In the life of a Hay Strand

Mallorca

2012-02-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Week 21-- Surprise

2012-01-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

Hayley is on her way to Inca. This is in the island of Mallorca. Supposed to be beautiful. Suuuper cold in the winter & suuuuper hot in the summer. Below is her new address. Airmail stamps will go up to $1.05 on January 22nd. She loves hearing from her friends.

C/ Ramón Desbrull 50, Escalera 1, 2B
07300 Inca
Baleares
Spain

Mail will still find her here:
Sister Hayley Dalton
Spain Barcelona Mission
Calle Calatrava N° 10-12, bajos
Barcelona
08017 Barcelona
Spain

Week 22

A New Year- in Espana.

2012-01-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Feliz Navidad

2011-12-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hermana Hayley Dalton

2011-11-01T17:14:00.000-06:00

The Hopefully Always Current Address... now located in Valencia, Spain

2011-10-23T19:18:00.000-06:00

Hermana Hayley Dalton made it to Barcelona. From there she went to Valencia with Sister Martin. I have posted the address for Valencia. Mail will also reach her @ the Mission home address below. Her mission has a blog thespainbarcelonamission.blogspot.com Check out some photos there.

Hermana Hayley Dalton
C/ Fontanares 1,2
46007 Valencia
Espana

(98 cents for airmail postage)

The plan is to always keep this updated in case people have a sudden urge to write me!

And letters will eventually find me if they are sent here:

Sister Hayley Dalton
Spain Barcelona Mission
Calle Calatrava N° 10-12, bajos
Barcelona
08017 Barcelona
Spain

adios!

And these little piggies...

2011-08-23T12:17:00.000-06:00

Are headed to locks of love.

If you are wanting to race this weekend

2011-08-21T16:42:00.001-06:00

You ought to come o'er to Lehi and support a good cause.
I am going to be volunteering and I would love to hand you a cup of water.
It is on Saturday, August 27th at 7:00am
Click here for more information.

StinkinG Cute One Year Olds

2011-08-19T14:39:00.000-06:00

Gone and went tuh Jackson

2011-08-09T13:41:00.000-06:00

Trying to fit in with the biker crowd. Megan was the only one who succeeded.

7 Brides for 7 Brothers at the Jackson Hole Playhouse. Stacia Hardy was a beautiful Milly.

With some old Dancing/MDT friends of mine. Whitley was an adorable Eliza.

Becca and I the first to Tango. Perfect weather perfect trail and perfect scenery for a ride.

Found these adorable beasts Sunday morning on our way to Jenny Lake.

First of the many many photos taken of the Tetons. It created in me a desire to ride the Matterhorn.

Wyoming is a pretty tough state. They didn't even welcome us upon leaving Idaho.

Jenny Lake. It was beautiful and we timed it perfectly and enjoyed it un-crowded.

Definitely one of the best moments. Rowing and cruising the fishing boat around Jackson Lake.

Our own fully clothed bathing beauty.

Two kids unsure of what to do without the help of their Cap'n


Apparently our photographer didn't realize there were magnificent Mountains behind us. ah well.

Rafting down Snake River. SUCH the good time. So good I had to purchase this picture.

Have you ever had an enemy?

2011-08-04T09:34:00.001-06:00

Mine is that stinking Mosquito that was lurking in my room last night.
He refused to die.
He was so loud, and why he thought he had any right to be in my room is beyond me.

While driving in the rain

2011-07-27T18:43:00.000-06:00

do you ever look at the other cars to see how fast their windshield wipers are moving in comparison to yours?

As if needing your windshield wipers on full speed to see is a sign of weakness.

Lookin' Good

2011-07-17T19:52:00.001-06:00

Gave my wisdom up for beauty

so worth it.

Now that's what I call one empty tube of used-to-be toothpaste

2011-07-10T21:21:00.002-06:00

Attempt to Describe Myself (#2)

2011-07-08T20:44:00.002-06:00

I was dating a boy a while back.

We were having trouble keeping curfew.

Finally by some miracle one Sunday he left at a terribly decent hour and rode his bike home.

I, somehow, was already in bed when I received a text from him stating that he had been hit by a car on his bike.

He had made it home and some friends of his were at his house and helped clean him up.

My responding text went something like this:

Are you kidding me? Are you OK? I would come over but I am really pooped.

I wish I still had the exact text. I may have offered to go over, but I distinctively remember using the word pooped as my excuse for not getting out of bed. all of our early to sleep work would have been wasted.

This happened to be the first day that he kissed me. And we dated for three + months after that incidence. He loved reminding me of that occurrence whilst laughing.

I hope this is more a description of 19 year old me than newly 22 year old me.

But. it is apparent to all who know me that sensitivity has always been wanting.

something we old folks tend to do

2011-07-07T00:54:00.001-06:00

I've been finding myself swallowed up in the reveling of the past.
It is for this reason I am awake to welcome this the very day which commemorates the beginning of my 22nd year of life.
I am not quite sure where the notion came from to read my blog from beginning to end but I am glad it shan't be fulfilled because there is some working to be done and prior to that--waking up.

To any of you who may know what I am talking about: I pulled a similar stunt in binging on recital videos 'bout a week ago. I remain convinced that Blackbird was the best dance. ever.

Said as though saying "Nailed It!"

2011-06-30T17:07:00.001-06:00

Mailed it(!)

The Visa Application is in.
FBI cleared me and the Lieutenant Governor approved.
Now let us all hope that visa process takes than 11 weeks.

Attempt to Describe Myself (#1)

2011-06-29T16:08:00.001-06:00

Back when I was 15 or so--you know back when I was a hazacrazaecooke or possibly even a Julydude-- I received a forward. One of those just for girls, like you know "you know you are a girl if" or "10 Facts about Girls" or something like that. Anyway one of the things was a variation of this:

"It's impossible to put mascara on without opening your mouth"

I have spent the past 7 years putting mascara on with my mouth closed.

Girls Gone Camping

2011-06-26T20:41:00.002-06:00

This fur-coat wearing beauty was there to greet and welcome us to Antelope Island.

We all pitched in our geniuses and got this mansion of a tent standing.

Genius.

As the winds grew unbearable and drove away the biting gnats they also tore down our hard work. This led to tying down the fort. Very creative work. It stayed up all night.

Sarah and Jen being cute in the midst of the blinding flash . The first to fall asleep.

Twinner cars gone camping. Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of their windshields saturated in bug juice.

We made it and waded in the Great Salt Lake. It wasn't unpleasant. Especially since the bugs didn't call it home.

Me taking a picture from behind. After being ditched because I wasn't wearing short enough bottom coverings.

Middlemath of a super steep hike which left us all drenched in salty sweat and craving apples.

Bugs ate us alive, so I killed them with my forehead sweat. Apparently.


Another one of our majestic friends. We saw roughly 61 of these fellas.

We all left feeling dirty, stinky and proud. We camped. And there's nothing you can do about it.

If you are intent

2011-06-19T22:38:00.001-06:00

upon going to bed early to prepare for another week
it isn't wise to start watching Emma
for once it has been started it cannot be stopped!
so. stinkinG. good.

Thanks for the idear, Han.
Sorry you couldn't join.
I am sure I have at least one more viewing in me before I leave.

Summer to do list (80 days)

2011-06-11T22:54:00.006-06:00

~~Drive in movie~~
~~Bees Game~~
~~RSL Gamesss~~

Camping trips scheduled
~~Hike~~
Stroll on my bicycle
Attend a bajillion weddings/showers scheduled
Not work on Fridays scheduled
Ir al templo 10 times
Finish BOM en español
Talk to/see every person I like
Nephew/family time
Exercise lots
Teach dance classes scheduled
Take dance classes
~~Eat a Margherita (sans basil) pizza from Settebello~~
Final vacation trip with Ruby scheduled
~~Good sleep~~
Forget that boys exist
Watch good movies
Sewing projects
~~Get rid of my cough~~
Outdoor concerts scheduled
Finish Jane Eyre
~~Get cleared by the FBI~~
Get wisdom teeth taken out scheduled
Turn 22 scheduled

For all you from the SG

2011-06-09T23:11:00.002-06:00

Scenario: My students are playing a sort of dancing charades (to celebrate summer). After about a minute of dancing and no correct answer,
girl says:
There's TONS of stuff there.
almost instant response: Oh! St. George! (ding ding)

wha?

Guess I'm Going

2011-06-08T18:28:00.002-06:00

because I just bought my first pair of good for walkin'/churchin' Missionary shoes.

Kind of cute for dorky shoes, no?

gone and moved

2011-05-30T22:45:00.000-06:00

A Goodbye to Foothill Drive
Goodbye to using I215/I80 every single day
Goodbye to egg pan, crazy Asian smells hallway, no parking, strangely humid sleeps, mismatched furniture, mysterious music through the floor, young roommates (for a few months), super early wake-ups, too late stay ups and living the Salty City independent life in general.

Hello Summer.
Feel free to come. and maybe clean my new room for me.

Went to Urinetown

2011-05-22T20:22:00.000-06:00

this past weekend.
and it was really great. really.
You should go.
funny. clever. entertaining. and well done.

The worst graduate

2011-05-06T21:40:00.003-06:00

doesn't iron her gown
loses her tassel
wastes all of her excitement/enthusiasm 6 days ago
and makes faces like this:

Still.
Pretty cool.
Thanks to all my familiar supporters.

Woke up with Christmas Stomach

2011-04-30T10:45:00.000-06:00

Headed right now to take my final final.

Sometimes They Really are Talking About You

2011-04-27T22:04:00.003-06:00

Do you ever get the feeling that people are whispering about you?

Well, luckily I have talked myself out of that feeling enough times to assure myself it isn't the case.

Turns out. They were.
Girl who sits in front of me in Management was apparently trying to set me up with this boy in the class who is "so hot" and has the "most beautiful eyes."
She knows my tastes so well. And apparently has been working on this all semester.

For some reason girls notice me, and think I am a fine enough looking specimen [she even told me told me I look so "Anthro" which must be taken as the highest compliment] but boys never seem to.

Cool.

p.s.

I am down to 1 test and 1 week and 1 day until graduation (!)(1)(!)

Begin Countdown

2011-04-23T15:33:00.000-06:00

3 more tests
2 more weeks til graduation
1 more school attending day

Happy Pre-Easter Sunday

2011-04-17T20:17:00.003-06:00

And. Most of you know this. But I shall be headed back to Spain(!) Barcelona, Spain to be exact and this time I shall go as Hermana Dalton. I report for duty August 31, 2011

Moment of Truth

2011-04-13T22:10:00.001-06:00

So. In January I gave up on a lot of things. Including being the only person to clean our apartment. Plus our vacuum broke and left our place smelling like burning. Today. Here is some hair I swept off an 15 inch x 5 inch area of our carpet next to the bathroom sink. Yeah. We have been living in filth. Hoorah for Stacey's mother buying her a new vacuum and Alpine School District taking a Spring Break so I could do a Spring Clean.

Guess where I vacationed.

2011-04-04T22:41:00.001-06:00

Hey Cole, when I was going to cook some corn look what I found:

2011-04-03T16:23:00.000-06:00

Earths.

Looky

2011-04-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

at what I bought the other day:

and yes. I did go on vacation. Pictures'll be posted at some point in time.

Incompetence is Exhausting

2011-03-19T16:20:00.001-06:00

How would I know?
I just took another crack at driving a manual vehicle.
It has been close to 6 years since I attempted; and I think I am taking the lack of instant ability harder this time around.
I remember during my driving test being deathly afraid of stop lights (because my instructor didn't look highly upon my speeding through a yellow light) and felt that same anxiety today when I saw a stop sign "coming".
Still. I might not give up this time. We'll see.

Oldvo is No Mo

2011-03-16T22:51:00.002-06:00

Friday night Anna and I experienced my first (and let's say only) driving car crash.
It was a whirl of craziness and crunched cars. Fortunately all I have to show for it is a minuscule scab on my right arm from some minor airbag burn. Anna and old man were seemingly unharmed as well.
As always: In times of not-so-greatness I realize how many people have concern for me and are willing to do all they can to help. Best people in my life I've got.

Apologies to mother for forcing her to see her damaged baby one last time.

Pretty Tasty Invention

2011-03-08T22:03:00.002-07:00

If you are ever sitting in the institute parking lot with a container of applesauce and no spoon.

Do this:
Use your fruit leather to scoop out the applesauce and enjoy the beautiful collaboration of flavors.
Also, don't be surprised when you think, "This fruit leather must be flavored cherry because it tastes just like licorice."

Warning: This may cause your otherwise glamourous outfit of post-dance saggy sweatpants and a stinky oversized shirt to be a little trashy by adding applesauce stains.

I have no idea how to punctuate that sentence.

What I saw in California

2011-02-21T19:56:00.001-07:00

So. It is that day.

2011-02-14T20:52:00.008-07:00

Dear Tyler Gardner,
You still remain my only male valentine ever. Besides my papi.
I remember going to the A track dance wearing my pink skirt from Gap kids and those white platform tennis shoes. Then, later, meeting in the street in front of Karissa's house exchanging gifts (mine quickly arranged from stuff at Karissa's house and yours so cute and certainly made by your mother.) Do you remember? Probably not. Because you are a boy and probably have had ten Valentines since then. Man. Age 11. I sure was charming then, no?
Sincerely,
Hayley

Well have no fear readers. I still gave and received plenty of love on this Love day (see the picture above) and ate lots of sugar. Lots and lots of sugar. Now off to an evening of studying. Happy love to you all. You're Dynamite.

Oh whoa.

2011-02-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

• So. Mumford and Sons is freakinG good. I recommend a listen, though watch out for the unfortunate colorful language in Little Lion Man.
I have been in desperate need of new music. Any chance anyone has been listening to some heavenly folksy music as of late?

• Is fiber really good for you? I am hating its results.
• The wind this morning really did chill my bones.
• Getting out of bed was near impossible this marnin'. Really. It was worrisome.

Thas all the whoas I can think of. Sorry that most of them turned out to be woes.

I haven't been into blogging lately

2011-02-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

but looky what I got hir

a computer. brand spankin' new.

First Impressions

2011-01-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

or even impressions in general are a funny thing.
I now have it confirmed that at least two people (from my time in the Lehi branch) saw me as "perfect".
An angel-like figure that caused them to think they had to be on their best behavior around me.

How absurd is that!?!
I find it so funny, considering I never tried to hide who (what) I am.
Well, one of them found it a relief I wasn't so untouchable and we are great friends (even roommates) and the other, I fear, was sorely disappointed and concluded I wasn't the wife he wanted.

I am taking a personality theory class and am becoming more and more fascinated with my perceptions of others and how skewed they probably are. I figure, I have a hard enough time understanding myself. How in the world did I ever think that I knew someone really well.

So. Misperceptions or mis-impressions are more laughable than offend-able.

Have I mentioned

2011-01-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

that I hate dating?
Well, that fact still stands.
But you know what I don't hate?
The plethora of freakinG awesome people in my life.
Man.
I feel so lucky to have so many people who care about me.
Who offer help when there really is no help that can be done.
So great.
You know what else isn't awful?
Sleep.

On this exact day last year

2011-01-11T23:46:00.002-07:00

I was headed off on the most amazing, crazy, dream-like, perfect adventure of my life. Sigh.

And this year on this day I started my last semester of my undergraduate career. noice.

Welcome New Year,

2011-01-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

from the second annual snow-shoe fest.

There's no greater gift the New Year can bring than knowing you didn't really need it to come, because the year previous was pretty great.
A re-cap may happen, but doesn't look like it'll happen tonight.

Christmas time was here

2010-12-28T21:19:00.001-07:00

Welp. Stick a fork in me.

2010-12-14T13:57:00.002-07:00

Maan.
As I was walking to my last final I had to suppress smiles that were trying to explode out of my face.
I am done. for a few weeks.
Only one semester to go.
Booooyah.
Happy Christmas to us all.

with the winter comes the fall

2010-11-30T20:44:00.004-07:00

The Salty City has turned into one big Slip n' Slide
Because of this I experienced my first (and only. please.) fall of the season.
It happened just moments after departing from some friends on campus (running into people I know on campus is the best!)
All in all it was a typical experience.
I slipped. I fell. My knee hurts. and.
My pride was hurt immensely.
I loved and hated it all at the same time.
It is just not as good when you are laughing at yourself and everyone else is trying to pretend like they didn't see. Or worse, are acting concerned. (don't you get it? it's funny that I humiliated myself.)

Now I truly know that is better to explode with laughter upon seeing someone slip than to quietly ignore the happening.

At my home home

2010-11-24T10:35:00.003-07:00

and it feels so good.
Though I was pressured into taking down all my high school memorabilia (from my high school years, not actually anything that would have told you I went to Snow Canyon High) from my bedroom walls
I am glad that my bathroom drawers still hold some treasures
including:

crazy colorful magic make-up powder my cousin and I bought at the mall. age:14

long black fancy gloves from Homecoming dance seenyuh year (amongst my two necklaces and red bangle from other attended dances). age:17 and! destined to be worn again because our ward is having a fancy Christmas party. and fancy I shall be.

fake hair ring thing, you know to go over your bun. looks great. My grandma bought one for me and my cousin when she was watching me whilst the rest of the family gallavanted in Spain. age:12 Do you still have yours, Ems?

And in the second draw a slew of headbands and head pieces from my gloried performance years: a Red rose from our Spanish Ballet dance, the red/black metallic headband from "Rhythm of the Night", a white feathery headband from "Let's go to the Movies" etc etc

Underneath the sink:
Pretty girl party pail that I just had to have from costco. Still has some usable supplies age:11

Sponge and Hot curlers--that I am pretty sure go as far back as I do--that were used to primp oh so many times. And in the clear tub containing the curlers two of my favorite childhood bows.

Man. I am glad nobody uses that bathroom so it has never been cleaned out.
It's nice to be reminded that I have always been so cool.

There's a whisker

2010-11-19T21:06:00.003-07:00

on my chin.

I found it today in the bathroom while at work.

It is dark and thick.

and quite unsettling.

I am too young for this.

If I had a camera I would take a picture to show you.

But I don't.

So I am going to go pluck it out now.

If I could go back in time

2010-11-15T16:29:00.003-07:00

to one moment.
I would go back to Fall semester 2009 and sign up for that "Modes of Learning" 1 credit class, which required absolutely no extra work and would have been an automatic A.
And three less hours a week to be devoted to research.

Maaaan. Seeing into the future really would have helped this time.

Still not completely happy with my future schedule but I am getting there.

Everybody's Doing It

2010-11-09T19:50:00.007-07:00

It is just that time of year.
And I have caved.

Today:
I am thankful I got a close parking spot.
I am glad my students didn't drive me completely crazy.
I am so happy I discovered "zoom out" on my web-site displays. It rocks my world.
I am grateful I am sitting in bed with nothing due tomorrow and no test to take.
I give thanks that I like the person I share a room with.
I love that I care about people that care about me back.
I am stoked that the best is yet to come.
I am pleased that I hear my roommate doing dishes (that never happens)
I find joy in the fact that I thought I could start out everything on this list in a different way.
But feel satisfied with discarding that dream and trying it some other time.

As always,
I am grateful for parents who take care of me and love me, siblings who I consider friends, the cutest nephews in the world that I get to snuggle and play with, the opportunity to learn and get an education, the ability to learn and get an education, a place to sleep, food to eat, a car to drive, clothes to wear, books to read and the chance to teach children.

I am thankful that I am currently employed (by five different companies?), that this semester is almost over, that holidays are soon to be here and that I will be a college graduate come May.

Most importantly, I am grateful for the knowledge of a Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ. The happiness and joy I receive from the comfort and guidance of a loving Father and the wholeness and hope gained by the sacrifice and love of His son is something I never want to live without.

Gratitude does good to your feelings.
your turn.

Since I stink at putting things on my blog besides pictures, click here (and watch the video) to get yourself in the thankful mood.

I hate this word:

2010-11-07T15:56:00.001-07:00

Fabulous

Really in the life of a Hay Strand

2010-11-05T10:03:00.003-06:00

My life is so great.

And don't let me convince you otherwise.

Things quite often seem to go my way

and even when they don't they still kind of do.

As I was making my drive down to Lehi to teach my car stopped working.

the gas light/battery light flashed at me and the gas pedal was of no use.

Luckily I was in really slow traffic (on I 215), had a luxurious pull off lane so no one could even bother me and had an hour and a half before I had to teach.

I wasn't even stressed.

After a couple moments I decided to try to start my car to move over to the glorious shade a few feet in front of me.

It started. So. I braved it to Lehi.

Now, I was somewhat predicting this.

But.

I made it all the way to Lehi and the moment I parked on the curb on came those lights and stopped working, my car did.

My life.

Life has become a bit overwhelming with all my commitments and because of this car breaking down I had no choice but to put it on hold, stay in Lehi, and sleep in until 10:00am.

(awww yeah)

I feel guilty.

But in the end.

I had not a choice.

Anyway.

Do you ever feel like your life is like a movie?

I do.

And that is why I haven't lost hope that a super handsome man is just waiting to find me.

Dating is the worst

2010-10-26T12:10:00.002-06:00

For the first time ever in life
I found myself really wishing I could return affection to a boy.
I tried.
but
I couldn't pull it off.
Then I proceeded to be so mad at myself for not being able to like him
and even cried after letting him know that I wasn't interested.
It felt like I was giving up my one chance to have someone around who seemed to really appreciate and care about me.

Obviously that wasn't my "one chance" but sometimes it feels that way.
I, as probably are you, was quite surprised at the intensity of my emotional reaction to this situation but I think these 2 years of complete singleness have taken a toll on me.
And to make things worse, Jess just bought Rory's picnic basket and something romantic is bound to happen.

Dating is the worst
It gets to the point where it seems amazing that sometimes people actually do get together.
So. If you happen to be married to someone you like. Give thanks that you no longer have to trifle with such things as dating.

Life would be boring without emotions. I remember a sister of mine getting very worried about me when I wrote a less-than- happy post some years ago. This is my confirmation that I am just fine. Or will be in the very near future.

New England at its finest

2010-10-20T14:57:00.001-06:00

Photos taken by Mother, Father and Daughter Dalton

I really like my family

2010-10-17T21:59:00.004-06:00

and I am real excited about a having a decent picture of the Dalton fam with everyone over the age of one looking at the camera with eyes open.
I had thoughts of posting pictures from beautiful Boston and other New England sites but I recently acquired some 200 photos taken by the parents.
Looks like it will take more thought and time than anticipated.
I haven't the energy tonight.
But they are coming.
You just wait.

Off to the East you go!

2010-10-09T13:56:00.003-06:00

Headed to the unexplored and destined to be beautiful states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont.
Maybe more.
I am so excited.
Big Headed Moox is throwing himself a 1st Birthday party today
not daring to muck up my travel plans this year.

Should be some go-jus Fall pictures posted in a week's time.

Enjoy your fall break, that is if you go to a school cool enough to give you a 7-day rest period.

fake laugh

2010-09-28T19:54:00.000-06:00

Really wishing

2010-09-24T16:54:00.001-06:00

that Freaks and Geeks wasn't canceled after one season.

and that I didn't have to blow my nose every five minutes. seriously.

awww yeah.

2010-09-21T14:53:00.001-06:00

at it again.

2010-09-17T09:47:00.001-06:00

S- Hayley, do you have a boyfriend?
T- Nope (answering without the usual of-course-I-don't laugh) I am working on it.
S- Do you still go to school?
T- Yup. I am in my last year of college.
S- So, you are probably never getting married.
T- Ooh. I still probably will.
S- Hayley, if you don't have a boyfriend why do you wear a wedding ring? (referring to ring I wear on my middle finger)

Kids these days. Still. Always.
I was overjoyed to tell her I had a crush on a boy.

here's to us

2010-09-15T21:06:00.003-06:00

15 minute ride that killed me

2010-09-11T17:45:00.000-06:00

I rode my bike for the first time in my new neighborhood.
It was a little scary being back on real streets.
I couldn't tell if my hard breathing was mostly due to anxiety or "lack of shape"

After riding down a huge hill into traffic I realized that I never reconnected my brakes to my front wheel.
Yikes.

Luckily I had put my wheel on crooked so my wheel was on perma-brake.
I am hoping that explains the burning thighs
and
my almost heart attack

Three strikes

2010-09-08T22:20:00.000-06:00

and I am out.

and out
you are
of my contact list.

and myyy mind.

Newly Discovered

2010-09-02T22:46:00.000-06:00

I could eat Sunbelt's Oats&honey chewy granola bars all day long.

If you aren't feeling appreciated,

2010-09-01T13:17:00.000-06:00

at least you are getting paid.
Right?

on a side note: Does Aol even exist anymo?

great

2010-08-27T15:54:00.003-06:00

Great!

I think new roommate, Becca, and I are soulmates. We went to an institute carnival after the Twilight concert last night and it was magic. I don't think anyone has ever out-danced me before. (Keep in mind this was not a dance, we just made a spectacle of ourselves. They had music playing, so what did they expect?) I think she loathes social situations as much as I do, but we are both giving it a good and earnest try.

Other roommate, Lauren, made brownies today.

I will be eating the most delicious pizza outside of Italy. Tonight.

I bought the cutest little pig-booties for friend Alise's coming baby girl.

Gasoline fill up has lasted over a week. (Qué increíble!)

oh. thas just Greeeeaaat.

There was about three minutes of pouring rain bliss today. My car was parked at the institute, under cover. So it is still just filthy. filthy.

Textbook I was returning needed to be postmarked by the 23rd. That is a Sunday. Being smart as I am, I didn't check UPS pick up dates/times until the 22nd. They don't pick up Saturday. So even though I have a receipt saying I dropped it off on the 21st. No refund for me. Boo.

I think I am going to really like my (possibly final) Psychology class this semester. It is Engineering Psychology and Human Performance. This is good thing. But there is a possibility of getting a certificate in this area. And. if I really like it, studying it in graduate school. Would've been nice to know a few semesters earlier. Though, I am 21 and could probably save up some money for a couple extra classes next semester, so I guess my argument for it being too late isn't valid.

Oh. Hello Fall.

2010-08-22T22:01:00.003-06:00

I got a sudden-- and much appreciated-- burst of excitement for Fall.

Start school and institute tomorrow.
Started my new ward today (seems real friendly. and good.)
Start teaching at a new studio on Wednesday
and
Start my fully loaded teaching schedule the next week.

Meeting new people even sounds intriguiging, though
you know what I really mean when I say people.

As I am sitting here alone in my apartment (not unusual) contemplating meeting "new people" I am once again reminiscent of all the good'ns I already know. Inspired by K. Rowley's tributes to her friends I think I will take a stab at it, because goodness knows I don't say nice things often enough.

Mi Mamita: My ma is my best friend. I tell her almost everything (I am getting better at keeping some things to myself.) I can't even imagine having another mom, because mine is the bestest. She is about as into hugging as I am, but is good at showing her love and affection in other ways. She is selfless and gives all the time necessary to her family. I just like her. I really do. Seeing my mother sad is probably the saddest thing I could ever witness (and seeing her passed out, the scariest). She is so fragile. I remember one time she was cooking beans on the stove (re-frying them?) for hours and as she was carrying the pot somewhere she dropped them all over the floor and I remember seeing her frustration and my heart breaking. I don't know why I remember that. I was probably only 7. ANYWAY. Ma. you are the greatest.

Mi Papá: My pa is the handiest handy man. He knows lots of stuff about cars and likes to get mad at me about scrapes and dirt on the one I am driving. He is strong and loves to exercise. I remember in sixth grade bragging to this kid that my dad's muscle was like the size of a baseball. Yeah. My daddy works hard at what he does and his entire family has benefited greatly (and still does) from that. It is his birthday today. Happy Birthday, Pa. I am glad you got those golden years when I was still cute and willing to hug you. I am glad you are my dad, I like playing tennis with you (now that I can return the ball) and maybe someday I will like conversing in Spanish with you. Tú eres fantastico, y deseo que el futuro padre de mis hijos es tan bueno.

Mi Hermano Lucas: Luke has got to be the funniest person I know. He is just funny and sarcastic and upbeat which seems like the completely wrong word. But I can't think of the completely right one. He was always so much older than me that I feel like I am only now just getting to know him. It is surprising how much we have in common and how easily we can converse now. Lukey is a considerate husband and a great, fun, and friendly dad. Needless to say. I like him.
Ashlie is so crafty and cute and good at including me in things. Many Sundays were spent at their house when I was first living on my own and I really appreciated having somewhere to go. Ashlie is an awesome mom and is getting so thin!
Coley is my first nephew. We have spent a lot of good times together. A lot of not so good times, but I love that kid. He is adorable. He is so smart and good with his little brother. He runs like a grandpa, jumps soo high (ha.) and loves planets and fruit snacks. Hey Coley, lets play soon.
Max is the love of my life. I dare anybody to find a cuter 10 month old baby than he. I could kiss him all day long, and when I try he lets me.

Otro Hermano Clint: I first started really liking Clint the summer we moved to Cedar Hills. We became friends. I remember driving with him to get paint for our basement mural and taking pictures of him skateboarding. We also had some good bonding time driving down to St. George holidays together as two single people. Clint has got to be the funniest person through written word that I know. He's real good with words. Clint is so good. He is always willing to do a favor for his baby sister and even sometimes opens my car door. He is such a good example and often times has been the reason that I don't give up on men altogether. He reminds me that good young men do still exist.
I don't know Cassie really well. I do know that I like her, she is so friendly and even when she complains she does it in a fun way. I am real glad to have her as part of my family, and I am glad Clint found someone to make him so very happy.
Vinny, hows about you start fattening up and fit into your clothes? We need to become better acquainted, don't we?

And right now I am just going to say, if it isn't obvious already, I like everyone that I am writing about. So I might just stop saying it every time.

Mi Hermana Hannah: Hanny and I have a strange relationship. It isn't the typical best friend relationship that a lot of sisters have though I think at some point both of us have wished we had that. We both kind of stink at talking on the phone and sometimes even talking in general. But every once in a while we have those sweet sisterly moments, that usually consist of laughing uncontrollably at something. At least those are the ones I remember the most. Han has a crazy side that doesn't come out much but I love when it does. I remember not too long ago opening the garage door and seeing her doing a few quick squat jumps on a cardboard box in the back of dad's truck. It was probably the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I don't think Hannah knows that she is one of the greatest examples that I have. I have many times used her as an example in my church lessons. We are very different and deal with situations and experiences very differently but I feel a special connection to Han. She is a good sister and I know she will be a great mama.
Canyon is perfect for Hannah. I couldn't be more grateful that they found each other. I like to talking to Canyon, playing games with him, and eating his cookies and other food creations. He has good taste in music and I feel like we are both old souls, so I like his taste in a lot of things. I really hope I find a man that he approves of.
Bo, right now it is looking like you are going to be a big huge athlete. And that is cool with me. I like your round cheeks and look forward to kissing them again.

Mis Abuelitos Atkin: Such generous people. Such great people. Such fun people. Man. I love my grandparents. I love their stories. I love playing cards and games with grandma. I love talking to my Grandpa. He is so funny. Pine Valley is still one of the greatest places to visit and grandma's biscuits are still some of the greatest things to eat. My grandparents are so generous and give so much love to their family. I am continually astounded at all the things they contribute to their family and the community. I am so grateful to them for all that they are.

Mi Abuelita Myrle: My grandma loves her children and grandchildren so much. She was a dancer and even danced with Ririe-Woodbury back in her day. She always has a special interest in her grandchildren and loves knowing what is going on in their lives. She loves having visitors and has a welcoming home. She knows a lot about her heritage and ancestry and I love learning about that through her blog. I am grateful to my grandma for her constant love and support and I am lucky that I have her around.

Mi Prima, Anna: Anna and I go way back. So far back. She has been my best friend forever. She used to be so crazy, but we still got along great. We used to watch "It Takes Two" every time we had a sleepover. She was the only person I was even allowed to have sleepovers with. They usually happened once a year after her birthday party. Anna is super smart, motivated, funny, crazy, beautiful and good. We are so alike yet so different. We usually OD on each other quite quickly, but some of my greatest and happiest life moments have been spent with her. We don't get to see each other much but it is a given that we are always there for each other and love each other. Hey nanny, good luck with nursing schoo and finding a man to smooch. Good luck with your young roommates. Keep on institute dancing. Stay strong butterfly. Love you.

Chelsea Sweaney: I am continually grateful to my friend Chelsea. We danced together in High School and I can honestly say she helped me make it through my senior year. She always wrote me beautiful notes and treated me with the utmost kindness. At times I felt like she was the only friend I had that really cared about me. She is so supportive and soooo so talented. She is going to be famous one day and starts her journey to stardom tomorrow I think, by moving to Pennsylvania. Girl, I know you don't read this blog, but you mean so much to me.

Jenni Boyle: Jenni is so cute and hip but for some reason often doesn't realize how great she is. She can talk to anybody, and be friends with anybody. I feel bad for Jenni because I feel like she has way too much exposure to grumpy Hayley, but she handles it so well. I am so excited to have a friend I feel comfortable calling up at any time so close to my proximity. Jenni is fun and willing to humiliate herself as well as not feel too embarrassed when I humiliate myself. Jenni is so smart and I believe that when she sets her mind on something she can do anything. seriously. She can. Jenni, I am so glad that my hating you and your California talk didn't last long. I am also glad you grew up from High School so we can be friends.

Sarai Trueblood: Sarai is one of my oldest friends. We met in fourth grade. I snatched her up. (And aren't you glad I did? You know what the other option was.) We were instant friends. We both loved Classic Pooh. Sarai is so hard to explain. Half of the time I don't know where she is or what she is doing because she has lost her phone and is impossible to contact. She is so hip, but without even trying. She has got to be the coolest friend I have. I mean, when people see me with her they probably think I am cool. We have this special friendship that no matter how long it goes without talking or seeing each other I will always refer to her as my best friend. Or as I like to remind her, Best Forevers. And we can always pick up right where we left off. I feel like Sarai is my baby. I feel so protective of her and sometimes say things that she probably doesn't want to hear. But baby, you know I love you no matter what. Even if you have to endure some of my chastisement first.

Megan Child: Megan makes me feel young again. She is my newest friend. Because she is so new I worry more about keeping in contact with her so I don't lose her forever. We were roommates in Spain and she is seriously just a ball of crazy goodness. She is so fun. So fun. I feel like a light feather with her. She is sarcastic, optimistic and good at voices. We play off of each other so well. Time with her is just a hoot. Meggy, tú eres el mejoriiissssiiimmmma.

Hilary Barton: My own little HB. She seriously is hellboy. She is small, adorable, grumpy, sarcastic, sometimes angry and was my go-to friend in Lehi. We watched some sappy and some horrible movies. We rode bikes, went on hikes, and attended ward activities. We fit well together and I even allow her to hug me every once in a while.

As you can see, I have so many good people in my life. And I am certain there are more to come. I am excited about my living situation with Becca Rampton. We are both pretty low maintenance and don't have much stuff. She is sporty and addicted to exercising. She is funny and we get along just swell. yay!

Thank you and goodnight.

Just when you get used to my living with the parents

2010-08-18T17:28:00.000-06:00

I go and move into another place after moving out of the previously mentioned location.

And I finally have me some working internet.
Woot.
and
Boo. to our living room.
How does one make three ugly mis-fit couches, a TV, a fireplace, a sliding door to the deck and an ooold wood dinner table look good together?
Yeah. I don't know.
Help.

No pictures will be posted of my living space at this time.
But. those of you who know me should come on over for a visit.
(once we figure out this living room sitiation, that is.)

Nuther Nephew

2010-08-16T15:22:00.002-06:00

Lil nephew Dalton has arrived!
Go to CC&V's warm blog to take a gander.

I was watching the Cosby Show

2010-08-14T00:46:00.001-06:00

the other day, and found it amusing that they made such a big deal about Theo's Econ book costing $29.
Yeah. a textbook costing even double that would be a dream come true.

I am not normally up this late (latter end of the Midnight hour) but I had to once again make a change to my school schedule (and goodness knows waiting til morning to do such things is a preposterous idea.)

I had to drop my one unnecessary for graduation/major/minor class. because of moolah. I am certainly not complaining because I realize I am extremely fortunate to have my college education paid for
but
sheesh! you know what I found out? They are charging me about $500 extra just for taking upper division Business courses.
That is whack.

we're in love

2010-08-11T23:28:00.002-06:00

Nephews are the greatest thing ever invented.
this is me holding round-cheeked Bo Jones Prusso.

Good to see you

2010-08-07T15:38:00.000-06:00

The loverly Bean family came and saw the show last night.
And! My bestfriendcousin, Anna, surprised me with a visit. and a Beautiful rose.

and I haven't seen you yet New Baby Prusso, but it'll be good when I do.

So tired. (still)

2010-08-05T23:59:00.000-06:00

I am so tired.
Have been since the year 2007, I believe.

There doesn't seem to be an end in sight to my condition,
but I guess it beats being so bored that I am tired.
Right?

I am already excited for the day when I am not spraying my hair black anymore.
(and it is no longer necessary to take unbelievably long showers.)

I haven't anything important to blog about
but I figure you are all sick of looking my last post/advertising scheme.
(OK. we get it, you are in a play. Big Deal.)

So here I am.
Still working at the Gap (maybe not for long?)
Still living in Lehi (for about one more week or so)
Still really single
Still real tired.

Every Drama Queen Needs an Audience

2010-07-29T11:14:00.002-06:00

So.
Lehi City is doing the King and I.
And I happen to be in it. Nope. I am not Anna.
Or anything important. But! I am dancing in it.
So.
If you feel like supporting community theater. Come on down!
You can buy tickets here. But there isn't a chance of it selling out,
So.
You can make it a last minute decision and buy tickets at the door. (Lehi High)
I think we could use an audience.
And it may be your only chance to see me with black hair and possibly orangey tan skin.

(August 6,7,9,11,13,14)

;) Wink!

2010-07-25T14:15:00.001-06:00

Anyone else have feelings of confusion when receiving a wink via text?
Oh, you too?

They are strange.
I have decided I will start ending my text conversations with them.
I like evoking feelings of confusion. And.
As I am pretty sure people wouldn't know how to respond,
they will be great show stoppers.

Megan pointed this out to me :P (crazy tongue-out face) Yeah that is pretty bad too.

A look into my mind recently

2010-07-20T22:50:00.002-06:00

treats. treats. treats. treats. treats.
some other stuff but mostly
treats. treats. treats. treats. treats.

Guilty Pleasures

2010-07-19T20:14:00.000-06:00

I have acquired quite a few of these (Songs. that is. or. these are?) working in Gap Kids.

And now because I am teaching so many tweens, I have given in to buying some of them.
I just hope that dancing to songs they have actually heard before will give them some energy.

Cross your fingers.

Feeling good

2010-07-16T20:44:00.000-06:00

because I just watched this week's episode of So You Think You Can Dance,
and it was pretty dern good.

Man. I love good dancing.

Thanking Parks and Gas Stations

2010-07-15T16:13:00.002-06:00

(and blanket, jamba juice, and sugarhouse shopping center)
for helping my homelessness the past two days feel a little more homey.
By allowing me to:
Drink cold water, eat ice cold ice cream, sip a smoothie, go to the bathroom, browse pointlessly, and lie in the cool shade while reading and relaxing.
I will leave it to you to figure which action goes with which location. Like a game.

(Also thanks to Luke and Ashlie for the couch, though their having a home in Salt Lake City was reason for my deciding to attempt homelessness for 31 hours)

On a side note:
There was a crazy motorcycle man behind me on 1300 E riding a "wheely" foorreeevvverr. It was crazy.

Home-Made Goodness

2010-07-11T13:46:00.000-06:00

At least good enough to wear

Good news:

2010-07-08T13:17:00.000-06:00

- I no longer have to lie about my age. (woot!)

- ¡España es me equipo! and my team won. 

- When I squeezed the pimple on my cheek the puss came out like a streamer of cake icing.  

I wasn't too good at taking pictures,

2010-07-06T16:31:00.000-06:00

but I was good at being stinky and catching an eye twitching virus. and other things.

and I said, "Yeeee-haaaw" alot

2010-06-26T09:27:00.000-06:00

Lately

2010-06-25T22:32:00.001-06:00

I have been noticing dried toothpaste on my face.
I think I (very suddenly and recently) forgot how to rinse and wipe properly.
A tad embarrassing.

Utah, you sure're pretty

2010-06-19T21:02:00.001-06:00

Our President.

2010-06-16T17:25:00.001-06:00

S1 angry -Teacher, she says that he (pointing to her shirt, which happens to have a big ole picture of Obama on it) smokes.
T confused -What? oh...
S2 interjection-like -He does smoke!
S1 defiant -No he doesn't.
T attentive -Well, I don't know if he smokes or not (he does, right?) let's not worry about that.
S1 put out -He doesn't smoke
S2 confident -He does! It was even on live TV!
S3 (to S1) attempt at sarcasm -What are you: the president of him?
S1 attempt at confidence -Yes I am.
T- apparently quite chipper -Alright! Let's start the dance from the beginning!

I pulled(have been pulling) a Katie

2010-06-10T22:21:00.000-06:00

While in Spain, I always laughed when I heard a friend of mine either lying about her age or answering with a... "I will be twenty in... ."
so childish. (don't worry I can say that. for I am about to make fun of myself. you are great.)

Well, I have been doing it a lot lately.

I have tried both tactics and have decided I feel less dumb when answering with the former.
but 21 just sounds a lot better than 20. right?
less than a month!

My new favorite snack

2010-06-08T20:39:00.000-06:00

is cheese and crackers.
a slightly healthier alternative to my old favorite: string cheese alongside kettle cooked sharp cheddar lays.

I have fond memories of eating cheese and crackers before 1:00 church. in the young days.
Alls it took was a wedding reception to remind me how good they are.
yum.

As you may know

2010-06-05T22:31:00.005-06:00

I have become somewhat of a Jane Austen fanatic.
fan is short for fanatic, right?
Having finished all the books I am slowly but surely watching all the movies.

Boooo to Mansfield Park(1999)
it was a real disgrace.
they had changed so much I wasn't sure if I knew the ending

there were TWO kissing scenes!
one woman two different men
absolutely preposterous.

I hope Emma and Northanger Abbey wont disappoint. (once I find them, that is.)

I thought I was mad

2010-06-04T23:44:00.001-06:00

when I had to travel at speed of "55 mph" down I15 because there was "road work"

but turns out mad happens when a four-lane freeway turns into one lane very very very slowly and it takes FOREVER to get home.

My hard heart did soften a little when I saw some workers and a machine drilling a hole.

I thought I was mad when I received all those parking tickets at the Gateway when refusing to pay to park at work,

but really, the true frustration came today when I found a perfectly legal spot. parked in it. and still found a ticket waiting for me.

Moral of the story: giving me an undeserved ticket then sneaking me into a freeway traffic jam is a sure way to make me feel helpless and maybe even shed a tear. I hate to drive. and I hate summer road construction.

kind of like when I used to post pictures

2010-06-02T21:23:00.002-06:00

change of perspective or face

2010-05-19T20:30:00.002-06:00

Recently I have been waking up to about three new puss-filled zits a day.
i don't know why they are coming and i don't like them but
for some strange reason they don't stress me out like they used to.
i think my face still looks fine.

now.
is that grown-up perspective
or do teenage zits really distort your face much more
than they do while you are in your twenties?

or
is it possible I don't mind zits enough these days?
blinded by narcissism?
maybe I really ought to pay them attention.
stress out.
and put a bag over my head.

I just started

2010-05-18T10:53:00.001-06:00

using cruise control

It is pretty neat.
except it doesn't stay on long because there are always a handful of people who don't quite understand the resposibility of being in the left lane.

Remember when

2010-05-16T14:40:00.000-06:00

I was complaining about having too much time on my hands?
Well, I hope not.
maybe I didn't even.
I think I got used to it and was enjoying it,
because when busyness hit me today
I didn't handle it without a couple big long grief-full sighs.
I had forgotten how much my head ached when my days were full with little time and some responsibility.

I feel busyness coming real soon. at full force.
I hope I can handle it
and can continue to calm my mind with "it's OK" "you're OK"
instead of "WHY CAN'T EVERYONE BE AS COMPETENT AS ME!?"

I know. I am awful.

buscando a trabajo

2010-05-12T13:32:00.000-06:00

and it makes me tired.
thank goodness for internet. and in-bed applying.

If you are ever missing Spain

2010-05-09T15:54:00.005-06:00

just whip up a batch of Creamy Asparagus soup
buy a delicious baguette from Kneaders and
eat the Spanish-blessed food with your adorable former compañera de cuarto.

Goodness knows why

2010-05-07T13:29:00.002-06:00

lately I have been hating to get ready if I don't have anywhere to go.

as I type, I am sitting here refusing to put my make-up on until my tentative plans* become real ones.
* the way most my friends are, I consider all plans we have made tentative until they call me the appointed day or even hour. and believe me. I don't do this without logical reason.

I think this is because all I really want to do is go to the gym, but I don't seem to wake up in time to do it before "going out". And as much as I have grown to hate changing my clothes 5 times a day, the worst is putting on make-up only to wash it off, shower, and re-apply it.

my poor eye-lashes having to go through that torture more than once per day

something gross

2010-05-04T09:55:00.001-06:00

the water in my bath tub no longer drains.
I tried to take matters into my own hands and clean it myself,
but the twisty stopper is in the way.

tell me.
Do those pour-it-down-the-drain-and-let-it-foam up-and-clean things really work?

if you are at a loss as to what to say
don't worry
I am sure melon can do it.