Well, hello. Do you remember me? Probably not since I have not written a post since August 25th... shame, shame. So let me introduce myself: My name is Haley, I'm in grad school, I am a marketing coordinator... oh, and I'm engaged!!! What the heck.
Let me start by saying, I don't even know what has happened in the past 6 months. No joke, one moment I'm single, the next I'm proofing wedding invitations (they're awesome, btw). As cheesy and cliche as it is, it truly happened when I was least expecting it to. Chase is imperfectly perfect. He's the calm to my worry, the steady to my clumsy and the care-free to my anxious. Love has a whole other meaning, and now I'm wearing this rock on my hand :)
And of course, my crazy, obsessive wedding planning self has already scheduled, booked, picked out, etc. many-a-thing (with Chaz's help, of course :)) The next eight months will be filled with ivory tulle, black ribbon and overly dramatic crying fits (by me). Whatevs, he gets my crazy.
wishing you lots of unconditional, messy, butterfly-filled love,
h
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thursday, August 25, 2011
my not-so-glorified list of automobile don'ts
If you know me, which most of you do or you wouldn't be reading this, I spend LOTS of time in my car... and more specifically, on the interestate. As the weary (and sometimes teary) traveler I am, I have seen many'a scary sights on the road. So many that I thought I would make my list of things you SHOULD NOT even begin to stick, have professionally detailed, spray painted, airbrushed, etched onto your automobile. Seriously, people.
1. two-toned vehicles -- why can't you just pick a color and commit to it?
2. license plates stating you are a princess, spoiled, whatever. my new fav is, "I'm not spoiled, I'm well taken care of." cute. real cute.
3. "In remembrance of Sally Jo Schmo 1945-2001." I may sound TERRIBLE for saying this and I am truly sorry that your family member, best friend, cousin, or dog died, but did he/she/it really want their name on your car.
4. "In remembrance of the King of Pop" -- no comment.
5. No creatures of the sea (i.e. dolphin, whale, turtle, seal, lochness monster) any where at all! Never have I ever understand this fascination with dolphins.
6. duct tape. Can you at least buy the color that matches your car? I mean, I'm pretty sure that make it in every shade of the rainbow these days.
7. silver-tinted windows. yuck, just yuck.
8. a home on top of your truck that barely fits but is somehow balancing itself aboard your '87 Ranger. Can you say pedophile?
9. so many leis that you can't see out your windshield. There's no way you've been to Hawaii that many times!
10. a sticker family that extends across your entire back window. I'm so, so sorry you have that many children. Deeply.
11. those not-so-subtle male body parts hanging from your bumper hitch. Answer me this one question: why?
12. a rebel flag -- just like a target right there on your vehicle.
13. anything talking about how big of a redneck you are, or how "silly boys, trucks are for girls" -- the epitemy of class
14. that little boy with his pants down peeing on "Junior's" number 8. ugh.
15. bumper stickers covering the entire back side of your car. how do you see!?
16. stuffed animals in your back window. fluffy gets hot back there.
17. license plates that you only you understand. GRG YCH.. what!?
18. the words "high roller" scribed in elegant white across the black as night window of your Mini Cooper :)
---disclaimer: I love God, but I am not supporting the following Jesus paraphernalia---
19. the "God is my pilot" license plate -- this is just so 1994.
20. a whole school of cross-eyed fish. there is no need for them to cover the entire backside of your car. Is that a Toyota? Who knows, I can't tell for the sea of metallic fins.
21. bible verses covering your entire back glass -- why can't you just tattoo that somewhere. It's way more permanent.
The fact that I have 21 points on this list is beyond ridiculous, so I will stop now.
What are some bad things you have seen on cars?
-the always-glorified Haley
1. two-toned vehicles -- why can't you just pick a color and commit to it?
2. license plates stating you are a princess, spoiled, whatever. my new fav is, "I'm not spoiled, I'm well taken care of." cute. real cute.
3. "In remembrance of Sally Jo Schmo 1945-2001." I may sound TERRIBLE for saying this and I am truly sorry that your family member, best friend, cousin, or dog died, but did he/she/it really want their name on your car.
4. "In remembrance of the King of Pop" -- no comment.
5. No creatures of the sea (i.e. dolphin, whale, turtle, seal, lochness monster) any where at all! Never have I ever understand this fascination with dolphins.
6. duct tape. Can you at least buy the color that matches your car? I mean, I'm pretty sure that make it in every shade of the rainbow these days.
7. silver-tinted windows. yuck, just yuck.
8. a home on top of your truck that barely fits but is somehow balancing itself aboard your '87 Ranger. Can you say pedophile?
9. so many leis that you can't see out your windshield. There's no way you've been to Hawaii that many times!
10. a sticker family that extends across your entire back window. I'm so, so sorry you have that many children. Deeply.
11. those not-so-subtle male body parts hanging from your bumper hitch. Answer me this one question: why?
12. a rebel flag -- just like a target right there on your vehicle.
13. anything talking about how big of a redneck you are, or how "silly boys, trucks are for girls" -- the epitemy of class
14. that little boy with his pants down peeing on "Junior's" number 8. ugh.
15. bumper stickers covering the entire back side of your car. how do you see!?
16. stuffed animals in your back window. fluffy gets hot back there.
17. license plates that you only you understand. GRG YCH.. what!?
18. the words "high roller" scribed in elegant white across the black as night window of your Mini Cooper :)
---disclaimer: I love God, but I am not supporting the following Jesus paraphernalia---
19. the "God is my pilot" license plate -- this is just so 1994.
20. a whole school of cross-eyed fish. there is no need for them to cover the entire backside of your car. Is that a Toyota? Who knows, I can't tell for the sea of metallic fins.
21. bible verses covering your entire back glass -- why can't you just tattoo that somewhere. It's way more permanent.
The fact that I have 21 points on this list is beyond ridiculous, so I will stop now.
What are some bad things you have seen on cars?
-the always-glorified Haley
Monday, August 1, 2011
Blame it on the 'rents
Some would say we are attached at the hip. Some think he is my go-to handiman of anything that needs fixing, including life. They know everything about me (mostly), and are the people I "go home" to. But ya girl is not afraid to throw them under the bus when it comes to my personal quirks.
The following is a list of things that I will always blame on my parents:
1. I will never be able to buy anything but Quilted Northern toilet paper and Bounty paper towels.
2. I will never know how to fix anything on my car, in my home, or on my computer.
3. I will say "thank you" way too many times to any waitress, waiter, drive-thru attendant, or any other person in the food business.
4. I will opt for fast food over me cooking a meal any day or night.
5. I will never be able to eat a meal at my own kitchen table. Instead I will head straight to the nearest comfy chair or couch.
6. I will always think/talk way too much about food.
7. I will always worry about what other people are thinking about me.
8. I will never be able to speak publicly without wanting to hurl.
9. I will never get attached to any animal other than horses. (If only you knew how many dogs, cats and fish we have gone through.)
10. I will always check my teeth in the mirror and put on lipstick after every meal. (Okay, okay. I'm strictly blaming this on one parent... Dad.)
11. I will always think I'm funnier than I really am.
12. I will always mumble.
13. I will never be called by the correct last name. Come on, people. It is not that hard to pronounce!
Maybe I should stop these. The list could go on and on, and I have a feeling that you are already bored. But on a final note:
14. I will never be able to do anything without putting 100% of my heart into it, including my relationship with God, friends, work, and life in general.
Love ya Big Dave and Nance!
The following is a list of things that I will always blame on my parents:
1. I will never be able to buy anything but Quilted Northern toilet paper and Bounty paper towels.
2. I will never know how to fix anything on my car, in my home, or on my computer.
3. I will say "thank you" way too many times to any waitress, waiter, drive-thru attendant, or any other person in the food business.
4. I will opt for fast food over me cooking a meal any day or night.
5. I will never be able to eat a meal at my own kitchen table. Instead I will head straight to the nearest comfy chair or couch.
6. I will always think/talk way too much about food.
7. I will always worry about what other people are thinking about me.
8. I will never be able to speak publicly without wanting to hurl.
9. I will never get attached to any animal other than horses. (If only you knew how many dogs, cats and fish we have gone through.)
10. I will always check my teeth in the mirror and put on lipstick after every meal. (Okay, okay. I'm strictly blaming this on one parent... Dad.)
11. I will always think I'm funnier than I really am.
12. I will always mumble.
13. I will never be called by the correct last name. Come on, people. It is not that hard to pronounce!
Maybe I should stop these. The list could go on and on, and I have a feeling that you are already bored. But on a final note:
14. I will never be able to do anything without putting 100% of my heart into it, including my relationship with God, friends, work, and life in general.
Love ya Big Dave and Nance!
Friday, April 22, 2011
prep-prep-preparation
No, I don't have a stuttering problem... the title just stems from a Shirley Method (you know, that horrible thing from English class in the third grade) jingle. It was singing about a prepositional phrase, but I will use it on this Good Friday to talk about preparation.
This past week, several friends and myself have talked about a strange phenomena that happens on Good Friday and Easter. Have you ever noticed that it always seems to be really ominous on that Friday and really sunny on Easter? Looking back, I cannot think of a rainy Easter or a pretty Good Friday. In no way do I think this is a coincedence, just divine intervention if you will.
Britney asked me last night if I really felt like I had prepared myself for this Easter weekend. Was my heart in the right place for to completely focus on God, His glory, and His grace?
The answer? No.
I mean, the choir, my parents, and myself sang a super worshipful song that I felt with every fiber in my body last Sunday about how He gave His life for mine, and I felt that was part preparation... maybe. But, I had not given full thought to the true meaning of this weekend. Sadly, I feel as if this happens around every Christian holiday, which I think many of us are guilty of. So in efforts, this morning I decided to do what any modern-age Christian would do, look up Jesus music on YouTube as I drove to work. (Wait, that sounds dangerous!) I first listened to The Perry's, "If You Knew Him" which Dad and his quartet will be singing this Sunday (yay). Bad idea. Crying commenced; makeup ruined. Next up, Gungor's, "Beautiful Things." Totally different from the first song selection, but equally as worshipful. Then I ended with a little Florence and Wayne, you know, for balance.
Now, do I feel like this is all I need to do for preparation? Absolutely not, but I do feel like this is a start. I do know that I am 100% excited about being in His house this weekend and feeling Him in all His glory (while wearing a cute, new dress :)).
I hope you are able to remember and dwell on His awesomeness this beautiful holiday. And if you have any ways you prepare, I'd love to hear.
Site note: Today is also Earth Day (who knew). This also means that Starbucks will give free coffee to anyone who brings in a travel mug. So like any eco-friendly, cheap, American citizen, I joined in! Gotta do my part! Of course, I like to think they are really passing out the joe in remembrance of Christ, but... I just made that corny.
Does any, one person need this many drinks at their desk?!
This past week, several friends and myself have talked about a strange phenomena that happens on Good Friday and Easter. Have you ever noticed that it always seems to be really ominous on that Friday and really sunny on Easter? Looking back, I cannot think of a rainy Easter or a pretty Good Friday. In no way do I think this is a coincedence, just divine intervention if you will.
Britney asked me last night if I really felt like I had prepared myself for this Easter weekend. Was my heart in the right place for to completely focus on God, His glory, and His grace?
The answer? No.
I mean, the choir, my parents, and myself sang a super worshipful song that I felt with every fiber in my body last Sunday about how He gave His life for mine, and I felt that was part preparation... maybe. But, I had not given full thought to the true meaning of this weekend. Sadly, I feel as if this happens around every Christian holiday, which I think many of us are guilty of. So in efforts, this morning I decided to do what any modern-age Christian would do, look up Jesus music on YouTube as I drove to work. (Wait, that sounds dangerous!) I first listened to The Perry's, "If You Knew Him" which Dad and his quartet will be singing this Sunday (yay). Bad idea. Crying commenced; makeup ruined. Next up, Gungor's, "Beautiful Things." Totally different from the first song selection, but equally as worshipful. Then I ended with a little Florence and Wayne, you know, for balance.
Now, do I feel like this is all I need to do for preparation? Absolutely not, but I do feel like this is a start. I do know that I am 100% excited about being in His house this weekend and feeling Him in all His glory (while wearing a cute, new dress :)).
I hope you are able to remember and dwell on His awesomeness this beautiful holiday. And if you have any ways you prepare, I'd love to hear.
Site note: Today is also Earth Day (who knew). This also means that Starbucks will give free coffee to anyone who brings in a travel mug. So like any eco-friendly, cheap, American citizen, I joined in! Gotta do my part! Of course, I like to think they are really passing out the joe in remembrance of Christ, but... I just made that corny.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
double talk
Confession: I had to do a little Googling before I really knew the correct term for what I was trying to say. Maybe it's because I'm so mad I can hardly see straight. The latest fad to be sweeping across the nation seems to be someone saying one thing and then meaning/doing another... and it's a load of crap.
I just received a message from a friend who was 100% hurt (and many other things, but they aren't Internet appropriate). Long story short, she was completely led on and lied to by her ex of a serious, long-term relationship. Why couldn't he just tell her the truth? Why couldn't he just be a man and do the right thing? Beats the heck out of me!!
This also happened to me recently. My case wasn't as severe as the previous example, but it still hurt. A lot. It's sad how hurtful some people can be and it not affect them in the least. Is this pure evil that they possess? Do they just not have a heart? Or, in my case, did he just not care about me in the first place?
Answers to these questions we may never have. And honestly, I don't know if I want 'em. The only peace I got out of the situation was knowing that He was looking out for me. He knew I didn't need to be in my situation any more and knew I wasn't strong enough to get out of it.
So to my beautiful, smart, hilarious, wonderful, to-good-for-him friend, I love you and I'm here for you forever and always. And always available to kick his... tail!
~Haley
P.S. I still don't know if double talk is the right word(s)...
I just received a message from a friend who was 100% hurt (and many other things, but they aren't Internet appropriate). Long story short, she was completely led on and lied to by her ex of a serious, long-term relationship. Why couldn't he just tell her the truth? Why couldn't he just be a man and do the right thing? Beats the heck out of me!!
This also happened to me recently. My case wasn't as severe as the previous example, but it still hurt. A lot. It's sad how hurtful some people can be and it not affect them in the least. Is this pure evil that they possess? Do they just not have a heart? Or, in my case, did he just not care about me in the first place?
Answers to these questions we may never have. And honestly, I don't know if I want 'em. The only peace I got out of the situation was knowing that He was looking out for me. He knew I didn't need to be in my situation any more and knew I wasn't strong enough to get out of it.
So to my beautiful, smart, hilarious, wonderful, to-good-for-him friend, I love you and I'm here for you forever and always. And always available to kick his... tail!
~Haley
P.S. I still don't know if double talk is the right word(s)...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
a year in review
Oh 2010, what a year! I thought I'd top of the New Year's Celebration (a mere 12 days late) with a list of some of the highlights (and lowlights).
Highlights
1. I graduated!! Just add a B.B.A. at the end of my name, and you'll have it... a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing :) Of course, I like to think that the B.B.A. stand for many other things... I'll let your mind wander with that one.
2..... and then I started Graduate School at good ol' MTSU. I thought, and still think, that I am crazy for going straight back, but I believe it will pay off in the end... just maybe.
3. I tried out for American Idol. No seriously, I did! This was probably the most spontaneous thing I've ever done in my life, and I loved it/hated it at the same time. Let's just say my pride was bruised, but boy the people watching! Dad tagged along and we had a blast.
4. I took 7 amazing trips to: Chicago (with Katie), Atlanta (x 2), Pensacola (x 2), St. Augustine, New York City. I love, love to travel and am hoping that in the next year or so I will be going across "The Pond"! I am dying to go to Italy! Amore ♥
5. I got a cat. I don't know if this is a highlight for me. I'm not the biggest animal person so why I chose to get one, I don't know. She's a mess, but I do love her. Her name is Tate, by the way... or Tater, or Kit Kat, or Pookie. Depends on the day and my feelings towards her... Do I sound like one of those crazy cat ladies? Probably my worst fear.
6. As stated in my previous post, my close friend Ashley had her precious baby, Bodi. Love him to pieces. I literally have more pictures of him on my phone than anything else!
7. I have drawn closer to some of the greatest people in the whole wide world and have met some of the greatest people that I'm so blessed to call some of my best friends.
Lowlights
1. My mom suffered what we thought was a heart attack on May 27th. Scariest/worst day of my life. It was all kind of a daze to me now. It was all as if I went into to "Emergency Override" mode and took over. Mom is usually the planner, organizer, and maintainer of the househould; therefore, when she was out of commission neither Dad, nor I knew what to do. But it's like all of a sudden something clicked and I knew exactly where to go, who to call, what to pack, and how to navigate to and through both hospitals. I'm glad to report that it was not a heart attack, and she has been doing great ever since. Love her and her "beautiful heart" as the doctor called it :)
2. My aunt, Sandra, passed away after a nine year struggle with many health problems. As the old saying goes, we do know that she is in a better place and is not suffering anymore. You never fully understand that statement until it hits close to home. Love you Aunt Sassy and I'll see you again someday :)
3. My friends moved all over the country... literally. Katie and Bobby moved to Pensacola, Deanna moved to New Jersey, Drew moved to D.C. This is a "highlight" for them, but so sad for me. I miss them way too much! But I do get free vacation spots :)
.... and I can't think of anymore!
How great is it that my lowlight list is so much shorter than my highlight. Show's how truly blessed I am!
2011 is going to be a great year~
H
Highlights
1. I graduated!! Just add a B.B.A. at the end of my name, and you'll have it... a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing :) Of course, I like to think that the B.B.A. stand for many other things... I'll let your mind wander with that one.
2..... and then I started Graduate School at good ol' MTSU. I thought, and still think, that I am crazy for going straight back, but I believe it will pay off in the end... just maybe.
3. I tried out for American Idol. No seriously, I did! This was probably the most spontaneous thing I've ever done in my life, and I loved it/hated it at the same time. Let's just say my pride was bruised, but boy the people watching! Dad tagged along and we had a blast.
4. I took 7 amazing trips to: Chicago (with Katie), Atlanta (x 2), Pensacola (x 2), St. Augustine, New York City. I love, love to travel and am hoping that in the next year or so I will be going across "The Pond"! I am dying to go to Italy! Amore ♥
5. I got a cat. I don't know if this is a highlight for me. I'm not the biggest animal person so why I chose to get one, I don't know. She's a mess, but I do love her. Her name is Tate, by the way... or Tater, or Kit Kat, or Pookie. Depends on the day and my feelings towards her... Do I sound like one of those crazy cat ladies? Probably my worst fear.
6. As stated in my previous post, my close friend Ashley had her precious baby, Bodi. Love him to pieces. I literally have more pictures of him on my phone than anything else!
7. I have drawn closer to some of the greatest people in the whole wide world and have met some of the greatest people that I'm so blessed to call some of my best friends.
Lowlights
1. My mom suffered what we thought was a heart attack on May 27th. Scariest/worst day of my life. It was all kind of a daze to me now. It was all as if I went into to "Emergency Override" mode and took over. Mom is usually the planner, organizer, and maintainer of the househould; therefore, when she was out of commission neither Dad, nor I knew what to do. But it's like all of a sudden something clicked and I knew exactly where to go, who to call, what to pack, and how to navigate to and through both hospitals. I'm glad to report that it was not a heart attack, and she has been doing great ever since. Love her and her "beautiful heart" as the doctor called it :)
2. My aunt, Sandra, passed away after a nine year struggle with many health problems. As the old saying goes, we do know that she is in a better place and is not suffering anymore. You never fully understand that statement until it hits close to home. Love you Aunt Sassy and I'll see you again someday :)
3. My friends moved all over the country... literally. Katie and Bobby moved to Pensacola, Deanna moved to New Jersey, Drew moved to D.C. This is a "highlight" for them, but so sad for me. I miss them way too much! But I do get free vacation spots :)
.... and I can't think of anymore!
How great is it that my lowlight list is so much shorter than my highlight. Show's how truly blessed I am!
2011 is going to be a great year~
H
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
miracles in small packages
This week, even though it's only Wednesday, has been an eye-opener for me. I experienced probably THE coolest thing. Ever! One of my close friends had a bit of a scare this past Monday. Her precious baby boy decided to make his appearance in the world six weeks early. But he is here and he is PERFECT. Absolutely perfect. I held him for the first time last night as I pretended to be a family member and pestered them at the hospital for most of the night. I can't explain that feeling of holding him. It's just happiness.
I've never really given a thought giving birth. I mean, it's something that will happen yeeeeeears from now for me, and I guessed I'd just cross that bridge when I came to it. But this was one of the most emotional and spiritual things I've ever witnessed.
~ Just FYI, I wasn't present for the actual birth, but I was there when they said he was coming... now! I literally ran out of the room. The family made fun of me for that later. ~
Anyways, as I walked out of the hospital that night after almost losing it in front of Mama Ashley, all I could do was look up at the dark sky and thank God for his awesomeness as tears streamed down my face.
God is good. And he really does create miracles
Welcome Baby Bodi! You have the most awesome parents in the world and have an amazing life ahead of you, kiddo.
love~
self-proclaimed Aunt Haley
I've never really given a thought giving birth. I mean, it's something that will happen yeeeeeears from now for me, and I guessed I'd just cross that bridge when I came to it. But this was one of the most emotional and spiritual things I've ever witnessed.
~ Just FYI, I wasn't present for the actual birth, but I was there when they said he was coming... now! I literally ran out of the room. The family made fun of me for that later. ~
Anyways, as I walked out of the hospital that night after almost losing it in front of Mama Ashley, all I could do was look up at the dark sky and thank God for his awesomeness as tears streamed down my face.
God is good. And he really does create miracles
Welcome Baby Bodi! You have the most awesome parents in the world and have an amazing life ahead of you, kiddo.
love~
self-proclaimed Aunt Haley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)