really what I mean is not hello, rather, please be patient. Some of the news is that my computer has finally joined the choir eternal and until I can get things sorted out (read: steal my sister Julias computer), I am using the family computer- which is fine and lovely, but does not contain [...]

Summer is perfect. I am so grateful for where I live. This country. This city. This home. The fireworks almost made me cry tonight. I feel so full. I feel as if I’ve eaten the perfect amount of strawberries and the sweetness is still lingering in my mouth. [...]

Hoopfest shirts in the works…
The tenth year anniversary edition is going to be especially delicious!
I’m looking forward to babysitting a not-feeling-well-Kaitlyn tomorrow. =)
There is so much going on the next few days…a short trip to Cali, Hoopfest, and several smaller, yet significant obligations. oh! Happy summer! I got a bike today. [...]

I jumped at the chance tonight to see Nacho Libre before it is officially released tomorrow. um- I like the teal and red. I love the simplicity of the scenes. I love the diy nature of Nacho and his sidekick. It left me feeling almost the same way as Napoleon Dynamite [...]

sorry for the long delay- for those of you actually anticipating my website, I’m sorry even more…we’ve been without the internet for several days here in the Hawker household and Eric, wonderbrother, has just been over the fix in this evening. I’ve been on a short little hiatus. I liked it. Since [...]

where does the time go? =) I’ve been sitting at this computer since I got out of school today- applying to colleges and working on the new version of www.smilinglaura.com and I’ve set myself a deadline. I’m sharing it with all ya’ll so that I’ll keep on schedule! The launch will [...]

It has been 9 months and 15 days since the California Commision on Teacher Credentialing received my application. Today, I was honored to find that I have successfully jumped through the right hoops and the State of California has found me worthy to teach in their state. My certificate arrived in a large, [...]

I’ve admired the work of Wayne Thiebaud for years. His paintings are elegent and simple. He achieves the most wonderful balance of sophistication and whimsey through his color choices and technique. If you’ve ever seen a Wayne Thiebaud painting, you’ve probably wanted to eat it as I have. He’s most famous [...]

some things that you may or may not know about me (and, may or may not want to know):
I haven’t thrown up for over ten years- excluding yesterday. Now I’m old enough to hold my own hair back. =)
I could watch Harry Potter movies all day.
I’m anxious to succeed, but scared to death of [...]

It’s coming! Can you feel it?! I love this time of year. The Mariners are on TV again, the light takes longer to fade from the sky, and I find myself browsing rows and rows of bathing suits. I can’t wait to drive with my top down! I can’t wait [...]