Fun Birthday! :)

Saturday I turned 21. Wahoo!! (Not that it means much since I don't drink or gamble but still...) It was probably the best birthday ever thanks to some awesome friends and family!! Thank You!!! A couple days before my birthday my parents drove down to Cedar to take me to dinner and they bought a pinata with a whole bunch of candy which was really fun! Thanks Mom and Dad! I shared the day with Natalie, Shalie and Tony and loved it! Natalie and Shalie put together a little adventure for me and I found many random presents like a coloring book, crayons, jump rope, light up sword, and a chalkboard. I think they had fun buying them. :) They did get serious at one point and Natalie gave me some SUU sweatpants which are so comfortable and Shalie gave me a book I have been wanting to read which is Dan Brown's new one called The Lost Symbol. Tony gave me a necklace which I love, a cute beanie and gloves. :) I already got my birthday present from my parents a few weeks ago because I just couldn't wait! A camera!!! Oh and my mom paid for half of the cost of my new running shoes. :) Anyway, we (Shalie, Natalie, Tony and I) ate some ice cream cake before heading down to St. George for some fun! We decided we just wanted to just play and have fun so we went and played some laser tag and then went to Olive Garden for dinner (no surprise there since it was MY birthday :) After dinner, since Tony had never been to the St. George Temple we decided to go there and just walk around. Such a peaceful place! Anyways, I had such a fun birthday sharing it with these people I just love!! Thanks guys!!!

Run

I love to run. As soon as I get my clothes, my shoes, and i-pod on and ready to go I get pumped. Once I start to run it just feels so great to get out and go. It's such a stress reliever too and a really good break from homework. I have been running more and more and am starting to become addicted. If I don't go at least 3 times a week I go crazy and sometimes will go at 10 pm or even later than that. (My roommate makes me take my phone so I promise I'll stay safe!) I have recently got an application on my i-pod that tracks distance, calories burned, time, and average pace per mile and I love it! I finally get to track exactly how far I go and my exact time. Anyways.... I have had the same running shoes for probably about 3 and a half years now and it's time for a replacement, that is when I can afford them. (Not sure I can wait till Christmas.) So looking on some websites I some shoes I just love. They'll be in my dreams.....

Annoying Visitors

I keep wanting to blog about the annoying things people say or do at my work. So here it is...

Annoying Things Visitors do and Advice to Any of Who Read.

-Don't go to a national park or a monument and ask "Is the drive very scenic?" or "Is it worth it?" (Well duh! It wasn't declared a national park just because.)

-People will bring a postcard or a magnet with a picture on it to me and ask "When was this taken?" (For real! Like I know. I don't know the photographers and when they take every one of their thousands of pictures. Just don't ask.)

-Cedar Breaks is at 10,350 ft in elevation. When it is thundering and lightning we close off the main overlook because it is very dangerous. People will come in and ask "When will you be opening the point?" My answer- "I don't know!! I can't predict when the sky will clear up... don't ask."

-Speaking of weather, people will ask while at Cedar Breaks "Is it always this cold up here?" My answer- "Nope, just on the day you're here. You're special." Ok so this might be rude and it's logical for people to ask about the weather up there but it just gets so annoying.

-Don't ask me to make your decision about which road to take, if you should take the drive, or if you should stay here or there, etc, etc. I'm not you and I'm not going to tell you what to do.

-People will stand there and look at something then turn to me and say "How much are the shirts?" or "how much are the postcards?" The things are priced for a reason. Look at them! I don't have the price of every merchandise memorized.

-And finally, if you're planning a trip to visit a few of the national parks don't take your dog! They are not allowed on trails and therefore you won't be able to do much because you don't want to leave the poor dog in the hot car all by itself. Use common sense please.

Stay tuned. There may be more later. (I should tell funny stories about funny and strange people. They're quite entertaining.)

Fun stuff

Hello all! Just thought I'd check in and update my blog. I thought what's the point of having a blog if you never update it so here goes. Summer is almost over, school is almost here. YAHOO! Crazy to think that I, Alyson Hales, am actually super excited for school to start and for several reasons. One- Don't have to work quite as much. Two- My classes will be awesome! Three- I'm hoping to meet more people and have more fun! Four- It means fall is on it's way which means my birthday is coming up (21!) and most excitedly the PBR is getting closer. For those of you who don't know what PBR is it is Professional Bull Riding and is held in Las Vegas. A friend and I bought tickets about a month ago and I'm so excited!! One thing on my bucket list will be crossed off. :)

I've been having lots of fun the last month and half and wish I had pictures. 4th of July was super fun which included camping with family and going to the rodeo with my friend. On the 23rd of July I attended the Kenny Chesney concert in Salt Lake and it was AMAZING! I love concerts and I love country so I definitly had a blast! I was disappointed however that Sugarland, who was suppose to be one of the opening bands, could not make it. They were the main reason I bought tickets for this concert so I was definitly bummed. It is my dream to see Sugarland in concert and I will see to it!

About a week ago I went to Park City with my sisters and my mom for our annual mother-daughter do something fun day or weekend. We did some shopping, attended the Arts Festival, and rode the alpine slide. (well 3 of us did) I really wanted to do the zip line but didn't for a few reasons. Oh well, I will have the chance again I'm sure.

This last Saturday, I got a ranger I work with at Kolob to write a non-fee pass for Zion Canyon so I could go do some hiking. I took Natalie and Dustin with me and I had a fun time and hope they did too. We rode the shuttle all the way through, which I've never done before or at least don't remember it, hiked the Emerald pool trails, ate good pizza, and watched Harry Potter on the giant screen. I wanted to do some more hiking but since Natalie just got back from her week long hiking trip to Havasupi (spelling ?) in the Grand Canyon she was a bit worn out. I'm glad they went with me though so thanks!

This Friday is my friend Chelsee's wedding and I am looking forward to seeing her and a lot of other friends too. I'm sure it will be beautiful and I am excited for Chelsee. Next week, we are planning a hiking trip on the Subway in Zion and I am way excited for that! I have wanted to do the Subway since I started working at Kolob last year. Anyways, these are just a few more things going on before school starts. I wish I had pictures of these things but my camera's been acting up and sometimes I've just forgotten to take pictures. A new camera is my birthday wish I think. Either that or it is going on my Christmas list. (FYI... Mom :)

Blah, blah blah

Natalie tells me I need to update my blog..... Geez, hypocrit. Maybe if I update she'll follow suit. Anyways I guess I haven't updated with what's new in my life for awhile so here goes. I quit Convergy's in May and it was such a relief. My last day there was the best day I ever worked there. I barely took any phone calls because I flat out didn't care if my stats were bad or if I got in trouble for randomly clocking into training and just sitting there. I didn't even have a team leader or manager over my last two weeks there. After I quit, my seasonal job I've returned to didn't start the first of June so I had like two weeks in between where I did nothing. I did that on purpose of course. I've started back at Cedar Breaks and Kolob Canyons working in the Visitors Centers and I'll admit I am already sort of annoyed with it but I'm not going to complain too much because it's much better than Convergy's. And don't get me wrong Cedar Breaks and Kolob Canyons are awesome places to work; I just get so bored and annoyed with people asking the same questions every day. I have decided that next summer I'm going to do something different; Like be a park ranger at Zion? I've talked to some rangers at Kolob about it and I'm pretty sure I'll apply especially since one of the rangers who worked at Zion and has worked at Kolob for a long time said I could use her for a reference. Anyways just sharing my insights about my work situation......

Hmmm... what is else is new and worth sharing? I guess nothing else. Oh wait! I wanted to share....

Today I found out where and when a 5K race is and I'm looking to get more information about it. It is August 22nd and is at Brianhead. I'm totally going to do it and am excited for it! My first 5k race; First step towards my biggest goal. I haven't been running lately so I guess I better get started. I plan to do a couple runs up at Cedar Breaks or Brianhead so I can get a feel for running at that elevation. 5K isn't much but hey it's a start. Next year I'll go for 10K maybe in July or so and then possible a marathon in October or something. I'm working up towards it.

Want to say Happy Father's Day to my wonderful father even though that's a couple days away. I'm bummed I won't be able to make it home because of work but I'm there in spirit. Thanks Dad for everything you do. I love you lots and you're the best! (I'm not sure he even reads this... oh well.)

Happy Late Birthday Mom!

Just wanted to tell my mom how much I love and appreciate everything she does for me. Wish I could give her anything and everything she has ever wanted. (I'm not even good at gift giving :(

Anyways Thanks Mom for always being there for me and for helping me out when I need it. You're awesome! The best Mom ever!! Love you!

Oh and...

One more thing I forgot to mention and wanted to is I've registered for Fall Semester and I am taking an American Sign Language class. YAH!!! I'm so excited! I can't wait! It's going to be super fun! Anyways... that is all.

Update

Long time no blogging. In case anyone cares or checks up on me, here's a few things I am looking forward to in the near future:
-Semester is almost over. I have only 3 finals and have completed all of my projects. So yah! Here's to one semester down, five more to go.
-Moving to a new place. I enjoy change and I am excited for a new place. I hope and pray I have fun roommates this time! Pray for me! :)
-Quitting Convergy's and going back to the parks, my summer job. I have spoken to the manager at Cedar Breaks and Kolob Canyon's so it is official... I am going back! Yeah! Convergy's has been on my nerves as of late so I can't wait till I can quit. The past couple days I have been called stupid and useless more than once during my shifts and I even got screamed at by a lady whom I had done everything I could for her. I almost walked out of that place and never went back but thus I need money for a deposit on my new place. So I'm thinking 3 more weeks of that place... i can't wait!
-Summer. Have a few things planned such as vacations and new goals I have set for myself to accomplish this summer. I am determined to be a runner and I am finally going to stick to it.. hopefully. Could use anyone's support by asking me how my running is coming. Please? and Thank you.
-One thing has already happened which I looked forward to and maybe I shouldn't mention it mainly because you'll probably ask questions, but a couple people who have caused so much stress in my life a of late has left Utah for the summer! YAH! Yeah, I'll miss them and they're good friends but they've been gone for 3 days so far and I already feel relieved that they're gone. I feel like it'll be easier for me to move on now. Anyways.. that is all.
Have a fabulous day! Enjoy the warmth! :)

Totally Random

Random Thoughts and Updates on ME:
1. It's time for me to get some contacts or maybe even glasses since contacts didn't work for me the first time. I sit really close to the front in my classes and I'm squinting to see the board. I also get a lot of headaches and I've decided it's my eye sight. Also I can't see a thing while I'm driving in the dark.... you should have seen me trying to find a friend's house the other night. Wow....
2. Stomach is starting to feel better. I don't seem to get the sharp pains quite as much. I want to say it's because I'm eating better but I'm not so sure. I mean, I am eating better just not as good as I should, yet. It could also be that I'm exercising more (although I get bad pains when I run but I'm not letting that stop me.)
3. School is starting to get overwhelming. I have tons of projects for one class and the due dates are all coming up pretty fast. For example, I have to do a demonstration after spring break. I haven't decided quite yet what I want to demonstrate.... it can be anything. Most people will probably demonstrate how to make some kind of food but since that's not really my specialty I have not a clue what to do! It can be an art project, a skill such as how to shoot a basketball or how to ballroom dance. Hmmm... any ideas? It would help a lot. Also, for the same class I have to do a graduation plan. I have to write down a schedule for each semester until I graduate! I just started! Oh boy... And I have to do job shadowing (interview or job shadow 3 different people in a career I want to go into) and a resoure file with five topics that have to do with my major (again, I just started! I don't have anything to put into file.)
4. And my final thought for the day.... Life has its ups and downs and sometimes we feel like there's no one there but I have come to realize that I'm never alone. The past few weeks I have come to rely on prayer, the scriptures and LDS music more than ever. These things make me happy and they give me comfort. I always feel the spirit so strongly when I surround myself with things of the gospel. Life is good. I have the gospel, I have a wonderful family, I'm getting an education, I have a job (even though I hate it) in this economy, and I do have friends who care. I am blessed in so many ways and because of that I am happy. :)

4th Folder 4th Picture...

Here are the rules:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on the computer

2. Select the 4th picture in the folder

3. Explain the picture
4. Tag 4 people to do the same

5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc)

I think I've posted this before but this picture describes probably one of my favorite nights ever! This night was an absolute blast!!! Basically, there was a big party earlier for Jonny's going away (which was also sad) so after everyone left us four Jonny, some kid I don't know, Bubba and me stayed up till 4:00 am laying on these mattresses in their garage. We talked, laughed, snuggled, and obviously ate cheesecake. I also remember being tortured by Bubba and Jonny, one of many times I had been, trying to give me a wet willy and trying to stick their fingers in my nose. Gross, I know but oh the good times and how I miss them!

I tag: Amy, Liz, Natalie, and Devri.

Help

How do you put a picture in the title/header with your name on your blog? I'm not very good at that kind of stuff so please help. Thanks!

Ideas, anyone? Please share.

For one of my classes, I have to do what's called a motivator and present it to the class. For those of you who don't know, my major is Family Life and Human Development emphasis in Family Services. This class is basically a introduction to Family and Consumer Sciences. The motivator is basically some kind of activity that introduces a topic or a lesson; I think this assignment is more beneficial for those who want to teach but oh well I guess I could use the ideas in case I need them someday. I have to share the motivator with this class for not more than 5 min, the motivator has to do something with Family Life and Human development so it can be anything that relates to early childhood development, nutrition, interior design, family services, etc. I need some ideas because I honestly have no idea what to do for this. So if any of you (especially those who might be in this field) have any ideas at all please share. Thanks!

Wow... what a week.

Hey all! Just updating in case any of you read this. I've started school and almost love it. I say almost because I enjoy going to my classes (they're so interesting) but I hate the homework and tests. I guess there's no way out of it. So my schedule has just been crazy busy with school and work. I'm only working part time but I work till ten almost every night and I am still hating my job. But oh well.... This week has been more crazy than usual. I drove to Aurora three times this week; the first and second times for doctor's appointments. For awhile I had been having problems with my car so the second time I went back to Aurora my mom made me leave my car home so my dad could try and figure out what's wrong with it. I borrowed my grandma's old oldsmobile (gotta love it) and by saturday thanks to my awesome dad my car was ok to drive. So saturday (yesterday) after a long day we made a short trip to Aurora. Yesterday my sister Amy drove down to go skiing at Brianhead and me and Natalie joined her. My first time ever and I loved it, even though I am feeling it today. We took lessons and I struggled at first but soon I was doing good. I hope to go more often since Brianhead is so close and I heard night skiing is cheaper. Well that's all for now. Hope you enjoy my fabulous stories.

Wow... it's been awhile. I guess I could go off with all the excuses as to why I haven't blogged but
I'll pass for now. Here's just an update on me and my life. Life's going good. I start school tomorrow and I'm both excited and nervous; more excited though. I went part time at my job and it's ok I guess. Well, ok I hate it but it's life and it's a job. So I'm still looking for a job so if anyone has any ideas or know anyone here in Cedar City, talk to me! Also, the bonus part about going to school is I can finally go to the doctor for my stomach. It's only gotten worse and I want it fixed! Anyways, that's pretty much it that's new with my life; well at least all that I want to share. So, maybe I'll get some pictures up some time and maybe tell a story later or something. We'll see how busy I get with school and work. Wish me luck!