Shock, shock me. Shock, shock me.

So let me tell you about my night last night.

It started out like any other night this summer... me getting into bed way later than I had wanted. And then playing Angry Birds for half an hour. 11pm is way too late to go to bed, but unfortunately that has become the norm in my life as of late. And I'm addicted to that game.

The dogs woke me up at around 1:30. So I took them outside and then we went back to bed. This has also been normal for the past couple weeks. Also unfortunate, as I hate getting my sleep interrupted. Good practice for future kids? Probably...

All of a sudden, I hear CRASH CRASH and then feel something slam onto my mattress, right by my head. My eyes fly open and Blaze is sitting on my pillow. I look down, and my broken closet door is on the floor. (Broken a.k.a. unhinged.) I look around the room for Ruby and notice that my very nice tower fan is also on the floor, and Ruby is standing by the bedroom door looking a bit terrified. Like I would look if I had seen a black widow or something.

I think in her sleep, Ruby got too close to the closet door which is just propped up blocking my shoes from being eaten alive, and it fell over, knocked the fan down and scared both dogs. Poor girl.

It took 5 whole minutes to get Blaze off my bed. The top of my mattress is 4 feet off the ground. He was so scared he jumped onto the bed. And then wouldn't come down. I literally, at 3:30AM (did NOT know that existed) had to pick 75 lb. Blaze up off of my 4 foot high bed and put him on the ground. Wish I'd thought to take a picture. I took the dogs outside again and then went back in, picked up the closet door and the fan, and tried to go back to sleep.

Don't worry, I'm not bitter at my dogs for waking me up three times last night. In fact, all sleepiness aside, it's hilarious. Ruby's face... again, I wish I would have taken a picture. But my phone wasn't handy at the moment, and let's be honest. It was 3:30am. Like I'm going to remember to pull out a camera and document this...

But can we talk about the real tragedy here? Blaze now knows that he has the ability to jump onto my purposely high-off-the-ground bed. Can I get a Phoebe Buffet "oh no" from everyone? Because that knowledge to him is going to result in lost sleep for me...

"Let's vary piracy with a little burglary."

Cookies to whomever guesses where that line comes from. Except Dad. 'Cause you know the answer. And 'cause you are diabetic and can't have cookies. (Dad, do you even read my blog? Do you even know I have a blog??)

Anyway, apparently our neighbors downstairs got broken into yesterday between the hours of 1 and 4pm. Four dogs in the house (ours and theirs) and no one heard anything unusual? Odd. Their laptop got stolen but nothing else was missing. That was fun though, the cops showing up at my house at 10:30pm because that was really the first time I was home all day after the incident occured.

Maybe I should get one of these:

Because heaven knows you won't be scared of this face:

Or maybe one of these:

Let's be honest... if I could have a lion I totally would.

And if you are dying to know, that line is from a song from:

wonderful, wonderful day

I know, I'm still at work. And anyone that knows me knows it wouldn't, nay, couldn't be a good day yet because I am still at work. Yet why is it different today?

For the past week or two, I feel like I've been carrying a lot of weight. Whether it be physically (doubt it, I don't lift weights, just run), emotionally, or spiritually, there has been a lot racing through my mind. We're talking at NASCAR speeds. And it has really been getting me down, making me less inclined to converse with people, enabling me to retreat into "people-watch" mode. Which, don't get me wrong, is super fun. But not when I am purposely ostracizing myself...

So why is today different? I finally figured it out after about 3 hours of being so confused about my pleasant demeanor. I had made plans to go to the temple with a friend today after work but my friend told me last night she wouldn't be able to make it. So after a fitfull night's sleep (dogs woke me up at 1am; they got grounded to their kennels after that) I woke up and was trying to decide what to do with my day.

I went through the following thought process:
"Well, tomorrow is busy and I have to go grocery shopping, but maybe I could still go to the temple."
"No, I can just go on Saturday."
"Well, but I wanted to go last Saturday but didn't end up getting to." <--- (Harry Potter :D)
"It will be fine if I wait until Saturday. I'll have more time then."
"No. No, I didn't get to go and know I really need to and I know I will feel better so I am going!"

Boom. Happy mood. It was incredible! And really, my mood hasn't shifted at all today.

Want a recipe for instant happiness? Make a firm decision (out loud) that you are going to the temple no matter what that day. It's pretty incredible. Satan hasn't been able to come anywhere near me today and it's kinda been really awesome!

And, looking back at the conversation I had with myself, I'm pretty sure I wasn't conversing with myself, but with Satan. Amazing how he gets into our heads so easily sometimes. He really does start with the smallest of things. I guess you could say that for today, the score stands at Satan: 0, Hayley: 10 (I get 9 points for the temple trip and 1 for my decision).


PS. For those that don't live within 5 minutes of a temple, I guess this recipe won't really work... today I have to travel half an hour to get to the temple because Provo is closed. Ooh, maybe you could say you will study the scriptures for a certain amount of time at a certain time or something.

"Hey, William. I thought I smelled cookies wafting from the ovens of the little elves who live in your hair."

That is probably one of my favorite quotes from Glee. Love it.

Anyway, here are some of my random thoughts. In letter format. Cause I'm a copycat haha...

King City,
I got hot last night while I was sleeping. I miss your nightly cool weather and needing blankets. Also I miss how I never worried about my dog hanging out in the back yard.
Sincerly, Trunky for everything in King City

Asphalt in the parking lot at work,
You just tripped me. How rude.
Sincerely, Really clutzy

Provo Farmers' Market,
I will be there on Saturday. Please have good prices on really yummy fruit.
Sincerely, Fruit tastes better in California, but I'm gonna let it slide this weekend, so don't disappoint...

Jenny,
Wanna come to the farmer's market on Saturday?
Love, I don't wanna go alone

Baby sister,
You are getting married. Soon. Stop growing up!
Love, Feeling really old...

Little brother,
I miss you being little cause now I feel old. But I like being the short one when you give me hugs. Miss you.
Love, 8 years older and shorter too
I-15,
The sections of 80 MPH in northern Utah are marvelous. As are the recently paved sections of road between Scipio and Santaquin. Thanks for a smooth trip this week.
Sincerely, A happy driver

Pharmacy Technician course,
Thanks for all you taught me. And for letting me pass the final. I love knowing the generic brands of the drugs that are advertised on TV. It makes me feel smart. I'm a happy graduate.
Sincerely, Wish me luck on the national certification

Banana Republic outlet in Gilroy, CA,
Thank you for having a ton of stuff that I absolutely love. I should start there first every time so I don't have to say, "Okay. I have too much, I can't keep browsing." It's getting depressing.
Love, A happy customer

December,
This is a little out of character for me, but please come faster.
Sincerely, Anxiously awaiting _____

Everyone,
If you ever feel the need to bring me cookies or any type of treat (like when it is accompanying a VT message or a birthday card) just bring me watermelon. I will love you forever.
Love, I've already eaten 10 watermelons on m own since the middle of May

The park by my work,
Thanks for being such a sweet relief every day. Those extra calories burned have been wonderful.
Sincerely, 5 more to go

Cousins,
I wish we all lived close together so we could have awesome parties all the time like the one we had a couple weeks ago.
Love, Already can't wait for the next reunion

Blaze,
You were phenomenal on the drive to/from Provo this past week. Thanks!
Love, A proud mommy

til we meet again

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?n=stephen-brown&pid=151181770

I went to a funeral this week for Steve Brown (obituary above). he's not the first person my age to pass away, but it was definitely a sad experience. Steve had cancer for a long time. I knew him and his brother when we all lived at the Glenwood (BYU 116th ward!) when Sam and I lived together. Actually, both of the brother's wives were in that ward as well.

What always impressed me, though, and was brought up by everyone that spoke at his funeral, was his positive attitude throughout his entire illness. He achieved so much and was always so willing to serve, he was, and is, a great example to me.

It makes me so grateful for the Plan of Salvation, that we have eternal families that we are sealed to. I am also grateful for the Atonement and the healing power it brings.

All in all, it was a very reflective experience, and my testimony of this Gospel definitely was strengthened.

Oh, and did I mention Steve was so cool that the Processional was to the Olympic theme song? What a champ :)

take a look, its in a book

Okay, so you can just start calling me Belle.

Why you ask? Well, I've been reading more lately! Not sure why that is such a big accomplishment, but for me it is. Early on in life, I loved reading. I used to read the Baby-sitters Club books every day after school in elementary school, and probably Jr. High. And then I got to college. And ever since then I've gone through phases, but really most of the time I don't read. Ever.

Until recently...

Gulliver's Travels. It honestly took me over a year to read. Not because it wasn't a good book, because it was, but I think it was because I didn't understand the satire. Also, I had to look up quite a few words in the dictionary. Which is fine, that is how my knowledge expands, right?

Water for Elephans: SO GOOD. I read it in a matter of days and then saw the movie. The movie was pretty good, and Edward, I mean, Rob Pattinson, did a great job. And I love Reese Witherspoon. Anyone looking for something that will capture your interest right from the beginning, that is your book.


Don't make fun... it was very informative. It was written by this guy that was a consultant for Sex and the City, and a girl that was one of the writers for that show. They used a ton of examples from women in real situations to prove that he really just isn't that into you.

Wow. Eye Opener.
My favorite line, though, came from the end of the book.:
"Don't waste the pretty."
My new slogan...


Next up, Somthing Borrowed. Saw the movie and LOVED it. I can't wait to start it this weekend!

PS Over Christmas I reread a couple of the Twilight books and the Host. Just to get ready for the last movie... again, no making fun, because I know most of you have read them too...

sista, sista, never knew how much i missed ya

Remember how Jenny and I decided we were going to take more pictures? My other part of that was that I am going to post more. Yay! I know you are all so excited.

May 20, 2011:

Jenny and I had a sister's night out to the movie theater. I had coupons for a free drink with the purchase of a nacho, so we ate nachos, diet coke and popcorn for dinner.

We saw...

It was so good! I remember reading the book in high school and loving it, but didn't remember a lot of what happened. I think it may be time for a reread...

May 21, 2011 - apparently the end of the world?

Good thing we were at the temple doing service...

We spent the morning pulling flowers out of the thousands of flower beds on the Salt Lake Temple grounds, and then our stake fed us lunch.

We went to Costco on the way home and got new dog toys.

They had squeakers in them, so... I de-squeaked them.

They underwent an extensive surgery to get the squeakers removed.

Here they are with the squeakers removed, and no worse for the wear (yet).

I think they were a success...

Post Script: the lobster is already shredded at two different seams, and Nemo isn't doing so well either. They both got ahold of the red one and proceeded to kill it. Probably because it is the color of the Univ. of Utah and we are Cougars. Duh that must be it. Cause the whale is completely intact still...

We also had a ward activity that afternoon.

Silly sisters.

Dinner was soooo good. I need to get the meat recipe from my bishop. Cause it was to die for.

Sunday before church:

My smokin hot sister

Me and her

All in all, it was a pretty good weekend. And I mowed the lawn. I'm awesome.