December 31, 2012

Recap.....maybe?

After reading a few posts from others about their 2012 recaps I logged in with every intention to do the same.  However...... just not feeling it today.  So maybe tomorrow?  I've got some pretty exciting things coming up this week so Thursday's weekly Domination will be fun :)

I will say though that I've discovered some pretty amazing things lately that I can't wait to share!  Cook'n recipe organizer (is the bomb.com!), Who Moved My Cheese? (great book, fast read, loaned from my dear friend Karlie!), LDSsingles.com (yeah, it happened), my first snowman (in at least 10 years!) and Property Brothers (best. show. ever.).

For now, happy Monday.  Here, have an awesome quote. :)


hahaha okay......and another one!

December 27, 2012

Oh Thursdays....


Life's Lovelies just got a face lift.  Thursdays will still be filled with a weekly thankful post, but just under a different name!  Dominating life is no easy task, and it's good to remember all the things that keep this lucky life o' mine in tact. 
  • Lazy holidays with family
  • Scoring sweet gifts from Santa!
  • Being single so that I can still score sweet gifts from Santa
  • Visits from the Cali Conant Cousins
  • Endless Christmas movies
  • Snowmen
  • Snow to make snowmen
  • Snow to make it a White Christmas
  • Free nap ride to work
  • Timp Indoor CHAMPIONS t-shirt
  • 80's Hits Pandora Radio Station (after Christmas of course....)
  • Technology --> Skype --> Christmas mornin' chat with Jordan!!
Whew, what a good week. :)

December 20, 2012

Isn't life lovely?

This week has been full of lovelies!!!!

  • Little Miss Syd coming into town
  • SNOW!
  • Annual family Christmas weekend getaway (obviously we're still looking for a snappier name for this new tradition....)
  • Being stuck in traffic instead of being the one causing the traffic.
  • Hi-Chews:  I'm OBSESSED with Peach and Green Apple right now :)
  • Continuing education
  • Re-discovering Old iPod music - Jamming to my old favorites (Garth Brooks, Thrice, Jacks Mannequin, Relient K, etc.....)
  • A new addition for one of my besties!  Check it out over HERE.

December 19, 2012

Satchel....Purse??

I'm finally putting pictures up of my purse I made a few months ago!!  Holli calls it a satchel, which by definition it probably is.  I'm resisting the urge to look 'satchel' up in the dictionary..... resist!  Either way, I made this purse/satchel all on my very own!  I followed the tutorial from Caroline (http://www.coldhandswarmheartcrafts.com/2012/02/braided-belt-messenger-bag-tutorial.html) and it actually turned out better than I thought it would!  Just don't look too close....  

This was a big project for me and a huge accomplishment!  Sewing is really pretty easy once you get the hang of it!  Later I sewed a make-up brush holder for my dear friend Kaylyn, and now I'm working on some surprises for work Christmas gifts! Lovely Anisa gave me a pattern for an adorable dress to sew and that project still scares me... I haven't broken the clothing barrier yet, but I'm thinking that her pattern just might be what I need to start!

I love to sew, and one day I hope to have my own sewing machine.  Thankfully my wonderful mother has one that I can use.  I like sewing with her there anyways so maybe I'll never get my own sewing machine and always bum off of her.  :)

Now for the pictures!!









December 18, 2012

A Different Perspective

Meet my friend Austen.  He's a mastermind entrepreneur and a brilliant business-man.  He shares his thoughts and insights over here at www.austenallred.com  (most of which go straight over my head).  Austen and I have been friends for awhile now and I certainly think the world of him.  He's definitely someone that I think everyone should have the opportunity to meet, or at least watch out for because his biography will be a best seller one day.

In hearing about all the tragedy surrounding the recent Connecticut incident I found myself having a hard time wanting to watch or read up on all the news reports.  It was such a horrible thing, and I just felt terrible inside thinking about all the loss many people have suffered and will continue to suffer.  After reading Austen's blog post (see below), I believe that he hit the nail on the head.   My dad read it and said,

"That was very well written and spot on." 
-Dad

So read this.  Or don't.
But......you probably should.
Just sayin'.
_________________________________________________________________________________


Media Responsibility During Tragedies

I’ve had a rather unique opportunity over the past few months; as Garrett and I have been building and testing GrassWire, we haven’t been required to operate according to traditional journalistic rules and ethics. We are breaking ground and exposing news in a new way (or at least we hope to be), and as such, the journalism world is our playground.
And as I watch and read the coverage of the shootings in Colorado and Connecticut, I have to say: I think we’re doing it all wrong.
The Streaker Rule
It’s standard in sporting events that should an unauthorized individual enter the field of play, cameras should look away. Commonly called “the streaker rule,” this rule applies to those that are clothed as well. The purpose of doing so is to not draw attention to the individual at fault. Naturally, if every streaker had a few minutes of airtime on natural TV, the number of people streaking would increase.
Of course we are curious. Everyone wants to know what is happening, whether they think that streaking is funny or they see it as a serious distraction. But the cameras are responsible enough to divert their attention so as to not provoke more incidents.
Why, then, when an armed individual enters a school and massacres children, do we profile the suspect as intensely as we can? With this most recent example, multiple reputable news sources even found the Facebook profile of the wrong person, instantly plastering it all over the news and social media channels. Later, full hour-long episodes will be dedicated to the shooter, just as they have in the past.
For Columbine, it took a few people that were absolutely diabolical. Now all it takes is someone willing to sacrifice their lives and the lives of others for a little notoriety. That’s dangerous.
We are all morbidly fascinated. What would drive a person to enter a school full of children and begin murdering them is beyond our comprehension and boggles our minds a little bit. But should there not be a “streaker rule” for a tragedy like this? Wouldn’t it be better for all of us, in the long run, to turn the proverbial cameras away?
Sandy Hill Coverage
A lot of unethical things were done during this coverage for the sake of ratings and page views: 6-year-old children were harassed by reporters immediately following the shooting, essentially trying to get them to break down for the rest of the world to see. Somehow a reporter got the phone number of a woman who lost both a child and a grandchild in the shooting, and remarked that when they called to question her she became “silent” and “despondent.” Of course she was!
You would never approach a family member at a funeral and interrogate them as to how they’re feeling. Of course we want to sympathize. We want to understand a tiny portion of what it must feel like to be in the shoes of those people. But doing so needn’t require us to harrow up the most painful of memories from those that badly need to grieve.
There are times when those involved want to tell their story; for some this comes quicker than for others. Give them the option to come forward, give them an outlet through which they can share their thoughts and feelings with us, but don’t prod them.
Media
Those in the journalism industry understand that they will often be asked to make a decision between ethics and profit. The line between tabloid and respected publication seems to be wearing thin. But especially in cases like these, in which so much is at stake, we need to take the high road. As the national media and journalistic institutions of this country, we can do better.

December 16, 2012

The Winds of Change

Life has given me a huge change in direction recently.  A change that has taken me through many different emotions, ranging from overjoyed to dreading the next 'adventure' in my life.  A few weeks ago certain events transpired and information was discovered which resulted in my relationship status to be......single.  This was my decision, and one that I really felt was necessary - despite the year and a half investment we both had made.

For the first week or so, straight up anger got me through.  I didn't even allow myself to feel hurt or betrayed because I was so mad.  Honestly, anger makes it so much easier to move on but unfortunately it doesn't last.  Well I guess it could, but in order for me to still be me, I couldn't live with that anger inside of me.  Finally I would start to feel little glimpses of sadness or hurt with the big question of WHY?!  Even though I felt nothing towards him anymore, I still just could not wrap my mind around what happened.  These questions of "Why?!" were not feelings of sadness that he was no longer in my life, but more because I could not understand how it had gotten to that point.

Quickly however, it became very evident that this change was a huge blessing in disguise instead of a tragedy.  Was it really 'wasted time' to spend a year and a half getting to know someone and realizing that it wasn't right?  No way.  I learned a lot from our time together.  I gained new friends and experienced new things with him and his family.  His family taught me a lot by their instant acceptance and kindness towards me.  I learned a lot about my own family dynamic and once again was reminded of how awesome they are and how much I love them.  I figured more out about myself and what I want and need. 

Even if it was a hard way to end, haven't I been praying and fasting for answers on where to go with our relationship ("should I stay or should I go")?  Well I received my answer, and received it in a way that my Heavenly Father knew I would understand.  For that, I am extremely grateful.  More than grateful.

Things in life may not make sense now, or sometimes even ever.  I do know though, that I have been able to gain perspective, have peace of mind, and feel good about whatever trial or blessing that has come into my life when I am actively trying to strengthen my testimony.  When I read my scriptures or other church doctrine/literature, when I make it a conscious effort to pray throughout the day, when I look for ways to serve my family and those around me, when I go to church and engage my mind in what is being taught and when I just smile and be happy - I am able to handle whatever waves come my way. 

I've tried to do it the opposite way.  Where you deal with things that come, do what you can and trudge along.  I'm a reasonable person; grounded and usually can figure out a good way through life.  I tried it by myself, but couldn't do it alone.  Then I turned back and figured out that I can't do it alone, nor do I want to.  It seems like a lot of work to keep up on all the stuff I mentioned earlier, and if I think about all that I could or should be doing, it is more than overwhelming.  But for me it is worth every sleepy prayer, or the 5 minutes to read a conference talk, or to do what ever I can.  Sure I can make excuses that I don't have time to read my scriptures, but I know that's a lie.  I know I am capable of more than excuses.  So I'll do what I can, and try.  When I look at what I've gone through the past few months, I KNOW that I would have never survived the way I have without the help of my best friend, my Heavenly Father.  I have been blessed with certain people in my life who are also keeping in tune to what is important that have been answers to my small prayers and comforts in my life.   I hope to do what they have done for me, to others that may need a little something that only I could give them.  (Whoa how did I get on that tangent?)

ANYWAYS - I am strong and grateful for all that has happened to me in my life.  I look forward to what the future holds for me and it's refreshing to start over.  I'm looking into moving to a new place, I'm hitting up the singles ward like it's no ones bizness, and already have a date lined up for this weekend. (Thanks Kay!)

I decided to blog about this not because I wanted to bash on him (even though I'm sure that would make me feel better for a second), but to help me realize the major blessings that have already come from this, and the blessings that continue to come.  The blessings are there in everything that we are going through, we just have to pray to have the eye to find them.  I'm grateful for all the caring advice, comfort and support I have received from so many people.  Now, I'm off to go start a new chapter in my book.  :)

DOMINATION.

December 13, 2012

Isn't life lovely?


It's Thursday again! Wow... Another round of what I've been grateful for this week.

Well.  It's been quite the week.  Quite the week I tell you.  More on that later....  

Nevertheless, I'm grateful for these lovelies this week:

  • Answers to prayers
  • Perspective
  • Friends & Family
  • Sincerity
  • New cleats (Ooooohhh they are so beautiful!)
  • Gold's Gym
  • Thermals
  • the movie Pitch Perfect (round 2 was even better than the first!)
What are you thankful for today?!

Side Effect of Facebook likes

Facebook has the option to 'like' practically anything.  Photos, a status, a page, a comment, etc.  Not to mention it is so easy to 'like' something.  Tap my finger and I've just stamped my opinion on that picture of your 4 month old pretending to be a dinosaur.  After awhile, the more you like things, the more I feel I need to like more things.  For example:

I post "Happy Birthday ______!!!!" on a friends wall.  The next day I get a notification that he 'liked' my post on his wall.  Sweet, recognition!  Then I get another notification with his response, "Thanks Hailey!"  So, to acknowledge that I received this response, I like his comment.    The sole purpose was so that I didn't have to comment back, but that I could acknowledge what had happened.  Interesting... 

For some reason I feel like I need to 'like' people's comments or photos to validate their feelings or their exciting news.  But when I think about it, it really doesn't mean a whole lot that I 'like' something they said or did.  So maybe I'll make a conscious effort to comment on more things instead of just 'liking' them.  Because what's more personal than a typed out expression and emoticon?!  ;)

Soon enough I will be 'liking' everything, and when I don't  'like' something, everyone will know and I'll feel really bad that I don't 'like' it.  So then maybe I'll 'like' it just to not give myself away that I truly don't 'like' it.  Then everything will be filled with my 'liking.'  It's a dangerous road I tell you.   

December 11, 2012

Oh hey Hayward!

This past weekend held my annual work Christmas party, and this year was quite and interesting one for many reasons!!  Everyone dresses up all fancy, we eat great food (the prime rib was to DIE for!), and it was spent among fantastic friends and family! Every year we do a raffle for different prizes to give away to employees, and it's always AWESOME stuff. This year guess who won an awesome prize?  This girl. double thumb point at my own chest

Here's how it all went down:

My name is called out of the blue and I jump up to claim my prize!!  There is something about winning by having your name called out...... so satisfying.   I bring it back to my table and everyone crowds around trying to see what it is.  It's a GoPro camera that connects to your helmet or to a head strap! Sa-weet!  As I looked more into it I realized...... I am never going to use this.   I started to feel guilty that I won something that would not be put to good use, that we'd probably strap to the dog instead of use it for awesome adventures like other people might.  Don't get me wrong, I was more than overjoyed to have won, and I would have never complained to anyone about it because I didn't want to be ungrateful.  The night went on and the way the raffle works is that your name can be called multiple times, you just get the opportunity to trade your previously won item or keep it.  Up comes a Gordon Hayward signed Jazz jersey..... I wanted it so bad, and secretly crossed my fingers that my name would be called.   Waiting and waiting for them to call out a name, everyone was wondering what was taking so long.  Vanna White and my dad (did I mention he's the designated MC for this?) were whispering to each other and kept picking out names and putting them back over and over again.  Finally my dad makes a side comment, "Sheesh Hailey's name keeps coming up."  I leaped up with my hands in the air and said, "I want it!! Can I have it?!" before I could control myself.... Everyone looks at me and as you could guess, my face went the color of a lobster.  No one really said anything for a second so I said, "Can I trade for the jersey......?"  I started to slowly walk my way up to the front, unsure what I was supposed to do now.  Once everyone realized I was serious they started exclaiming and yelling at me to keep the camera.  Everyone thought I was CRAZY for wanting to trade and it turned into this all out battle.  (Maybe that's a little dramatic)  After pacing back and forth while people tried to convince me one way or another I finally just said, "No, I don't care, I want the jersey!"  I grabbed it and hurried back to my seat. 

Well I caused quite the stir apparently because I had so many people come up to me afterwards who were just baffled by my decision.  I explained to them my feelings about not being able to really take advantage of how awesome that camera really is, and while I could find ways to use it, I felt that someone else would be much happier to have it.   Sure enough, the person who won the camera after I traded it back came up to me afterwards and said they were so excited to use the camera!  There was my validation, I knew that someone else could use it more than I could, and I'm so glad that we both were able to win :)  Plus, I'm in LOVE with this over sized jersey.  Who knows, this jersey could be an investment.  Hayward is single you know..... ;)

December 6, 2012

23 years under one name




I decided to stray from the alliterations and went with "Life's Lovelies" for my weekly Thursday post.  There are so many lovely things in the world, and I'd like to take more time to recognize the ones in my life.  So.... read it or don't, but this is a new personal goal for me that I am super excited about. 

So this week I've had lots of things to be grateful for, but I'm narrowing it down to 10 things:
  • Olive Garden's endless salad and bread sticks (with Alfredo dipping sauce of course)
  • Mini pizzas and quality time spent with friends
  • Groupon.... hello massage :)
  • Better than Sex cake
  • Trying something new at a restaurant and LOVING it
  • No-Rush, music blasting mornings
  • Social Media (finally jumped into Instagram!! @haystack04)
  • End of the year Settlements
  • Falling asleep on the couch where the fireplace be a-blazin'
  • The perfect excuse:  Her: "Game at 9:30 tonight!" Me: "Sorry, I can't come, it's my birthday today so I'm going to celebrate with lots of cake, and no exercising." BOOYAH!
Looking for the first post?  Well it's right HERE!

P.S. I've definitely adopted Kay's idea of birthday weeks and it's been fantastic. :)  Oh and I heard someone say that on his birthday he watches movies all day long, and that's all he wants for his birthday.  Going to the theater and staying there all day, or renting a bunch of movies and gluing your backside to the couch....either way it's a pretty cool tradition!  Anyone have any awesome birthday traditions I could adopt??

December 5, 2012

Snowmen

If we ever get snow in this great state, this is what I want to do. :)


Pinned Image
Courtesy of Pinterest from musingmainiac.com

Also I think that I am going to start collecting snowmen for my future house (that I won't have for another million years...).  My mom collects Santas and I've seen other people collect nativity scenes, ornaments or ugly sweaters, but my "thing" for Christmas decorations is going to be Snowmen.  (That sentence sounds terrible, but I could not figure out the correct grammar for the life of me...) I mean look at this little guy I picked up at Rod Works last weekend. He's adorable!!

Hi, my name is Fred.
And maybe I'd like to name each one? Who knows?!

I love the Christmas season. :)

December 4, 2012

3 more spots!

Finally got the extra 3 shelves to finish my shoe case.  All my shoes are safely put away and beautifully displayed.  Only one area of improvement.


Looks like I've got room for 3 more pairs of Vans!! Oh the possibilities......

December 2, 2012

December Shoutout

What's up December?!  Soooo glad to have you back.  Now I'm just waiting for some snow.....
 Today we're setting up the Christmas tree!!  I had tried to convince my mom to get a real tree this year, and she almost did, but backed out.  Better luck next year. :)


P.S. my mom finished re-decorating the living room/kitchen!  Notice the green walls (no more red kitchen.....) and the new fab decor on the ledge.  Yeah she's kind of a big deal when it comes to decorating. Jordan's not going to be very happy when he sees the kitchen.  haha oh well.  It looks great!!

Well here's to December.  May this month bring joy, Christmas music, family, friends, charity and giving.  I'm particularly excited about what I found for my mom for Christmas.... I'll tell all about it after Christmas, but until then it's still a secret!!  Maybe I'll go make some hot chocolate for us while we put ornaments on the tree. :)  Happy Holidays!!

Just kidding, I almost forgot to share my treasure I found yesterday while shopping with my mom!  hahahahaha this is so funny.