my picture with him. I never spoke to him. I just got a wave.

Jake claims that David will be the one and only demise of our marriage. Just last week we had a conversation as follows:

J: If you had the chance to run away with David Archuleta, would you?
H: DUH!!
J: Ouch.
H: I mean, of course not.

***NOTE: I love my husband Jake. More than anything in the world. David will never be as cool as Jake. Or as sweet. Or as handsome. Or as funny.***

Shoo Fly!

2009-09-22T13:59:00.003-07:00

Don't bother me!

For some reason the last week or so, my life has attracted flies. There is one every day in my cubicle at work, there is one buzzing around my kitchen as I speak, and there were one million when Jake took me shooting on Saturday.

Why do flies exist? The only thing they do is buzz around, and apparently they upchuck every time they land (wives tale?). How annoying.

Speaking of bugs. I'm reading The Secret Life of Bees and have never been so enchanted with an author's writing before. It's beautiful.

Speaking of books. I'm also listening to Harry Potter #5 on my iPod at work these days. It's way too long. But I'm determined to finish the series.

Any other good book suggestions?

Short and Sweet

2009-09-15T15:46:00.002-07:00

Well, my free time just ran out.

I got TWO new jobs! Plus the one I have now. That = 3 jobs, which = no free time. But I'll still be blogging, because we all know how exciting life will be with three jobs.

I went to the fair.

2009-09-14T09:01:00.002-07:00

And It scared me. Paying a dollar to stare at the worlds smallest woman just totally depressed me. That poor woman.

And the smells. Ooooh, the smells. Fried everything.

I may or may not have run to the garbage and ralphed in it, it made me that sick.

But, you have to give things a chance before you write them completely off. So I gave the Fair a chance. And now I'm writing it off forever. Goodbye Fair. Sorry future children.

Rolls of Orange and better things.

2009-09-10T21:33:00.004-07:00

Today was my second attempt at making orange rolls. 'Attempt' is quite accurate because neither time did they rise. The first time, the yeast did not even make a budge, but I went for it anyways. This time, though, I waited, and watched, and the yeast not only grew... it doubled! Just like the package said it would. So I made the dough and left it to rise. And, instead, it sunk.

And I don't even know why this time.

Any breadmakers out there who can tell me why they didn't rise?

On a better note, I'm making some pretty cute things with all of the glorious fabric scraps I stole from my amazing quilter of a mother in law.

After I wanted to be a zoologist, and before I wanted to own a quaint Bed and Breakfast, I wanted to own a fabric shop. I pictured a great old house with creaky floors and odd-shaped doors covered from wall to wall in bolts of fabric. Next to Barnes and Noble, fabric stores are where I could spend hours upon hours just gazing and learning and creating and imagining and coveting.

And guess who has the free time to do just that? :)

Me!

Maid to Clean

2009-09-08T21:19:00.002-07:00

Today I cleaned for 8 hours and 30 minutes, approximately. At someone elses house. For those of you who don't know, or haven't guessed yet, my part-time job is to clean the home of the family downstairs. Jake and I live in an upstairs apartment of a well-sized house of five boys, a ma and pa, and Penny the beagle.

I also cook dinner for them 4 nights a week. And I like it. But Penny eats her own food.

Sometimes, when I clean, I want to slink down in a little black skirt, white lace apron, low cut tight fitting black top, and a feather duster. Because, dont lie to yourself, that would be really cool. And that would make my job like 100 times cooler. But it is totally against the contract I signed. And my religion. But, when you have a lot of time on your hands, this is what you think of.

Today I cleaned. The end.

The Everyday

2009-09-06T07:24:00.002-07:00

So, Fall semester 2009 rolls around and a last-minute decision for me to not go rolls it right back where it came from. Which leaves me with nothing to do but my part-time job, cooking and cleaning for the family who lives downstairs (Yay for free rent). Poor old me, who has wanted nothing in the last 8-9 months of being engaged and wedding planning but "just a little free time". And now I have it. But in bounties. My free time cup is spilling over and creating a big glob of boredom. But why am I making this sound bad? Well, it's because my extremely hot husband will be gone from 7 am to 8:30 pm Monday - Thursday. That made me feel quite bad for myself during the first week and a half of school as I twiddled my thumbs waiting to hear his footsteps, until it hit me. I realized that until January 2010 when I return to school, I. Have. Free. Time!! To take up yogalaties. And to sleep more. And to read books of my own choosing. And to quilt and sew and make things. And to shop. And to go to lunch with my mom. And to volunteer places. And to blog.

All of the things I've wished to have time for. It all just came true. So here goes my plan:

I'm going to blog. Everyday. About my free time. And if I miss a day or two here and there, I'm not going to beat myself up. Too badly. I have always liked to write, and to keep my brain juices flowing while not in school, I think it is a good plan. You see, with a blog, there are so many out there, and to think of something clever to write about everyday is kind of a joke. But I have an advantage. My lovely, great, glorious, wonderful, free time! I mean, haven't you always wondered what it would be like to have so much free time? Now you can live it through me. This offer is exclusive and expires January 2010.

The Castle

2009-08-21T18:27:00.022-07:00

This is our house!
....Okay, not the whole thing....

....Just the top half of this part.

Here is what you see when you walk in the front door. And now for the tour.

To the right we have a kitchen table. $10 at a garage sale. The legs painted Hep Green (Shout out to my Sherwin Williams manager brother Darren who hooked me up!) Jake used his drill to do man stuff to make the table more sturdy. And the chairs. OH, the chairs. They are my lovliest KSL find. $75 for 8 chairs from an old mansion! Dang, I'm good.

And to the left, another garage sale glory! My one-dollar table, which used to be 1960's gold and dusty. I washed it up and painted it and voila! A darling conversation piece. The lamp was a thrift store find, matched with a shade I covered in fabric.

Up ahead, the family room. What will soon be used as a TV table, (May or may not actually be a changing table. I dont know.) $10 garage sale, painted yellow, and a major splurge at Anthropologie for some groovy knobs. The glasses on top were used at my wedding reception as center pieces. I knew they'd come in handy.

Looking back on the couch (Thanks Kyle and Jill!), which we took apart and fit in what we could, using my cozy LoveSac as a corner. It works. And on the left, the most marvelous lamp you'll ever see. The double doors double as a coat closet, slash, pantry. (Stay tuned for close ups!)

The bedroom. Enough said.

View from the bed. The window, my mom and I found at a garage sale, and painted (Are you noticing a pattern here?) We got glass put into the window and used vinyl lettering to put our names onto it. We used it at our wedding reception, and just couldn't get rid of it afterwords. Makes a cute decoration. Oh, And all of the brown retro furniture came from my sweet Granny and was in mint condition. Thanks Granny!

And onto the closet. That door on the right.

Our closet goes straight into the bathroom. (Note: I am not showing many of the clothes for Jake's sake. He has so many. I didn't want to embarrass him)

Turned around,from inside the closet, looking into our room.

The bathroom. It's blue. And boring.

Speaking of blue. Jake and I are only allowed to put our blue toiletries on top of our toiletry drawers. No, I'm not picky or bossy. Not me. Notice on the right, where the bathroom is also connected to?....

The kitchen!! My house is a CIRCLE! It's awesome.

View from the kitchen into the entrance and kitchen table. Just so you get the whole picture.

Now for the Close-Ups!

Jakes contributions:

Coke Zero.

What I like to call "The Boy Pile". All of his junk, in a pile on his dresser. I straightened it up for the picture, though.

And last, but certainly not least, The Duck. Don't ask.

If I had it my way...

2009-08-18T15:25:00.002-07:00

It would be 80 degree-skirt-weather every day. And yes I would wear a skirt every day. Except for the days I felt like wearing my skinny jeans.

But skirts. Skirts are great and girlie and, if you find the right one, they're comfortable! Speaking of finding the right one, I did. I found a skirt I have worn.... mmm.... everyday. Yep. Everyday. And I have one in both colors. If it came in puke color, I would buy it. And wear it often. It can be dressy, it can be casual, and my butt looks good in it. Just the bare essentials.

Get married, stop blogging.

2009-08-11T11:57:00.002-07:00

Shouldn't it be the other way around? Get married, start blogging about you and your new life together. It's just that my life consists of sending Jake to work every morning, making dinner, waiting for him to come home, and... you know. Married stuff. (That's what they call it these days). And not to mention perfecting every corner of my first apartment! Its so cute. You'll be jealous. And once we get the Internet at our apartment, I'll post pictures. (I am currently using my parent's Internet)

Anyways. I saw a lovely movie the other day. Julie and Julia. I highly recommend it to blogger and/or kitchen junkies. If you are not either of those, I still recommend it. But not to your husbands. It is very much a woman movie. Not a romantic chick flick, but a movie for women to appreciate.

Has anyone ever gone to the movies by themselves? Why are the movies such a social event? All you do is sit and listen, and, frankly, to have other people next to you to distract is not what a movie was intended for. So, the next time you have some time to yourself, Go to the movies. Its a very rejuvenating experience. And if that time happens to be in the next few months, see Julie and Julia. You'll love it.

Lastly, Jake is my favorite.

18 days until forever

2009-06-08T12:51:00.003-07:00

Here we are! Jake and I.

Boyfriend Girlfriend

2009-05-19T07:17:00.003-07:00

I was just thinking about the time Jake asked me to be his girlfriend.

We'd been casually dating since July, and in October, Jake still wasn't ready to commit. I didn't mind. I had 3 or 4 [way lame] dates a week to keep my mind off it, knowing he'd come around soon enough.

After two months of watching him torture himself for not dibsing me when i was in the palm of his hand, he finally did come around. He started by inviting me to family Christmas events. Like the big family events. The kind where you don't know everybody's name and when the Aunts who do know your name come and pinch your cheek and ask who the young lady you brought with you was. I think he finally caught on that we couldn't just pretend like we were bf/gf, but that it must become official.

Then it was my turn for a family Christmas party. I brought Jake to meet my siblings and parents for dinner and after that we strolled through Temple Square to see the lights. During our stroll, we were stopped, and Jake pulled me aside and said, "Hayley I realized I only want to date you. Will you be my girlfriend?" I told him it would be my pleasure and then he kissed me. In front of a lot of people AND my family. That was a big step for him, Mister "I-barf-whenever-I-see-PDA". But now he loves it. And I love being his girlfriend forever.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

2009-05-13T12:49:00.004-07:00

For ten months I've sat at this front desk. For ten months I've answered phones, scheduled appointments, mailed mail, filed files, called insurance companies. For ten months I've been anti-social, in once office, with one doctor, and me.

For ten months, to the exact week as I started this job, I have seen, spoken to, emailed, texted, or somehow been in contact with Jake Castle every single day. And it's not even old yet. I love Jake a whole lot, he's my best friend and I get to MARRY HIM!

He made me do it.

2009-04-09T21:17:00.002-07:00

He wanted my blog to be OURS. Its the whole "What's mine is yours" concept we're trying to get used to.

The only thing I feel like writing about is

2009-03-26T12:30:00.002-07:00

Jake. So, I'll try and think of something else.

Ummmm......

I have a test next tuesday... Art History.

And.....

School is out in less than a month.
And I'm turning 21 in 23 days.
And it snowed.
And I hate exercising.
And today is Jake's and I 1 month anniversary.
And I just completely failed at not mentioning Jake.

Somebody give me ideas. There's gotta be something else to write about.

A girls best friend

2009-03-19T08:20:00.003-07:00

Here tis! He did good, didn't he?

I chews you.

2009-03-17T12:04:00.001-07:00

I love Charleston Chews. Yes I do.

We ate a whole box of them yesterday, yes we did.

So much for our Stbsn's.

The Something-Thousand Dollar Dinner Date

2009-03-12T14:16:00.003-07:00

He took me to sushi last night. We'd been talking about doing that for months and finally got around to going.

We sat down, and Jake, being the cut-to-the-chase kind of guy he is, started talking about how I hurt his feelings the night before. Yep he has feelings.(I snapped at him for making a dumb comment in class and embarrassing me. The comment had nothing to do with me, but, you know, what makes him looks bad makes ME look bad. It makes sense to me.) So we talked it out and found out we still loved each other and everything was okay.

So our conversation moved onward and we started talking about other things and out of the blue Jake gets a I-know-something-you-don't-know smirk on his face. "What? Is there something on my face?" I say, wiping away the invisible crumbs.

"No." Smirk. Smirk.

"Well then what is that funny look on your face for?"

I look behind me to the right. Nothing. And to the left. Still nothing.

Why is he smirking?

"Oh, there's just a funny joke written on the table over there." He points with his eyes.

"I don't see anything." I don't know if I said that out loud or if I thought it. But I meant it. What the heck was he smirking at???

"RIGHT THERE!" He said, his eyes wide, but now he was pointing with his finger.

And there it was. The small square box I'd been waiting to see my entire female life. My real ring was here!

Losing all sense of what proper etiquette would have me say in such a moment, I said, "How did that get there?"

And he explained that during our you-hurt-my-feelings-last-night conversation he slipped it out of his coat pocket and onto the table in plain sight. What am I, blind? Apparently, because that was a good five whole minutes before I discovered it. (Actually, I didn't discover it. He pointed it out to me.)

Anyways, he opened the box, slipped off my temporary CZ, and onto my finger went his token of love for me. I love it. I'll post pictures.

How does June 26th at 10 am sound?

2009-03-03T12:58:00.003-07:00

Boy, oh boy, do I have news for you!

Jake asked me to be his wife on Thursday February 26th. As he puts it, he knocked my socks off. And, if I was wearing socks at that moment, I would totally second that claim. But really, shocked and surprised are great words to describe my reaction.

Here's what went down.

We'd been planning to go to the Draper Temple open house with Jake's singles ward that night. I was excited. Jake got out of class, we stopped at Quiznos for some subs, and were off to Draper. We met his ward there, and unbeknownst to me, they all knew what was soon to take place. I was wearing jeans (silly me) and they were all in Sunday attire which is why I thought the girls were clustering together and giggling at us when we walked in. I was oblivious.

We go through the temple, it is beautiful, I love it, he loves it. But he seemed a bit antsy. After the temple, and before the bus was supposed to take us back to our car we stopped at a church building for cookies and water. But Jake had a one track mind and, holding my hand tight, guided me towards the exit for a stroll around the temple. Being the sugar-craving woman I am complained about wanting my cookies and water. So we stopped and Jake scarfed his cookie while I wondered what his hurry was. I finally agreed to go outside in the wind but it. was. beautiful. The temple, the clear starry sky, and the city lights in the background were stunning. So we walked and talked and I don't think he could take it any longer because he started saying, "um" over and over. Right then I started to suspect.

All I remember from there was him saying, "How does June 26th sound?...Hayley I love you...Will you be my wife?" Something to that effect. And my head was spinning and I said yes and he slipped a ring on my finger and we hugged and kissed. He also claims I was extremely giddy, which I don't doubt.

The sad news is, we got separated from his ward, who was planning on taking pictures, but I think it made it even more special that it was just him and I.

Also, the first thing out of my mouth after I said YES was, "Did you ask my dad?" followed shortly by "Are you serious?" over and over. Those of you who know Jake know that he's sort of a jokester and I thought this might be some sort of prank. He assured me it wasn't.

"Of COURSE I asked your dad," he said, and as we walked to and rode the bus back to our car he told me how it all went down. I was very impressed.

That very day he:
Bought my ring (I currently have a loaner until the real one comes in)
Asked my dad permission
Called the temple to reserve a room
AND asked me to marry him.

What a guy. Not to mention he had a job interview amongst the flurry.

Being engaged is great and I am super excited to marry such a great, handsome (he hates that word, but he IS), funny, awesome, worthy guy. Love you Jake!

He plays the guitar and sings so cute.

2009-02-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

And makes me laugh always.

And makes me feel like a million bucks well spent.

And doesn't even have to try.

I think I'll keep him.

My Textual Relationship

2009-02-06T09:45:00.003-07:00

Jake and I text. Sometimes too much.

Like, he drops me off at 10:49 and at 10:56 I get this:

Jake Castle: I am the luckiest guy in the world!!!

(Cheesy? Yeah.)

I reply with something like yeah you are pretty lucky to be dating the hottest thing to walk the planet. Or at least I thought it.

And he says: Haha. That, and I found my lucky shoe.

Thanks Jake. But we all know what you meant! I like you too.

Scratch ALL of my New Years resolutions!

2009-02-05T12:41:00.001-07:00

And replace them with

Don't put people on hold and forget about them while at work.

It's just rude. And getting a little out of hand.

I don't have internet at my apartment...

2009-01-29T15:37:00.003-07:00

Excuse for not blogging number one million and three.

So yeah, they (whoever "they" are...)charge ten extra precious dollars a month to have crappy dial-up internet in my room. I am sorry, but I'd rather shop the clearance racks at Target once a month than waste it on some invisible connection to the world.

Before I moved out I was a twice-a-day(-or-more)-er. Meaning I checked my email, my blog, my facebook, my whatever else that connects me to people and makes me feel loved, twice a day (or more).

Now that I no longer have the luxury of doing so, I actually go out and socialize with people... face. to. face. Face to face, I said. Not face to flat, square, lit up piece of geeky technology. And, do you know what? I love it.

I've never felt more human in my life. It's rejuvenating, in fact.

Now, if God could only find a way to make my phone cost 10 more dollars a month. Please, oh please.

Pardon my blogging break...

2009-01-08T19:04:00.002-07:00

I was just in Florida, is all. It was just 77 degrees and perfect there. And I was welcomed home by a snowstorm. But the cute boy at the airport who walked in with flowers in one hand, and left with me in the other... totally made up for it.

After a very tearful breakup with Pandora (we still see each other on occasion), I have found myself in major twitterpation (call it a rebound, if you wish) with a boy who goes by the name of Jacob Ross Castle. Jake, I call him. Or Jacob Ross if he's in trouble.

I went back to school today. 9am to 7pm of Art and Fitness classes, my two loves.

I'm moving to Provo. Loved living at home, loved saving money, loved free meals, loved my bed, but I'm moving to Provo. I'm happy.

So that's me, very very summed up, and the reasons why you should be pleased and honored to excuse my blogging absence. Thank you.

Second Beginning

2008-12-27T15:55:00.002-07:00

I started this blog one year ago as part of a new years resolution. Minus the "I'm not going to blog anymore" facade I put on a few months back, I think it has been quite the success. But, it is that time, again, to make resolutions. For some reason, even though I make them every year, and every December am always disappointed in myself for the lack of committing to them.. I still enjoy making them!

This year, instead of making a list just of things I [know I wont, but] want to accomplish (ie. lose 10 pounds, run a marathon, eat healthier, get a raise, finish Harry Potter.... the usual), I am dividing my goals into categories. Rules: one per category. It's easier that way.

And here they are, drum roll please.

Money/Material: Save up for my dream camera.

On-Going: Pray on my knees every day.

Crazy sometime in the future: Be in Times Square during the new year.

Family: Respect my parents, love the things that bug me about them.

Friends: Make more, especially girls.

Skills: Learn to cook more/better.

Well-Being: Take up Yoga.

Attitude: Love school and learning.

Not for me: Volunteer at a library.

And there you have it, now it doesn't seem so starry-eyed as in years past. It's doable. It's organized. It's neat. It's GOING to happen.

Now, if I could just get my calendar to be that organized.

If I wanted a hot bod, I would go to the gym.

2008-12-18T10:17:00.002-07:00

So apparently I don't want a hot bod.

I bought a gym pass thinking that the instant I signed my name I would start to become skinnier. Hm, not true.

Don't worry, I'll start going next week.

New Boyfriend!

2008-12-07T11:25:00.003-07:00

Hi Everyone! I finally found a keeper! I met him through a friend, who just raved about him and told me I'd be crazy not to love him. So, I decided to give him a try.

We met for the first time this morning. His name is Pandora. Sounds like a girl name right? That's why sometimes I just call him Pandoro or just Pan for short.

He is actually pretty famous. A lot of people know about him. He loves music even a little bit more than I do. The best part is, I just have to tell him one song that I like and he comes up with endless ones that are similar and so tasteful that I love. My life is changed from here on out because of Pan. He helps me study, he makes me want to dance, he knows just how to calm me down, and he even lets me tell him what I like and don't like about him. I mean, what boyfriend is willing to listen to you give him critisism? Not many, I'll tell you that.

Anyways, I'm in love. If you haven't met him yet, I highly suggest you do.

Parking Lot

2008-12-01T11:07:00.002-07:00

It pays to be a good person. Because I am a 50% (or more) LDS Institute attender, I receive full usage of prime institute parking. Not to mention: IT'S FREE! There is only one better spot to park on all of campus, and that is reserved for faculty and the handicapped. So, I have enjoyed an almost entire semester of close parking, and my lazy side thanks me. All for being a regular Institute student.

But I'm not the only one.

The parking lot is big, and you'd think it was UVU's best kept secret. Wrong. As most student's classes start at 8 am, that is about the time that the parking lot fills right up. After that, it's a rat race. People enter the parking lot, lurking their way up and down the isles as visions of sugar-plums and one free parking spot dance in their heads. It becomes a sickness, almost, how people are so immovably determined to find one. This is their plan of attack:

They enter the parking lot. Institute students only. Feelin' pretty good.

They search for an open spot, and when it's not there, they prowl.

During their prowling, they are on the lookout for parting students who's blessed parking spot they can pilfer.

And when they find the parting student [me], they creep. Slowly creep. In their cars. Behind the student [me]. Until the student [still me] reaches her car and, in annoyance, takes her time to put her backpack in the back seat, take her coat off and put it in the backseat, put her purse in the front seat, turn on her iPod, check her phone for text messages, maybe re-applies her lip gloss, and tthheeeennnn puts her car in reverse.

Then they zoom in to their dear, dear parking spot as if they had just struck gold.

It's super irritating, I don't like it. But it could be worse, I suppose... I mean, the people could be terrorists or something.

I live, I learn

2008-11-24T16:10:00.002-07:00

I have learned more in one week than I have in my entire life. No, this is not another post about school. Thank heavens.

Things come at us fast. And, really, our only defense is to be ready. We don't know what will happen, we are not fortune tellers. But, knowing that life's events are not in our control, we know that we have to be ready for anything. This shouldn't come as a shock to me, or anyone really.

I guess what I am saying is, live and love living. Our time here is so short, so precious, and we should be grateful every minute for every breath, every blessing, every trial. Love your faults. Love other people's faults. Love the good things. Love cold days. Love your family. Love learning. Love opposition. Love being annoyed, disgruntled, or frustrated. Because, when you do, you're that much closer to living a perfect life.

To My Friend, Derek:

2008-11-17T23:14:00.004-07:00

My dearest little cute Derek face,

You make me laugh all the time. And your laugh makes me laugh. And when I laugh, you laugh harder. I think you are so funny. On Saturday, you told me you thought I was funny too, and I knew you meant it, and I felt happy.

Yesterday you told me how you loved fairy tales. You said, "Fairy tales are so good! Always how it should end, the good always prevail!" You are a fairy tale - your good prevails.

One time we sang Bohemian Rhapsody in the car acapella. Another time you spilt our food at the Malt Shop and told me that it was because someone shoved you, so you made me give you a hug... But later you said, "Hayley, there is something I have to tell you. Nobody shoved me. I just dropped it on accident and was too embarrassed to tell you." I thought it was cute. And I will never forget the times I watched you play music. You thought you didn't do good, but I was proud of you.

It was like you knew it was coming.

When I heard, I couldn't believe. I wanted it to be a lie, just like the spilt food at the Malt Shop. But it wasn't.

And you left with a smile. And a laugh, the one I really like. That is how I know you: Derek with a smile and a laugh. And that is what makes me hurt a little less.

Wannabe

2008-11-16T10:59:00.003-07:00

This is Photographer Me. Thank you to my great friend Brenton, who has an amazing camera, I spent an evening snapping shots and enjoying his company at dinner and the Real game. Thanks Brentos!

In case some of you didn't know, I am a very wannabe photographer. I just love the sound of a camera and how photography has turned into a really unique art form. Check back with me in 6 months to see if I have changed my mind.

2 days, 3 dates

2008-11-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

That's like some sort of record, right? My plan totally failed.

Kissing Santa Claus

2008-11-12T19:56:00.002-07:00

Much to my liking (but not for long), my usual "At Work Radio Station" FM 100 is now playing non-stop Christmas tunes. Now that the weather has turned freezing, Christmas music is inevitable, and I really have no problem with it.

But today there was a problem.

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" came on, and I listened to it for the millionth time in my 20 years. A good twenty years that were spent believing that it really WAS Santa Claus that mommy was kissing. --- As opposed to daddy dressed up as Santa, because... we ALL know Santa isn't really real.

This whole time I have so innocently believed that that song was incredibly twisted and wrong as it talks about a child who witnesses her mommy cheating on her daddy with Santa Claus! (Which, by the way, is every kid's DREAM!... A dad who owns elves, flying reindeer, and has an unlimited toy supply! Forget my real dad, I'll take Santa.)

But now that I am grown up and very mature and unnaiive, I realize that that song is just sung by a Santa-believing child who see's mommy kissing who she thinks is Santa, but is really her dad.

Confusing. But I'm glad I cleared that up in my head, it's been bothering me.

A lovely dry spell

2008-11-11T21:48:00.003-07:00

I tried to have a lovely dry spell. I tried to say no to dates. I tried to go a week without paying attention to anything social. I tried to forget about all of my distractions. I really tried.

Why, you ask? 3 things:
1) I need to focus more on school.
2) Boys are too much.
3) I really just need to focus more on school and boys are really just too much.

It totally didn't work. I even tried Kumbaya-ing. But for some stupid force beyond my will, it just can't happen. So I decided that I'm taking matters into my own hands and moving to Hawaii where it's warm and carefree. (That's always my escape plan). Any takers?

November the Fourth

2008-11-04T10:42:00.002-07:00

I early voted on Friday. It was everything I ever hoped and dreamed for. I stood in line. I made new friends who cared about 53 times more than I did (which is a lot) about "the issues". I stood at a booth, I punched in [enter political party here] and before I knew it, my ballot was cast. There was no turning back and once they handed me my I VOTED TODAY sticker I knew my little voice had been heard in ballot-form.

I've asked my friends and acquaintances if they have voted. Here are some responses:

"I live in Utah, I don't need to vote."

"I forgot to register."

"Yeah. I voted. I had to stand in line for two friggin hours."

"I really don't have time. I'm going to be on campus all day. If I thought it would make a difference in the least, I would try. But I really can't." (HELLO- early voting!!!)

And, my personal favorite:
"Today is election day?"

I don't know what MY problem is, but I've been excited for this day ever since my 11th grade Government teacher made us promise to be good American citizens and vote - and I feel like I'm the only one.

Comment, Comment, Who's Got A Comment!?

2008-10-29T22:38:00.002-07:00

So I totally hate it. And by 'IT' I mean, when people READ my blog and then when they see me 5 days later tell me, "Hayley I read your blog, like, all the time, and it's so......" blah blah blah and they go on about how it's 'interesting' (and they chuckle as if to say "Really, it's weird and doesn't make sense, but I thought I'd at least try to compliment it) or 'I didn't know you had that in you' or 'Why are you majoring in art?' or 'Oh my gosh you're so funny!' (Funny, as in... that's funny that you erased your very important 4 page paper, so... not really that funny, no)

Anyways, thank you for those face-to-face comments. But, eh em, if I could have a word...(tap tap tap on a glass filled with sparkling cider, and the crowd hushes)...

You have no idea what a blog comment means to a blogger. I mean, just your one comment could not only change a soul, but change the world. The world of blogging that is. Don't get me wrong, I am only saying this for selfish reasons. I think my max number of comments on one post is... hmmm... 7. Yeah, 7. (So what?) It's not about numbers (but it toally is), and although I would really like to claim 100 percent selfishness for wanting more comments, I know my fellow bloggers would all agree. Except for those ones who get 50+ a day. So unfair, and I hate them.

So a shout-out to all of you non-regular-commenters (This includes everyone except my sisters, and maybe Katie and Andrea, and there are some others.... you know who you are). Comment away. Even just a Hi How Are Ya would be nice.

And if you don't, you will have bad luck into the eternities.

No pressure.

The weather

2008-10-28T09:53:00.003-07:00

I tend to post about 2 things: The weather. And school. How much more lame can I get? I mean, seriously, I don't know why anyone reads this blog. Not that very many people do...

Anyhow, there I go again. The beginning of yet another lame post. The really unfair thing about it all, though, is that the weather and school are really the only things that occupy my life. Not counting driving and working and somehow trying to have even a spec of social life in there. But those are all boring, and lame, and lame and lame. That was the 5th 'lame' in this post already.

I think I need a little spice. A little umph. A little pIzAZz.

I tried reading a book for pleasure. It was good. But THAT on top of all of the other reading I have to do for school (there I go yet again), did not exactly end up being very pleasurable after all.

I tried going to High School Musical 3 with my sisters in hopes of raising my spirits with a 2-hour-cheesier-than-cheesy-completely-unrealistic musical, but, gosh... I'm 20 now. Not 17. Way too immature for me. Ha. (Nose in the air).

I exercised. Finally. After running that dumb half-marathon in August, my bod thought it was set for life and that it would never have to exercise again. Wrong. Way wrong. So I whipped out the old running shoes and pilates mat and there I was doing my bod a favor. Then I had a milkshake.

During my beloved 2 hour break yesterday between school and work I was very productive. I got a flu shot. A free one. (Yay for being a student)! I even got a voter pamphlet thingy so I could actually know what I was voting for. I was really excited to vote since it's my first time and all... until I read the candidates for Governor for the state of Utah. SuperDELL. SuperDELL?? SUPER freakin DELL! ... is a candidate. For Governor. Of MY STATE. He wont win. But his picture and his claim (And I Quote): "If you are unsure then fill your heart with love, completely open your mind and pray to God earnestly. You can't afford to get this wrong and will be held accountable for your choice." left me in awe. You go, SuperDELL, you tell 'em.

My life outside of school and weather is pretty interesting. I'd trade it for a million and a half dollars. Not one penny less. Any takers?

You're kidding me.

2008-10-24T09:09:00.004-07:00

As a college student in her last semester of generals, I have about had it. This semester especially. Paper after paper after paper after biology test after paper after paper. There was one particular paper I was putting off when I finally had a spare 2 hours between school and work, so I said to myself, "hey, self, write your paper, you lazy girl." So I did.

A whole 4 pages and 2 lines later I was done (It was supposed to be 4 to 6 pages, so, I had enough, but I figured adding another 2 lines of BS might look just a little bit better). I was at the computer lab on campus and SO ready get out of that zombie zone and to be done with my long-procrastinated paper. So I save it, go to email it to some people in my class, and.... oh.... it's NOT THERE!

A whole 4 pages and 2 lines and one wrong click later my paper was lost. Gone. Vanished. Into thin air, just like that. You're kidding me. I'm not kidding you.

My face got all hot and I started breathing deep like I had just found out my identity had been stolen, or something. But I had to get to work and the file was nowhere to be found, so I left that computer lab before I mutated into a heap of hopless-poor-collegestudent-zombieness.

A couple of tears, a phone call to my mom, and a lot of grunting helped me get through it. But I could use a few "Oh, that happened to me, too"'s, now that I have re-written that glorious paper and I can laugh about it and write it in my journal for my kids to read when the same thing happens to them. So feel free to share your "You're kidding me" moment, and I'll feel free to feel a little bit better.

Today I felt fat...

2008-10-23T23:06:00.001-07:00

...So... I ate a cookie. It totally didn't help, and it wasn't even good. Lesson learned.

Dear Friend,

2008-10-13T20:48:00.003-07:00

Today I got a letter in the mail. I quickly replied and here is what I wrote:

"Dear Elder [So-And-So],
I think that we are destined to forever be pen pals. I can think of many reasons why, but for the sake of proof, I will list a few: 1- Your persistance intrigues me. 2- My only other pen-pal is my 5-year-old nephew and it is refreshing to hear from someone of my own level of intelligence. 3- I LOVE hearing from you and your letters are pimp daddy. 4- You deserve a good letter from an old friend who genuinely misses you and cares how you are doing. 4.5- (This only counts as half because it's just dumb anyways...) I'm not engaged. Or dating anyone.
THE END

Well, okay,... since we are sort of already on the subject... Kinzie. Is. Getting married. And I just returned home from a wonderful weekend in good-old Logan to celebrate our loss. Oh, the irony. It was great and sad and the funnest weekend I have had in quite a while. Side note: We watched videos of freshman year and -oh my goodness- I was on the floor in a heap of laughter and tears. Remember the videos you made with that white hockey mask and Kinzie with her black person makeup? SO FUNNY! It made me so lonesome for you and Jason and Dom and the LLC. Seriously, good times. Sorry, that was a long side note.

So, I'm excited for Kinzie, she seems very happy. Please tell me you know about Emma and Ammon. They're dating and apparantly in love. My initial reaction was shock, but once that wore off I guess I can say it seemed to make some sense. I mean, they do both have double M's in their name --- totally meant for eachother. Kaylee has a boyfriend who buys her everything. And, that's that. Katie, however, has returned to singledom as she decided that life was too short to jump into being attathed. Good for her, I say. I try so hard to not say that selfishly - she has become my very best friend as I am sure you have figured.

I am still a receptionist at an eye doctor. I have learned lots of things at this job, firstly, that I never want a desk job ever ever ever again. I can't complain because the hours and the pay are seemingly perfect. I can only count the number of times I have been hit on on one hand. Considering that most of the patients are elementary school kids or grandparents, I figure that less than 5 is a pretty good ratio. My boss is a whole other story. He's super awkward and nerdy and sometimes I think that him being a doctor is a cover and that he is really a crook. Did I just say that? Yep, a crook. If you'd like more details I'd be happy to share.

Let me give you the DL on UVU. It hardly feels like college for the following reasons: 1- The buildings are all connected, causing an eerie de ja vu-ish high school feeling (but, on the bright side, is much much warmer than trudging through the snow to class). 2- Almost all of the classes are small, less than 30 people. 3- There is no on-campus housing and I just don't see a ton of people staying on campus. It's just not really a "college life". At least compared to my previous experience - And I can't quite decide if it's because I'm a big bad junior now or because of the previous reasons. However, I am enjoying my classes. Great teachers, lots of things going on around campus and a beautiful new library. Also, the feeling in Orem/Provo is quite different. Not good or bad (I don't want to sway you, if I haven't already) but let's just say - I never thought I would say this - I sometimes miss Logan. Go Aggies. By the way, I love being an artist.

Outside of school, I play a lot, date a lot, go to my awkward receptionist job, exercise (pilates!), find new music, spend time with my family, and go on the occasional shopping spree. I do, thank you, enjoy my balanced life.

Forgive the extreme length of this letter. And now, as for you. Still loving Vegas? I am happy to hear about your baptisms. How warm is it there? Actually, no, don't tell me. I would be so jealous I'd want to scream. Today, in Alpine Utah it was 40 something degrees. In October. Before Halloween. And, don't even worry, it snowed last weekend. I give you permission to laugh a very evil and defeating laugh. I know you have been practicing.

Elder [So-And-So], can you please do me a favor? I have been contemplating whether or not I should serve a mission. Now, I know it is my decision, and I am not asking for an answer. I would just like to know how/when/if you decided to serve. And, I'd love to hear what a mission is actually like. Baptisms, reactivations and all of that are fantastical and something to be extremely proud of. But give me the nitty gritties. Even tell me about the sisters you serve with. Can you see me being a missionary? ANYTHING! I'd love that.

You seem happy. So, keep doing whatever you are doing and never stop.
Forever Your Penpal, Hayley"

That is my life in letter-form. Hope you enjoyed.

I'm Weird

2008-10-12T20:44:00.002-07:00

Okay,

So I totally claim to love to read. And I do. But the last 3 books I have read, I've been 50 pages from finishing and mysteriously get caught up with something else in my hectic 20-year-old life and never do end up finishing them. What the heck.

And sometimes, like today, I get this craaaving to read. Like, for instance (don't shun me) I have not finished the twilight series (New Moon was one of the 3 above mentioned) and with all the new-movie-buzz I just couldn't help but be on the "in" with what everyone is talking about. Edwaaaarrrddd is so hot right now.

Leaves

2008-10-09T22:27:00.002-07:00

I love Fall, but it always seems to live up to it's name. It can't stay forever and just as soon as it comes, it falls away and disappears into a marshmallow world.

I am proud to say, though, that this Fall, or Autumn as I optimistically would rather call it, I have taken full advantage of the 70-something degree weather and light jackets.

Rewind 10 or so years earlier to Hayley as a ten-year-old. My most favorite after school activity was crunching leaves. Walking home from the bus stop, my girly friends and I would fight to the death to get the best leaf to crunch. We would stomp, crunch, and slosh through piles of the warm-tinted leaves, being sure not to leave one leaf behind uncrunched.

And today, as my 20-year-old-self, I still unconsciously go out of my way to crunch the few leaves in my range as I walk to class.

Go ahead, tell me to grow up.

I love the rain today

2008-10-04T17:51:00.002-07:00

I love the rain today so much that I wish I had a portable pause button to make this weather last until I wanted sunshine. Someday when I have my own world, there will be two types of weather: Hard rain with forever dark grey skies and Sunshine. Nothing in between and definitely none of this snow business. Except on Christmas. Snow is allowed on Christmas and Christmas Eve, but that's it.

I realized something about myself and I think I'm ready to admit it. This is big.

I am an incurrably romantic human. And I figure that is the reason I love rain so much, because it gives me an excuse to snuggle, listen to Norah Jones, and dream of having some perfect man knock on my door, drenched in rain, grab my hand without saying anything and kiss me hard on the lips.

See what I mean?? It's horrible and completely embarrassing.

Laugh now, but when I find him, and I will, I'll be the one saying I told ya so.

Home again, home again, jiggity jig. Home again, home again, LIKE a fat pig.

2008-09-19T18:14:00.004-07:00

In case you didn't already know... I'm home. No, I could not handle 1-15 out my window or annoying roommates, and yes, I'm a wuss. But a very mature wuss at that. I'm home, and constantly on craigslist and ksl.com looking for recently posted housing in PROVO. You heard me... Provo. Not Orem. Just the word Orem gives me the heeby geebies. Provo means more time on the road to work and school which means more gas money which means no more shopping. I can handle that, because Provo also means my friends, better ward, BYU games, and the creamery. No really, I can handle that.

Today my friend, when asking me how my "house hunting" was going, described me as tenacious. I'm sticking to it... not giving up on finding somewhere to live. (Confession: I love living at home) But, I canNOT be a twenty year old hottie living 30 minutes away from social scene USA (aka Provo). It would just be no good for anybody.

Confession number two: I've become fixated and determined to find a HOME to live in in provo. None of this apartment crap. I'm not walking up 4 flights of stairs just to get to my room. No, no way. Plus, now that I have this mental picture of a tiny 1930's brick home with white shutters and flower pots out front with freshly painted walls and new carpet with my perfect sized room and adorable vintage decorations all over the place, there's no turning back. Pinch me.

3rd Floor

2008-09-02T21:18:00.002-07:00

I went to the new school library for the first time today. My goal was to study in a quiet corner, but by some force of nature I was drawn to the 3rd floor.

I stepped out of the elevator and peeked to my right. A lonely table by the window was calling my name and there I was about to immerse myself in textbooks, when I looked out the window; before me an indescribably beautiful panorama of the "other" half of the valley I have always, until then, taken for granted.

As far as my eye could see to both sides were the breathtaking silhouettes of the uneven Rocky Mountains. Their backdrop beginning with the color of creamy peach fading up into yellow then mint green and back to the natural sky blue and finally navy. The natural beauty tripled my stun as it reflected itself into it's surrounding water-body.

I was literally in a trance and the window in front of me seemed to disappear. God's thumbnail stuck out of the slowly bluing sky and the lights of the valley began to twinkle. The movie-like scene became even more so as Clair De Lune played peacefully in my ears through my iPod.

Then I knew I was in the right place, stinky apartment and all. If anything was keeping me here, my view from the 3rd floor of the library sure was.

My Apartment

2008-08-30T23:45:00.002-07:00

My new apartment is great. It smells like pepto bismol, I took a 32 degree shower my first morning, my neighbor out the window is Interstate Fifteen (and, let me tell you, that thing doesn't sleep), my neighbors next door like to party, I'm convinced my neighbors upstairs were born with lead in their feet, the 3 other occupants and I don't exactly mesh, church starts at 1:30, I carry antibacterial with me and use it regularly, there's a mysterious yellow-spotted stain on my carpet, my closet is bulging, and I have not completely unpacked in hopes I'll be moving out.

I love my new apartment.

Sagacious

2008-08-21T20:35:00.003-07:00

The following is a compilation of things I simply do not understand.

*College textbooks. $169 for an extra 20 pounds in my backpack. Money well spent.

*Mullets. One sure way to attract the ladies, men.

*Speaking of men... men.

*Why making decisions is as easy for me as growing a beard.

*Michael Phelps being able to eat his so-called 12,000 calories a day and still having that bod.

*Dolly Parton. Who even likes her?

*Marathons. Yet, I am doing one-half of one the day after next.

*Why my dog has repeatedly tried to jump on my lap 8 times in the last 10 minutes.

*Neon green and brown for wedding colors. (No offence...)

*The old people commericals during The Price Is Right.

*Airplanes. Tons and tons gliding through the air, it makes no sense.

*Licorice, bleh.

*Smoking, bleh.

*Stocks. You like, buy one and it like, grows money?

*Why Katy Perry kissed a girl and she liked it, the taste of her cherry chapstick. (If you don't know what that means, listen to the radio more)

The Youngest

2008-08-04T09:08:00.002-07:00

There's no doubt that being the youngest child in my family has it's perks. But, for any of you youngests out there, you KNOW it's not all its cracked up to be. Tickle tortures, hand-me-downs, being the last to get married, being the last to do anything, and having your pet dog be your closest sibling.... not all things you older kids should be jealous of. I promise.

Not to mention having to live UP to those older siblings. "But your sister got good grades." "But your sister had a full time job and paid her way for everything." "But look at your brother, he's an eagle scout."

And even worse than THAT.... living down to what they didn't do. "I've always wanted one of my daughters to serve a mission, and since the other two got married first, you're my only hope" *Puppy dog face* -My Dad. How about that for guilt.

Excuse me, while I get back to my personal masseuse.

Youngest.... pshhh.

Once Upon A Time...

2008-08-01T08:25:00.013-07:00

...there was a girl named Hayley who had a best friend named Nicole.

Hayley loved a boy named David who loved to sing, and every time he came to visit, there was a celebration.

But since David didn't even know Hayley existed he went to travel the world, leaving Hayley behind to make her own adventures, right here in Utah. Hayley loved to be outside with her friends so she started her summer saga with a 4-wheeling trip in the mountains with her friends Nicole, Jordan, and Scott.

She also loved rafting...

And boating...

And hiking...

And swinging off ropes into ponds in the wee hours of the night.

She also went places like the Manti Pageant...

Jackson Hole...

Birthday parties with all of her friends (that's her on the very right)...

The Dinosaur Museum to dig up fossils...

And to the John Mayer/Colbie Caillat concert with her sisters (minus one)!

She even made friends with a frog on a lilly pad.

Not to mention she practiced her photography skills on the thing she loves most, flowers!

I guess Hayley didn't need David after all. THE END :)

I fancy dictionaries

2008-07-29T21:14:00.005-07:00

I have a horrible dictionary fetish. I hear an unfamiliar word, and in record time I'm at the computer typing it in at dictionary.com or thumbing through the pages of my pocket dictionary (both of which I will detest until my going-to-Borders-and-standing-in-front-of-the-dictionary-section-and-drooling days are over). Always a fun game.

Today I used the world 'indubitably' without knowing how it managed to seep into my brain and out my mouth and right back out into the wild, fresh air without even so much as a "hello" in passing. So, of course, I went to my friend Mr. Dic Tionary(dot com) to make sure my context was correct. Sure enough, it was.

The moral of the story: pronounced correctly and in it's most proper form, indubitably is quite possibly the most hysterically funny word to hear in the known English language. Don't believe me? Click here and then on the speaker symbol next to the word and hear for yourself.

I beg to differ

2008-07-28T09:29:00.003-07:00

On the 5 hour car ride home from Mountain Home, Idaho with my parents, many-a-conversation was had. Also said, many-a-disagreements were brought about. Here's one conversation between my sweet, sensative, encouraging father and I:

Me: I decided what I'm going to do with my life.

My parents in unison: What?!

Me: I'm going to open a cute little Bed And Breakfast in a cute little town with my cute little husband.

(Pause)

Me: I've never been to one, but I think I'd be really good at it.

My dad in his usual sarcastic tone: Why, because you're so good at keeping your room clean and you make gourmet breakfasts' for your mom and I every morning?

My mom under her breath: Keith! Gosh.

Me: That was rude. What do you think I'd be good at, then?

My dad: Marrying someone really rich and raising a family.

Talk about potential.

Pain for Beauty

2008-07-21T09:04:00.002-07:00

Here is a list of painful things I do in order to keep my girlish figure and cool attitude in order to be accepted socially by those I admire most:

*Wear a retainer to bed (after a year of not wearing it)so that my teeth are straighter than an arrow.

*Pilates. "Keep that tummy pulled in and squeeze your tushy!" -Mari Winsor

*Run. Thanks to our Greek friend Mr. Marathon all the way back in 490 BC we now have races to see who can run 26.2 miles the fastest. So not humanly natural, yet I do it.

*Pluck/wax/shave. Um, ouch!

*Eat only 4 cookies instead of 5. VERY painful.

*Down 3-32 oz. glasses of water in less than a day for glowing skin.

*When I was nine years old had a needle poked straight through each of my ears in order to dangle colorful beads and shiney things from them.

*Shoes. They're so cute who cares about the 18 boiling blisters?

And, lastly, but not leastly...

*Squeeze into those size 4 jeans from 3 years ago all the while cutting off any circulation you have remaining.

Dreams

2008-07-09T07:43:00.003-07:00

My mom has always told me that I was unique because "You need your sleep in order to function properly". This means the full 8 hours plus an occasional nap that she insisted I take. She was (and is) also the mother that if I said, "I'm hungry" on fast Sundays would whip me up a cinnamon toast and say, "Here, eat this. I don't want you starving yourself." And I always willingly obeyed. What else was a kid to do but obey her protective mother?

Now here I am, twenty years old and still take naps almost daily.... but only because my mother insists on it so I can indeed function properly. (Taha! Good excuse, eh.) And since I am starting my new 30-hour-a-week job today, I suppose my naps will be extremely limited from here on out. So, what else to do than take full advantage of my last few days as an unemployed individual. And what does this full advantage consist of, you ask? Napping. Oh, and reading. But mostly napping.

And, throughout the last couple of days [weeks?] of napping I have had the most peculiar dreams. My dreams are generally pretty predictable and usual. That is not the case with these dreams. I guess that is what I get for sleeping longer than I am awake.

The first dream was fairly predictable but nonetheless wonderful. I dreamt about my first day at my new job. I walked in greeted by a good dozen-and-a-half people, young and old. They were all smiling and ran towards me, crowding me as if I was a magnet for happy people. They treated me like a queen. And that was it.

The second dream was a thinker. I found myself in my room slowly opening a letter I had received in the mail. For some reason I was nervous and shakey. I opened the letter and started reading: "Dear Sister Hayley Beth Tintle," I was getting a mission call. "You have been called to serve in Bikagkdnadfkdsjf...." That wasn't the place obviously, but my brain only remembers it starting with a 'B' and ending in a combination of letters I had never seen. Even so, I was incredibly happy and peaceful and excited. I ran out of my room to another room full of people I loved who all cheered and supported me. When I showed my mom the letter she said, "Utah? You got called to Utah?" The End.

And lastly, a dream about food. In the last 6 months I have been a sushi fanatic. In my dream I had a party where everybody brought their favorite kind of sushi and we all dressed in Asian clothing and sat on the floor. It was a hit!

I try not to read into dreams too much because if I did, I would probably go insane. I also blame my dreams on my lack of awake.