An update for Lori!

I got a request to update from Lori, so Lori, this one's for you!

The past couple of months have kind of caught me in a whirlwind. Everything moved so fast and I found that I needed something like twenty six hours in a twenty four hour day...didn't quite work, but thankfully, I am done with the semester and can actually take some time to relax and enjoy myself for a couple of weeks.

I hope that gushy romance novels and painting consume my time while I'm at home. Of course, I will be spending time with my family and walking to my grandmother's house just about every day for coffee at three. I don't drink coffee but she always has a cup of hot chocolate for me. It's times like these that I wish I drank coffee...or could acquire a taste for it. I enjoy sitting with my grandmother and sister while we talk about the happenings around town, who's doing what...In such a small town, everyone knows everything. It makes me wonder who is sitting down with their grandmother at that moment, discussing the very same thing we are...or even if anyone still does that.

We don't gossip, really, just talk. But it sure is funny when my grandmother has a friend or two over to drink coffee with us as well...two or three older women sure do know how to gossip.

It's always so exciting when my family gathers at my grandmother's house. If you have see Raymond, that's what our family is like. My grandparents let themselves in our house whenever they want, and we do the same. We've started to call them Frank and Marie...I think they secretly get a kick out of it as well...they laugh.

I must say though, this is the first time that I haven't rushed back home for a holiday. I finished finals on Monday and here it is...Wednesday evening, and I still haven't even packed for home. I'll get there eventually. Maybe it's because I'm sticking around to see the friends that I won't see for a month, one in particular. Or maybe it's just a sign that I might be growing up and am able to live on my own...without my parents. I will always need them, but have reached a new phase in my life...I don't know.

Moped

I got to ride a moped to campus today and let me just say that it was one of the coolest things ever! As if riding a moped wasn't enough, the weather was amazing. I couldn't help but smile the whole time on my way to campus because of the beautiful day that we were blessed with. If I could have done all of my work outside today, I would have for sure.

Before I go any further, I must thank my friend for taking me on that ride...Thanks, friend! (You know who you are...I don't know how you feel about your name being posted up here so I will just call you friend.) It truly made my week!

I almost can't find words to express the excitement of my short ride to campus. I was such in awe of the beauty around me and how I got to experience it today. The was no better way to enjoy the day. I really don't know what to say about it. You're the best, friend!

Super Safari 2004

15 Bands, 2 Days, 1 Message - Super Safari 2004

Mark your calendars for October 16th and 17th! Come out and support Phi Beta Chi's Super Safari 2004 at Simpson Drill Field on October 16th. The day will be jammed packed with 15 bands, good food, good fun, and great people! It's a day you won't want to miss. But wait, it gets better. The first five hundred people to Super Safari will receive free...yes, FREE tickets to Caedmon's Call on Sunday, October 17th! Tickets may also be purchased at the MSC Box office, www.tickets.com, or www.ticketservant.com. When purchasing tickets, look under Super Safari 2004 NOT Caedmon's Call. (They sell out every single time they come to College Station so purchase your tickets pronto...unless of course, you plan on making it up to the drill field early!)

My place in the world

As I stated in an earlier post, I am for the first time since my sophomore year in high school, truly happy. To recap, I love my life and everyone in it. I know that I am where I am for a reason. Although I may not know that reason, I know that there is one.

Just recently my life dramatically changed and I have no problem talking about it. However, I don't know how the other parties involved would feel so for the sake for them, I will leave names, many names, out.

I was at a little get together at a friends house a couple of weeks ago. She had asked about school and whether or not I was still planning on majoring in business. At that point, I was. Now, the problem with this is that I had no reason to major in business other than the simple fact that I am good at it and it is a strong degree, no matter which track I decided to take. However, I hate business. My mind is so analytical and geared towards numbers that it is to the point of insanity...almost. For some, numbers are cool. Numbers, numbers, numbers! I can't take them! They bore me. She had said that my major did not necessarily have to be something that I enjoyed. But why do it then? Because it would be good for me? (I think not.) It was with that little conversation that I decided to drastically change my direction in university. [Mr. Fuller...ahh, good man! (inside comment)]

On the first day of classes I went to an advisor and changed a perfect schedule full of business classes to a jumbled schedule full of architecture classes. I must say that so far, this has proven to be one of the best decisions of my life. (I am not just saying that because it sounds good. I really mean it.) Now some people might think this was pushing insanity - to change from business (one side of the spectrum) to architecture (on the complete opposite side of the spectrum.) The people are completely different, think completely different in the architecture department than they do in business. The business people think that the architecture people are "out there" floating around and the architecture students think that the business people are too structured.

Example: I was sitting at the bus stop waiting to ride back to my car when I overheard a conversation between two girls, both architecture students. To provide a little neackground information, the architecture department is located on one side of campus, and the business school is located on the complete opposite side of campus, across the railroad tracks (West Campus).

"Oh my gosh! I have to take a class all the way on West Campus with the business students. They are so weird too! You know, I got to class 15 minutes early. 15 minutes! I thought this would be perfect timing to find a seat and get settled before class. Do you know that I was the very LAST person in class, couldn't find a seat and had to sit on the floor. I bet all those business students got to class 30 minutes early and had already read the whole text book before the first day of class. Business students are so intense."

This just shows the difference between the two types of people. Should I explain this further? I think not.

Now to my main point for writing this tonight...what was it? Oh yes, I am here for a reason. I believe that i have found the perfect meeting point. I was bored with business and wanted to use my creativity in my work. Now I am able to be creative but still use logic and numbers to make sure everything stands! But I couldn't make the decision to switch on my own. I know that the Lord was with me, guiding me in the right direction. I know this because of how happy I am. I love my classes, I love the work that I do, I love the people in the department. I am in architecture for a reason. I am there because I am supposed to be. This is where God wants me. What a beautiful thing it is to be able to put everything that I do in the Lord's hands and know that he will take care of me and provide for me. I shouldn't have a care in the world because of this...and you know, right now I don't...except for the fact that I got three hours of sleep last night and my seventh wind just died off. I think I will retire now, before that eighth wind comes. That one is a killer!

Randyll in the mailbox. He's so cute! 

If I died

If I were to die tonight, I would die knowing that I have truly loved. I gave my heart fully and though it didn't work out, I can still look back and be happy.

I would die knowing that I have been truly happy. I was driving home on a back road with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up. I was singing as loud as I could and wasn't worried about all of the love bugs flying about. The sun was setting on a beautiful day. I stopped to thank God for the glorious day He gave us and for giving me the chance to experience it in the way that I had. It was then that I realized that I was truly happy. And I said a prayer of praise for that. I love my life and my family and my friends. Life is wonderful.

I would die knowing that I have always had a best friend to talk to...I was blessed with her from birth and I love her so much. Sara is and always will be my absolute best friend. To my other friends - y'all are the greatest and you know who you are!

I was blessed with the best parents in the world. The best grandparents in the world. The best family in the world.

I would die with no regrets. I have never done anything I didn't want to do. I have never not done anything for fear of regretting it later. Everything I have done in life, I have done because I wanted to not because someone else wanted me to. I have my morals. I have my beliefs...and they have made life easier for me...if that's possible.

I love my life and everything in it. Life is wonderful. BUSH '04!

My dad and a gorilla- 

Gorillas in Africa

The picture above is of my father in Africa this past week. He visited 12 camps looking to extend their business possibly with Ker & Downey. In one camp, you are able to track a group of gorillas. After seeing this picture, I have a strong desire to travel back to Africa and track the gorillas. What a beautiful creature.

I am now collecting donations for the "Send Haley to Africa to Track Gorillas Fund." If you would like to make a donation, contact me. This is not a joke!

I have the cutest dog in the world! 

Barking Boys

The other day I was standing outside of a store waiting for Sara to try on some shoes. Two boys, and I will call them boys because of their behavior and not their age, walked by me and barked. I pretended not to notice them, but they did not stop. When I turned around one laughed at me.

When Sara walked out I told her what had happened. She wanted to say something to the boys but we had already started walking off. I was offended by their barking and want to know which of the following it means:

a) They thought I looked like a B****
b) I am ugly as a dog
c) They liked what they saw

I would greatly appreciate any input on this matter as it has concerned me. I don't want to let the barking of two boys get to me, I just want to know what it means.

Randomness

Last night I had a nightmare about a paper that I turned in four days ago. How is a paper coming back to haunt me in my dreams? I woke up breathing hard and wondering what in the world was going on and if it had really happened. You would think that this paper pulled out a gun on me or something! Obviously I am thinking way too much about it. I need a vacation!!

Sara is coming into town today. I'm excited because we haven't been able to do much together this summer. It's really weird. I never thought I would be so excited to see my sister. I guess that's what growing up friends together our whole lives does to us. This is the first summer that we have spent apart...I am actually looking forward to moving back to live with her. Crazy what life does to you!

Hair

The only thing worse than a bad hair day is a bad haircut. I got a really bad hair cut the other day...Actually, I got my hair butchered. I've been going to the same person for years but she is out for a couple of months. I decide to try someone new...The girl my sister uses. Sara always has a cute haircut. I call for this new girl and she has picked up and moved across the state! I can't drive four hours for a haircut! So I say, well, give me anyone. That was my first mistake. I only thought that all the girls working at this place would be good. I don't even know if this girl knew what she was doing. I've got naturally curly hair and she wanted to dry it straight and then not even put a straightening iron to it!! Anyone who has thick, curly hair, or has seen mine, knows that if it gets dried without a flat iron to it, it looks like it's straight out of the '80's. If big, fluffy, '80's hair were in,  would be cool.
 
I have layers...Which makes big hair bigger. I thought that I might grow my layers out for a change and so I told her that I just needed them trimmed up and wanted to keep most of my length. I don't think she knows what the word 'length' means. She must have cut off 2 and 1/2 inches. (1 inch my butt!) My top layer is now so short that my bangs hang longer than it. When she finally finished cutting everything off and trying to style it, she said something about all the men that would be coming in later...This led me to believe that she specializes in men's hair and has no idea how to cut layers. I will be wearing my hair up for quite a while!
 
Anyways...The point of all of my rambling is, take time to figure out who is cutting your hair and how many years of experience they have. Check out whether or not they specialize in men or women's hair, etc. I've never been jealous of my boyfriend when it came to hair...Most girls aren't jealous of men's hair. But this is one time that I am. He recently got a bad haircut and shaved his head bald...I can't do that.
 
If bad things come in threes, watch out. You could be next to get a bad haircut. I would use caution when going to the beauty salon!
 
I should be thankful though...At least I have hair.

All-Stars Game

Yesterday I went to Minute Maid Park with Jess to watch the All-Stars Futures game. We got to see the up and coming players in the in minors looking to move into the majors. Some of these guys were as young as 18! What an awesome experience for them to play at Minute Maid!

Neither of us knew it before the game, but after the Futures game, the Legends and Celebrity game was played! I was four rows away from the field watching Nick Lachey, Charlie Maher (The Bachelorette), Jimmy Kimmel, Bill Rancic (winner of The Apprentice), and Sarah Silverman. It was a great surprise to find out that I would be watching these people play softball and having a good time! A once and a lifetime experience...How often is the All-Stars game played in Houston?

It would have been a perfect day at the ballpark except for two men sitting behind us yelling at the celebrities about how they were swinging like a girl. Come on guys, they are out there to have a good time and provide entertainment...They are entertainers for a living. Who cares if they can play softball or not? If you wanted to see a softball or baseball game, go home and watch television. There were plenty of baseball games on. Don't yell stupid things like "Kimmel and Bits" at Jimmy Kimmel because he doesn't care. He's there to entertain with comedy, not with his baseball or softball skills. Don't yell curse words so that everyone around you can hear...Parents being their young children to the baseball park to have a nice family outing. Don't spoil it because your vocabulary is too small to come up with other ways to express your frustration. (Even though you should have none at a celebrity softball game.) Bottom line - don't make yourself look stupider than you already are.

Jamie Cullum

Everyone should check out Jamie Cullum's U.S. debut album - Twentysomething

biggest selling UK jazz artist ever and he's only 24

go to the link and check him out...it will put you in a good mood!

www.jamiecullum.com

Monopoly

I think that Monopoly might just be the best game ever created. I don't win much, but it sure is fun.

Things to do

If you ever get the chance, sit out on a porch with someone close to you (boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, family) and watch the rain come down. Not only is the sight of it relaxing, but the sound of the rain hitting the ground can, if you let it, put you in a different place. If you are sitting with the one that you love, it is very romantic.

If you live in the city, drive out to the country to get away from the bright city lights. Drive down an old dusty road and pull the car over. Stand outside looking up at the sky and enjoy the stars. If you live in the country do the same thing but look at the sky with a different eye. People in the country are used to seeing stars and may not appreciate them as much as the people from the city. Therefore, look at them and realize how lucky you are to see that sky every single night without leaving your home.

When you get stuck in traffic, roll down your windows and enjoy the day. Turn the music up and sing. Don't worry about the people around you or what they are thinking. Just enjoy the moment while you are sitting there. Don't think about where you need to be or what else you could be doing with your time. And if a wreck is reason for traffic, say a prayer for the families involved and a prayer of thanksgiving that you are not the one involved.

Whenever it storms and you do not have a surge protector, turn off your computer. Don't lie in bed thinking, I should get up and turn off my computer before it gets fried. Chances are, in the morning, it will be and you will have wished that you got up to turn it off instead of having to pay to get a new operating system. (This is from experience!)

Another Police Story

On Saturday Jess and I were driving to Houston for a wedding. Jess was driving and I was in the passenger seat. We were following a truck and going about 67 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour speed zone. Why would I know the speed, you ask, if I was not driving? We passed a cop and because Jess and I have been pulled over many many times, I look down to see if he was speeding. Going the speed limit? Check. Seat belt on? Check. Inspection sticker updated? Check. (All things that we have been pulled over for.)

I look back and see that the cop has turned around.

"If he pulls me over, I'm going to lose it."
"He's not going to pull you over, you weren't speeding. His lights aren't even on."

Just as I say that, his lights turn on. Jess pulls his truck to the side and into the grass (that is rather high) to be completely off of the road.

"Haley, get my insurance."
"Sir, the reason that I am pulling you over for is your speed limit."
"How fast was I going? I know I wasn't speeding. What's the speed limit?"
"You are also missing your fron liscense plate."
"Yes, that just fell off this week. How fast was I going?
"Could you step out of the truck please?"
"Yes, but how fast was I going?"
"Well, above 65." (If you are being pulled over for speed, don't they know how fast you were going?)

Jess gets out and I get on my cell phone.
"Mom, what's the speed on 159? 60 or 65?"
"I'm not sure, why?"
"Well, Jess just got pulled over for going 67 and I think that the speed limit is 65."
"You are kidding. Dad just got pulled over in Sealy from the same guy that pulled him over last time and he knows that he wasn't speeding. He's fighting it. Jess should too."
"Oh, I am going to have to call you back. He wants me to step out of the truck now."

I hang up and get out of the truck. Keep in mind that the grass is high, I am wearing slip on heels and a skirt and I hate cops. Jess comes over to help me get out of the truck.

"Did you get a ticket?"
"No, it's just a warning. He wanted to know how you were related to me. I was like, uhh, she's my girlfriend."
"Why did he want to know that?"
"I don't know."
"Why did I have to get out?"
"He wants to search the truck for any illegal substances."

Are you kidding me? We get pulled over for going two miles over the speed limit, we are wearing nice clothes, and while I was on the phone, Jess told him that he was playing in a wedding that we were on our way to. Do we seem suspicious? Jess thinks that he was actually just pulled over for his liscense plate. But if that's the case, why can't the officer just say, I pulled you over for your missing front plate. Why does he have to say...ugh, I pulled you over for your speed. I don't know how fast you were going, but you were going above 65.

I hate cops and I think that is obvious. Why don't they pull someone over for doing something serious. IF you are going to pull someone over for a missing front plate, tell them that. Don't tell them that you pulled them over for their speed?

The Tracker

Sara and I share a car and that has worked out great over the past 4 years. I hate to drive and she likes to be in control. Well since it is the summer, I decided to come home and spend time in the big ol' metropolis of Bellville. She stayed in College Station and for a while, I was without a car...and then I started going to summer school.

Originally, my dad planned to get a jeep as a hunting car to take to the woods. He looked at a 1973 jeep and decided to that it wouldn't be worth it to get it inspected and make a few repairs...like fix a hole in the floor boards where the center console would have gone. It's a good thing that my uncle is a car dealer...he set us up with a Chevy tracker. Now as a hunting car, this car would be just perfect. But since I need a car to get to school, this is what I am driving.

The other day I tried to take the top off but could only get half of it off. So I drove for about 5 miles holding onto part of the top to keep it from flapping in the wind. Then my arm got tired so I pulled over and tried to fix it but couldn't...20 miles and one sore arm later, I was finally home.

I think the thing that I hate most about it is the sound that it makes. Because I couldn't get the top on right, there is a place for the air to come in. So when I drive down the road, it sounds like you are strapped onto the top of a jet taking off. Not that I have ever done that, but I am sure that's what it would be like. That's not the only noise of the car though. The breaks and tires are sqeeky so pulling up to a stop sign is a real treat for the ears. My dad says that it turns on a dime...which is true, but the tires screech so bad that you don't want to turn at all. There is of course the radio...that might be pleasant if you can hear it over the jet taking off, the breaks, tires, and the static.

On my way to pick up my dog in College Station tonight I got a cramp in my right leg from having to push the pedal so hard. I think I started to get the cramp when I tried to pass a truck and trailor that pulled out in front of me. As a result, I drove thiry minutes with my left foot and my right leg hanging over onto the passenger seat. No pick up whatsoever!

I guess I shouldn't be complaining though. It gets me from one place to the other and for now, that's all that I need.

Police on Motorcycles

Is it just me, or are all of the police that ride around on motorcycles fat? No, not fat, obese. You would think that the police force would be trim from "fighting crime" in the streets all day long. But all they really do is ride around on their motorcycles, thinking that they look cool with their fat hanging over their belts and flapping in the wind. Who really wants to see that? They claim to work out but we all know that unless their donuts have lead in them, they aren't lifting anything at all.

So with this, I urge the police force to trim up if they want to ride around on motorcycles. Instead of inspecting why people are sitting in a public park, why don't you try running in one?

Blog

My first actual "blog" is now posted. It is at the bottom of the page because I started writing it the other day...so it is posted under the day that I began it.

Stuff

I love pictures...there will be more to come of Botswana and a little reading for your eyes in the upcoming days.

Me and Jess 

At Elephant Back Safaris 

Africa

On May 5th, my sister, mother, cousin (Justin), and I went to Africa. This was my third time to Africa, but it was Justin's first time. Originally, our plan was to go to Africa, more specifically Botswana, on a mission to help the many people with aids over there. (Something like every one in two people have aids in Botswana.) But it appeared that God had another mission in mind for us. He made that clear before we ever got to Africa. Before I go any further, I must talk about Justin a little.

Justin had an accident about three years ago which damaged part of his brain. Many doctors say that it is even a miracle that he is alive, but to have recovered at such a fast pace and shown such great improvement is another miracle in itself. Justin is now part of a research program that is taking a deep look into his case to figure out why he has recovered so well as opposed to other similar cases where the person has not done as well as Justin. (One conclusion that has been drawn is the amount of support that Justin has received from his family and friends, and more importantly, the amount of people that were praying for him during his accident and recovery.) The logical explanation (that sadly some people in the world wouldn't accept) is simply that is was a miracle. There is no way that someone could have a complete recovery in Justin's condition, but he has...Just about.

Looking at Justin, you would think that he is 100%, a-ok except for a small limp. But when you start to talk to him, you will find out (maybe not immediately) that something has happened to him. (One of the great things about Justin is that he is not scared to tell you about his accident. He is not embarrassed about it one bit.) Because of his accident, Justin tends to forget some things, so he will ask the same question sometimes seven times during the day. For someone not used to being asked the same thing over and over again, it can be a challenge to not get frustrated by this. (This was the case with me sometimes.)

Like I said earlier, our main reason for going to Africa was to get involved with the people that have aids over there. During the whole plane ride across the ocean, I truly thought that I would be going over there to do God's work with people I didn't know. But God had a different plan in mind. Instead of me focusing on the people that I didn't know, my attention was focused mainly on myself. What I mean by this is that instead of helping other people, God helped me realize and understand the need for patience.

Up until Justin's accident, he barely talked. He wasn't exactly a shy person, but because he lived six hours away (which really isn't that far for most people, but considering that the rest of my family lives within an hour from me, it is far), we didn't see him but maybe twice a year. It was basically like we didn't know him too well when compared with my other cousins. After his accident, Justin started talking to every person about anything he could think of. Although this is a good quality to have, it can be annoying sitting on a plane for 18 hours, answering question after question and then answering them again, in the same order, every two hours.

Before I go any further, I want to make sure that it is understood that I am not bad-mouthing Justin in any way, I have the deepest respect for him and everything that he has been through, and I love him like I love the rest of my family...which means that I would do anything for them.

Throughout the trip, I found myself getting annoyed at little things. It was difficult for me to remember that I must be patient with Justin. Initially, I was upset because I was ready to focus all of my attention onto the aids victims, but instead my attention was focused on Justin...Where is he? What is he doing? Is he lost? I was upset that I had to think about these things. I kept thinking to myself, "He is almost 21. He should be able to do things by himself." But then I was reminded that mentally he may not be able to function as a 21-year old boy.

I feel like I had a spiritual make-over during my time in Africa. God taught me that I must be patient with each and every person. I must take my time to answer questions and not get frustrated when people don't understand. Although I thought that I was going over to Africa to help the people that are dying, God helped me to help myself as well. I fell very fortunate to be able to travel to Africa and hope to be able to spend more time over there with the aids victims. Now that I have learned how to be patient with people, I feel that I am probably better equipped to handle people that are facing death. I will be a better helper to calm them and a better listener because of the lesson that God and Justin have taught me. For that, I will be forever grateful to them.