Any takers?

Come away with me in the night 

Come away with me

And I will write you a song.

 

Come away with me on a bus

Come away where they can't tempt us

With their lies

.

I want to walk with you

On a cloudy day

In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high

So wont you try to come?

 

Come away with me and we'll kiss

On a mountaintop

Come away with me

And I'll never stop loving you.

 

And i want to wake up with the rain

Falling on a tin roof

While I'm safe in your arms

So all I ask for you

To come away with me in the night

Come away with me!

 

 

 

I like to doodle and quote Nora Jones lyrics.

Fall Semester 2012

I don't have as many pictures of this semester because I didn't do AS much. But I still had a blast! Here is a little view of my second semester and the completion of my first year of college!

 

 

We "watched" conference together!

 

 

This was a bush on the first day of October. Ridiculous.

 

 

I got to sit in a plane that flew in World War II and is now in the Smithsonian Museum! It was pretty solid. (:

 

 

Yes. 3 inches of snow, on green leaves. Awesome.

 

 

Sorry it is sideways. I am struggle-busing it today. But this was probably the highlight of my semester. Nay. My year! We drove to Blackfoot (in a blizzard) and waited in line for about an hour (in a blizzard). Then we rocked to three of the most amazing performances ever!! I was able to sing along to every song, scream until my voice was gone, dance until I was dizzy, and laugh until I cried on the way home. It doesn't say so on the ticket but Parachute also played at this concert. Parachute, All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls?! I would definitely go again. No hesitation.

 

 

We made Ugly Christmas sweaters for a party.. Man, they were ugly!

 

 

Countless Diet Coke runs with Brooke and Victoria. I'm going to miss these girls dearly!!

 

 

Several Batman marathons.

 

 

That was basically all of the semesters pictures. Sad. But true. I am going to miss my roommates, but great things await us all. Peace out. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One Down

As of today I have officially completed my first year of college. It has been an amazing and growing experience for me. I have learned independence, responsibility, money management, the value of possessions, and I am a very restless individual. I am almost positive that I am not going to be returning to school in the Spring, but instead traveling to Europe. It is something that I have always wanted to do and now is the best time for me to do something like this. I am not in a serious relationship, I have no children and I am not committed to anything at this point in my life. School is great, but I need a break. I need a cultural change. I need a location change. I feel extremely restless and like I am missing something in my life. I feel like that thing is travel. I need more experiences. I really need to see more of the world. I need to spread my wings. I still intend on getting my bachelors degree, but I am not positive as to when I will get it. No plans are completely set in stone, but my heart is aching for Europe and totally rejecting and dreading the idea of another semester.

Face-screen

Technology is so much fun, but we can drown in our technology. The fog of information can drive out knowledge.

-Daniel J Boorstin

  

    When I was younger I was an avid reader. I could read about 120 pages an hour, easy (depending on the material of course). I loved it. I was incredibly blessed to have an overwhelming abundance of incredible literature at my fingertips, an outstanding educational upbringing, as well as an amazing set of parents who gave me opportunities on end to become exposed to great works, of all kinds. I could get entirely lost in the pages of Austen, Tolkien, Rowling, Porter, Dickens, Hugo, and so many others. When I would put whatever I was currently devouring down I would have to regain a sense of reality because I had been to engrossed in the life of Daniel Deronda or Eponine that it was almost a mini culture shock to come back. I loved reading about the lives of others. I felt genuine connections with them, almost like I was in their presence through out the story. I felt their emotions as if they were my own. I felt the rush and butterflies that Elizabeth got when she saw Mr. Darcy in the meadow that early morning. I endured the heat of scorn on Hester's cheeks, as she was publicly humiliated for her mistakes. I was burdened with the sorrow, panic, paranoia, and despair of Raskolnikov as a consequence of his gruesome deeds. I lived vicariously through these classics. I learned essential lessons of faith, humility, the true meaning of love and sacrifice, loyalty, and a great deal more than I could ever adequately put into words. I could read and read. Never stopping. Never wanting to. There was many a night when one of my parents would be doing the usual 2 am child-check would find me wide eyed and excited with my nose buried in a book, instead of sleeping. There were many nights where my precious books were used as a threat against me. If I didn't go to sleep they would take them away. That horrific trick would usually encourage me to reluctantly close my preferred reality, turn out my lamp, close my eyes, and pull the covers up--at least until mom or dad were upstairs again. Then I would eagerly pop right back up and continue where I left off. I could never get enough. I flew through book after book, story after story. My passion could never be quenched. I adored turning pages. Then something tragic took place. Something that I wish had never happened. I got a Facebook account. After that I somehow changed my very way of life. In my free time instead of clasping my mind onto the trials of Oedipus, I was more concerned with checking my Facebook account and seeing who has posted what and who had "liked" my pictures. Why? Why would I rather know that Austin is bored at work and Kate broke up with Josh than know the work that Jurgis had to endure in New York and that Jane did the right thing and left Mr. Rochester?! Isn't that absurd?? What is my generations fascination with screens and social networking?
      Relationships are failing, grades are dropping, lives are deteriorating. Why? So that we can stare at a piece of glass or plastic that lights up. It is a tragedy of the upcoming generation and is something that needs to be stopped. Why would we rather text someone for hours on end when we could simply call and have the same message and conversation portrayed in a more personal and real manner? We like to hide behind our screens. It takes away a lot of the risks of having a one on one conversation or discussion with someone. We are less likely to get into an uncomfortable situation that way. Less likely to get caught off guard, less likely to be vulnerable. Or at least that's how we justify it. I did a small survey with several of my close friends and the average time they spent on a social network averaged 2-3 hours a day. Added up that is about 21 hours a week, 2.8 days a month 33.6 days a year. That is over one months time online. How sad! What could we be doing in that time? Who could we be serving? What real relationships could we be nurturing? What could we be discovering? Tragic.
      I personally have several social networking accounts. I have email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pintrest accounts. I didn't feel like I was addicted to my screens or networks, so I did an experiment and I went through my laptop and signed out of all of my accounts, I went through my iTouch and deleted all of my social apps, and I went through my phone and blocked texting capabilities (temporarily) to see how long I could last. Within 2 days I was texting again. I lasted a little longer on the social networking sites but it was still only a little over a week until I caved in an re-downloaded apps and signed back in. Even now I am quite disgusted with myself. Why couldn't I stay away? Because I--like so many others--have become addicted to screens. There I said it. They say that the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem, right? Well here it goes. Hi. My name is Hailey and I have an addiction to staring at screens instead of developing real relationships, developing myself intellectually, and accomplishing the greatness I am meant to achieve.
      I am craving desperately to be reunited with my dear friends in my favorite books, as well as make new ones in new adventures. Why did I ever let a screen (which is bad for your eyes) get in the way of a book (which is amazing for your mind)? All I can say is that enough is enough. I am taking back my life and my education from all those social networks that I have allowed to consume on me.

Finals Week

 Finals Poem:
Twas the night before finals,
And all through the college,
The students were praying
For last minute knowledge.

Most were quite sleepy,
But none touched their beds,
While visions of essays
Danced in their heads.

Out in the taverns,
A few were still drinking,
And hoping that liquor
Would loosen up their thinking.

In my own room,
I had been pacing,
And dreading exams
I soon would be facing.

My roommate was speechless,
Her nose in her books,
And my comments to her
drew unfriendly looks.

I drained all the coffee,
And brewed a new pot,
No longer caring that
my nerves were shot.

I stared at my notes,
But my thoughts were muddy,
My eyes went ablur,
I just couldn't study.

"Some pizza might help,"
I said with a shiver,
But each place I called
Refused to deliver.

I'd nearly concluded
That life was too cruel,
With futures depending
On grades had in school.

When all of a sudden,
our door opened wide,
And Patron Saint Put It Off
Ambled inside.

His spirit was careless,
His manner was mellow,
All of a sudden,
He started to bellow.

"On Cliff notes, on Crib Notes
On last year Exams.
On Wingit and Slingit
And Last Minute Crams."

His message delivered
he vanished from sight.
But we heard him laughing
Outside in the night.

Your teachers have pegged you
So just do your best.
Happy Finals to All
And to all a Good Test.


-Anonymous-

 

 

 

There is a reason that the word studying has dying at the end. stuDYING!!! 4 exams down, 3 still to go. I am so ready for this semester to be over, done, complete, finished, and all other words that mean I don't have school anymore for a while. A quote from the Hunger Games is circulating campus right now (slightly modified) and is it "May the curve be ever in your favor". SO true. So to anyone who has finals left this week "may the curve be ever in your favor". Peace out.

 

 

 

 



Summer Update

I've had a crazy summer. I went home for a week and had a BLAST! I went swimming, hiking, riding, kayaking, saw my family and friends, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Currently all I'm doing is working about 35 hours a week at a call center. I love my new roommates. And other than that my summer has been pretty lazy and slow. I am SO ready for school to start up again, and hoping for a better semester that last time. Also I have decided to change my major from an English major with a Creative Writing emphasis to a Nursing major. It just feels right. So now all I have to is to apply to the nursing program (and meet all the requirements for that). So that is mu update for my summer so far. More to come soon enough.

Spring Semester 2012--My FIRST Semester

I had SO much fun this semester! I LOVED all of my roommates and the lessons I was able to learn. I should have been blogging this all along but here is a sample of how much fun I have had this semester. :)

This was our first Sunday together. Left to right: Aly, Alisha, Kaylene, me, Brooke, and below is Erika. I love these girls!!

Oh Alisha... Haha

Kaylene wasn't here the whole semester so we were just 5 for most of the semester. But it was still a blast!!

One weekend we went and camping under the stars (in my Grandparent's backyard in Victor) and then went hiking in the Tetons the next morning. We had so much fun!

The girl in the middle is Becca, she is Kaylene's little sister who came and stayed the weekends with us for a couple weeks. She became an addition to our apartment pretty fast and we all loved her.

My roommates were very adamant about helping me experience Rexburg in my first semester, so this was my first time at Sammy's. :)

Swimming at the sand bar for FHE :)

Rexburg Rapids on college day was a blast! Only in Idaho is there a moose and a bear statue at a water park! Haha

Brooke, Quinn (one of our FHE brothers), Kaite (Brooke's friend from home) and I went to Mesa Falls, it is so beautiful there!

We decided to put out feet in the river on the way home, but we all ended up to our waists in water. Quinn ended up "taking a bath" :)

Independence Day! We went to Idaho Falls, had dinner at Five Guys, and watched the firework show. Aly, Erika, and I had different varieties of red, white, and blue! We looked super cute! Haha

Don't pick a fight with an African. This is one of my best and truest friends Villiem (VH is what he go's by) he is a lively man from South Africa and Kaylene made the mistake of shooting him in the face with a foam rocket, so he tied her up with kite string and she ended up outside, tied to the balcony. Haha

My Brazilian FHE brother Otavio. I straitened his hair. By the end of the day he completed this flamer look with a tutu, my sunglasses (that he has on now) and a bandanna.

I hope you can see from these few pictures the fun that I was able to have my first semester of college at BYU-Idaho. I will do better at blogging things as they happen from now on. Three cheers for SUMMER!!! Bring on the new memories! :)

Freedom

I have officially completed my first semester of college!! :D I didn't realize how much school stressed me out until I don't have to worry about it for a while. I didn't notice how much time I spent on it until I suddenly have nothing to do! Whoop!! Here is to the start of a great summer!! :D FREEDOM!!!!!!

Rose Colored Gasses

Almost all of my posts lately have been quite pessimistic. I really am loving life, I am just facing some painful trials right now. I am letting that show through instead of all the wonderful experiences that I am having. I love going to school, I love all of the people that I have met, I love the oppertunities that I have had to grow and become a new and better person, I love learning and I really do love life. I just need to put on my rose colored glasses more often. There is a Chinese proverb that says "A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials". This "friction" will pass and I will be able to be stonger because of it!

Diagnosis

I guess I got a few answers to my health issues. I haven't been feeling that great all semester (head colds, flu symptoms, fatigue, and an over all "blaaa" feeling), but the last two or three weeks have been especially bad. I have had to stay home from classes several times because I just couldn't force myself to do anything more that get ready for the day. I haven't been sleeping well at ALL and that is as well is taking a HUGE toll on me in almost every area of my life. So I finally caved in, decided to not be stubborn, and went to the doctor. Diagnosis? I am officially an insomniac. Awesome. I also have bronchitis (only two symptoms away from phenomia (if my fever was higher and I had chills then it would be phenomia)), a sinus infection and something potentially wrong with my thyriod. We will find out for sure as soon as they get my blood test results back from the lab. Fabulous. Just what I need. Hopefully I can get better SOON! I have classes to attend, homework to do, finals in two weeks I have to study for, I have to work, and it is just NO fun being sick. I miss my dad at times like this. He gives the best blessings.

Vehicle of Choice

 This is my dream car, and I will have one when I'm rich and famous! It is fast, sleek, and just all around sexy! ;)

But a truck like this is much more realistic (for now).  I love old trucks! The newer ones are good too, but I really like older models! :)

Country Livin'

Oh man, do I ever miss home! Last night my roommates and I all dipped in and purchased a HUGE watermelon! It was SO yummy!! That delicious bust or sweetness when you bite into the pink flesh = DEVINE!! But, I discovered that that flavor reminds me of home. That is the taste that brings back memories of sitting outside as a family eating watermelon, after "sacrificing ritual" (which consists of all the little kids running in circles arounf the watermelon and some lucky child getting to stab it at a timed moment) and throwing the rinds out to the horses or chickens. It brings back memories of freshcut grass, dogs barking, not a could in the sky, swimming in the Snake and family. I miss all of that so much! I miss living the country. Now I live in a tiny appartment, I walk outside and there is cement/asphalt everywhere, no trees, and I construction sight out my bedroom window. I miss walking outside and having the horses nicker at me, I miss having long lucious grass to run my fingers through, I miss being a mile away from a beautiful river! Water is something that I didn't really appreciate very much until I came to school and there isn't water like I am used to having. I can drive about 20 minutes and find some, but at home I could walk for 20 minutes and find some. I don't miss the gnats or the heat in the summer. But I miss everything else. I miss my horses especially. I miss riding them, handling them, kissing them, sitting on their backs watching the stars, and (as weird as it sounds) the smell of their sweat after a good hard ride. Ahh.. that country livin' is the only way of livin' for me!

                                                                   Home....

Guitar

I am in love with this instrament! It is my daddy's and he is letting me use it. I have basically taught myself what I know so far (and that is NOT very much (yet)) and I am loving it! It is a great stress relief for me, a great thing to do when I need a break from homwork, and a good talent to work on. I am SO grateful that I have music in my life and that I am capable and able to learn new instraments!!

Music=My Love

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE my music! So as tribute to only a few of my favorite artists I am going to highlight them and tell you why they are my favorites! The descriptions will be brief for intrest of time. Enjoy :)

Angels and Airwaves: They have a funky style that I find refreshing. I also enjoy their (mostly) clean lyrics and Tom DeLong's accent if you will in this band.

Benton Paul: Not many people have heard about him and that is one of the reasons that I like him. He plays accustic guitar to the songs that he has written. His songs are semi trendy yet original.

Colbie Caillat: Very popular singer. I love her low earthy voice. It isn't one that you hear everyday. I love her style--accustic and yet popish.

Coldplay: Very different style. Their sound gives me an almost warped inpression, yet it is soothing and relaxing. Chris Martin has an inpressive range. I think that he can sing higher than me!

Jack Johnson: Another popular yet AMAZINGLY talented artist. His voice blends beautifully with his accustic guitar leaving a feeling or peace and hope in his music.

Josh Groban: Anyone how knows me well knows that I LOVE Josh Groban! His voice is amazing, his vibrado is tear-jerking, his passion is inspirational, his pronunciation of other languages is admirable, and he is amazing in every single possible way!

Keith Urban: A musical genius and extremely skilled guitarist, he composes his music and THEN his lyrics--something that only true musicians do. He has a beautiful Austrailian accent when talking but while singing all you hear is his heart pouring through his music.

Linkin Park: More emo that I usually listen to but they have a great variety of songs from borderline screamo to slow and peaceful. They are often depressing songs but I love the talent that they have in harmonizing and instramental.

Matisyahu: Who doesn't like a Jewish reggae singer/rapper with a message behind his lyrics? :)

Michael Bublé: Easy listening/dancing Frank Sinatra style that I love combined with passion, dynamics, and power in his voice. LOVELOVELOVE!!!

Parachute: Popular, soft on the ear, heart throb lyrics, harmony, strings, these guys have it all!

Rascal Flatts: A perfect mix between counrty and pop. These guys make my heart go pitter-patter. They're harmonies are DEVINE!

Ron Pope: Another accustic soloist. Beautiful and powerful songs that if you listen to the lyrics, you will most likely cry.

Secondhand Serenade: This is also a bit of an emo style but I love the relatable and beauriful lyrics and the guitar makes me want to learn every one of their songs!

Vitamin String Quartet: All the beats and rythms that you love of popular music without the sometimes questionable lyrics. Perfect!!

Yellowcard: LOVELOVELOVE!! They have AMAZING string work, beautiful and inspirational lyrics, and to top it off a POWERFUL story of hard work, passion, and love to get to where they are now. Love them!

These are just a FEW of the artists that I adore. I LOVE music!! It's power is undeniable. I don't know where I would be without my music!! AHH!!! 

Where Are You?

I feel like I am ready to settle down with someone. Yes, I know how old (young) I am but I feel ready. The only problem is that I have become extremely picky about who I want to be with. I have had to many bad experiences to have low standards any longer. But the problem is that I have only met a few men who meet my expectations, and they of course are unavailable. To prove to my readers (if any) what a quest I have ahead of me I will tell you the things I despise in men and things that I am looking for.

Turn-Offs

Appearance: SIKNny jeans, fake glasses, pericings, tatoos, shaggy hair, nasty facial hair (I'll admit some people can pull it off), the whole "hipster" look, flat brimmed hats, decorated jeans, someone who wears sunglasses inside, lots or gaude rings and braceltes, and many more things.

Character: Putting ohters down, cocky, plays video games, putting themselves down, pretending to be somebody that they aren't, being two-faced, a lack of education (or dedicaton to gain one), overly (and stupidly) opinionated, lazy, a lack of "drive", obessive over stupid things like football, vulgar language, perverted thoughts, unforgiving, and much much more.  

Things I Like

Appearance: Tall, blue eyes, deep voice, cowboy boots, aviators, plaid shorts, workboots, Carhart jackets, a smile (with good teeth and eyes involved), nice hands (big, strong, and calloused), and many more things.

Character: Confident (not cocky, just sure of themselves), hard working, playful--yet knows when to be serious, friendly to everyone (not just me), a true friend (one who would drop everything just to help me), is constant in who he is and doesn't change dependant on who he is with, fogriving, educated (on dedicated to gaining an education), musically inclined, strong (physically, emotionally, and mentally), stands up for truth, protective, has an ability to put people at ease, can fix things, and so much more.

My list of things that I am looking for goes on much longer that I have it here. What has happened to all the real men? What happened to men like my daddy? Oh, where are you Mr. Right? I am trying to do everything that I can to prepare for the day when I meet you, and I desperately hope that you are doing the same. I hope I can find you someday and that that day won't be to far away. 

Sleep (or Lack Thereof)

Insomnia is a synonym for torture. Laying awake. Exhausted beyond comprehehsion. I feel the hours tick-tick-ticking past. Look at the clock and count down the hours until I have somewhere to be, somewhere to go--and I dread the thought of having to go through another day like a robot. No feeling. Only going through the motions of the day. Not being anything. Not thinking clearly. Everyday trying to wear myself down enought to sleep at night, thiknking that it will help. Everynight regreting that decision because all I have accomplished was to build on the exhaustion. Making everything worse. I am like a dangerous game of Jenga, about to crumble to the ground in a mess of the shape I once was and almost completely unrecognizable. All I want is to sleep. Rest. Recharge. That's all I want. Sleep. Get the release that only uncousciousness can give. The release from the pain, stress, and wear-and-tear or everyday life. I want to get away from it all and enter my perfect world--the one where I rarely exist. The world of my dreams. Where everything is as it was, everything is right again, and it doesn't hurt anymore. Everything (and everyone) is back where I love them. The place where I am ok to put down the walls, and masks that I wear for the world. Where I can relax and not act for anyone. I don't have to pretend to be ok anymore, because I am. I don't have to pretend to be happy anymore, because I am. I don't have to pretend to be content, because I am. But then again...is it worth it to have to wake up from that world and face reality? I feel like Hamlet. "To sleep, perchance to dream--aye there's the rub!" I'm going crazy in my own mind. Playing out situations in my head. Over and over. Could I have changed things? Is it all my fault? This self inflicted torture is what is taking place in my mind instead of the blissful release of sleep.

20 before 20

I turn 20 in one year, 187 days, 23 hours, 39 minutes and 6 seconds as of right now. I have set a list of 20 things I want to do before my 20th birthday. I think it will be fun, challenging, and something to work for. I was inspired to do this by my awesome roommate who just did this for her 20th birthday. She is a great inspiration to me in many ways--but that is another story. I decided to post the list on here so that I will hopefully be more commited to it. There goals are in no specific order and I hope to complete all of these!! Totally doable!

1. Do a triathalon

2.Go skydiving

3. Conquer my fear of spiders, the dark, and sharks

4. Pull a 4.0 at LEAST one semester 

5. Swim in the ocean (deep enought that I can't touch)

6. Create a delicioius new recipe

7. Sew a quilt

8. Go to Germany

9. Master guitar

10. Write a song and preform it for at least 50 people

11. Learn 5 tricks on my skateboard

12. Catch a wild animal with my bare hands

13. Read the Book of Mormon in German

14. Read my quad from cover to cover

15. Finish my book and submit it for editing and publishing

16. Read every published piece that Shakespeare ever wrote

17. See a broadway in New York City

18. Buy my own car

19. Take a leap of faith

20. Become somebody better than who I am today

When I turn 20 I will do a review of these goals and let you all know how well I did! :)

Here I am again, restating that I will get back into blogging. But this time I really will. I need to practive my writing skills, and I will stick with it for real this time. A LOT has changed from my last post to this. I am now attending college and a totally and completely new person.  I have struggled in areas I thought that I would be strong in all of my life. I have come to realize what a horrible person that I used to be--when I thought I was fine before. I have experienced heartache on a level I didn't know was possible. I have been stretched beyond what I thought I could stand. I have fallen down and scrambled to put myself back together. I have gone from thinking that I know eveything to knowing that I know nothing at all. And yet, through all of this, I am happier than I have ever been. Yes, I have my off days but the good out number the bad! Life is good!