My classroom

So our school has joined up with Office Max in their program "Adopt-A-Classroom." I thought I would post a link to my page in case any of you are interested. It is basically donations that will go to a specific teacher/classroom for any supplies that they might need. So anyway, here is the link:

1. Who is your man? Raymond T. Barnett
2. How long have you been together? 1 year or so
3. How long did you date? Maybe around 7 months
4. How old is your man? 35...yeah he's quite a bit older than I am
5. Who eats more? Uh for sure him.
6. Who said "I love you" first? I really don't know
7. Who is taller? Pretty sure him by at least a foot
8. Who sings better? I don't know...he's got a pretty good voice.
9. Who is smarter? We're both smart, but he can rock some trivia like no one else.
10. Whose temper is worse? Definitely mine.
11. Who does the laundry? Both of us.
12. Who takes out the garbage? He does.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Neither yet...still sleeping in our own beds.
14. Who pays the bills? We still have seperate bills...hmmm guess this survey would be better if we were actually married.
15. Who is better with the computer? He is...he used to work with them.
16. Who mows the lawn? If we HAD one, he would.
17. Who cooks dinner? Hate to admit it...but he does. He is a much better cook than I am.
18. Who drives when you are together? He does...I think he likes the control.
19. Who pays when you go out? we both do...we'll swap it out sometimes.
20. Who is more stubborn? Definitely me.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Probably him...that's never been one of my strong suits.
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine. His live in Texas, and his dad is in Iraq right now.
23. Who kissed who first? Actually I think I did...although I acted like it was no big deal and it was like a little peck...not very romantic, but definitely took the pressure off of the situation.
24. Who asked who out? He did...to dinner.
25. Who proposed? He did.
26. Who is more sensitive? We both can be...but I definitely cry more.
27. Who has more friends? Probably me. I tend to be the social butterfly of the two.
28. Who has more siblings? We both have 2.
29. Who wears the pants in the family? I dont know...I guess we both kind of do. We try to handle things together...although it doesn't work sometimes.

A question....

Is is wrong to hate a job SO MUCH that you countdown nearly every hour until the weekend begins?

I'm alive....I swear

So it has been quite some time since I have written on this thing, but I have had a rather good excuse. I am now a teacher in the American public school systems (aka Paperwork Central). Let's just say that as teachers, we spend more time filing and writing paperwork than we do actually teaching. Doesn't sound quite right, does it? However, that is the nature of the beast. My day begins at 6:15 every morning, frantically trying to get ready so that I can leave the house before 7--just so I can make it to school, which starts at 8? Oh no...8:45! I have to be up and out the door nearly 2 hours before my work day "officially" begins. I am then at school until at least 4:15, although on many days, I have been staying until 5-6pm. You would think that my work would be over after TEN hours, but oh no...I still have grading that I must do at home! I used to think that teachers went to school for their allotted 6 hours and then went home to enjoy the rest of their day. I was more wrong than I can believe. All of you out there that ARE teachers, I feel your pain. Those of you out there with children who have teachers, thank them for what they do. It's a crazy crazy job, but I guess someone has to do it.

Firsts and Lasts

Ok so I decided to do this after reading Laura and Ashley's blogs.

First Memory: I can't remember much from when I was really young, but I do remember busting my chin open in preschool (I think) and having to get stitches, and then I did it again at Dalraida pool trying to learn how to dive backwards. Not fun.

First Real Kiss: Ummm I think it was a boy from church (and I can't remember his name) when we were on a retreat at Gatlinburg. It's really horrible that I can't remember his name. Oh well.

First Concert: It was probably New Kids on the Block...and we had to leave early because one of them started to take his shirt off during the concert. Mom wasn't too pleased with that so we left.

First Love: probably Todd Gilliland...anyone who went to church with me at that time knows about that one.

First Crush: oh man I dont remember...it changed daily I'm sure.

First Thing you Think of in the Morning: I don't WANNA get up. (and yes, I realize that I sound like a five-year-old when I do that)

First Book you remember loving: Goodnight Moon (nice, Laura!) I think I heard that thousands of times when I was little.

First Question you'd ask in heaven: There isn't just one questions...there are numerous.

First Best Friend: Callie Gentry and Wendy Daniel were my best girl friends, and Andrew Greene was probably best guy friend.

Last Time You Dressed Up: Probably for church. I don't dress up too often besides that.

Last Book You Read: I just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (excellent!) and am in the process of reading The First Days of School by Harry Wong (mainly about how to keep things sane during those first crucial days.)

Last CD You Bought: Carrie Underwood.

Last Time You Cried: Last night.

Last Movie You Saw: In the theaters: Ratatouille. At home: Under the Tuscan Sun

Last Time You Told Someone You Love them: Earlier today to Ray and to my parents (I think)

Last Funny thing you did: I don't remember...I don't think I've done anything too amusing in a while.

Last Thing You watched on TV: I have been watching my Season Two DVDs of Grey's Anatomy.

New things happenin'

So I guess that it's time for another update. I really wish I could be more creative with this whole blog thing. I read all kinds of interesting things that other people post and it seems all I ever do is update you all on my life. I will try to improve upon this promptly. Anyway, I am now living in Nashville again (yay!) It's good to be back, although definitely different than the last time I was here. I don't have many friends to hang out with much like I used to. Most have either gotten married or moved away so it's a little lonely at times. Hopefully I will be able to meet more people once we find a church and once I start my new job. Speaking of jobs, I have been working at Olive Garden near my house, which I haven't really liked. I don't really have much in common with the people there, and I have decided to stop working there come the end of next week. I will be starting at Goodlettsville Middle school once the new year starts. I will be teaching Spanish and Geography (although mainly Geography, which I don't know much about!) It should be interesting to say the least. I also interviewed this past week with Belmont University to be an adjunct instructor there teaching a class at night, but don't know yet whether I got the job or not. Hopefully I will hear something within the next week.
Not only have I moved to a new place, started a new job (maybe 2) I have also started the process of premarital counseling. Coincidentally, the man that is working with us (Paul Cates) actually married my parents. Strange, yet I think it's a neat twist. I don't know how many times we will meet, but I am excited to learn more not only about Ray, but about myself and how to cope with our differences. We will also be starting Financial Peace here in the next month. Alot of things going on, not to mention planning a wedding. All of it is a bit overwhelming and quite honestly, stresses me out a little (ok, a LOT). Other than that, I spend most of my time with Ray, hanging out and watching tv. I know, I know. Not super interesting, but it's my life as I know it right now. Hope everyone is happy and well!

50 Things about myself

So I saw this on Sara and Dinah's blogs and decided to try it...mainly just to see if I could think of 50 things to say about myself. Apparently when I am done, I am supposed to tag other people to do the same. So here goes.

1) I really hate Spanish literature...yet have a Masters degree in that area.
2) I would rather sit at home all day and watch tv instead of going to work.
3) I could watch the movie "Elf" over and over and never get tired of it.
4) I still haven't unpacked my clothes from boxes yet...a week after moving in.
5) I am a reality TV junkie. Seriously. Some favorites: Project Runway, Top Chef, Shear Genius, The Bachelor, etc.
6) I have never seen any of the original Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or Godfather movies....and have no desire to.
7) I have absolutely no idea what I want when it comes to planning my wedding.
8) I have a weakness for movies that star Hugh Grant.
9) My dream job: travel around the world like Samantha Brown (Passport to Europe girl) and find fun things to do in foreign countries/cities.
10) I like to open other peoples' presents. (Just ask anyone in my family)
11) I have a horrible temper, which I am trying desperately to fix.
12) I cannot stand olives, raw onions, sweet potatoes or mayonnaise.
13) I'm really bad at basketball (in fact, I was cut from the team in the 9th grade...I was probably one of the oldest girls trying out)
14) I'm not that athletic...I realized that I sort of faked my way through highschool.
15) I want to learn Italian and Portuguese in the next few years.
16) I love having projects to do, but rarely ever finish them.
17) I am quite possibly one of the messiest people that I know.
18) I get bored very easily. I think I have developed a severe case of ADD.
19) My first job was at the movie theater....vest, bow tie and all.
20) I have no sense of style whatsoever. I would rather wear blue jeans and tshirts any day over other kinds of clothes.
21) I will readily admit that I Loooooove Lord of the Rings.
22) I hate to-do lists and never get everything accomplished that I write down.
23) I hate living in warm/hot areas...which is ironic due to the fact that I have lived in the South all my life.
24) I have an unnatural fear of cockroaches and lizards.
25) I always intend to eat leftovers, but actually never do.
26) I'm not a touchy-feely person. I used to be, but somewhere down the line, that disappeared.
27) I have had several nicknames through the years: "Hays" "Hayles" "Hayleykins" "Hale-bop" "Hayley-Bailey" and "Darla."
28) Although I sing in public a lot, I have a huge case of stagefright, which I believe comes from horrible incident at the Landmark talent show when I was six and performing a song from "Oliver."
29) I have no idea how to cook.
30) I am not very disciplined and am extremely unorganized (making it very interesting that I am teacher).
31) I want an international family like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
32) I sometimes wish I had gone into music as a profession.
33) I can't ride rollercoasters that just go up and down. It has to have flips and twists in order for me to get on.
34) I am completely apathetic towards all things political.
35) I am terrified of being a wife and mother. I'm very afraid that I won't be good at either.
36) I am extremely ticklish and will get violent if someone tries to test this fact.
37) I am not very good at sitting down and reading the Bible.
38) I get ridiculously happy when I am singing at the top of my lungs and dancing in the car.
39) I have tried to keep a journal, but now have about 6 different journals with about 3-4 entries in each.
40) I will be old and gray and still be laughing at people falling. There is nothing funnier to me.
41) The whole idea of wearing a huge wedding dress and having all eyes on me makes me feel a little nauseated.
42) I almost can't stand the wait for the new Harry Potter book.
43) My dream is to live in Europe. (Spain to be exact)
44) I cry. Alot.
45) I get really scared when driving over bridges. I feel as if I am going to go flying over the edge and crash into the water.
46) I have never used my checkbook register...not once in the 10+ years of having a checking account.
47) I have the best family in the world.
48) I am blessed to have met a wonderful man who loves me and finds joy in taking care of me.
49) I couldn't be happier than when I am surrounded by the people that I care about.
50) I am tired of this little game.

So now I tag Ashley, Jon, and Mitch.

Wedding website

So we now have a wedding website with some info on it...at least tentative info. There will be changes made once things are decided and all that. Oh and for those that wanted to know...my new name will be Hayley Barnett. Thanks for all the kind words and well wishes. We both appreciate all the support that everyone has shown!

website: http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/view/co_main.aspx?coupleid=6949146808770305

So I figured since the word is probably getting out pretty quickly, that I would go ahead and post this for everyone...I'm getting married next May! Ray went and talked to my parents and has everyone's approval so we have just started the planning phase of the wedding. It's very minimal right now but I'm excited anyhow. I don't know how many will be there, but I am wanting it to be on the smaller side...but I don't know if that is actually going to happen considering the amount of people my family knows. Anyway, just thought some of you out there would like to know.

Update...

So today was my official last day of graduate classes and I am so glad it's all over. I still have one paper to finish and my only final to take next week, but I am pretty much done. I will graduate on Thursday May 10. I'm just so glad to finally get this degree under my belt and move to the next stage. As for the job situation, I have not found one yet, and the frustration is starting to reach an all-time high. I am being considered for an instructor position at MTSU, but haven't heard anything yet. I also have a phone interview coming up with the Child Support Services of Tennessee. Other than that, I will interview with the public school system up there and if worse comes to worse, I will do that. Other than that, the plan so far is stay here in Auburn until my lease ends at the end of June and continue working for Niffer's. After that, who knows? Anyway, time for a nap.

Long awaited picture...

Yes, here it is. It's the only one I have, so you'll have to pardon the fact that he isn't looking at the camera. So now all you curious folk out there can see a picture of the man in my life. He's wonderful! :D
(Yeah and let's not even talk about how horrible this picture is of me...it's the only one he likes of himself.)

Spring Break...yeah I still get one at 26

Houston and Nashville here I come!
So I am leaving today for "Spring Break" although it's definitely not the wild and crazy kind that most kids are having. I will be heading out to Houston to meet the boyfriend's family...eek. Needless to say, I'm a bit nervous but it should be fun. Gonna go shopping at the Galleria and eat at lots of good places. Can't wait! Then it's onto Nashville. Ray and I will be staying with Elizabeth, my old college roommate, and her husband out in Murfreesboro. We will be looking for jobs and places to live, etc. Not exactly a "fun" trip since there will be much to do, but I am so looking forward to getting out of Auburn! No, I won't be spending my week at the beach, but I'm not gonna complain at all about getting to travel. Anyway, that's about it for now. Time to finish packing!!

ohhhh heck no!

I'm sure many of you have already seen this on the news, but let me just emphasize the sheer amount of fear I have in regards to this unbelievably ridiculous idea: the glass floored bridge spanning the width of the Grand Canyon. Has anyone ever been on one of those rope courses for team building and you are required to slither across two ropes attached to trees face down from one platform to the other? Yeah, this is like that on crack. There is no way that anyone could ever get me to try that bridge. Can you imagine staring down at the Colorado River from 4000 feet above? Yeah right. Thats just crazy.

Awesome concert...

So tonight I went to Atlanta with Ray, Mom and Dad to see Josh Groban at Philips Arena and it was excellent I have to say. The set was really impressive with graphics that were stunning to look at. Not only that, but he had one of the best violinists playing with him who broke it down with a Led Zeppelin song. He was surrounded by awesome musicians and of course, it was amazing to sit there and listen to his voice. I could probably listen to him all day and never tire of it. He finally brought out the choir to sing with him during "Raise me up", which brought down the house. Anyway, if any of you get a chance to see him in concert...do it. You'll be glad that were able to witness an amazing musician (yes, he plays the piano AND drums!).

Results are in...

So I got my test results back, and let's just say I am HAPPY!!! I only failed about 1.5 out of 10...which is awesome! I will retake those on April 10 and then will be good to go on graduation. Looks like all the studying paid off!

My Celebrity Look-alikes

http://www.myheritage.com

And here we go...

TESTS THIS WEEK! (please please please pray!) Hope I know everything I'm supposed to!

Way out of control

Most girls know what I'm talking about...yes, that would be my emotions that are way out of control. Obviously, the stress that I am under and have been feeling for the past 2 months is starting to get to me. I have cried more this past week than in a long time. Not fun. I have never worked so hard for anything in my life, yet I feel like I am going blind into these tests and that I don't know anything. Academics have always been easy to me, and I sailed through highschool and undergrad. Hardly lifted a finger. Not so here. It seems like everything I am reading/studying is going in my brain for a millisecond and then leaving. I can't recall much of anything at this point. I will be sooo glad when this is all over!
To add onto this stress, I realized this past week that I will never step foot in the house that I grew up in again. My parents have been building a new house for a while now, and I knew that the time would come that it would be time to leave, but it came faster than I was expecting. I have no time to go home now due to all the studying and it being crunch time (6 1/2 days!). My parents move on Friday and I will never see the inside of the house that I love so much again. I know its just a material object, but there are thousands upon thousands of memories that I have made there. So I've cried about that part too this week.
And yet one more thing---the job hunt. After working so hard for this degree, I am finding it hard to locate a job that will be worth all the hard work and studying. I don't want to keep working in these small jobs that I have been doing for the past several years. Yes, I can always teach...but I HAVE to get away from that for a little while. So no surprise...the tears have come over that.
Just a few more days of this stress and it will all be over. I will either be graduating in May OR I will be coming back in the fall to retake my tests and go through this all over again. Let's hope for the first option.

Dead or alive??!?!??

I hate having to wait a whole week to see if Meredith Grey actually dies. And I really hate that a TV show has this much effect on me. But I can't help it...I'm obsessed.

Only 23 days left...

....of studying! I have been reading and studying so much spanish literature that it is now haunting my sleep. I have names, definitions, etc. running through my head at all times. Not so much fun. Again, please please please keep me in your prayers and pray that I pass these exams or there will be no graduating for me this May. Not the end of the world, but I sure wouldn't want to come back for a week next fall just to take these exams all over again. To top it all off, I have been sick with a stomach virus almost all week. Apparently there is all kinds of nastiness going around and I hope this is all I will have to suffer through. Another little piece of information...after looking around at many different places to move, I am about 95% sure that I will be moving back to Nashville once the semester ends. Ray will be changing programs and will be starting at MTSU in the fall and hopefully I will find a job. Anyway, I am excited to be heading back to Nashvegas once this all ends. Sorry for the boring post...just procrastinating a little before my next study group starts. Hope everyone is well.

Spanish Literature....ugh.

So I have now entered into the final semester of grad school. Some might think that I am in the home stretch, and I am, but it's the absolute WORST semester of grad school. In about 6 1/2 weeks, I will have to complete a series of 10 comprehensive exams over everything ever written in Spanish (novels, poetry, plays, etc.) In order to graduate, I MUST pass these exams. Talk about some stress. Anyway, I will probably be out of the loop for the next 2 months and now you know why. I will be checking in with all of you on your blogs, but will probably not be posting my own. There just isn't enough time in the day. Keep me in your prayers...not only that I pass the exams, but that I maintain my sanity while I am spending my days cramming.