tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40276914392541956332024-03-13T20:28:11.820-07:00So here's the thing...The random and varied thoughts of a girl finding her way through the beautiful craziness of lifeHalley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-75553839764867795592015-09-15T23:21:00.001-07:002015-09-15T23:52:13.323-07:00Finding the New Normal<div style="text-align: center;">
What even is normal? A discussion with a friend the other night made me realize I don't know what "normal" feels like anymore. I have said several times over the last few years that things will get "back to normal" soon, like after the divorce was finalized, or once I was back in school, then once I was done with school. I keep pushing back deadlines and waiting for some mysterious force to magically make me normal. Now I don't dare assert that I or my life have ever been "normal" in comparison to the rest of y'all, I merely mean normal FOR ME. </div>
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Now I know this next statement is going to shock many of you, but life doesn't always go according to plan. I know, I know, this is brand new information! You would think that I would have figured this out before now, but, while I have had a basic understanding of the concept before, I am just now beginning to fully comprehend what this REALLY means in my life. I'm currently staring down the barrel of the ever frightening 30th birthday. I have been struggling with this date for the last three years or so, constantly examining where I thought my life would be by now, where it actually is, where it's been, where I want it to go, and how none of those seem to align. Please don't tune out yet, this is NOT a woe is me post. Yes I've been through hell and back but I've also loved and been loved. I've laughed and played, I've sung in Europe, I've danced in the rain; I've held brand new babies and watched them explore this huge world. I have had an incredible life. I have been blessed beyond measure. And I'm just getting started! So why is 30 so damn scary? (Keep in mind that in Mormon years, this is really like turning like 45)</div>
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I have, for as long as I can remember, wanted nothing more than to be a wife and mother. I am neither. To say that my biological clock has been ticking for a while now would be like comparing Big Ben to a wristwatch. I used to say that I would never be able to be truly happy without those things. I know you're not supposed to wait to be happy until XYZ, and I felt guilty, but I simply couldn't imagine a point in my life where I would be okay without those things. I would be fine, I'd get by, I wouldn't mope around as an empty shell, but that there would always be something missing, a piece of me that wasn't complete. As I get older and remain single, I'm realizing that part of understanding the whole "life doesn't go according to MY plan" is to stop looking for and waiting for those things in MY plan that might never happen. I get told all the time that people don't understand why I'm still single, and I agree, I'm AMAZING so I'm not saying that I'm never going to be married, I of course still hope that I will someday be a mother, but I'm loud and can be annoying; I'm opinionated and intimidating so it's not beyond the realm of possibility to say that it just might not happen in this life. And who's to say that even if I should get married, we'll be able to have children. It's not a guarantee, and even if it were, my life doesn't just stop to wait until those things happen. When I was going through my separation, I had several people surprised that I was able to keep up with my responsibilities. But life and the world didn't stop just because my world was crumbling around me. There were still babies to watch and hospitals being built by offices that needed assisting, and friends that needed my help and support. There was still life beyond my plan. The same applies here, but instead of my world collapsing around my ears, my world is incredible. I'm doing what I've wanted to do for the longest time, I'm putting my degree to work. I get to play with lots of different babies and sing and dance and not have to do the dirty work. I can have girls nights and play dates and late nights at work without having to worry about my family at home. (Louie is very forgiving as long as he gets snuggles and treats.) I can travel when my budget allows and continue to perform and do theatre. That will have to do for now. This is my normal for now. Don't get me wrong, should some knight in shining armor come riding up on a white steed and sweep me off my feet, I will happily allow him to impregnate me. But until then, I will continue to sing and dance and play and laugh and be happy. 30 is still scary, (because I'm a 21st century female and we've been told of its horror for years) and I am guaranteed to still have my moments. But I'm a work in progress. This is me. Finding my new normal. </div>
Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-20241819929124249932014-10-08T09:30:00.003-07:002014-10-08T09:30:22.472-07:00My Oxymoron SemesterIt's a weird dynamic being both a student AND a teacher. There are those that look to you as an instructor, a supervisor, a leader, and, in some circumstances, a life coach. To those people you are a teacher, an adult, a grown up who knows things and has power, and they are your students, your pupils, those who expect and deserve GOOD teaching.<br />
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Then the coin flips and you are a student, inexperienced, still learning. You are not yet the grown-up adult, YOU are the one who needs instruction and life coaching. Maybe its not really an oxymoron. Maybe we are all both teachers and students at the same time. <br />
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Don't get me wrong, I've been a bossy pants for most of my life and thought that I should be teaching those around me in my classes. But my role has always been clear at a given time. While teaching private students, I was a teacher. While in class, I was a student. While being bossy, I was still a peer, just being bossy. Now I inhabit both spheres at once. I'm the center section of the Venn diagram.<br />
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At any given point in the day, I am teaching, and demanding respect from my students (though they ARE high-schoolers so the level of success with that varies a bit) while simultaneously being observed as a student.<br />
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Maybe it will be easier at the Elementary School. Perhaps these students are too close to the college kids I've spent the last 4 years with as a mother hen/big sister position. The young'uns will be easier to distinguish as students and I will feel more "teacher-ish"....maybe.<br />
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There's not real point to this post....its just a weird moment. It's messing with my brain.<br />
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That being said, I adore the students at the High School. They are great kids with lots of passion and tons of talent. I'm happy to have had the time to spend with them in what ever capacity I may be.Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-79070527184971850092014-09-13T20:44:00.001-07:002014-09-14T08:23:24.000-07:00I mean, it's not like he HIT me!There are many of you who know my story, there are others still, who do not. It's not something I talk about constantly, and its something I ALWAYS qualify with the statement in this post's title. But if we're being brutally honest, (and why not? This is the internet afterall! ) I was an abused spouse. Its something I used to hate talking about because I felt ashamed to have been in that kind of relationship, I felt ashamed for staying as long as I did after the physical abuse began, and I absolutely did not want people to feel like they needed to pity me or offer me some form of condolences, or HEAVEN FORBID want to discuss it with me. But it has been suggested to me that these are the sort of things that NEED to be discussed so that it doesn't take a video like the one that has been circulating this week to open a discussion about a very real and all too common issue in our society. So here are my thoughts on the matter. This is not so that others will feel sorry for me, this is not to try and validate myself or incriminate my ex husband. This is just an open discussion to show that spousal abuse is NOT a race issue, a class issue, or something that happens obviously or in predictable situations or to predictable people. I NEVER imagined it was something I would deal with, or that I would be one of "those" women who didn't have the sense to leave. I've been told many times since my divorce, "I would be afraid to mess with you" or "I can't imagine you putting up with that kind of thing." If they only knew that I was exactly that girl, the one that made excuses, or accepted blame in the situation, qualified each instance, and stayed far too long in the abuse cycle. So here's my story, do with it what you will, or ignore it, your choice.<br />
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Two days ago marked the 5th anniversary of the time my husband told me he'd run me over with his car and that he wouldn't care. It is the night I consider the beginning of the end of my marriage, a week before he told me we were finished, maybe 2 weeks before the first time he got physically abusive, nearly three months before I moved out, and almost exactly 2 years before my divorce would be final. It is not, however, the beginning of the abuse. In retrospect, I was in an abusive marriage from day one, not physically abusive until the end, but verbally and emotionally abusive. I was not allowed to cry when I was upset, I was not allowed to be depressed, I was not allowed to treat my depression, I was never in control of any facet of our relationship. I walked on eggshells, deathly afraid that something innocent would set him off, like the night I accidently left the kitchen cabinet door open and we went from laughing and snuggling to him slamming doors and yelling and refusing to let me touch him for the rest of the night. Or the night he left me at a restaurant because I left my maiden name as my middle name on my driver's license. And he always fought dirty, he knew entirely too well how to cut to the very core of my being. Like the night he told me he was glad we hadn't been able to have children because he would have hated them if they were anything like me. Ladies and gentlemen, this.is.abuse. I knew it wasn't right, and I knew its not what I thought marriage should be, but I thought that maybe it was an adjustment period or that I was too difficult to live with, or that it was just too much stress, or...on and on. I'd never been in a serious relationship before, maybe this was just what everyone had to go through. I've been in a healthier relationship since then, I've been loved and supported and held while I cried, and I've learned that minor disagreements or, yes even full-blown arguments, can happen in a way where both parties present their side and, in the end, everyone is still happy and loved and holding hands. This was quite the revelation, but what a blessing!<br />
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The first night John got violent with me, he told me he was going to be too late and tired to go to a dinner event with me, so he would just go to the bar with friends instead. He'd been struggling with alcohol issues for several months, something very few people knew about, the extent of which I didn't even understand at the time, so I tried to convince him not to go, to stay home with me. That night he "swore to God" as he held his fist in my face before punching a hole in the door next to my head, before shoving me onto the bed, onto the floor, before, as I grabbed his waist to keep him from walking out the door, he backed me into the wall hard enough to dent the metal cover of our water heater in on itself, and before he cut my lip with his keys as he grabbed them out of my hand and, again, shoved me to the floor. I wanted no one to know. I recognize that I should have let him go, I should not have tried to keep him in the house with someone he loathed so cruelly. He called my father, my mother called my Bishop, and shortly I had two members of the Bishopric, as well as my former visiting teacher, and current best friend, in my living room. There to keep me safe so that John could come back and get a change of clothes and leave for the night. In a later night, he held this over me, telling me that I was so cuckoo (his favorite description of me at the end) that I needed three people to come keep me from going crazy or to protect him in case they needed to essentially exorcise me. There were more such nights, but without backup. I refused to admit it was getting worse, I kept hoping and praying that he would realize what he was doing and snap out of it. He began using sex as a weapon, he would toy with me, giving me glimpses of caring and sweet, but immediately followed by name calling and hate and openly dating other women. He couldn't realize it was getting worse because he blamed me for everything, even accused me of giving myself the bruises he had left when he stood on my foot or pinched my chest almost to the point of making me bleed. BUT HE NEVER HIT ME. For some reason I thought this mattered. I thought, at least he isn't giving me black eyes or bruises that can't easily be hidden underneath sweaters. Sure he called me a slut, but he never <i>hit</i> me. I kept hoping it would get better but it only got worse. To those in abusive situations: IT DOESN'T GET BETTER.<br />
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I don't remember what finally made me move out and get my own apartment, but it happened the weekend before thanksgiving. Most of the stuff I got out while he was at work, but there were a few straggling items that had to be exchanged. During those meetings, he yelled, he threw things, and then as I stood crying at my car, my box of memories tipped over in the parking lot, he told me "I never wanted to fight with you...but you just make me so mad" I thought that by moving out the abuse would stop, and I was certain he'd realize what he had done and he'd take me back. I still wanted him to take me back. He continued to control me, yo-yo'ing me back and forth, saying he'd considered taking me back but that I "pulled shit like this" ie: asking when my insurance would lapse, proving he was right to leave. All the while, he was living with another woman. But he never hit me.<br />
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Five years have passed since our separation, three since our divorce. Despite the fact that he had moved to another state, was living with another woman, and had little to no contact with me, he refused to grant me a divorce. He continued to control me. He has tried as recently as May to control me, to use me and my caring heart against myself. But he never hit me.<br />
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As I said at the beginning, this is not to incriminate John. I have forgiven him, long long ago. I have healed. I have grown. I have learned so much from my relationship with him and with my relationship following my divorce. I've learned about love, I've learned about myself, I've learned that "why don't you just leave?" is not as simply answered as I once thought. And I've learned that he doesn't have to hit to be abusive. If you know someone in an abusive relationship, the best thing you can do is to love them and be there as much as they need you. Do not judge them for not getting out as soon as you think they ought. Continue to be their friend, and try your best to undertsand that it isn't as black and white as we all wish it was.Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-59675990500898212042014-07-27T19:05:00.001-07:002014-07-27T19:05:09.144-07:00Screw You, I'm Awesome!first of all, 10 points if you can name the source of this post title (ya know, other than the fact that it is my life motto)!<br />
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Ok so recently I have kind of been dating. It's weird. I don't date. I've never been the girl that dates. It's not that I have anything against dating, I've just never been that girl. Until a couple weeks ago I had never really had a true first date. All of my "first dates" up to that point had occurred with people I was already in some sort of relationship with. John and I were friends that hung out all the time until one night he kissed me...and then we were together. Damon and I were denying the fact that we were actually dating for about 2 months before our first date. And...nope that's about it. So to say my dating experience is limited is, well, spot on. Dating in the MoMo world is, like a thing. Especially in the YSA sector of that world. So, as a card carrying member of that world, I thought I was qualified for my foray into this new experience. But what I have learned as I have dipped my toe in the dating pool is that I understand why people give up on dating. It almost boggles the brain to think that people actually fall in love and get married and are happy and stuff. But they do, I know lots of 'em!<br />
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Examples you request? Examples I give:<br />
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Example A) After talking with a gentleman for several months (online, don't judge) we decided to meet up and go for a date. The date went well enough, and then, complete radio silence...for a week. This may not seem like a lot, but understand that up to this point, we talked EVERYDAY, multiple times a day. I spent the week searching the innermost workings of my being in order to discern just what the eff happened. Blurring over some details I learned that he had been panicked about the fact that I had told him that my girls (4-7yr olds btw) were pretty sure I should tell him to be my boyfriend and had prayed that we would fall in love and get married. At first I beat myself up about not thinking to process that stuff out, but then I realized, screw you! I'm awesome! Not only that, I'm 28, and am ready to be getting married and having babies. I am no longer at the point in my life where empty relationships without direction are worth the time and effort I would put into them. (I'm an awesome girlfriend, as should be obvious). So I've learned that I might come on a little strong but this was CLEARLY not the boy for me. NEXT!<br />
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Example B) A Blind date. Awkwardness is inherent when the first time you meet someone is on a date. So I kept my mind open. We had a good time, talked for several hours, so I agreed to a second date. This date was EPICLY awful. Seriously, it is the stuff that dating horror stories are made up of. Lemme explain...no there is too much, lemme sum up: I planned everything (not a problem, because I am an awesome date) but he was rude, and arrogant, and ignorant...and his dentures and closemindedness prevented him from trying any of the delicious picnic I prepared. It was clear to both of us, that this was not going to lead to a meaningful relationship. NEXT!<br />
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I have no more examples.<br />
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This is NOT a woe is me post! I am a strong and independent and happy person. I'm starting my student teaching in 2 weeks and could not be more excited for the final semester of my degree! I love life! Life is crazy, and mine is like a television show - (but for real don't these scenarios sound like subplot material?) I am continuing to learn about myself and becoming a better person. It's safe to say that I had no idea what I was getting into...and I'm just gonna hang out for a bit. I know that there is a plan for my life that will lead to the best happy ending for me, so I'm not going to fret. Perhaps this is just a reminder to my married peeps, and the future married me, that you're not missing much in the dating world.<br />
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Also, I'm awesome.<br />
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That is all.Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-59774646888628275302014-06-15T18:36:00.000-07:002014-06-15T19:31:18.786-07:00"Something Like That"<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Everyone is posting on facebook their wishes of happy father's day to their dads and expressing thanks or examples of awesomeness to their fathers. My Dad is not on facebook, he'd never see it, he may never see this, But I've wanted to start back on my blog lately and have so many things I wish to express about my father, it seemed like the perfect idea.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxYAZ-xBilH2yP9g2HxrhCg1l2smzy2epqEx20Ps4nBUEBre9Ad4R43EkhYNx3etKk31_MlG2QHVsy1TUHxJLQbVPxZKoA8poE1CskXQ7pzbe8JfbT10-JPn7Yo4J2PdxTc9dEaFTWgY/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Date+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxYAZ-xBilH2yP9g2HxrhCg1l2smzy2epqEx20Ps4nBUEBre9Ad4R43EkhYNx3etKk31_MlG2QHVsy1TUHxJLQbVPxZKoA8poE1CskXQ7pzbe8JfbT10-JPn7Yo4J2PdxTc9dEaFTWgY/s1600/Daddy+Daughter+Date+Night.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">My Daddy and I sporting the same smirk at a Daddy Daughter Dance</span></i></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">First, a few things I've learned from my Daddy:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Life is uncertain, eat dessert first.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Sometimes chocolate chip cookies are the best present.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Projects don't have to be perfect, they just have to work. (The title of this post comes from this idea. anytime Dad is finishing a project he will look at whomever he is with and say "something like that." As if it doesn't matter if that is not exactly how it was planned but it will work and get the job done. No need to worry about the unimportant details)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Sundays are best when you follow this schedule: Church, sunday comics, nap, food, nap. There is a lot of wisdom in this schedule!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Its okay to be a bit nerdy and a lot dorky if you laugh your way through it. Laugh...a lot. But not in a way to draw attention, when you are in the spotlight its best to smirk, stay quiet and let others take the stage. (He and I differ in our approaches here)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Its okay to feel the Spirit and get a bit choked up. Heavenly Father loves us and shows us that love through the spirit and it is wonderful!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">I could go on about his silly songs and long drawn out punny jokes and his Scandiwhovian accent...but I think it would be better to talk about our relationship. I have not always been a Daddy's girl. Not by a long stretch. In fact, there were a few years I didn't KNOW my daddy loved me. That sounds harsh, and I always knew he loved me in that "I am his daughter and you have to love your daughter" kind of way, but I didn't feel like he really loved me, or liked me. I used to sit in heartbreaking silence when my father would drive me somewhere and have nothing to say to me. I thought it was because he didn't like me, he didn't share my interests, he'd rather have been with one of my siblings, etc. But I have realized since then that I simply didn't understand my father's love for me. I remember when I first realized that he loved me. I was in college, and getting ready to go back to school or on a trip or some such thing. (I'm vague on the minutiae) But he was working on something on my car, changing a lightbulb or checking a problem (more minutiae), and then he took the car and got the oil changed, and the tires rotated, and washed the vehicle. And I remember saying, out loud to my voice teacher "My Daddy loves me!" I had finally figured out HOW he showed his love for me. My daddy is not a talker. Never has been. Never will be. The car rides of silence</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">were silent not because he disliked me, but because he was a quiet guy and didn't feel, like his overly verbose daughter, that every second needed to be filled with conversation. He didn't know how to reach out to a crazy, overly dramatic, loud, energetic, teenage girl. But he knew I needed to be safe, and that he could make sure that the car he had given me, (yes yes, I know) was in its best working order to keep me as safe as possible. Since figuring out the different manner in which we manifest our love for one another, I have become a Daddy's girl. Do we have long intense conversations? no. But we can carry on full conversations by making faces at each other across the room while my crazy mom is going on about something. Does he always ask about every little detail of everything going on in my life? no. But he is always there for me when I need my Father's love. He will drive hours out of his way to give me a blessing of comfort before the piano proficiency exam, or to change the flat on my car while I am in class, or to come listen to me sing or perform in a play. And he will listen quietly as I go on and on about the new boy I have a crush on, or my frustrations and fears surrounding new developments with my ex husband. He's quiet, but he's listening. As long as I don't mention bras or sex or any of those uncomfortable situations, he'll put up with it. And we've figured out how to laugh with each other. He's a nerd, and a huge dork, and I love that I finally see that side of him instead of being blinded by my own expectations of what he should be doing. My dad is an amazing man who will do everything in his power, and beyond, to help others. He doesn't verbally express his love often, but he shows it in his constant service and sacrifice. I love my daddy more than words can express. I often blame him for my inability to find a husband, he simply set the bar so high that no one has been able to reach it...yet. Thank you, Daddy for showing me how precious I am to you, and being an amazing example. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Happy Father's Day!</span></i></div>
Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-52292493696446263672012-05-08T19:32:00.000-07:002012-05-08T19:32:29.240-07:00I Shouldn't be BloggingI'll make this quick because it is literally the second-to-last thing that I should be doing on my list of things I want to do. (The absolute last is setting fire to and/or murdering something.)<br />
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It's finals week. As each day ticks by more and more of my fellow students get relieved and exciting with exclamations of "I'm Done!" or "One more and I'm outta here!" For me, each day brings more stress and anxiety and, with that, more procrastination. It is so frustrating to know exactly what you need to do and not be able to do it. This has been my worst semester since leaving Truman. I hate this feeling. I am so disappointed in myself. And, as is par for the course, I blame the ex. He's the only thing different this semester, other than it being a toughie. (And why not take every single opportunity to blame him while I can!?) Its not true. I don't blame him. I blame myself. I'm hoping that the next few weeks of testing, and sleep, etc. will bring clarity and resolution so I can power through these next 12 months. THat's it!! I have exactly one year left - I CAN DO THIS!! Suck it up! Get to work!<br />
<br />
Also, while I have your attention, and since this is one of the safest places to voice this because it has no actual bearing on reality or what is happening...I want a baby. I want a family. ahhh to dream. Ok - Theory final, prepare to be dominated! (or at least survived)Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-82949923905421711442012-04-26T21:29:00.001-07:002012-04-26T21:29:34.483-07:00DoldrumsI miss my OP life sometimes. Like...a lot of the times. This is one of those times....that's all.Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-84399331351033846122012-04-19T16:30:00.002-07:002012-04-19T17:01:17.687-07:00Hello Lovelies!<span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">It's Spring, and oh how I love Spring! So many things are happening this spring that it is often overwhelming and certainly too time consuming to pop on and blog every day....not that I did that when my life was boring but still. </span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "> SO here is the rundown: </div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Italy = AMAZING!! Truly awesome in the literal sense of the word. We, of course did not have enough time but I am grateful for every second we were blessed enough to enjoy. Italy is a gorgeous country, we had beautiful weather, and I got to sing in some gorgeous old churches. Not to mention walking the hillsides and seeing roman ruins. I took approximately 1300 photographs in my 9 day journey. About 300 of them have been uploaded to Facebook should you feel so inclined to peruse. The people there were so welcoming and nice and adorable - yes adorable because so many of them are so very very little. Also the Market in Firenze (that's Florence to you non-world-</span>travelers<span style="font-size: 100%;"> ;) ) is a great place for one's self esteem...so long as you can ignore the fact they are only saying such things to get you buy their goods. I can accept that. Flattery will get you everywhere in my world - just ask Franco who tied my scarf for me, or the man who called me Shakira. We're basically BFF's now. There was some discussion among the cool kids (That's me and my friends) about how we were afraid that some of these great places we'd heard all about and seen pictures of would "pull a Mt. Rushmore" . (If you've been to Mt. Rushmore you will understand...if you haven't then feel free to ask me and I will gladly explain.) We were, however, not in any way disappointed. The David will take your breath away! The Leaning tower of Pisa, does , IN FACT, lean. And you can't help but take several pictures of the touristy type. The Colosseum was incredible and our tour guide filled us in on so many neat little facts I never would have known before - like the fact that it has GATE NUMBERS that would have been carved on their TICKETS. Makes sense....but not what you expect from Gladiators and Chariot races. I could go on and on - but I will not bore you with details...unless you ask. 'cause then its your own darn fault!</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">School - School is kicking my butt this semester. 21 credit hours plus and additional 3 ensembles was not my best choice. I am afraid my GPA might drop a little this semester and I"m trying to tell myself that that is ok. I have to pass these classes....that's all I have to do is PASS. I am told frequently by others that they have faith in me, that they know I am strong and can do this...I fear I may have done too good of a job at faking it these last couple years.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Also - I'm pretty sure that I have some form of ADHD. I'm sure that many of you who have known me for more than, oh, let's say a week?, are in no way shocked at such a statement. I asked my mom if my teachers had ever approached her with concerns in this area, she said that they hadn't approached her but that it was something she'd been suspicious of all along. I have been warned in both my developmental psych class and my overview of special ed class that all people show most symptoms at some point in their life and so to beware of diagnosing yourself. That being said, the more we learn about the may incarnations of the disorder, the more and more it makes sense in my life. Should I be on Ritalin? Maybe. But...</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">OH before I forget!! I am hoping to do my senior recital in October of this year! Can you believe it's already time for that? I've been working on some pretty difficult pieces this semester and am surprising myself (and my instructor) with my progress on them. And of course, I'm excited for some fun theatre pieces as well.</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">(See what I did there? That was kinda funny huh?)</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Damon and I are still together - yes I know many of you think this is weird but it works for us. And I love having a buddy to be lazy and watch movies with. And he lets me sing along to the musicals - even if he hasn't seen them before. That's just good manners! </span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">Louie is doing well. He's been chasing the same fly all day and it is extremely entertaining for me, though I'm sure he is very frustrated. I am slightly worried he is going to break the window in the bedroom each time he slams his nose into it, but he's cute so why ruin his fun?</span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-size: 100%;">This is a very random post - blame the ADHD - but it is time for Institute and if I don't post now I'll never get back to it, at least not before September. SO have a delightful day and enjoy the Spring!!</span></span></div>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-33958425729195057992012-01-24T15:05:00.000-08:002012-01-24T15:26:41.888-08:00Despite Rumors to the Contrary....<span >....I am, in fact, alive. I have not posted here since oh I don't know June? April? 2003? Whatever the point is I'm here now, take what you can get people! </span><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >This school year has been a lot more challenging and stressful than I had originally anticipated but I am surviving and maintain a pretty decent gpa. I moved out of my parent's house at the end of august and into a ghetto-fabulous duplex in Pittsburg. I can not begin to tell you the amount of relief that comes from NOT having a 40mile commute one-way to school every morning at 7 am! That being said, it is suddenly much easier to oversleep than it was before the commute...whoopsies. *Note to self...get your heiny outta bed! </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Being on my own has brought a renewed sense of freedom and independence, and a neediness for my parents when something goes wrong. Last semester was ridiculous! Remember when I said my life was like a TV show and you all laughed like I was kidding? Yeah - days of our lives' got nothing on this! In fact other people told me last semester that my life was like television. I keep hoping that once A is fixed, B can be repaired, then C will be able to be taken care of and certainly D is the last MAJOR issue to come up....but I'm not holding my breath, lest E be a trip to the ER for symptoms of oxygen deprivation. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >For those of you not in the know on the FB circuit, my divorce was FINALLY finalized on September 14, 2011. I am officially rid of the Velasquez name (except on my driver's license - that's next on the list). I am so grateful to be done with that hassle and hopefully the remnants of hassles will be resolved soon. That evening I went on my first date as a single lady. If you think that that was not wasting any time and perhaps too soon I would like to remind you that I had been separated for a full 2 years at this point. Not to mention the man that took me out, Damon, is very sweet and had waited for close to 6 months to do so, respecting the legal marriage. Damon and I have been dating ever since and its fun to have a boyfriend - though I'm certain I'm not very good at it most of the time and I panic over completely insignificant situations. He's very understanding and tries to hide his laughter at my ridiculousness, so for that I thank him. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >This semester is shaping up to be even more crazy than the last so I must keep reminding myself it will all be worth it when I am student teaching next spring! Not to mention all the sweet things I get to do in this craziness including a trip to ITALY on a performance tour with the PSU choirs over spring break. It will be amazing, feel free to be jealous! For choirs alone we have a performance ever month, let me break it down for you in case you feel inspired to attend, or just so I have them all written in one place lest I forget:</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >April 29 - Fundraising concert at St. Peter's Episcopal in Pittsburg</span></div><div><span >March 9 - Spring Coir Concert, McCray Hall</span></div><div><span >March 17-26 - ItalyPerformance Tour</span></div><div><span >April 29 - "Psalmfest" concert at United Methodist in Pittsburg</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >I love to sing so I'm of course excited about all these opportunities but also know it will be a lot of work for my 4 ensembles in addition to my 20 other hours. Okay...deep breath.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >So if I disappear into the ether again this semester, I apologize. They say whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger...so if it's been too long you might wanna come check on me. I might actually have been killed. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >:D Love you all!!</span></div>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-64637616207345914822011-07-05T09:12:00.000-07:002011-07-05T09:49:06.530-07:00Okay, Okay...I Get It!<span style="color:#996633;">I hate when my own words come back to bite me right in the bum. At that point what can you do but accept it and move on? I had one such moment this last week which I ALMOST didn't admit to. I am staying with the Stokes family during my summer in Overland Park and have had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with them for dinner, birthday parties, going to the theatre, and even voice lessons and dance class. After Dance class last week Adelyn (the eleven year old) was commenting that her least favorite part of dance was the stretching. </span><br /><span style="color:#996633;"></span><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"What?! That was one of my favorite parts!" I remarked, remembering that great feeling of warming up and feeling lithe and limber in my younger days. </span><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"But it hurts because she's trying to make us all be able to do the splits." Adelyn reasoned.</span><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"Its a good hurt though. Just think how cool it will be when you can do the splits...ya know, I can do the splits!" I thought maybe the fact that old and chubbilicious Halley could bust out the splits might encourage her to keep pushing through the pain.</span><br /><span style="color:#996633;"></span><br /><span style="color:#996633;">The next day or so as I was doing some studying I read a talk from Elder Richard G Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles entitled "Trust in The Lord." As I read his counsel and advice on where trials come from and how to face them I contemplated where I am in life, how I got to this point and how I could possibly get to where I want to be and then he said this:</span><br /><span style="color:#996633;"></span><br /><span style="color:#996633;">"Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your own disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding and compassion, which polish you for your everlasting benefit. <strong><em>To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain."</em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#996633;"></span></em></strong><br /><span style="color:#996633;">OKAY OKAY I GET IT! My excuses of it hurting, being uncertain that I can handle some of these issues (or at least not wanting to) suddenly hold no water. I am constantly reminded that "Stretching" is one of my favorites...and to think how cool it will be when I can do or be whatever it is I am stretching towards. </span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-68328103365579659952011-05-31T07:32:00.000-07:002011-05-31T08:33:50.373-07:00Oh HI! I remember You!<span style="color:#00cccc;">Surprise! Its a post for Halley! What what what? Its true!</span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">I have started a few posts in the last 6 months and abandoned them due to time constraints or the fact that there was simply too much to talk about and I didn't want anyone to feel overwhelmed--including myself. So now that I am mainly feeling just plain whelmed (I've travelled to Europe so I think this is OK) I thought I would do a quick update. </span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">I finished my first year back to school with mixed success. Nothing below a B but some of the B's disagree with me. But I am not complaining. I am trying not to complain about most things these days because last Sunday as an EF5 tornado swept through the area of my hometown I realized that I have way more to be grateful for than I have thought about in a long time. I am so extremely blessed! My family and friends are all safe. The tornado passed right behind my brother's house but thank heavens he was headed to his girlfriend's in Carl Junction or he would have driven head on into it and I would probably be attending his memorial. </span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">I am grateful for the thousands of volunteers that have come from all over to helpo Joplin dig out. Including the Elephats...yes ELEPHANTS from a circus passing through town that stopped to help move larger rubble and cars. </span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">I am grateful for my amazing friends and those whom I have not seen in a long time. You are all still part of my life and part of my heart.</span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">I am grateful for technology which has allowed me to stay updated and in contact with my friends at home while I am working in Kansas City. And I am grateful to be working and be with my dear friends from my time in Overland Park. </span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;"></span><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend and were able to thank a soldier who has had an impact in your life.</span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-91429740766363365752010-09-06T16:59:00.000-07:002010-09-06T17:47:17.283-07:00Coulda, Shoulda...Didn't...Won't<span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">I had such plans for my "back to school" blogpost. I was going to put a "first day of school" picture from my childhood and take one on August 23rd to commemorate my return to scholarly pursuits. Then I would discuss (as a well-educated college girl) the similarities and differences of my first day of grade school and the one I've just experienced, perhaps a venn diagram would be involved, there's no telling. Sounds positively insightful doesn't it? There are some significant problems with this idea: First, the lack of an easily accessible picture from my "first" day of school. (The use of quotations is significant only to the middle child in me who thinks it bears noting that my traditional "First Day of School" picture actually depicts my first day of first grade, not kindergarten.) I know its in the box of photos somewhere but that's a rabbit hole that always takes you a while to find your way out of. Secondly, I did not take a picture of my first day back to school because I was FREAKING OUT!! The level of anxiety about returning to school may, or may not, have been a little overly dramatic. Also, my mother mocked my anxiety and I can not imagine what asking her to take said photo would have given her in the way of mocking material not to mention what would have happened had my brother and/or father found out. Finally--I did not have the time or energy to do that post justice. It just wouldn't be fair of me to start such an amazing venture only to finish it half-assed because I forgot how EXHAUSTING school can be. Lets discuss that point for a second, shall we? I remember in high school going to school from 8-3 and then doing theatre and debate and showchoir and working and staying up late. Occasionally an early morning seminary attendance was thrown in there. For the last several years I have worked. --Ten-hour shifts at the hospital, more with privacy calls. In OP: 7:30am-1 with 3 girls under the age of three and then 1:30-5:30 in an office of men who acted under the age of 3 --and again, stayed up late on a regular basis. I have, apparently, aged 97 years in the last couple of months. I get up at 6, start class at 8, done by 3/3:30 but am falling asleep by 9:30pm. Aren't college kids supposed to be resilient? Aren't we supposed to be pulling all nighters and out partying til 3in the morning? I really need to be working but I can't imagine where I would get the energy to do so...so I guess its good nobody's hired me? I am obviously not a college kid any longer. I am reminded of this fact each and every morning at 8am when I join the ELEVEN-year-old college kid in my music theory class. Alex is a double major in piano performance and biology. So not only is he mega young, but he's a DOUBLE major...one of which is BIOLOGY. I apologize for the excessive (?) use of capitalization but I feel these points bear stressing as much as possible.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Other than that, school is good. Two weeks in and Halley's pulling Straight A's! WHAT?! yeah! Also I made both the small ensembles I auditioned for (one of which has me singing alto--yikes). I haven't quite reached the panicked-overwhelmed-feel-like-committing hari kari-stress yet so I'm looking forward to that! I am in percussion techniques where I learn how to play/teach percussion and, it turns out, my family was right--Halley is not a good drummer. Good call, Sagengs, Good call. I'm also in string techniques (I bet you can figure out what that class is for) and so far it's fun but I have to keep my fingernails short because Ms. Giray says they aren't just mine anymore--they're hers. At least the four that I place on the strings. She says I can keep the others long, So I'm considering that as my next fashion look. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">I'm glad to be back in school and am adjusting back to student life. I've realized how vastly different the music program is from theatre and feeling like I may, actually, be prepared for my life beyond. Here's hoping!</span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-69966923028928042992010-08-10T08:09:00.000-07:002010-08-10T13:13:25.649-07:00Hey Remember That One Time?<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Remember 2 years ago when I got married? What a difference a couple years can make eh? I am grateful to have had the time I had with Johnny and know that I will always have good memories of those short few years. I am also grateful to know that life isn't over because we didn't work out. I had an awesome opportunity to travel west last week and witness the marriage of two of the most amazing people I know, Ryan and Jannali! Looking at them reaffirmed my belief in the marriage ordinance--Jannali looked SO gorgeous and they were obviously SO happy and I know they are SO going all the way!! I was so blessed to be able to celebrate with them and see some great friends I haven't seen since my own reception. How awesome to be able to see these people 2 years later and not feel like a week had passed since then! I was also able to get some prayers and questions answered in attending the temple with my mom. I filled out divorce papers and delivered them to Johnny's parents for him to file. I don't know that he will follow through on it but I have done my part and it is on him til December. I got to spend some quality time with my nephew, Tristan. He has changed a bit since John and I used to babysit when he was a little turtle baby. I have been deemed Auntie "Ha" Halley is difficult to say (Even for many adults) and making him laugh is the funnest thing I can think of so I will take it!! It was quite the week Were there times that sucked the big cahones? Why yes, yes there were. Was it all worth it? You bet your sweet bippy it was!!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni7_8Tp2knU8bnXw5b5D__iQarM9zE1lMnAACM4It7Ygs5TENHmpgjWhU5MqCupxMlbDo1znY4PXE6-e_Cisg4cge41cua2mjXGvxp9Z9JpC7jiJQ0D4UTCUxuqxJDbKPhYqi8SfrF9g/s1600/Road+Trip+6+%28Mom+%26+Hal%29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjni7_8Tp2knU8bnXw5b5D__iQarM9zE1lMnAACM4It7Ygs5TENHmpgjWhU5MqCupxMlbDo1znY4PXE6-e_Cisg4cge41cua2mjXGvxp9Z9JpC7jiJQ0D4UTCUxuqxJDbKPhYqi8SfrF9g/s320/Road+Trip+6+%28Mom+%26+Hal%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503875118075165618" border="0" /></a><br />Mommy and I hitting the Road. In Coordinating outfits, of course!<br /></div> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /> <br /></div> <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP6_8qc6TaS-xZg81YpiQPBF6wfTF6H-DpSRTX39_hFthQHoop-U_NW2G0Ae4M5ZiMY1T8Lrjly8ZA4GbHvc23lkOkwOKUsjL6LoUlK7saEg1yVBLH6lXrS1IxmkqhP0BBEMfraAbMjQ/s1600/Reception+13%28K%26H%29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmP6_8qc6TaS-xZg81YpiQPBF6wfTF6H-DpSRTX39_hFthQHoop-U_NW2G0Ae4M5ZiMY1T8Lrjly8ZA4GbHvc23lkOkwOKUsjL6LoUlK7saEg1yVBLH6lXrS1IxmkqhP0BBEMfraAbMjQ/s320/Reception+13%28K%26H%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503872776053276034" border="0" /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kimber Sue and I at the reception of the year! Can't wait to be her fake lesbian wife in Wyoming! HAHA<br /> <br /> <br /></div> <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvs79Gc-oJxsF0EsIBGnKEvbpT_LSoN9euhDuy2GCCT4eP2ZE2bk80uUvIk7Yk8G_ASJF8pTODFBTue5jh45OyIsX20OltnLIVQh1hhDa4UvU8sRtCiADEO5CImPkClbw_i-LmsMpywg/s1600/Reception+3%28A%26H+Models%29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvs79Gc-oJxsF0EsIBGnKEvbpT_LSoN9euhDuy2GCCT4eP2ZE2bk80uUvIk7Yk8G_ASJF8pTODFBTue5jh45OyIsX20OltnLIVQh1hhDa4UvU8sRtCiADEO5CImPkClbw_i-LmsMpywg/s320/Reception+3%28A%26H+Models%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503868855657275890" border="0" /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Andrea and Halley are pretty much models! So Hot right now!<br /> <br /> <br /></div> <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wp5EPYRSMKMHqIvgZIFAXKzSVX5yQBWrdL9uzVigp_HwUAz3O6371nKHr_tL19Rjqq3wFpyMpmtIyPs1lNfXAsK3z49Zqywer1eaJ9W3f7qke5RBD5AR9EvuFjadF-52WBQd-Hb0OHU/s1600/Tristan+4+%28w+Aunt+Ha%29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0wp5EPYRSMKMHqIvgZIFAXKzSVX5yQBWrdL9uzVigp_HwUAz3O6371nKHr_tL19Rjqq3wFpyMpmtIyPs1lNfXAsK3z49Zqywer1eaJ9W3f7qke5RBD5AR9EvuFjadF-52WBQd-Hb0OHU/s320/Tristan+4+%28w+Aunt+Ha%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503868452437540914" border="0" /></a><br /> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">My Wiggly lil' Nephew, Tristan and his Auntie Ha!<br /> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcORvEw2npBCISyiZVl6vMtFH93wZUUqwN57pkkuYrOlaKiV8s3qyMskXdZzif9kJg2QdQTByeNI8wPNzErghKXZpQ4482pSGna_dVbp-tbUWJtdMPyYcbOJQtQePma8RVEJshQtFGYRY/s1600/Ceremony+6%28Mr%26Mrs%29.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcORvEw2npBCISyiZVl6vMtFH93wZUUqwN57pkkuYrOlaKiV8s3qyMskXdZzif9kJg2QdQTByeNI8wPNzErghKXZpQ4482pSGna_dVbp-tbUWJtdMPyYcbOJQtQePma8RVEJshQtFGYRY/s320/Ceremony+6%28Mr%26Mrs%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503867994701239250" border="0" /></a><br />The Totally Gorgeous Bride and Groom. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!</div>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-82196995919450703512010-06-30T10:12:00.000-07:002010-06-30T10:14:10.787-07:00Never Trust a Skinny Chef<div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">My father is a subscriber to this belief system and so, as the resident chubster child, I made a tasty dinner for Father's day last week. I've had requests for recipes (because they were both delicious and healthy--don't tell Daddy) and I took some pictures to show off my kitchen adventures so as they say in Bud Light commercials: Here we go!<br /><br /><br />I made these Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing the night before so Daddy could have them before church. They were SO good! At 120 Calories a piece you can afford, as Dad chose to do, to eat 6 before dinner!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9N0WjI_WmFQK_SkmKTphLF-sY0nZmNhPpJ184oLaHoXwbE8jJRHI-RtaURLGbiOZxKp0IqZIHhY0I63poYBekr5-iOAmQllghk4bPWHc2hUXAH243NiHpDgcGm1byWFtp2XvrKxvPU0/s1600/cinnamon+rolls.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9N0WjI_WmFQK_SkmKTphLF-sY0nZmNhPpJ184oLaHoXwbE8jJRHI-RtaURLGbiOZxKp0IqZIHhY0I63poYBekr5-iOAmQllghk4bPWHc2hUXAH243NiHpDgcGm1byWFtp2XvrKxvPU0/s400/cinnamon+rolls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488604661752626946" border="0" /></a>It is not a very difficult recipe but it takes up some room so click <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=733629">HERE</a> for the link if you want to try it yourself. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVyPMNoKuH7Hciv-oAxBFhJP-ObLjrvwSiSbWTrhsB50RngYUYbYWiqzMW9ESK1-O-3g7WExkyeDuZdeKPcOZoXfLD6ojH1cvu2bBAxqhshCsZOF7JamtygfbpbBJqvkDbIGfX211GaM/s1600/cinnamon+roll+1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVyPMNoKuH7Hciv-oAxBFhJP-ObLjrvwSiSbWTrhsB50RngYUYbYWiqzMW9ESK1-O-3g7WExkyeDuZdeKPcOZoXfLD6ojH1cvu2bBAxqhshCsZOF7JamtygfbpbBJqvkDbIGfX211GaM/s400/cinnamon+roll+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488390421536728546" border="0" /></a>They look a little messy in the pan but as you can see in this shot, it's just their amazingly delicious cinnamon ooziness spreading its love across the pan. I could eat one right now!<br /><br />For dinner I made grilled round eye steaks (a delicious and healthy option when it comes to steak), fresh snow peas steamed from Mom's garden, baked russet potatoes, and these next two recipes.<br /><br />I started with a baked version of the delicious-but-disgustingly-bad-for-you Onion Blossom. Instead of one or two JUMBO onions I did a medium/large onion for each person so it was slightly more labor intensive and I think had a little more breading than normal (I blame my mother for my math issues in quintupling the recipe). If you're good at math or are just going to follow the recipe, click <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/chew/chewdetails.php?isid=1469">HERE.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CRhYT65133B75Ep_4vdUkIvnXoTtrWssxTtXiQ8NCIWSHrKDXlEQkSP6bvGOh1G0qW-t1ZuA2INKInjFs8IXezTSbSXrr68S4S0THV-zbYc9yS0Lc4_sIPj3JSJHkp2wkacg-XtHG5w/s1600/Onion+Blossom.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CRhYT65133B75Ep_4vdUkIvnXoTtrWssxTtXiQ8NCIWSHrKDXlEQkSP6bvGOh1G0qW-t1ZuA2INKInjFs8IXezTSbSXrr68S4S0THV-zbYc9yS0Lc4_sIPj3JSJHkp2wkacg-XtHG5w/s400/Onion+Blossom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488394831797995554" border="0" /></a> It was pretty good. DEFINITELY make sure the onions are dry before putting them in the egg wash or you will get frustrated! I also upped the calorie count by dipping mine in light ranch rather than the fry sauce they suggest.<br /><br /><br /><br />And now for the piece de resistance: <a href="http://community.tasteofhome.com/forums/t/722828.aspx">Key Lime Mousse Pie!</a> No messing around here. This is the recipe everyone actually wants so I'll put it right at the beginning of my spiel so you don't have to read any further if you don't want to. If you choose not to read on, my tip for this recipe is make sure you have a deep pie pan. Mine was a bit shallow and nearly over-flowed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgC4ksc6vgGKONIknqZ5azwg_7lIL6ZTGy8wkzcnMa-kHA_bBL6r9itSsY5fnQtF29LEGwAdPI3ZarkRIXZfua76sMaglf9_3kvXVElJ3EE7BMo1C3T8czszeeCO-5XIihdiwKX2XNqo/s1600/KeyLimeMoussePie+Whole.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 357px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgC4ksc6vgGKONIknqZ5azwg_7lIL6ZTGy8wkzcnMa-kHA_bBL6r9itSsY5fnQtF29LEGwAdPI3ZarkRIXZfua76sMaglf9_3kvXVElJ3EE7BMo1C3T8czszeeCO-5XIihdiwKX2XNqo/s400/KeyLimeMoussePie+Whole.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488392354695943394" border="0" /></a>Food is an experience for all senses so I tried to make it pretty. We sugared some fresh limes---just make sure you eat those before you dig into the pie. Afterwards its a bit...tart. We spruced it up a bit for Daddy (and the rest of us) by garnishing with Reddi-Whip. But hey, at a miniscule 15 calories per serving--so worth it! If you do choose to reddi-whip it, do so just before serving. We did ours earlier and just put it back in the fridge and the whip melted. (Bummer we had to add more...hehehe)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvo08fx8LXDGVzsyhAqRHBFpcI6VGpKc9tC-DY3Avc_5tBhyphenhyphenAMdfYqtRGY76Q0RdOHK5ipFG0KvX_FhHIz_zpNLgONTyRRz5JHg0I4dWkYuQ77_D5BfIYvr-VyheP97P0qEsqsNUWQZs/s1600/KeyLimeMoussePie.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvo08fx8LXDGVzsyhAqRHBFpcI6VGpKc9tC-DY3Avc_5tBhyphenhyphenAMdfYqtRGY76Q0RdOHK5ipFG0KvX_FhHIz_zpNLgONTyRRz5JHg0I4dWkYuQ77_D5BfIYvr-VyheP97P0qEsqsNUWQZs/s400/KeyLimeMoussePie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488392878942620354" border="0" /></a>This is 1/8th of the pie which is equal to one serving. Without the added whipped cream it is only 88 calories. That's no pansy skinny girl slice of pie people, and it is only <span style="font-weight: bold;">88</span> calories. The pie itself is only <span style="font-weight: bold;">1 </span>weight watcher's point, with 4 Tablespoons of reddi-whip it is still only 2. So delicious, so crave-able, so easy and equally easy on the waistline.<br /><br />Sorry for the wait! Hope its worth it and with some of these recipes, I'll soon be untrustworthy as a chef. :D<br /></div>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-40842997336680715422010-06-11T13:05:00.000-07:002010-06-11T13:16:32.163-07:00Journeying On<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I often wish my life was like an episode of Glee...that when the moment called for it I could bust into an awesome version of "Don't Stop Believing" or the classic "Ice Ice Baby" and yes, occasionally "Poker Face"--don't judge! Even without the back up band and ensemble and with a somewhat lacking production value, I try to live my life as a musical (or at least with a killer soundtrack). Songs particularly fitting with my life at the moment seem to find their way from chaos and into a loop in my head. This does not annoy me--I apologize if it annoys you when I randomly start singing along with the non-existent-in-reality background music. One such song has brought itself to my attention today. I can't tell you the last time I actually heard this song or watched the beloved cartoon musical for which it was penned, it just was something my life needed today. Ignore the part about the past--that doesn't make sense, I am not a amnesiac princess who was abandoned by her family (though what a blog THAT would make!)--but focus instead on the references to future, family, and the journey. One step at a time...its playing in my head right now! Do you hear it?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Heart, don't fail me now</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Courage, don't desert me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Don't turn back now that we're here</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> People always say</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Life is full of choices</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> No one ever mentions fear</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Or how the world can seem so vast</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> On this journey...to the past</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Somewhere down this road</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> I know someone's waiting</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Years of dreams just can't be wrong!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Arms will open wide</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> I'll be safe and wanted</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Fin'lly home where I belong</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Well, Starting now, I'm learning fast</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> On this journey...to the past</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Home, Love, Family</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> There was once a time</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> I must have had them too</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Home, Love, Family</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> I will never be complete</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Until I find you...</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> One step at a time,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> One hope, then another</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Who knows where this road may go</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Back to who I was</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> On to find my future,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Things my heart still needs to know</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Yes, let this be a sign!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Let this road be mine!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> Let it lead me to my past</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> to bring me home...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> At last<br />-</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Journey to the Past from Anastasia</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><br /><br />PS~If you were able to read that and NOT sing along, you might be heartless and we probably can't be friends. LOVES!!</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"></span></div></div>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-9632560742415854342010-06-02T17:57:00.000-07:002010-06-02T18:17:31.974-07:00Moved<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0); font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Hello dear blog-following friends and welcome to any random blog-stalking visitors. I have successfully moved...again. This makes #6 since moving to Utah in August of 2006. Yep, 6 in less than 4 years. Originally I had planned on working and getting an apartment soon but I just don't think I can move again for a while. It is a bit of an adjustment to move back home after being with roommates, then your husband, then just you and your dog. The amount of time spent half dressed or running to the other room for something in just your undies is cut down considerably. I'm 24....not ancient by any means but definitely not a spring chicken (trust me...my mom has some 85+ spring chickens and other forms of fowl.) But I think I may be just a little too old to be living at home. At least without some serious readjusting. My mom is my best friend. I've been saying this for years and I think its very true. But we need to learn how to live together again. I've been here quite a bit the last several months since I lost my husband and its always been great. However, after more than just a few days, with stress (plus heat and humidity) high I've come to the realization that just going home and being by myself is not as easily achieved. I may or may not have had a minor break down in an argument with my mother, Sorry Mommy. I locked myself in my bedroom for several hours just to be alone and contemplate how, for someone who HATES to be alone, I really needed alone time then. I am sure that, when I get a job, things will be much better. And once the remainder of my stuff is no longer in the living room. Also, poor Louie is very confused. He has been almost as clingy if not more so than when I first got him. And the country bugs are doing a number on both of us! I pulled 6 ticks off him last night and another 8 this morning before deciding I don't care if its a week early and giving him his medication. The mosquitoes think I am particularly sweet and I have countless bites to prove it. I wish I had a monthly treatment I could rub between my shoulderblades and tail that would keep from being snacked on. Other than trying to settle in and unpack, I am trying to find a job. I've had a few nanny-position interviews. One of which went very well and one of which was super crazy ($60 a week for 40+ hours?) and I have another tomorrow with another music education major from Pitt State. Things could go well there! Mom just invited me to go get Shake's with her using the quarters from Daddy's change jar. Yes thank you! Y'all have an enjoyable summer evening. Frozen Custard here I come!</span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-74944683289606080662010-04-04T15:46:00.000-07:002010-04-04T15:54:27.888-07:00Damn My Morals!<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">Oh the life of a pretend TV Star! The plot thickens as our heroine faces, yet another, something new and unexpected in her life. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">I don't know if it was sheer happenstance, a test, or a reminder of what I want and need in my life. Maybe it was a bit of all three: a chance meeting that tested my strength and morals and eventually reaffirmed what it is I need. Or maybe it was something else I needed: a reminder that someone finds me attractive and desirable given the recent news that I have been replaced. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">I stuck to my guns....after a week or so....and said NO. I know a lot of people probably think its too soon for me to have this drama (myself included sometimes). But my would this show be boring without a hot guest star to spice things up a bit? </span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-6327234350490294882010-03-29T20:04:00.000-07:002010-03-30T12:03:27.560-07:00In A Holding Pool<span style="COLOR: rgb(0,102,0)">I got an email this week from the music department at Pitt State telling me that, though not a current scholarship recipient, I am currently in a "holding pool" for scholarship money. To help me feel better, Dr. Fuchs included in the letter that there were 15 people they could not make any offer to at all. So--I'm better than at least 15 people but they're not sure I'm good enough to give a scholarship--though after renewing current scholarships and allotting money there, they may have some to share. That would be awesome! Even just $50 a semester would help--and if I'm given a reward now, it can always increase. STILL crossing my fingers and saying my prayers!<br /><br />But it got me thinking...I feel like I'm living in a holding pool. I haven't moved yet, I haven't started school, I still have lots of work to do before I go....but I know I'm leaving, and a part of me already has. I am in a giant transition stage--but there is no transitioning taking place yet. Divorce papers are not filed, but I've already been replaced. I'm not single...yet I'm certainly not married. I don't live in Carthage, but I don't really live in Kansas City anymore either. I also realized that by the time I'm in my next apartment I will have moved 7 times in the last 4 years. Given how much I despise moving, I'm not sure why I thought all this was a good idea.<br /><br />Oh life! No? I sometimes think my life would make an awesome TV show--because seriously, you can't write some of this stuf!!<br /></span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-72107381392097358022010-03-22T17:38:00.000-07:002010-03-22T17:59:42.953-07:00New Take On Life!<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Happy 2010! I really did start a post in January, and thought about continuing it several times after that but just could not bring myself to make all the changes I needed to. But here I am! Most of you are aware of what's goin on in my world by this time. If not, the new look and the previous post should give you some insight. If you're still not sure, thank I'm not quite sure what to tell you. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I have officially been in Kansas for a full year. It is amazing how much the world can change in one little year. Other than the state I live in, I can't think of a single thing in my life that hasn't changed this year. For the most part I'm good and am able to stay positive and look forward to the new things in my life. There are those days when I'm not so good and I get knocked back a notch or two. Some of those days I let myself stay in bed, some days I make myself get out and work on something. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I know there is a plan for my life that will, in the end, lead to the most extreme happiness I can imagine. I'm looking forward to that day!</span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-64089027859276045642009-12-27T06:47:00.000-08:002009-12-27T06:50:46.782-08:00I love this Song!I've always loved this song. It's from the show <span style="font-style: italic;">The Last 5 Years. </span>I'm not sure if I still love it or hate it a little for its accuracy...either way. Here it is for you to enjoy. If you get a chance you should you tube it and give it a listen. SO GOOD! Thank you Broadway for, once again, understanding my life and explaining it so well!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jamie is over and Jamie is gone</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie's decided it's time to move on</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie has new dreams he's building upon</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> And I'm still hurting</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie arrived at the end of the line</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie's convinced that the problems are mine</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie is probably feeling just fine</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> And I'm still hurting</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> What about lies, Jamie?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> What about things</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> That you swore to be true</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> What about you, Jamie</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> What about you</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie is sure something wonderful died</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie decides it's his right to decide</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie's got secrets he doesn't confide</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> And I'm still hurting</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Go and hide and run away</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Run away, run and find something better</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Go and ride the sun away</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Run away like it's simple</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Like it's right...</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Give me a day, Jamie</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Bring back the lies</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Hang them back on the wall</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Maybe I'd see</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> How you could be</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> So certain that we</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Had no chance at all</span><br /> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Jamie is over and where can I turn?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Covered with scars I did nothing to earn</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Maybe there's somewhere a lesson to learn</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> But that wouldn't change the fact</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> That wouldn't speed the time</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Once the foundation's cracked</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> And I'm</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Still Hurting</span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-24909676607172465392009-09-17T20:03:00.000-07:002009-09-18T06:44:42.693-07:00Then Again...Maybe Not<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">*EDIT* I don't know how that sentence got moved up in the paragraph but it's now fixed and will hopefully make a bit more sense.**</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">I thought I'd get on here and post and everything would flow. But nothing is coming out right. I'm not in the right frame of mind for blogging....or much else for that matter. I feel jaded and I don't like blogging my naval for all to inspect.</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">However, it is official. After living in Kansas for 6 months, I have a job. I've been temping this summer with the same project management company as this spring. I left for two days for our anniversary and the office exploded. I made myself indispensable (hooray?) So they have bought out my contract and I am now a Murray Company employee. Maybe now I'll get a work email and a contract manager log in other than Temp? i will also be nannying part time for a couple in the ward. She's a vet so starting next week I will have 3 girls (3yrs, 18months, and 7 weeks) for 15 hours a week. I'm excited....and a littletrepidatious. Maybe it will get rid of my baby hunger. (*cough*doubt it*cough*)</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">So there is good news in our world right now. Sometimes its hard to see the roses for the thorns. </span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Now is the time I would typically vow to be better at posting and set some imaginary deadline for my next foray into informative, cheery ranting. But I know its not likely that I will get back to that point soon enough. So please excuse my hiatus from the blogging world. I will post again eventually.....probably.</span>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-17396389030123797652009-07-07T10:09:00.000-07:002009-07-07T10:12:17.118-07:00I have Not Forgotten YouI promise....I've not forgotten you my dear blog world! No my life hasn't been boring...but it's not been over the moon exciting either. I've been working a temp job for the summer and haven't felt like jumping on to blog as soon as i get home. I have to finish my Heritage Makers Book by FRIDAY --Eep!-- so all my computer time is devoted to that...but then I'll be back. I promise you! Don't cry for me!...ok you can go ahead and cry a little!Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-47700364267467782009-04-24T12:19:00.000-07:002009-04-24T13:06:38.219-07:00A Note on Drowning<strong>I am pretty sure that if you live in the midwest you have to love thunderstorms and I am no exception! I was so excited driving to my parents' house Friday (Yes a week ago I realize) because we were in for some storm action. I think my parents' house is perfectly situated because they seem to get the most excitement out of thunderstorms. Saturday started out sunny and gorgeous and then it started to sprinkle so we decided to do our gardening inside. It was probably the smartest we've been because we were hit with TORRENTIAL downpours. This post is all about the aftermath of that storm and the hilarity that ensued.<br /></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCibBQuLdU1HVu_mQ1AfzxtouGH9UALd2nzGE2sroxdftaLgAUHIvwGgHJ6pNRYbHr3p-nuCL7RLWaHumiApWqEkKW4RovfPywe4wHJZVNlsM7oJ6atAjZ0nayGM7npi8Y5KQYiUVyLI0/s1600-h/drowning+garden.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328341106253343810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCibBQuLdU1HVu_mQ1AfzxtouGH9UALd2nzGE2sroxdftaLgAUHIvwGgHJ6pNRYbHr3p-nuCL7RLWaHumiApWqEkKW4RovfPywe4wHJZVNlsM7oJ6atAjZ0nayGM7npi8Y5KQYiUVyLI0/s400/drowning+garden.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><strong> That is the plot of land my mom has tilled to use as her vegetable garden (Quite a bit bigger than my "mobile garden"). You can see the standing water on the mud and in the yard. There were spots where I was standing in probably 8 inches of water. Ridiculous. Mom's original goal was to get her seedlings into the garden that weekend...good thing we didn't get it before the rain.<br /></strong><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEpnOvaUNKLlAG1RSx9teJsh4ZHREMkTffEO2Gm8hfi9NCrU0d8NBHJXlRdyRM0HvLMQil_iIVFKo8_T8rzeuREiOfx64-Yg3Xt0hKVVj_SdrEdCi4lg_uQUShoWhPQIiksAs-7_neiU/s1600-h/screwdriver+3.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328341104965938418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEpnOvaUNKLlAG1RSx9teJsh4ZHREMkTffEO2Gm8hfi9NCrU0d8NBHJXlRdyRM0HvLMQil_iIVFKo8_T8rzeuREiOfx64-Yg3Xt0hKVVj_SdrEdCi4lg_uQUShoWhPQIiksAs-7_neiU/s400/screwdriver+3.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><strong> The storm came in from the south and came down so hard that the little hole in the window was not big enough and the window sill was filling up with water. I didn't get a picture of my mom draining it--she used a turkey baster and a flower vase...I couldn't get my camera I was laughing too hard. So this is my dad drilling another hole fore the water to escape through. </strong></div><div><strong>(Side note about my dad's right hand: the vicious neighbor dog was attacking our dog, Junior, dragging him on the ground by his ear. Dad tried kicking and pulling but nothing was working so he punched the evil beast on top of the head. Dad broke his hand...the dog was unfazed.)<br /><br /></strong><div><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328340609501233570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 379px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfccbYlJybZbMlgdLqMWdQyo-a1K4LrL0Y7GOWnndI5pK8aSyOop5f_-hURVP8pAlPrJWtzjAe3rQd9Ed_NLNSuh_C4Q7wuHlnLmYKl6ZtHeIzrvPDHUMYbBJTuYJDGrdXFg0KlTV1nk/s400/screwdiver+1.jpg" border="0" /></strong></div><div><strong>Before dad could actually use the drill, it had to charge but the battery was stuck on the drill . This struggle of trying to get the drill apart from the battery with a gimp and a short little redhead went on for about 5 minutes before I came to rescue. I personally love the drill bits in my dad's mouth. Mom was quite afraid that this shot was going to look like a dirty picture...so I'm pretty sure the use of power tools suggests they're not doing something right. Or I fear for my mom's safety. I haven't decided which yet.</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7lDuRAw-L85kLiC2VZJBYorfROpIkX7eivdr0FZqGO0Ho-W98JWYVUBe9Kzx7lBrThXRNJxDzaF753mg4TeUtxHUjQUzXSIaZbNmBvNuFxpyXyh6YJVGrJpCDaHMHxYDNZX9yzOMJVE/s1600-h/screwdriver+2.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328340607148915714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7lDuRAw-L85kLiC2VZJBYorfROpIkX7eivdr0FZqGO0Ho-W98JWYVUBe9Kzx7lBrThXRNJxDzaF753mg4TeUtxHUjQUzXSIaZbNmBvNuFxpyXyh6YJVGrJpCDaHMHxYDNZX9yzOMJVE/s400/screwdriver+2.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><strong>As you can see, my dad had already let go at this point but this picture makes me laugh so hard. Mom is SO ready for the next pull. Her legs are braced in a lunge to absorb the shock and she has her game face on! You may not think it is as funny...but I'm laughing right now just remembering it.</strong></div><div><div><div><div><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328340602510094626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHYkDl-hlBOBD1CI8LX2vK3rH6MYN8E6eO17sR6kM6J7tpk7LTKTSZsDyHEKj6nV_lJpkL1RfBxf92juCyd1VmzL_NMkgXeHyLH-XXY9uaBUZX3N8ISZxDS9r9BxQIcX0FPNTGvValcY/s400/drowning+plants.jpg" border="0" /></strong></div><div><strong>A casualty of the storm. My mom had seedlings ready to go in the ground that had outgrown their seedling pots. Since the ground wasn't ready and my mom is resourceful she moved the seedlings into shoeboxes and set them outside on the patio table...under the edge of the eaves. So with the downpour and the subsequent runoff from the roof (the house has no gutters) the seedlings were lambasted with water. We moved the salvageable ones into the back mud room area of the house and left several outside floated in their own watery graves. Some have succumb to their injuries. My mom was quite upset...so I'm trying to stifle my laughter.</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328340607833902178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28x07O9ZHnvykAYKTQXGJ6rZXyrL2XYOCaZzTNYbb313gTgRYYib8X4HA6bMnVNZSmOcOcy5NggeMXOYKTPA80m09U6dNoViFTzPB0xnDMhDgtve87eG_4u4R5beIv-8wS8WaweKr_Os/s400/drowning+dog.jpg" border="0" /> This is Muffin. Yes, you read that correctly. This monster is MUFFIN or, as my dad calls him, The Muffinator. He was my mom's empty nest dog (she still has not had a truly empty nest except for almost a year while Evan was on his Mission.) All of our other animals can be trusted to go out in the yard, romp in the fields, and return home in a timely manner. Not Muffin. He still has to be on a chain when he is outside. In the chaos of trying to rescue the drowned seedlings, Muffin escaped. For several hours he was having the time of his life running through fields and ponds and storm-made lakes and rolling in the mud. Mom finally chased him down in the car after dinner and this is what came in through the front door. You can't really tell inthis picture but his wet hair curls around his ears and looks like a bad eighties crimp perm. Hilarious. Of course after coming in he had to be snuggled and tried to play the sad puppy for having to be out in the rain. PANSY!</strong></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcdWzq3iVhcoXTFOeTN_JdoLPcw5_-kAfqwWe2-vQR7ZtFLxI-268JzamMzcgNsBkbl6QRassGVeVQpjaXnQ5QaNeHmGg2YBldcti0fltmbuCdp-JTopF3IA6LVeu6dR4SYTwM0xrR18/s1600-h/rainbow+1.jpg"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328340605831590338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcdWzq3iVhcoXTFOeTN_JdoLPcw5_-kAfqwWe2-vQR7ZtFLxI-268JzamMzcgNsBkbl6QRassGVeVQpjaXnQ5QaNeHmGg2YBldcti0fltmbuCdp-JTopF3IA6LVeu6dR4SYTwM0xrR18/s400/rainbow+1.jpg" border="0" /></strong></a><strong> Leaving for dinner we saw this. A perfectly arched bright rainbow. The other end was on the other side of the house. Thank goodness the rainbow is a promise that God will not WHOLLY flood the earth again. I don't think my camera could capture the antics of any more flooding than we experienced last weekend in Carthage, MO. </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div>Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-85375421093552052642009-04-17T10:25:00.000-07:002009-04-17T11:53:10.697-07:00Spring FestivitiesI adore spring!! It is my absolute favorite season. I love the baby animals the new growth on trees and flowers, the thunderstorms, sun, the breeze...EVERYTHING! Johnny and I are going down to Carthage tonight and we'll be back Sunday morning in time to go to church. I haven't been home since the wedding and I'm excited to just go visit for a day. My mom is doing the vegetable garden hardcore this year and she has inspired me. We always had a vegetable garden growing up in Sioux Falls and now that I have a little patio I really want a little vegetable garden of my own. So I'm bringing my seeds and some planter type things (maybe the pails leftover from the wedding?) and she's going to help me get something going. I can't touch what she's doing with her tilled garden and CHICKENS?! but I'll get a little produce for me and Johnny ray to enjoy...hopefully. OH! And I'm going to use her bread machine to make some tasty bread! Huzzah!<br /><br />Malheuresment today started out slightly left of what was planned. Our spare bedroom's bathroom toilet was clogged and overflowed. Approximately 10 gallons of toilet water spilled onto the 3sq. ft of tile and seeped into the carpet. oi. I am so glad we live in a complex where we can just call the clubhouse and someone comes to take care of it within an hour. Granted the first guy showed up with just a plunger, as if I was THAT much of a ninny that I couldn't unclog the toilet myself. So he left and sent over a carpet guy (with preetty narsty BO) who steamed it out and sprayed to avoid mold. Now I get to mop and scrubbed the tile. And then pack an overnight bag, run to target, and wait for Johnny to get done with work so I can go see good old Carthage. Can I get a woot woot?<br /><br />Hopefully I'll get some batteries for my camera so I can get a few pictures of our adventures in the country.<br /><br />OH! I had an interview with ForRent.com and it went really well. I also got a call from the staffing agency and the Law Office wanted to know if I was still available so I may have an interview there. Fingers crossed for a job by May Day?Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4027691439254195633.post-23639278830038601222009-04-13T09:44:00.000-07:002009-04-13T10:09:45.134-07:00Happy Easter Monday!I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! My Johnny Ray had to work so our Easter was rather unremarkable- celebration wise. Of course I am so grateful for the reminder of our Savior's resurrection and the blessing that the Atonement has been in my life. When I say unremarkable I mean no big dinner, no eggs or baskets or chocolate (probably all good things)-no family gathering. I called my mom and was confused at first as to why she was making a pie. <br /><br />In other news: There's really no other news. I did a temp assignment at a construction project management company for 3 days last week. Still no job. A couple more interviews, lots more resumes, and a bucket of stress. We have been very blessed that Johnny has had some overtime and we've had money for food and gas and have been able to pay our bills. We're hoping that by this time next month Johnny's car payments will be straightened out and that will relieve a lot of the financial stress. (NEVER do business with Nuvell- they are EVIL!) I did two interviews with a real estate appraisal office and thought things went very well but I ever heard from them again. I have an interview with For Rent Magazine on Wednesday. Johnny says we're okay and I don't need to stress, but I'm not buying it.<br /><br />I feel silly posting essentially the same thing so I haven't been posting. But I check my subscriptions and for the first time since I can remember, there was no post from Jenny H. I had a little bit of withdrawal and thought I should post so that I can nag her for not posting and entertaining me in my cabin fever extravaganza.<br /><br />Today's To Do List:<br />Shower--woohoo!<br />Find recycling place--recycle<br />Buy Brown Sugar, Garlic and Ginger<br />Bring Timecard in to temp office<br />Get Monday Free Redbox--yay!<br />Send out more Resumes--fingers crossed<br />Call Event Planner for Job Opportunities<br />Make Sweet & Sour Veggie Chicken--we'll see<br />Watch Monday Free Redbox with Hubby.<br />Hope not to go crazy.<br /><br />I'm off to cross out number one--at noon. Sad. Hope you all have an eventful Monday!Halley Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00027591374105966476noreply@blogger.com3