where have you been Hayley? you've been so quiet

Craziness! Craziness! If you knew how much I pack into each day, I'm sure you would leave some stuff behind too (blog included).

But, I'm learning so much. This is the time of my life to learn (yes, piano and all).

I have a few funny stories. Like how I asked a programming teacher to autograph my Javascript book, but other than other CIT/CS people who would want to hear that? To be honest, most of my hilarious stuff comes from my Web Design 230 class.

I'm glad to report that my mind has been blown several times a day both spiritual and mental. I've been on my fair share of dates. So my social life is alright. Been up and going in the church. I feel like I've gained so much insight this semester. Life is soooo good right now. But at the same time I think it's been so tough.

I thought before I came this semester that things would be easy and fun. Almost the opposite. 

Hard and rewarding, but I have to work for it.

If you are following me on Pinterest you can probably map out my activity a little better (some days I'm more into fitness than other days)

Sorry for the disappearance act. I don't have a boyfriend/husband, or a cute pet, or a baby to write about. All I have is school, and sometimes things are too deep to write up on here.

Nothing personal. It's me, not you. :)

major declared..?

I knew before it started that this semester was going to decide what I wanted to do in regards of my future career. I knew it was going to be a very important decision, and as this semester is close to ending I feel confident I discovered my future pursuits.

Web Design

(added emphasis on the "design")

For those that didn't know, there's a thing called Web Developer and Web Designer. And choosing between the two was tricky.

I love the code work behind the developer. The HTML5, CSS, PHP, Java Script, etc. They are lovely and expanding my knowledge on these things makes me feel smart. Not a lot of people understand the HTML language.

But, I love the creative aspect for the designer. To use Photoshop, make logos, play with typography, and make other graphic designs. It's more artsy than what I thought I was going to do.

I gave up on art in high school when I realized others' talents exceeded my own. 

But in college, I know now that there will always be someone better than you. Sorry to break it to you. It's the personal journey that counts. That's a hard concept to grasp, and I'm still trying to understand it. In my future I have to compete with others for positions, right? I do have to worry about other people.

Again, I still don't understand it. If you have some idea what I'm trying to say, or know how to explain my point better please comment.

The point of this post is that:

I would have never guessed I would be digging back into my artistic roots. But I still have to do some core classes that both the developer and designer have to do. Maybe I will change my mind and become a developer. Who knows.

But let it be known, I will be doing something with web sites. I'm so excited!

an experiment to test my determination

So I've been busy. Duh. That's why I haven't been keeping up with these amazing blog prompts. 

I will tell you what I've been doing, that will hopefully make up for it:

So I have this class called Beauty and Creativity and right now we are at the music section.

Open up the reading assignment about the different kind of music sheet elements. Quickly scrolled through it. Stopped everything I was doing. Opened up to YouTube to find a simple piano tutorial.

{I have this reputation of being spontaneous at the most random times.}

So I download some piano apps on my iPhone and started to follow the instructions/notes. I was on my way to learning how to read music!

My roommate Madi walks in our room. Bursts our laughing; asking, "Ummm... what are you doing?"

My response: "I decided I'm going to teach myself how to play the piano!"

She laughs again. Madi doesn't question my motives. She knows better than to discourage me too.

MY GOAL

 Learn how to sightread music. Be able to identify the keys and play it on the piano. All by the end of the semester.

Ultimately I want to prove my sister wrong when she says "Hayley. You can't teach yourself. Wait until you come home so I can teach you."

Thanks, but no thanks :)

weekend catch up (no condiments featured)

Day 10, Friday: Most embarrassing moment(s). Spill. 

Sooo... I'm not going to get into full detail, because I don't want to. Haha.

In seventh grade I passed out in my Health class.
So from that point onward I know that under certain health topics, I can't handle them.
Which is why I would be a nurse, if I could. But I can't. So now I play with computers.

Day 11, Saturday: Sell yourself in 10 words or less

I'm Hayley. I'm a ginger. Enough said.

Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)

To be completely honest, looking over all my life.. I realized how much people underestimate being a youth. And when I mean "youth" I mean growing up. Discovering. Experiencing.

In my little short essay on my life, I talked about how much I really didn't like middle school or high school, but they still hold fond memories of finding myself.

If there was a time I chose to experience again, it would be skyping with my cousin.

I won't go too much in depth of what exactly that means, but those were good memories of finding myself. Not a care in the world. But having fun while I could.

That's the funny thing about growing up. Letting go of "childish things". I really hate it. But it has to happen sometime, right?

(source)

Why did I fall behind this weekend? Because it was crazy. Piano Guys concert (live!), girl's night, hanging out, church obligations, and a load of homework. That's right.

amazing

Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.

Just Breathe and enjoy life. Ok?

(source)

Life is a journey, not the destination. Don't sweat the small things. So on, so on.

Oh everyone! I have a website that I'm doing for my CIT class! If you want to keep up and follow my progression go here:

designsbycarissa(dot)com!

Right now it's not much. And in fact the main purpose of the site is to really post up assignments, but thought you guys would like to know. It's legit!

a bucket list of sorts

Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

(just a quick note, I did write this Monday, but because of homework and such I forgot to post)

This is a very interesting question. And I've been thinking about it a lot, since I'm at the time of my life where I do have to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. I stated in a previous post that I'm pondering if I should go into Web Designing or CIT. I find HTML/CSS soooo fascinating and I really want to go into it! 

The question is if I wasn't working my job (I guess college should count too, right?).. so it all narrows down to what I'm passionate about

(source)

Here's a list of things I would be doing:

+ Travel the world
+ Write a book
+ Learn to play the guitar
+ Paint a masterpiece
+ Learn to sew

It's funny... I look at these things and think "I use to write a lot. I use to paint a lot. I use to travel a lot, back in the day when missing school wasn't a big deal."

So in due time I return to my other things I am passionate about. Or in other cases, things I want to be passionate about.

So what would you be doing if money isn't an issue?

  

my little friend

Day 5, Sunday: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member

I want to shout out my beautiful roommate from last semester: Tiffany!!!

I love ya girl :)

Why?

Because you are so caring. And even if I text you the most randomest question I can think of, you are kind enough to answer it genuinely. You got my back! I got yours! And I'm happy you are only a few flights of stairs away from where I live. Party time!!

smile

Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote and why you love it

(source)

I love this.
I always have to remind myself and others that the past, though it will be missed, is a good memory. We need to be happy that it happened. Not sad that we can't go back to it.

Just a little thought. Keep it in your heart!

 

first weekend

My weekend:

+48 hour texting sesh (not literally... we slept! But other than that it was back and forth)

+TENNIS

+ice cream at Scoop's

+My old buddy came back from the mission field! Welcome back!

+My current buddy is leaving for a mish. Prepare for a gospel storm that's about to rage through, Brazil!

+LES MISERABLES!

+decorating and spring cleaning of the apartment

My Sunday:

+meeting of the FHE fam

+fantastic Sunday school lessons

+my good friends makin me chocolate-chip pancakes (my fav kind)

+Mad-eye Moody creating dinner with me with her famous breadsticks

+inviting everyone I could to come over for some cake!

+lemon cake. love it.

+the random apartment 15 interrogating me. and once they found out it was my birthday they sang to me! I don't know who you are, 15. But I'm excited to get to know you!

+party-ish... more like a social gathering

+mafia

+aaaaaaaaaand homework. What better way to end a day, right?

Thank you everyone for your love and support today. All the birthday wishes! I had so many!! Even though I deleted my birthday off of FB, I'm still surprised at how many people responded/remembered (in person or not)! Ah! You guys are amazing!!

I haven't done one of these weekly updates in a while.... huh.

good at heart

With the  tradegic events that have been occuring in the world recently, I think it would be appropiate to post a quote:

“It’s difficult in times like these; ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”

-Anne Frank 21 July 1944

Keep your chin up,

it's that time of year

Previously I talked about General Conference here. I'm going to continue on the tradition and share a few favorite quotes from the prophets 

Unbelievable. The missionary work that is going on right now. I'm so proud that my brother, extended family, and many friends are apart of these numbers:

The images above I got from Desert Book's pinterest page. They have other beautiful quotes from this recent conference!! Check it out.

And a few lot more that I love:

All these lovely images can be found here. And I found some more pretty ones here too. I love General Conference! And this year was no disappointment

What was your favorite talk? And why? I feel like every year I say Elder Holland's. He always strikes me in the heart, ya know? It was the one that reminded me that it's ok that my faith isn't perfect.. as long as I believe in the church then I done a lot right there. But every single talk was so insightful. I loved how most of the prophets emphasized the importance of families, because in my opinion that is the thing that is the most troubling these times. Anyway...

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Enjoy your week!

five things

The "5 things" was an Instagram thing. But now it's a blogging thing. So I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and do a post too!

5 Things... 

>>1

I must have socks worn at all times. Socks seem to be the only solution for blue and pathetic footsies. If I could pull off socks with high-heels I would!

>>2

I'm a huge home-body. If there was an option to go out and do something cool or just chill at home I would choose the latter. There's something comforting about staying in one place at your leisure... but not for too long, of course!

>>3

In middle school I hand-wrote a 300 page book. Yeaaaaah... . . My previous post about "inspiration is a weird thing" applies here. It wasn't very good writing, but it was the initial start of my soon-to-be creative writing love.

>>4

My roommates can go on and on about my addiction craving of chocolate. Little do most people know that for 16 years of my life I hated chocolate. I couldn't even stand the smell of it. It was a thing that happened a little after my 16th birthday... I just suddenly love it! So I'm just making up for the lack of chocolate in my life... by eating a whole Hershey kisses bag within two nights by myself :)

>>5

Also from my previous post, I'm sure you all know my love of electronic music (try this song out!). But the transition started with movie soundtracks. Especially Disney movies. So it's slightly embarrassing letting my friends scourge through my songs to find most of my music is turning into a huge collection of music that doesn't even have any lyrics.

Oh and I tag my wonderful roommate Tiffany to make a "five thing" post on her own blog!

 And all you lovely readers are welcome to comment your unique five things too. I'd love to read them :) 

Yours always,

chiptune

Music is magical isn't it? 

I've been recently craving electronic (electronica? chiptune? electric orchestra?) music. For some reason the music genre has touched my heart in a way music rarely does. I usually jam out for fun, but I haven't listen to music to be solely inspired.

Inspiration is weird isn't it?

(source)

Wise words, Piasso. Couldn't have said it better myself.

Do yourself a favor and follow the steps below:

>Step 1.

click here.

>Step 2.

listen.

>Step 3.

be inspired.

(p.s. don't be surprised if I throw in a few more of my favorite electronic artists in the next few posts. It's a weird obsession I got myself into)


Stay crunchy,

  

a view of the week

How was my week you ask?

+Last weekend I went with my friend to Rexburg. We had business to attend to, but it was mostly a social visit. Looooove my friends.

+Which means I got about a 9 hour (round trip) talking session with a close friend.

+Speaking of my friend, she recently got her mission call! And we are all so excited for her

+I got my wisdom teeth removed. Yeah. 

I was really nervous at first but it was really a no-biggie. Especially after the dentist was trying to scare me with potential problems that might happen during the surgery. Don't worry, I lived. I was up and walking within hours after the surgery. I don't get the big deal with it. Maybe I just got a really good dentist ;)

In case you were wondering two of them were implanted, two weren't. My cheeks never really got puffy. I wasn't talking all crazy.

The biggest thing deal for me is not eating real food. Soup? Ice cream? Heck, even my fav milkshake? Yeah it's nice. But it doesn't fill me up. So I feel like I've been starving myself. It'll be over soon, though. Thank goodness.

+Surgery = lots and lots of rest. And Youtube.

(That counts for a highlight, right?)

Now I ask you:

How was your week??

Love,

          

Rambling Tuesday: secrets

1// cousins throwing on puppet shows and skits. adorable
2// attempting to get a cute picture with that pretty girl. she was only holding still because I had popcorn on my lap. haha
3// baby Gangnam style. you better believe it
4// Xanadu with the aunts

I know it's a Wednesday... and it's titled "Rambling Tuesday,"but I figured you guys wouldn't care. You guys are amazing like that :)

What I'm trying to accomplish with my ramblings is:

To involve my viewers. This isn't about my own thoughts. I love hearing other opinions even if they differ from my own.

So. Secrets.

n. something that is or is kept secret, hidden, or concealed.

One thing I learned about in college is that no one can keep secrets. Think about it. 

So x has a crush on y (see what I did there, science nerds?). So x tells her close friend about it. x specifically asks her friend not to tell y. x's friend thinks this little discovery is really exciting and tells y about the secret. y knows. The purpose of the secret is destroyed.

So that's a mediocre example. But in most cases this is how it happens. A third party member is the one that spreads the news to everyone. And this doesn't have to be to the a direct third member. It could be to a friend of x who doesn't even know who y is. Or a mom that's just listening to her daughter's exciting day at school. Maybe the news won't ever end up reaching y's ears. But x's friend out of the circle might have the possibility of telling another third party member. The mom might stalk y on fb after hearing about him. 

My opinion? If you have a secret you don't want anyone to know about, don't tell anyone.

I remember telling one of my roommates not to tell anyone (especially my other roommates) about blank. Because one thing I'm starting to learn about myself is that I don't like being teased. My roommates are good at teasing me, and they are good at doing it in front of an audience. Maybe a week later that roommate of mine blurts out, "Hayley, do you still blank?" at dinner as if my other roommates already knew about it. And they would only know about it if she told them. If she didn't tell them, they sure knew at that moment she announced it... 

So many times in college has one person said something and it just ended up into the ears of those who shouldn't have heard it. So many times. 

I mean, if you want the secret to be spread abroad then it wouldn't be considered a "secret", but I can understand circumstances where that would be acceptable. You might want it to be known, but you don't want to be the one announcing it.

Or you have a super amazing friend who understands and follows the rule of secrets, which is to never tell... but those are a dime in a dozen. 

Anyway... that's my rant about secrets. Please let me know your thoughts and comments on secrets!

some midnight blogging

After Thanksgiving I had to go to school and finish off three more weeks of education. And those weeks contained finals, projects, lots of homework, and socializing.

(that's my excuse for not blogging)

I really enjoyed the holidays and I hope you guys did too! I got to spend lots of time with family, relax, and sleep in.

(that's my second excuse)

But I'm home now! And I take this winter semester of BYU-I off. Meaning I don't go to my second semester of college until the end of April, which is the spring semester. Meaning I have some time to spare. Meaning I'll be blogging a lot more!

(so no more excuses everyone!)

Now that I'm back I thought I'd preview a few posts you should be looking forward to super soon:

+my New Year's Resolutions

+a new blog look. 

+an amazing story I can't wait to share (get excited now)

+outfit posts maybe?

+a new feature on the blog: Rambling Tuesdays (oh you bet this'll be interesting)

+I'm not for sure if I'll keep the Highlights of the Week thing. If I do have stuff to share, I will.

Yeah, thought I'd let the blogging world know that I AM ALIVE. 

Have a goodnight! Or if you see this the next day, have an spectacular Monday!

Boise again... and list of what I'm thankful for

I'm in Boise again with the fam for the Thanksgiving Break.

Spending a lot of time with friends too.

I absolutely love it. 

Some pictures of my adventures will be put up soon...
(sorry I haven't been blogging lately, I blame my busy college classes)
But it's nice every once in awhile for a quick post to remind you that I haven't disappeared.

I thought I'd let you know ten things I'm very appreciative of (most of it came as a result of living a college life):

1. My parents. Or my family in general. Seriously. Where would I be without them?

2. My friends. My family away from home. Immediate comfort. Instant fun. I can't think a time when I ever felt lonely in college, or a time I couldn't turn to someone for help

3. A fresh start. I get to meet new people, go new places, do new things

4. The luxuries of home-cooked meals, my own room, or other home-y things I can only get when I come back to Boise

5. Warm clothes so I can't freeze to death

6. Gyms

7. Clean entertainment

8. A box of tissues (try living without them and you'll know what I mean)

9. Computers

10. Last but definitely not least: the true love of Christ. As I go day-to-day, I am amazed at all He has done for me

And my gratitude does not stop there! The list can go on and on... but I think you get the picture...

HAVE A GOOD DAY!! More posts (and outfits) soon to come!

snow, snow, snow!

Here we go...!
 It's what we've all been waiting for...

Woke up the other morning and
BOOM!
Snow.

It was really pretty walking to class
with all the pretty snow in the trees (that still have their colored leaves on. Ha! That's what fall is like here)

My roommates and I built a snowman.
He's kind of lop-sided.

His name is Glenn Coco.

p.s. I don't know what's with the green lighting.
It's kind of tricky-looking though!

At first when I woke up to snow, I groaned. But you have to admit that this is a beautiful view! And it wasn't a pain to deal with since the pathways are all shoveled.

Here's a few highlights of my week:

+Snow, snow, snow!

+Sleeping-in for four school days. Bliss

+Getting together with some old friends

+Able to sit down with some hot cocoa and read a good book. Usually I don't have time for that stuff

+My writer's block is officially over!

{blurry picture of me in my snow gear}

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! And enjoy the snow if you have it!!

I believe

If you couldn't tell, I'm a Mormon. 

{source}

And this weekend I had the opportunity to watch General Conference.

{source}

It only happens twice a year, so it's a huge deal to watch it.

To listen to the Lord's counsel through His prophets.

{source}

And these are some of my favorite quotes from this session.

{source}

I loved all the talks. They all taught me something :)

If you want to learn more about us, Mormons, click here.

{source}

Have a good Sunday everyone!!

my summer '12 adventures

Summer of 2012 was not one to forget.

For one, I graduated the great and spacious building you would commonly call "high school".

 I got to meet these guys (the kid history cast) when they did their episode 9 premier in Boise!!

You haven't heard of them? Click here, here, and here.
Can't get enough of them? Here's their Facebook page.
You'll thank me later.

I also traveled to St. Louis, Missouri to visit my fabulous cousins.

I went to the famous St. Louis Arch.

{bad quality, sorry. but this is of the Nauvoo pageant}

{this is the window Joseph Smith fell out of when he got shot}

I went to the Nauvoo. 

I went to a Cardinal's vs. Dodger's baseball game (Cardi's won!).

I went skydiving.

Yeah. I spent my first decision as a responsible 18-year-old adult jumping out of a small plane with a parachute strapped on my back. 

I know. When I returned home everyone told me I was crazy.

But it was worth it. 

It's the closest thing to flying. It's really just floating as the world grows below you.
Trust me, it was awesome.

And I got to go to Rexburg.
I know, I'm already here. But I got a little preview of what I'd taste before I got here officially.

Along with all that traveling, I got to party it up with my friends for one last time (the ones that aren't going to college with me, that is)!!

It was amazing. And I can't wait for next summer.

Have a good day, everyone!