Family Ties

Since the holiday season is about celebrating families, every student at Adams Middle School has been given an assignment. We're to research our family histories. The project is due the week we go home for Christmas break, and some of the best essays will be read aloud at the annual Christmas pageant this year.

My problem is, I have no clue how to even begin.

I know from earlier research that the name Hotchkiss is English and Scottish, and that my father, Donald Leroy Hotchkiss, comes from a long line of Pennsylvania Quakers. There is this one site, hotchkissclan.org, but it doesn't tell me very much. Also, I don't know much about my mother's family. My mother, Jillian McCaughey Hotchkiss, is not very open about her heritage. My mother and my cousin Nicki's mother are twin sisters. Identical twin sisters -- in looks only. Personality wise they could not have been more different. Sometimes -- and I hate saying this -- I wish Aunt Joan was my mother.

Catching up

Okay, I promised Sabine at AG Playthings that I would be doing an update entry. Vee's health issues and my own busy life have seriously cut into my computer time. Trouble is, I may have to do TWO because so much has happened since I last wrote here!

I may have stretched myself TOO thin. That's because I'm now (finally) Student Body President at Adams. Yes, I got elected to the position pretty much by acclamation (sp) because no one else ran. You got that right. No one else ran. Right now, for example, I'm coordinating the holiday food drive.

Also, I'm in charge of all of Adams' student publications. That means the newspaper, the yearbook, everything.
And that isn't all. I'm also president of Jr. Beta club (which is an honor society for kids who have been on the honor roll) and volunteer in the library.

And you'll never believe what ELSE has happened. Natalie Spencer (yes that Natalie) is now captain of the cheerleaders. She beat out Meredith and boy was Meredith ANGRY. Meredith was so mad that she transferred to the private school on the other side of town, our biggest arch-rivals, Hillside Academy. Harriet says it's karma. I say Meredith got her just desserts. But Natalie being cheer captain is just so... weird. It really is. And it's even weirder cause she's kinda sorta dating Ethan Bergman. As in my friend Lindsey's older brother.

And to think, Natalie looked like THIS when she got here. Sigh.

Oh, and one more thing. When I came back this new girl, Cassidy, had formed a Glee Club, and Harriet of all people had joined it. I don't know her that well, but the other day she asked ME to join. Seriously. I can't sing a lick. Neither can Harriet actually, that's why she eventually quit the club. Anyway... I think she's playing Clara this year in the Nutcracker ballet.

Blessing in Disguise

Because I don't have the student body presidency to worry about (ironically that was the job I wanted since I got to Adams) I could devote my attention solely to the newspaper and yearbook. And with that in mind, I got some news that shocked me. I, Haley Elizabeth Hotchkiss, was named editor-in-chief of both newspaper and yearbook, succeeding Megan Ryder, who moved to Stamford, Connecticut, this year. Mrs. Baldwin even gave me a fancy title -- director of student publications. This means that anything that's printed in any student journal has to go through me. I kinda like this idea. I've got big shoes to fill but I think I'm prepared.

With this in mind, I started decorating my desk. At the right is the "Follow Your Dreams" book Wendy gave me in California, that I read sometimes and sometimes I use as a mousepad. There's a crocheted charm Marina gave me in New Hampshire and Kirsten and Mrs. Linda gave me a teddy bear. On top of the computer is the peace charm Alexi gave me in DC.

My first order of business as "director of student publications" was to meet with my staff. Isabelle Yarbrough was first. She's a new arrival, from Dallas, Texas, and she's the photographer. She has blond wavy hair (that she usually keeps in a braid), brown eyes, and darker freckles than mine. Lindsey says she's seldom without a camera around her neck.
"Hi," she said with her Texas twang, extending her hand out. "You must be Haley."
We talked about darkrooms and digital cameras for a bit and then we went to the yearbook. "We need to start getting club photos. Club photos, team photos, pictures of kids doing stuff."
Isabelle nodded.
I wanted to give them a glimpse of what I expect. I'm a perfectionist and I intend to run a pretty tight ship, now that my attentions aren't divided between student gov't and student printing.

Next I spoke with Lindsey and Kate. Kate's taking over sports for Alison McCann (who decided to focus on playing sports instead of writing about them) and is the assistant newspaper editor. Lindsey's in charge of graphics and artwork. Not necessarily drawing but making sure the paper 'looks' good. Kate taking over sports is actually a good fit -- she's crazy about baseball, especially her hometown Cincinnati Reds, and knows a whole lot of baseball trivia.

Last I met with Katarina Engel. Kat's actually really shy, doesn't say much, but boy, can she write. She's been the researcher because every time I see her her nose is buried in a book. I told her I wanted her to take a more active reporting role, and she made a suggestion I hadn't even considered. "Let's do a literary magazine," she said, "you know, for short stories and poetry and stuff." I would have to bring that to Mrs. Baldwin but I actually think it's a good idea.

I'm HOOOME!

Yep it's good old me, back home in good old Loozeanna, just in time for Friday's holiday pageant at school.

Like my new specs? The eye doctor hooked me up with 'em after my old ones broke. I have another new blue pair that's plastic but these are wire and I prefer them.

Also redesigning my blog since I no longer have the 'Traveling' prefix in front of my name.

Harriet and Lindsey tell me 5 girls arrived since I left so I better get to know 'em quick, lol. Talk soonly!

Apple Picking in NH

Hey y'all

Sorry for the lack of posts, things have been sooo crazy this end.

Anyway, this is a quicky, Haley's apple picking trip in NH.

Click on the pic to see!

Me again!

Yep, tis I, Haley Hotchkiss herself.

I'm in Star Valley with AG celebs Susie of "As Told By Susie" and Sophie of "Le Fabuleux Destin de Sophie Amelie," along with another traveling girl called Ruthie.

Sophie, Ruthie, and I went yesterday to the Keene (NH) Pumpkin Festival and had a blast. I've also been apple picking and then went to the AG Place in Natick, MA where I went and saw an eye doctor and picked out some new glasses.

Been reading Lindz's posts on her new blog... I can't believe there's a glee club at Adams. Or that my best friend has joined it. Harriet, if you're reading, I'm wondering why you actually joined it. Not that it matters, I'm happy if you're happy. But I'm just curious.

Also been listening to a lot of Taylor Swift lately (gag me, but I actually find her more tolerable than Miley Cyrus or her alter-ego Hannah Montana) and there's this one song of hers, called "Fifteen" that I actually like.

Oh well, gotta get off the puter. Later,

xoxo, Haley

Hey it's me Haley!

A voice from the great AG above :)

I am going to CLOBBER Lindsey Bergman. I told her to post my traveling pix on my blog and she's been posting her stuff, too! Just messing with ya, Linds. But I still think you should get your own blog, been enjoying your posts. Been a way to keep up with things going on back home while I'm out traveling.

So, Mia St. Clair is running against Meredith for student body president, eh? Hope Mia wins. Meredith absolutely SHOULD NOT be student body president under ANY circumstances. Anyone who's read this blog for any length of time knows that. And if you're new to this blog I invite you to read thru some of my previous posts, and to access them quickly, just search for the label "meredith hopkins," and you'll find them.

And there's a new girl named Laney, eh? And she's blond? And she's a geek who likes science and nature? Hmm. I think she and I might get along. I haven't met her yet but I hope she doesn't have a snotty superior attitude. I'm sorry that Meredith Hopkins and company is being cruel to her. I can't believe they threw her pet bunny in the trash can. That's mean! Did she go to the principal?

Well, gotta go. But before I do, I've noticed that there are a bunch of new blogs that have sprung up since I was last here. If you have one of the new blogs, or even if you have one of the old ones whose links I missed, please post your links in the comment section below, and hopefully Linds will update the link section. K? Later, bye!

XoXo
Haley :-D

InnerstarU

Hi everybody, I'm live from gorgeous upstate New York, where I'm having a blast with my 'twin sister' Robyn Pickering and her family & friends. I can't believe how much we look alike, even down to the glasses. BTW, I think her brother Bobby is cute but don't tell her I said that. hehe

Anyway, been playing around with that InnerstarU thing on AG.com. If you see me there, I'm Haley6 and I look like this:

Pretty good likeness, eh? lol

Anyway, I reached level 11 on the helpdesk thingy, I'm there, like, all the time. I'm such a geek, even in animated form.

Anybody else signed up or plan to sign up?

Oh, before I go, I saw some really cute things on the AG site... like the new Pretty Plaid outfit, which I love but Harriet loves it more, methinks...and the Real Me outfit, and then there's the Innerstar gear.

It's 48 bucks, Vee has said she can't spring it now, especially since I'm out traveling.

Oh, btw, Linds emailed me and told me that real Innerstar Magnet Academy reps (I think it was Shelby and Amber) showed up at my school last week. They've even reserved a spot for me when I return home. I'm torn.

The IMA schools are a system of AG-related boarding schools based on the InnerstarU concept, and they've sprung up all over the country.

Yet another traveling album!

Hi it's me, Linds again. Boy that Haley sure looks like she's having loads of fun with her new 'twin sister.' Apparently they've been pen pals for about 2 years and they're thrilled to finally meet. I am soooo jealous.

Click on the pic for more! Ciao!

Oh, and Haley, that Innerstar Magnet Academy rep showed up at school today. She was passing out campus guides and applications. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to apply, but I saw Meredith Hopkins all over her. Ugh.

Haley in New York State

Haley's now arrived in New York State and her host has posted a brief album, more is on the way. BTW I'm very jealous, she looks like she's having a blast...

Click on the pic for more!

Later, Linds

Quickie post

Been so busy around here, getting ready for my upcoming travel trip (at the end of May!) and the end of the school year.

This is the velvety purple blouse I won at Kelsyee's site. Cute, huh?

All About the Spring Fling

Hello everybody, sorry this is late. I've had internet problems lately, and Vee's cable guy is coming by the house tomorrow to see what is up...so until then I thought I'd let everybody know what happened with this past Friday's Spring Fling dance.

Nicki showed up THIS week. She helped me get ready for the dance. I'm wearing the dress she wore to her own spring formal. The updo was her idea, btw.

The 7th grade Spring Fling court nominees were asked to pose for a pic. (Can't you tell I'm uncomfortable?) Sammie and Amanda were the 8th graders and they got a separate photo. Then came the announcement everyone was waiting for -- Lord and Lady of the Fling. In a landslide, Adam Cartwright won Lord of the Fling. He bounded up to get his crown.
The contest for Lady of the Fling was, in Principal Ballard's words, the closest she'd ever seen it. And the winner was ....

Natalie!
Instead of putting the crown on her head, Natalie held it out. And then, in another surprise, she started to speak. "I don't deserve this," she said. "I really don't deserve this."
Both Meredith and I shrugged our shoulders. Did I just type that? Meredith and I shrugged our shoulders. We were both wondering what the heck Natalie was doing.
"Haley Hotchkiss," Natalie called, "come here."
"Me?"
"Haley, I'm really sorry, I've been a total idiot. I don't deserve this. If anyone deserves this it's you."
Meredith's mouth flew open so wide and she stamped her feet and shouted, "I object!"

But Natalie paid her no mind and continued. "I think the only reason they voted for me was because of my haircut, really."
"Natalie, that's not true!"
"Haley, you deserve this more than anybody. Not because of what you've done for me or even the 7th grade, but for the whole school." Natalie dropped the crown on the floor and ran out.

I won something!

I now take a brief break from my regularly scheduled Natalie drama to tell you...

... well ...

I actually won something.

No, silly, not the Lady of the Fling or anything like that.

It's the 20th follower drawing over at Kelsyee Bolton's site.

Thing is, I NEVER win these things, and I don't even remember entering. LOL

Quelle surprise! (French lessons seeping in)

I'll update everyone later with my prize info -- once I get it.

More Spring Fling intrigue

So you guys think I should run, eh?

Thing is, you don't actually 'run' for Spring Fling queen, although Meredith Hopkins seems to think it's a huge campaign. She's already taken out ads in the school paper. The thing is, you're chosen for it, and the winner is announced on the night of the dance. It's nothing but a big popularity contest, anyway. And since the beginning of time an eighth grader has won it. Neither of us are in eighth this year and I can't see that changing -- until we actually get in eighth grade.

To add to the intrigue on the Spring Fling, my cousin Nicki is coming for Spring Break next week, and she'll be bringing her dress! It's the one she wore to her own Spring Gala at her school back in Colorado. It's a little pink-er and frillier than I like, but I forgive her for the military-style jacket, lol.

Aww, you guys!

I'm not an easy person to impress, and I'm certainly not one to get all mushy and stuff, but I was crying after reading your comments. Really. I wasn't asking for anyone to feel sorry for me, as I'm about the last person who would beg for sympathy. I was just telling everyone what happened @ school.
I invite the newcomers to this blog (and there are quite a few of you!) to go over some of my previous blog entries whenever you have time. Meredith Hopkins and her merry band of minions have been doing this for the last two years. You'd think they'd stop this but they have not.
Thankfully, though, I have good friends both on and off line to help me get through this. You know who you are and I'm happy that you are in my life.

Entry for Rose's Spring Photo Contest and SPRING GIVEAWAY

To me, spring is a time of renewal and restoration. It's as if we're waking up from our winter slumber and coming back to life, as the flowers and trees do.

And now, for the giveaway item.... win Natalie's outfit! It'll come with everything you see here plus the headband. All you have to do is comment here to enter. The drawing is THIS FRIDAY, so enter quickly!

Her Majesty, Princess Haley

Apparently my picture is in a magazine!

My friend Robyn from NY emailed me this morning at school and told me that this photograph (taken Halloween 2008) is in this month's edition of Simply AG magazine!

I think Vee secretly submitted it. She had to, if it's in there.

Take THAT, Meredith Hopkins!

Apolgies for my disappearing act

Sorry I've been "M.I.A."
1) My camera is broken
2) School is a drag and has kept me sooo busy
3) Vee's laptop is in the shop so I'm using the computers at school
4) I just got word that Harriet's going to the AG Doll Hospital!

Sorry this post is so brief but I was just letting everybody know I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth.

Oh and one more thing. Vee said I could travel again this year! And this time it may be for longer! I'll try to keep y'all posted

XOXO
Haley (:

Tagged by Sabine!

7 Songs I'm Into Right Now...



Um... do I HAVE to name 7? LOL



What car do you want when you're older?



One of those cool electric cars they have in Europe.



Where do you want to live when you're older?



This one's fairly easy. Definitely London.



Where do you want to go to college?



Um... Harvard or Yale! No doubt!



How many siblings do you have?



Actually, mom has 1 still in her belly... due next month :-)





How many children do you want?



Zero. :-)



City girl or country girl?



Definitely city! Where I live right now is soooo sloooow.





Flying or driving?



Flying!



Biking or swimming?



Biking -- I can't swim! Haha



Sports?



Naah, not for me.



Books or movies?



Can't choose!



School or chores?



School, definitely school. I hate chores, but I'm a good student in school.



Inside or outside?



Inside, definitely. I'm allergic to pretty much everything, lol.



Wednesday or Sunday?



Sunday, definitely.



Friends or family?



Right now, friends. My family is too scattered right now.



Fried or scrambled eggs?



Definitely scrambled...



Big meal or something small?



Small stuff. I'm not a big eater. Of course, this is Louisiana, a place famous for food :-)

Movie or TV show?

I'm more of a movies person. I hate the crap that's on TV now, really.

Fave thing to do outside

Take walks and enjoy the rays :-)

Place to read a good book

On my bed

Favorite veggie?

Sweet peas

Where do you want to live when you graduate?

Either back home in Lancaster, PA -- or London. ;-)

What is your favorite flower?

Daisies

Do you like writing?

Well, duh :-P

What is your favorite month?

September -- my birthday and the weather is usually nice :-)

Do you like adventure?

Very much!

Do you collect anything?

If I collect anything it would be books. I love to read but unfortunately haven't had much time to do it!

Do your grandparents live near you?

Nope, they're all dead.

Are you bored?

Nope...

I tag

Wendy

and whoever else hasn't been tagged yet

Happy Halloween everybody!

What are your plans for today?

Me, Harriet's trying to talk me into going to Antoinette's costume party. Antoinette invited us about a week ago. I'm not sure if I'm going, especially if Meredith's there like I think she will be.

Last night, somehow, we managed to pull off the 'Thriller' themed Halloween dance. Lindsey's dad let us use his lighting equipment and the smoke machines again. And I won second place in the costume contest, for something I threw together using Elizabeth's meet dress I found in a trunk last spring, and a wig Vee had around here for something else. Wouldn't you know, a boy dressed as Michael Jackson won first prize.

Oh, guess what? I'm going to visit Nicki in Colorado over Christmas break!

I don't think anything can prepare me for that weather. I suppose more than a year in Louisiana has spoiled me, even from PA winters. Nicki says they had over 3 feet of snow, already, and they were afraid they'd lost some of their ranch animals. I'm looking forward to seeing Aunt Joan and Uncle Dan and Adam and the twins, who are now about a year old.