Today's post will be a little different! (There will be no fortune! Sorry guys!) But a rather wordy post that just kind of came out! Enjoy?

I've decided to let you all in on a little secret.

I have a box. He (for he is a boy box) is no where near as famous as Pandora's Box nor is he a box worthy enough to hold magical beans that would grow to the heavens nor for a Jack to reside in. He's just a box. He is black, slightly fuzzy (feels like a fake suede), and has a small hole in the top to hold pictures commemorating events. A thoughtful "thank you" note from an old friend makes its home there for now. Printed on the flimsy plastic covering that keeps the hole in check is "Evening Under the Stars - LOHS 2008 Prom." Thankfully, the text is in a somewhat small print and I can't really read it from far away. But it's on my box.

I've named him "The Paper Box." Okay, it's not really a name - more of a title, actually. Not because he's made of paper - he's sturdier than that - but because that's what I mostly store in him. If you open my fake suede box you'll be greeted by a few plastic figurines (which you can disregard quickly), a couple of name tags from various events and then you'll hit the gold mine. For it is in this very box that I keep my precious fortune cookie fortunes. There's still not many of them. The small scraps of paper probably take up about an eighth of the content.

"So what's the rest?" you ask. Well, various items. I have a plane ticket from when I traveled to Puerto Rico in the eighth grade. A post card of a dingo my dad picked up when he went to the land down under for a while. A note written to me on half of an index card by a friend when I was sick one day. A check for twenty-five dollars that I will now cash because I am in need of money. A few clothing tags that looked clever and were supposed to be made into bookmarks before I broke my laminator. And movie tickets. A pile of them. I may even have more movie tickets than I do fortune cookie fortunes! I have them from way back in the day, one of the earliest being almost three years ago. It's Happy Feet.

I love my Paper Box, but it's sad sometimes. I'll go months on end living my life, tossing the occasional fortune or movie ticket in him before forgetting about him again. But then I'll hit days where I'm feeling nostalgic or lonely or sad or some other feeling besides my normal "ON" or "SLEEP MODE." So, I'll crack him open and go through the items. I'll read the sick note,

"I love you Flambly and I miss you!"

Or the thank you note,

"Dear Flambly,

I genuinely love you and refuse to say bye so all I can say is thanks for the countless hours of hyperness fuel that you have supplied me with. Now go get your phone and text me because you know you want to."

Or the fortunes and movie tickets,

"Ha ha ha, I remember when we went to see Wall-E! The movie cut while my mother was singing to Hello Dolly and the entire theater heard her until they restarted the movie!"

And I'll stay quiet reflecting about how awesome my life has been just from tiny scraps of paper that provide so much fondness and support. My little box always lifts my spirits and somehow always knows what to show me to make me feel tons better. For example, I've been concerned about my financial situation for a little while now, but I open up my box and it shows me an old check! And I'm reminded that someone is keeping an eye out for me, making sure that everything will go smoothly.

I'm hoping to eventually turn my box into a large art project, once he's full enough. And I can start a new box, collecting items and doo-dads to my heart's content. Or maybe he'll just stay a box full of mismatched, old, wrinkled paper that means nothing to no one but me, slowly growing in size to remind me that I, too, am growing with each activity, each thought, each action I take and that every thing I do, is important and will be of epic proportions one day. Even if today, all can be shown for it is a scrap of paper in a box.

... It's been far too long. I can't believe that my last blog post was over a year ago! I guess senior year just kind of took over life? And the summer? And of COURSE the first semester at college would do the same. Oh, but it's been beautiful. From Freshman convocation (seen below -- ALSO: Click on the pics to see them! I know my template cuts them off. Whoopsies!)

Labels: College

Okay, so it's been a while since my last bloggity-blog, but I've got stories upon stories to tell, for the last part of October and the first part of November have been absolutely crazy.

First off, let me take you back in time to the day of ghouls and goblins of 2008. While most kids slept in, costumes picked out for later that night, I was wide awake, waiting for another human being to appear on the school's campus. As I bopped my head to a few songs on my trusty MP3 player, a bus pulled up to the side of the school. Only minutes later, my Astronomy teacher pulled into the parking lot and started loading up. I waited for a few more minutes to arrive before coming out of the shadows and claimed my lush, single seat (for our bus was not of the "yellow bus" type, but the rare - almost Greyhound variety). Eventually, our journey to West Texas began.
After hours of listening to The Once and Future King on audiobook and knitting a black and white knit hat, we arrived at the campsite. The four girls on the trip pitched their tent quickly and efficiently Once we had made our makeshift home and taken a bathroom break, the students began clamoring towards the mountain and its hiking trail. I followed in their footsteps, being careful on the rocky slope and paused about halfway up the mountain, out of breath but in complete awe of the clarity of the hills, sunset, and even the dead grass around me. Deer could be seen prancing about below and in that moment by myself, I knew it was good to be alive. Soon enough, I got bored of the mountain (there's only so much one can do with out falling down and dying) and headed back down to play on the playground located right next to our campsite. I promptly sat on the swing and began to think about nothing.
A griddle had been started beehind me as I swung, watching each person emerge from the trail. Tasty smells floated by my nose hinting at the tasty dinner of hamburgers and hotdogs. After eating and cleaning up, it was time for the learning to begin. The night was young, at only 7 o'clock, but the stars above were already shining like it was midnight. The small group of people gathered around, me with a pair of binoculars in hand, and began to look at the bright dots in the sky.

"Find Casseopeia," our teacher said. My eyes flitted to the 'W' shaped constellation almost instantly, althorugh I had to double-check myself because of the crazy amount of stars, not to mention the bright line of the rest of the Milky Way galaxy. With some difficulty, thanks to our teacher's broken green laser pointer, the class found the Etheopian queen.

"Now look for a big, bright box that the 'W' is pointing to." I found it quickly, but confused myself. After a round of explaining from my astro-advisor, the box was found. (I was right the first time.) But then...

SNKORTK.

A loud snort/squeal was heard and the lesson was lost. Weird, smelly pigs were attacking our trash and everyone, sans myself, went to see. (Really? Go towards the scary noise? How smart.) Apparently no one had taken our trash to a dumpster and the pigs, or Javalinas as we later learned, were happy to "clean up" for us. So Mr. M.C. Hammer settled the rest of the class down, or tried to, and begain pointing out stars once more.

"The corner of the box-"

"Oh my gosh, a fox!" Just like earlier, the class was lost. He continued teaching to the few who stayed and pointed out the Andomeda Galaxy, a small smudge in the sky. After setting up a telescope, rounding up children and feeling the temprature drop (to FREEZING as it would do every night) everyone retreated to their respectful tents to rest for the next day.

Yes. That was only ONE day. The second day began with a lovely breakfast of eggs, pancakes (That I so awesomely made), sasuage, hashbrowns (which were slightly horrible), toast and almost anything else your heart could desire. Then, the tour. We visited the McDonald Observatory (note the above sticker!) and its largest telescope. Various students got to "drive" the telescope and spun it around or opened the dome doors or, in my case, caused the floor to move up and down. A pretty awesome experience overall! Our group migrated down to a theatre where we proceeded to learn about the sun and its magnetic field and other various facts. Soon enough, dinner was had and it was time for the twilight viewing and star party. The first contained information that our class had already known (we answered every question) and was kind of silly. However, the latter was pretty cool. It still had info that we had already obtained, but then they broke out the telescopes. Andromeda, two clusters of stars, Jupiter (and the four Gallelian moons), and the Ring Nebula were the subjects for the night as I made my way past all five of the telescopes. I can't even explain how awesome it was.

Day three began with the packing of the tents and loading back onto the bus for a drive to the Carlsbad Caverns. Our decent began and about fifteen minutes in, I could feel my entire body shaking. Waves of fear and awe alternated through my body as we continued down into the dark, wet depths of the cave. Stalgmites and stalagtites littered the cave and there were even twizzle towers (Small towers that can be made out of especially damp sand at the beach that are stacks of crazy round-ish glops of sand). Shapes jumped out at me from all around. A dog, a platypus, Oklahoma (it was on the roof and totally next to a keyhole) and other shapes and sizes could be seen as I continued farther. Passing landmarks like the "Chinese Doll Theatre" and "Farieland" continued my fanciful dreaming. As we passed different areas, information was provided. Soda Straws and Popcorn could be found throughout the entire cave for they are types of rock formations as are draperies. A few hours later we emerged from over eight hundred stories below ground. A day to be remembered for sure. The last day wasn't all that interesting. We just drove for around 14 hours...

OKAY. Now with THAT out of the way... I manged to do some hardcore reminicing this week. First off, my old school's DI (Destination Imagination) team came to my mom's production of Seussical. Laughter and good times ensued. We talked about what had happened, what was going to happen, all the latest gossip and basically nothing at a Starbucks after we watched the show. I had forgotten how amazing the people are, but I was able to relive that and realize just how much I miss them all - even if some of them are crazy annoying but extremely hilarious. Just days after that, today actually, I was able to see another blast from a more recent past. STEEM, a nerd camp I went to over the summer had its reunion and I was able to reconnect with a large sum of people, but especially my roommate and another friend. We talked math jokes, figured out equations, did an experiment including tadpoles on ice and just chatted it up while bringing up some of the best times of my life. I'm pretty surprised I haven't cried yet.

So besides all of that, I've been working on college things. Utterly nuts. And it's 10 o'clock now. I'm going to head to bed. But I will leave you with a fortune that fits all of this utter rambling that is super long. Enjoy!

My thoughts wandered back to the olden days where the fair was new and exciting and, in its own way, it was exactly the same. Happiness, wonder and childhood dreams could be seen all around the grounds as the crowd flowed nicely. Kids and adults alike snacked on foods like, Corney Dogs (my mom's personal favorite), Fried Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and other various fried foodstuffs, Salt-Water Taffy, and Cotton Candy (my mom's OTHER personal favorite).

I love going people-watching and the fair was an ideal place to do said activity. My little brother, dad and I all decided to ride the Texas Star, or the amazing Ferris Wheel, while leaving my older brother and mom on the safe ground. The line for the ride was filled with interesting looking people including a very happy woman with her face painted quite oddly, holding a humongous Sonic the Hedgehog doll. Just the sight of the blue spiked animal made me laugh, but I was soon struck with awe as the woman gave a man next to her a peck on the cheek and a huge hug. My attention was then turned to another couple of a very tired lady ushering a small girl and then leaning on her tall male companion. The line moved forwards once more and I saw a man holding a little girl in his arms and smiling down at her like she was the world before giving her a few soft pecks on the cheek. Eventually we were sent into our little bird-like cage-car next to a new couple. Excitement and joy buzzed in the air as we started to move up, slowly. On the first stop, after enjoying all the flashing lights, noises and cool night breeze, the woman from the couple across of me handed me a camera.

"Will you take our picture?" I smiled and happily obliged. The couple had a new memory and my dad got the idea to stand (when the sign on the door said clearly to stay seated) causing me and my little brother both discomfort (they weren't very large cars/cages and my dad isn't exactly a tiny person...) and embarrassment. "The sign, Dad!" We both called out to him, but he continued to take pictures of the Dallas Skyline to send to his wife. The guy from across the seat just chuckled at us. "Oh, it's alright. The sign's more like guidelines anyway." I giggled a bit at the Pirate reference and sighed as my brother got a face full of dad's belly, looking back to the beautiful lights and cloudy sky.

Eventually the night wound down and we rode home, sleepy but amused by a woman that my mom found absolutely hilarious (go to HER blog to read about it.).

On a completely different note and subject, I leave to go on an Astronomy field trip a week from tomorrow! I cannot even describe the excitement I am feeling for this. It'll be cold and amazing and all we're doing is basically chillin' and gazin' at the stars which is how life should be spent anyway. So, whoo-hoo! Until then... :)

Oooh, so it's been a while since I last updated as my mom has so thoughtfully pointed out to me. Well, nothing much has been happening! You guys probably don't want to read about how I had pizza for lunch on Friday or my entire thinking process of how to do some simple task, like get ready. But, I've accumulated enough crazy things or at least mildly interesting thoughts to at least entertain you for a while.

So, it was Homecoming week at my school. It was fun overall! There was a dance that I got all dolled up for and had a blast at.As you can see above. I just played around in Picassa until I found some settings that made me look decent. Hee hee! This photo turned out to be the best! (And you can see the spirals that my friend so awesomely did for me!)

The weekend came right after that and it was spent making awesome things. First on the list, I painted a little bunny charm that was inspired by a friend from a camp that I attended during the summer. She tended to be a little jumpy so I'd take advantage and scare her playfully everytime I saw her. Which was a lot considering she was my roommate. Ha ha! But she is an amazing friend at the same time. As you can see below, a cute little bunny sits!

Yep. Now, much more recently (as in two hours ago), with autumnal seasoned excitement running through me, my mom and I decided to make popcorn balls. We had a total blast even though we got a little burned and thought we did it wrong the entire time. But eventually they came out wonderful and delicious!


The middle picture on the bottom row has been dubbed "A Harvest Moon Rising Over the Popcorn Ball Forest." The name's a little long, but I still like the imagry of it! The 'moon' is left over sugar syrup that my mom just kind of poured out onto the foil. I decided to be smart and make it into a lollipop. :) But ohmygosh, really. These popcorn balls are litterally, a fall ball.

In addition to my wonderfully yummy and adorable crafts/foodstuffs, my family and I saw a movie today. The theme of overcoming hardships and finding whoever is right for you is right underneath your nose certainly moved me. Spanish flowed all throughout the movie and the soundtrack? Fantastic. Of course, the only movie I could be talking about is... Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Now, I know what you're thinking. Yes, the previews did make it look stupid. Yes, the plot is predictable and slightly dumb. But overall, it's a fairly decent movie with a lot of good one-liners. "Last time I checked we're MexiCAN not MexiCAN'T." and such. If you have time, kids or the attention span of a kid, then go check it out because it is pretty adorable (even if some parts are pretty stupido.) though I wouldn't reccomend buying it on DVD when it comes out. Unless you're a spoiled brat who can have anything you want.

So, when I scanned in the fortune yesterday, I was all excited to blog about it, but I got distracted and didn't feel compelled to finish it. But, as you can see, if I hadn't waited then I wouldn't have made such a wonderous feast of popcorn and sugar which was probably the highlight of this week. And, as corny (haha, popCORNY) as it may sound, I really can't wait to see what lies in my future. Especially with college being just around the corner. :)

Day two of the blogger logger and I'm absolutely amazed at how much STUFF happened today (the day AFTER I create my blog.) The fortune I found today really pertains of how my day went. So I'll start from the top.

6:16 A.M.

I awake and mentally groan. The homework I had so thoughtfully put off yesterday needed to be done and done quickly. So the day begins with me recording the moon (45 degrees high and in the east) and grabbing a cup of coffee before typing a paper for two hours. With the monster only half done, I realize the time and realize that my friend was going to pick me up in an hour or so and I was still in my lovely PJ's.

10:47 A.M.

The panic of my paper and government test looming over me is lightened thanks to another cup of coffee (this time from Starbucks. Grande Caramel Macchiato) and the new problem dealing with my shiny new Debit card. It wasn't working at Sonic OR Starbucks and I am kind of freaking out. $300 that I need to get to and can't is scaring me, just a little. But as I slurp down the final drips that are keeping me sane, an announcement comes on over our school's intercom.

"Students, there will be a blackout relatively soon. All juniors and seniors need to report to the cafeteria and all freshman and sophomores need to report to the Dome." I can feel a headache coming on. So, my friend and I follow instructions and start back to the cafeteria on the other side of the school.

11:30 A.M.

I'm hot. And sweaty. And ready to give up on life. My paper is due. I'm not taking an essay test that I need to take. I might not get to have my fourth period class that I need to finish the final touches on my paper. And the power was still out. The complaining began, but so did the deep breathing and happy thoughts.

Fourth Period: Time Unknown

DONE. WITH. PAPER.

Seventh Period: Time Uknown.

I walk into class, still miffed about the entire day basically and take a deep breath before letting it back out. This was a test that I was going to ace and my paper would be fine. Just fine. Everything would work out. The bell rings and my teacher takes his place at the front of the room.

"I sat for an hour and a half in the dome with hot, sweaty teenagers. I am drained. Therefore, your test will be tomorrow and if you have your paper to turn in you may, but if you don't you may turn it in tomorrow. Also, if you have some means of getting off the campus, get off. Good bye."

Oh. My. Word. Relief, happiness, and a smidgen of anger floods my mind and angels sing. The rest of the period is spent playing cards with a friend and basically fixing my card thanks to my father and a one-time lenient teacher.

So, that was my day, with the addition of a few more happy things concerning a few texts and a phone call from a good friend. A hectic mess that turned out to be pretty wonderful in the long run. Anyway, so you can kind of see how the fortune kind of pertains. :) It also follows my all-time favorite quote which is basically, "When life gives you lemons make lemonade" but prettier.

"Life is not waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain."

It's on my homepage thingiemajig (which I LOVE) in the little post-it note. And it will always stay there. It's a constant reminder that you have to take whatever life throws at you and find the good in it no matter what. Because if you don't you're more than likely going to be pretty depressed about it.

I opened the stale fortune cookie that my mom, so thoughtfully, brought home to me. Discarding the actual foodstuffs, I unfolded the tiny piece of paper and read it carefully. "Where there is no love, nothing is possible." Of course, I immediately added the "in bed" that is so customary to add to the end of fortunes. Oddly enough, it was still deep and thoughtful (unlike some of the ones I have received in the past). As I joked with my little brother and watched the final moments of Jeopardy, I was hit with a wonderful thought. I had been wanting to start a blog (inspired by mother's constant chatter about hers) for a while now and had not been able to find the energy or time to do so until recently when I stumbled upon a non-blog blog here: http://www.writeinmyjournal.com/ . So, instead of doing my Astronomy homework today, I was struck with the inspiration to do a blog with fortune cookie fortunes that I have collected over the years. (I'm hoping to eventually compile them all into a large art project.)

That's why this was born. I will soon channel my amazing thoughts into this and we'll see what happens. So anyway, some semi-formal introductions are called for because if I don't then I'll feel bad... Ha.

My name is Haley and I feel the need to explain the title of this blog. My mom and I have the dream of someday opening up a small coffee shop together (if not together then I will certainly have a large say in what goes on with it). So, late one night coming back from some sort of competition that I had attended we started talking - mainly to try and keep her awake while driving. Planning ensued and at one o'clock in the morning "For the Love of Coffee... and Cupcakes" was born. I'm sure no one will really understand the name, but for the two of us it stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

Aside from my aspirations of opening a coffee shop, I have many dreams that you will most likely learn about as I rant, rave, and ramble on this thing. In fact, it will probably take up a large part of this blog because I am a firm believer in following your heart, doing what you're good at, pursuing fervent wishes and reaching for the stars. "Shoot for the moon. If you miss, at least you'll land amongst the stars." All I can ask for as I enter my senior year of high school and begin my college quest is to be able to do something that I love doing with all my ability.

On a much more random note, a friend of mine just asked me -while writing this- asked me to pick between two websites. I randomly chose and it had the following quote.

Bliss in possession will not last;
Remembered joys are never past;
At once the fountain, stream, and sea,
They were, they are, they yet shall be. - James Montgomery

Really struck a chord with me since I love quotes and stuff like that. Yep. So, I think I'm done for the first post. I look forward to recording many things in this and I guess we'll see where this leads us.