Wedding - Summer 2006

Happy New Year y’all!

We just spent a wonderful week in Cancun with our whole family. Florin proposed to Maureen on the beach of our hotel and she said, “YES”. They have not yet set a date but are looking at the summer of 2006. They have been talking about marriage for a while now and do have some ideas as to what they want for a wedding, but have not made that final decision. Maureen does know for sure, that she wants the bridesmaids to wear pink. Of course they have plenty of time to talk and plan. Our family room is now full of Brides magazines that we all flip through for ideas. It’s great fun!

We all adore Florin and look forward to meeting his parents this weekend.

Hope your holidays were just as grand as ours.

Sandi & Rick

Florin and Maureen 1-11-05
- posted by Rick and Sandi @ 1/17/2005 09:18:00 AM

Merry X-Mas
From the land where we can still wear shorts in December (but really, I'm not gloating), Cresencia and I wish anyone who actually reads this a merry merry merry X-Mas!

For the first time in 34 years, I will not be at the Hay Family Christmas Eve. While I do not regret moving at all, I am very sad to have the strongest tradition in my life finally come to an end. In all honestly, most of my earliest memories are of going to X-mas eve at great gramma and grandpa's every year over on Claremont. I remember Uncles Dave and Murph throwing silver dollars in a garbage bucket of ice water to see if we kids would brave teh cold for the money... I remember never being able to understand great gramma and grandpa and having to ask my parents to translate... I remember how long the drive was from Lindenhurst to there, and never getting home until about 2am...

To those in our family who have never experienced the X-mas Eve, may someday you have the chance to... for all of its bruises, it truly is a fun time, and it is great to see all the family there (even if you don't like all of them [grin]). To those who choose not to attend for whatever reason, you are denying yourself and your family an honestly unique time, and a special memory for everyone involved. By not coming together, you are the one chosing to be apart.

Holidays are a time for reflection... perhaps now is a good time to reach out to your sibling/cousin/whatever, and mend some bridges. We are all Hay, for better or for worse (or even if not necessarily by choice [grin]), and even with all the quirks in our uniques personalities, I love you all.
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 12/25/2004 05:17:00 AM

Carolyn's Big News
Good News!
Carolyn and Jeremy are now Engaged to be Wed.

Under the guise of a birthday luncheon for Jeremy, J. and I were enjoying a nice afternoon at Jean's house, Diane also being present. After eating, we were sitting in the den when I gave Jeremy a couple of 'birthday presents', a bottle of champagne and a 4 inch square box. Inside the box was a pair of rings.

After a good 30 seconds passed by with Jeremy fiddling with the rings (with total confusion on his face) and a little prompting from me, he offically proposed. (He had done so before, but I had needed more time. I thought this would be a good way to let him know!!!)

Any way, there are no plans yet... but we will keep everyone informed!

-Carolyn

- posted by carolyn & jeremy @ 10/25/2004 11:05:00 AM

Reminder
Just a quick reminder to all the loyal readers out there...

ANYONE can add a comment to a post. Just click on the comments link and enter something pithy at the bottom of the new window.

In order to post a new message however, you do need to be a member. If you are a member, just log-in using the link at the top right of this page. If you are not a member and would like to be, just shoot me an email, since I am the only one who can invite new members. ~Thanks~
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 10/24/2004 06:29:00 PM

New Job, New Money, and New Stress to follow
Hello all--

Well, I have e-mailed most everyone, but of course the Greg was getting pissy that I didn't post it on the Blog(for those who haven't heard too), so here it is...sheesh..I need more time!!

I have accepted a new position back at my former employer, Hampton Inn-Gurnee. I will be the Director of Sales which is a promotion to my former position with them, and a substantial raise with full benefits (much needed!). I will most likely be starting there on the 11th, but the 12th for sure. I am thrilled to be going back there, and I am already feeling the release of the stress from the Catering position.

I am sure there will be a new amount of stress at the hotel, but I am also sure it will be much more appreciated than it is here!!

xoxo love you all!!

Korbyn



- posted by Korbyn @ 10/07/2004 01:57:00 PM

Funeral Information
Here is the information for the wake, funeral and reception.

Wake
9/24 Friday evening from 4-8pm
at:
Sprang Funeral Home
1055 Main Street
Antioch, IL 60002
847-935-4000

Funeral
9/25 Saturday morning
Visitation at 10am
Funeral Service at 11am
at
United Methodist Church of Antioch
848 Main Street
Antioch, IL 60002
847-935-1259

Reception following funeral at
Lupa Resort and Marina
in the
Harbor Club
25276 W. Grass Lake Road
Antioch, IL 60002
847-395-9330
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 9/23/2004 01:20:00 PM

Sad sad news

I just got the phone call from my mother that I have been dreading.

My grandmother just passed away.
(Aunt Lynne to most of you)

It was apparently peaceful and painless.
We had been expecting it for some time, as her health had rapidly deteriorated over the past few months, but it does not make it any less sad to any of us.

Aunt Sandi has been doing a wonderful job of taking care of her, and keeping us informed of her status across the miles. Thank you so much for the love and care you have shown.

I do not know any details, as we will be flying in as soon as we can, but you can call my parents (Dave and Pat).

---

Fare thee well, my grandmother.
I cherish being a part of your legacy.
I love you.

I will miss you.
And I will never forget you.

---

"No one's death comes to pass without making some impression, and those close to the deceased inherit part of the liberated soul and become richer in their humaneness."
~Hermann Broch
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 9/22/2004 04:28:00 PM

Across the miles
Just a quick hit here...

Today is Mike and Lorenza's first wedding anniversary. Many of us were there in Antioch last year to experience that unique night (and see me be the impromtu DJ too!). Mike is still over in the Middle East fighting the good fight, and they obviously can not celebrate it the way they would like to...

So if you can spare the time, shoot both Lorenza (aka Esther) and Mike an email (or even better, give Esther a call) to wish them a Happy Anniversary! Hopefully we can sort out this whole war debacle soon, and they will never have to miss another one.

Happy Anniversary guys!
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 9/20/2004 07:04:00 AM

Ahhhhh...
'ello all!

• First off, a shout out to Jay, and welcome! It has been quite a long time since I've seen you, probably about 15 years or so... wow, time does fly. Which grad school is Hattie going to in Chicago? If it is Columbia, I can give some recommendations on who is a good teacher and who to avoid. Also, don't forget to have her look up some of the other cousins in chi-town... since we left, I think the only ones left that still live in the actual city are Melissa & Renee, Rich & Kim, and Linda & Jack.


• Secondly, passing along some virtual sunblock lotion to my older bro, living up the life in frigid Kuwait. Keep wearing that tin helmet.


• Thirdly, a happy ol' b-day to the middle brother, Christopher tomorrow (the 6th). I fully expect Jen to make him cook all day on Labor Day to make him feel loved. Sorry we can't be there in person, bro! Cresencia says to give yourself a pinch on the ass (your OWN ass). Feel free to send him some email love, peeps! You can even send a virtual e-card from here...


• Fourthly, me mumsie's b-day is next week. For modesty's sake, I'll refrain posting which b-day it is (but needless to say, she's really really old! =;-) Happy early b-day mum, we'll send you a telegram (her preferred method communication). You can send her some email love too if you want... or an e-card. Hope your pad in Florida is oaky. For that matter, I hope Tom and Laurie's new place is okay too (that's a hint to let us know, Laurie)!

So, yes, we have arrived safely in San Diego, and loving every bit of it. We made good time, and made over 700 miles on the first day, even with a 2-hour layover in Des Moines to see an old friend (note to mom: that means we followed the speed limit the entire way and drove until 11:30 pm... to everyone else reading this: it means we hauled ass!). It was surprisingly easier to find hotels/motels that would take us and the dogs than I expected. The hardest town was Vegas, believe it or not.

Iowa and Nebraska both lived up to reputation... incredibly boring to drive through. Colorado was boring too, up until Denver. Then, the mountains were nice, but not spectacular. Maybe I was a bit numb though, since our family had driven through them a few times already. Surprisingly, Utah was my favorite part of the trip... lots of canyons, gorges, hill and mountains. Our SUV (a 2003 Mazda Tribute, love the thing and highly recommend it!) didn't even break a sweat, and it was kinda funny to throw it in neutral going down a 6% grade and see it continue to accelerate to over 90mph (note to mom: ignore that last number... it was a typo... we steadfastly and purposefully stayed under the speed limit the entire trip. Yep.). Nevada was also nice, in a flatter way... lots of open streches. We only clipped Arizona, so not fair to comment. California was cool, but by then we could taste the new home smell, and plowed on in anticipation.

I now have a new admiration for my father driving all those hours on all those vacations we drove to. He never once even let his wife drive (not that we blame him, mind you)... I also have a strong appreciation for what cousin Dan does for a living! Driving is exhausting, and I even had Cres to take the middle shifts... dunno how you truck drivers do it, Dan, lemme tell ya.

The movers finally showed up a week late, but we managed to unpack everything fairly quickly. We're about 95% unpacked, and what remains is either books or photos and artwork. Bought a new mattress, outdoor grill, 15" Powerbook and iPod (it is good to have an educator's discount!), computer desk and chair... and after 10 years, Cresencia finally got herself a brand new couch (was delivered yesterday, in fact). Now if I can only get Cres to let me buy that bigscreen HDTV... mmm...! Qwest screwed up our long distance transfer, and Earthlink even screwed up our DSL transfer, so we were stuck on dial-up for awhile... for those of you who use said dial-up: I have NO idea how you can put up with it. We only had it for about 2 weeks, and it drove me insane!. Gah! Never again!

The weather here has been every bit as gorgeous as advertised, which is obscenely perfect. The running joke is that the weatherman's job in Southern California is the easiest job in the world (today: beautiful outside; tomorrow: the same; the next day: the same; et al). It is also kinda weird, as there are 4 different micro-climate forecasts during the news (from west to east): Coastal, Inland, Mountains and Desert. Inland is about 10 degrees warmer than coastal, mountains about 5 degress warmer, and desert seems to always be about 105-110 (yeesh!). We're about 10 minutes in off the coast, so we're about halfway between the coastal and inland temps (which means we're usually about 5 degrees warmer than any temp you might see on the news). Only a few scattered clouds most of the time, and there is always a gentle cooling breeze blowing from the west. We have A/C, but never need to use it... the window and patio door are open all day and night. Ahh... Yes, I know Chicago has had about the best August ever, but imagine that weather about 350 days a year, heh heh...

We seemingly have lucked out in our choice of living quarters, not only in terms of apartment complexes, but also neighborhood location. San Diego seems to be a decent amount much like Chicago, only on a smaller scale, and with much better expressways (both in upkeep AND design). We live in the Tierrasanta neighborhood ("The Island in the Hills") on the northeast side of SD, right by 2 major highways, the 15 and 52, so it ends feeling like we are about only 5 to 15 minutes away from everything. We live just 3 miles from a plaza that has IKEA, Costco (which also sells discount gas too, unlike Chicagoland stores... Sweet!), and Lowe's! Very convenient so far. Only the 5 and 8 get jammed during rush hour (and san diego rush hour only seems to last around an hour or so, unlike the Kennedy's, which seems to last about 4 hours), and we don't really use them that much.

There is also a public park about a block from our apartment, and alot of the area residents take their dogs there every evening to run around off their leashes. So Wiley and Blue have been having a ball! Cres says that Blue has lost weight since we've been here, I say she has just finally gotten in shape =;-) We've met alot of neighbors this way already, but, of course, only know most of them by their dog's names, not their names. It is amazing how many people we have met that moved here from Chicago! One couple we've become friends with just moved here from the Universtiy of Chicago 3 months ago... she's a newly-graduated doctor and he's an IT guy working for the PS2 division of Sony Entertainment.

So are there any downsides here? Well, I still have resigned myself to only seeing half the usual Cubs games (and, of course, none in person at Wrigley anymore.... sigh...) since we do get WGN out here, but not FoxSports Chicago (obviously). I also won't be able to watch the Bears games either... ARGH! Of course, watching games at 10am here will be weird anyway.

That is about it for now. Of course Sandi (#2) and all others are more than welcome to visit and stay here, anytime! As for Scotland, Cres and I did spend our second anniversary there. We spent almost 3 weeks driving everyhwere, so I do have some info and suggestions, but no people info, sorry. Let me get some of my thoughts together and I'll post about it in a week or so, otay?
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 9/05/2004 11:19:00 PM

Family History
Greg & Cres, glad to hear you have made it safely to the West Coast. Are you still living amongst boxes or have you got everything unpacked? Bet the weather is perfect and you can now throw away the snow boots and ear muffs. When you get a chance there are a few of us going to Scotland next summer and since your working on the Hay family history, we were wondering if you have any of the family names in Dundee or Glascoe that we could look up and visit with. We plan on trying to contact family members before we leave so we can hook up with them when we're there. Rick has been talking with Aunt Jean and getting some information and pictures from her. She has been very helpful. We were hoping you might have more information to help with. Plus didn't you honeymoon there? Bet you would know the best places to eat or stay and the places not to waste your time on. Can you help?
SanDiego is also on our list of places to visit someday and we would love to get together with you both when we're out there. It will probably be one of those times when we are all caravaning out west in the RV. How far are you from Las Vegas?

- posted by Rick and Sandi @ 8/17/2004 09:31:00 PM

so long, farewell, I hope we meet again...
Well, I admit to being a bit embarassed about this, but a certain family member (who shall go unnamed) absolutely demanded that I post my email that I sent out to everyone early up here at the Hay blog as well, otherwise they would move out to San Diego right next door to us and play bongos to the music of Zamfir all night. Always one for family harmony, I aqueiesed...
I also thought about deleting my post from yesterday, but decided to leave it...

---

I'll keep this brief (altogether now... HA!), since time is running out... the movers are almost upon us!!

Our time has come, and we must take our leave of Chicago(land). The movers arrive tomorrow, we close on the house Tuesday morning at 10am, have lunch, then hit the road to Iowa. We should arrive in our new home away from Chicago by Friday or Saturday.
-----
We have a new addy:
5130 Via Valarta
San Diego, CA 92124-1561
it is a huge apartment complex (almost 500 units!) on the NE side of SD.
you can see more at their website

And a phone number already:
area code 858 -- 571 -- 6077
(yes, we know it is similar to our current one... I picked it that way)
-------
There is some more (and duplicate) info about the move on both the blogs I write on...
Chaos Digest

The Hay Family Blog

Since you won't be seeing my ugly mug much, those two sites might be the best places to still experience some of that infamous "Hay-ness". ChaosDigest is a site I share with 3 other friends, where we just post whatever the hell we feel like (literally... just check out some of the old archives there) as definitely shows off more of my smart-ass-ness. The Hay Family thing is just what it says it is, strictly for news about my Hay side of the family. Fairly boring actually (I keep hoping some of the other family members post personality on it), but should have the latest scoop on what is up with Cres and I. But hey, even some cyber-greg in your life is better than no greg, right? Right? Hello? Is this microphone on??

We'll be on the road for awhile, and even after that we won't have internet access for awhile until I find a good value (withdrawal... pains... it hurts... it hurts...), so I won't see any email for about 2 weeks or so. Instead, I would prefer if you just post any responses on the comments section at either of the ChaosDigest or Hay Family blogs linked above. It'll make it MUCH easier for me to read/respond when I do get back to the wired reality. And besides an outpouring of such public affection would make me feel warm and squishy =;-p

But back to my goodbyes...

To all who are getting this:
You are either family, and I simply have to put up with you, or you are a friend, and have come to have sincere meaning in my life. To both groups, I thank you, I respect you, and I love you. All too often (especially lately), I have taken everyone for granted, and that is one of the main reasons for this move... my comfort level has gotten too big in Chicago, and I have simply stopped growing as much as I want to grow.

The people I have not seen in eons are too many... friends whose houses I've never even seen (Brian, Nagy, Mess and Renee, Snoozin, Laura & Rod), I am sorry. Friends I've lost touch with (Lynne Ramierez, Steve Wollard, Rachel).... old coworkers I should have kept in better touch with (Tim, Steve, Tony, Bleach, even that Russ guy who's a dad now)... lists and names like that validate this move. I don't embrace life like I used to...

I know I am going to miss a lot of people. Friends like Roland are hard to come by, and impossible to replace. The Carosi household makes me realize why different cultures are such a continual joy to experience. Neighbors like Tracy and Michelle (and even the unfunny Irishman E. Murphy) are people I should have met years and years ago. I will miss you guys (and gals).

But by far the hardest voids in my life to replace will be my two brothers (Mike and Chris), my two brothers-in-laws (Jon and Jeff), and the psuedo-bro (James). I really mean that... I will miss you guys something fierce. Anytime I needed something, each of you was always there whenever I asked. That is something one can never forget... The bond is deeper than family for me. (And keep wearing your helmet in Iraq, Mike).

And not to embarrass them (but we all know Greg really means to), but I thank my parents too. You both have your faults, but the sincere goodness in each of you far, far outweighs those faults. You have done a superb job of raising three rather rambunctious boys (except for that whole cleaning thing, which our wives still complain about =;-) and you should be very very proud. I love you both more than you will ever know, and respect the hell out of each of you, for what you know, and what you have accomplished in life.

I am kinda sad to leave this house... it is weird, you always get excited/nervous with your 'first' house purchase (and mortgage), but in the back of your mind you think "this is a nice first house, but wait until we get to buy our home..."
Even though Cres and I never expected to live here forever, somewhere along the way the past 6+ years, this house did indeed become home.
I like this house. I like this neighborhood. Hell, I like Chicago.
I will miss it.

But about the move, I am not frightened, sad, excited, nervous, stressed... nothing bad.
Well, I am a bit sore from packing and moving boxes, but that is about it.

I welcome this.
I smile at the dawn of this life phase.
I look forward to evolving again as a person, as a husband.

Sadly, we can not take all of you with us, but perhaps, just perhaps, hopefully we can convince each and every one of you to move to the earthly paradise known as San Diego. We have an extra bedroom especially for visitors, and we sincerely do want you to use it.


Peace and prosperity to all,
Gregory and Cresencia Hay (we'll keep the warm winters allllll to ourselves though =;-)

PS If anyone is feeling especially moved right now and wants to give us a going-away present, and since I gave away my fish tank (enjoy bleach!), may I suggest this... =;-)


_________________________

“Art is a wound turned to light."
- George Braque

- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 7/26/2004 05:06:00 AM

And we're off...
Well, we really wanted to be able to get to the Annual Hay Family Picnic today, but there is still so much to be packed before the movers come tomorrow. Man, I knew I had alot of stuff, but geez! And we've only lived in this house for 6 years.

Sigh. Sorry all, mea culpa. We did want to say good-bye in person to everyone. But this shall have to suffice. We close on our house tuesday morning, then have lunch with my cousin Joe (who sold our house), and hit the road to Des Moines (hey! no snickering allowed, I have a friend there). We hope to be in San Diego by this Friday or Saturday. Ah, driving over 2100 miles across the country... with two big dogs.

No idea yet on what we'll do for Xmas (anyone know who is hosting Xmas Eve this year?), if we are going to come back in town or not, but hopefully we will. I imagine we will be getting back occassionally, but probably not nearly as often as we would like (then again, some may not want us back as often anyway =;-)

Our new address and numbers are:

5130 Via Valarta
San Diego, CA 92124-1561
Area Code: (858) Prefix: 571- Suffix: 6077
Sorry about breaking up the number like that... I just do not want any spammers pulling it off the web that easily

Not as close to the coast as I originally campaigned for, but it is a bigger place for less money (still $1500/month... gah! More than our current mortage!), and much more convenient for expressways (which should ease any future commuting concerns). Also much closer to the school Cres will be continuing her MBA at... We did get a 2 bedroom, which will be occupied by Cresencia's pregnant cousin until she gives birth in November. After that, the invitation is open to any who want to swing by and visit glorious San Diego for a few days (seriously)! I somehow see alot of people taking us up on that around the February timeframe =;-)

Everything should be working there by next week, but I do not know when I will be able to get online again. You can feel free to call us, or email me or Cresencia or both of us, but it would probably be easier to just write us in the comments section at the end of this post.

We will miss our friends, and we will definitely miss our families (even as dysfunctional as we are becoming)... I honestly never thought I would leave northern Illinois, so now that this day is upon us, this is a bit weird on my psyhcie. But I am not sad, nor nervous... indeed, I look forward to starting this new chapter of my life-of our lives-now, and will fully embrace all that is to come.

Love to all, and good vibes to Gramma (Aunt Lynne to the rest of you),
Greg & Cresencia Hay
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 7/25/2004 02:46:00 PM

The brother from another, umm... continent...
Just an FYI to all...

I can confirm that my big ol' bro Mike is back in town again... he got back from Iraq last week and was able to attend our cousin Rob's (mom's side of the family) annual 4th of July bash. Mike should be here for about a month or so before he goes back again on his next tour of duty over there, so he should be able to make it to the Annual Hay Family picnic on the 25th (not the 27th).

But if you can't make it, or just want to give him an email shout out, feel free!

And yes, he IS that sunburned...
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 7/10/2004 02:47:00 PM

Annual Hay Family Picnic
Greg posting again for Laurie... I'll have to go to her house and show her how to log-in some day...
--------
Hey Hay's and all related others...

It is time for the family picnic, so pack up the babies and grab all the ladies!
Please everyone come!

DATE: Sunday, July 25, 2004
TIME: Anytime after Noon
PLACE: Tom and Laurie's
995 Westshore Drive
Fox Lake, IL 60020
Home Phone: 847-973-1469
Tom's Cell Phone: 847-344-9978

Please bring your favorite dish to share and whatever you want to drink.
Don't forget sunscreen, bug spray, bathing suits, towels and life preservers for any little people.
We will have italian beef and broasted chicken, avrious boats, water skiing and tubing.
We look forward to seeing everyone and catching up on all the news.

Regrets only - Tom & Laurie: 847-973-1469
or e-mail - auntielaurie@earthlink.net
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 6/21/2004 03:01:00 PM

Rumors in the Air
One of my friends (an art director who used to work for me), called me last night because he heard the rumor about us through the ol' grapevine. I then realized we have been remiss in telling people our somewhat biggish news.

After 33 years of Chicago winters, I've finally had it. We're moving.
To California. Southern Cali.
Most likely San Diego, since it stays about 70 degrees pretty much all year round. =:-)

We put up our house for sale about 3 weeks ago, and accepted an offer last week. My cousin Joe (from me mum's side, not the Hay side) did a great job of getting our house sold... if anyone else needs to sell their house, I do recommend him! So barring anything weird or funky happening last minute, it looks like we'll be moving at the end of July. Cresencia got accepted to both the (University of San Diego and San Diego State University) MBA programs she applied to (what a nerd, eh?), so now she has to pick which one she wants. I will probably look at starting my own MFA somewhere in CA in 2005, with the intention (hopefully) of teaching graphic/communication/interactive design full-time in a college.

It has been a whirlwind of activity at this house the past couple of months, with getting the house clean/fixed-up to sell, applying for schools, applying for jobs, and (lastly), actually going to SD to look for housing (FTR, it is damn hard to find places that accepts 2 dogs in CA!).

This is an exciting and new challenge to both Cresencia and I, and I especially look forward to forthcoming experiences. And honestly, I probably need the kick in the figurative ass anyway, as I've let my career get on cruise control the past couple of years or so... We'll definitely miss the friends and family (all 100+ of y'all ;-) but the timing is good, and the time is now. I'll definitely miss my goddaughter Emily growing up, but I fully plan on coming back as often as possible so she won't forget her faaaavorite godfather.

Of course, we'll get a big enough place so everyone can come visit and stay with us... except for maybe that Korbyn chicka... sumtin' not quite right about her, know whadimean? =;-p
We look forward to coming back for all the future weddings and the ilk, and hopefully we'll get to see most everyone before we go!
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 6/17/2004 12:51:00 AM

Carolyn's new puppy!

Clovis 

Well, he's not exactly a puppy, but he's awfully cute! Clovis is a three year old English Setter who came to live with us about a week ago.

So far, he has proven to be the biggest lap dog I have ever met!
- posted by carolyn & jeremy @ 6/09/2004 10:16:00 AM

Virginia Trip

Finally a picture of our trip to Virginia. Sandi  
- posted by Rick and Sandi @ 5/26/2004 04:06:00 PM

It is a date!
Greg posting again for Laurie
------------------------
Patrick and Katie have set a date!

It will be Saturday, July 23, 2005.

Katie feels much less stressed now that they have chosen a site with a date. Now she says she wants to do something fun, like look for a wedding dress. Her biggest requirement is that she doesn't want to look like a cupcake. We are having fun. Katie and I laugh alot.

I told her of course that I can be a PitA, so if I get on her nerves or make her feel stressed, she's allowed to tell me to butt out. So far I think we're doing okay, but I realize we're only in the early planning stages. As far as Tom is concerned, we let him give his opinion and then we do what we want.
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 5/26/2004 12:10:00 PM

I get it now. . .
So it was my good for nothing, dinosaur computer that was not functioning correctly! As I was saying before in the previous post, I am Carolyn. LOOK, here I am!
me 2002 

I'm 24 & I live in c'ville near Jean, Diane and Margaret and I am currently working at a brewery two minutes from my house. I have also recently returned to school, not for art though (I drew the picture above), but to pursue a bio-tech associates degree.
I do not know most of the family, I have only met a few outside of my aunts/uncles & cousins. Hopefully some day soon I will be able to afford a trip to Chicagoland to meet everyone else in person.

-more later as I think of it.

oh- if anyone sees Jean before she leaves Illinois, please tell her Higgins is doing fabulous.

-->carolyn
- posted by carolyn & jeremy @ 5/25/2004 09:14:00 PM

My school stuff
Hey all...well, I was reminded that I didn't mention to any of you about my schooling...so here goes, on February 14th, I graduated with my Associates Degree in Business Management with High Honors. We had a "virtual" graduation ceremony online which was way cool...with Al Gore as the Commencement Speaker. All in all it was pretty cool, and mom and I had a bit of a conference call while we watched. As for the future of my schooling, I am currently in my Bachelors program in Criminal Justice which is a heck of a lot harder than I prepared myself for, but I am still at a 3.0. for now...I will (hopefully) be done with this degree in June of 2005 and then will be studying towards my Masters degree, then my Juris Doctorate which I will attend University of Tennessee to acheive. Okay so there...enough rambling...just thought I would let you all know what is up there...:) xoxo~Korbyn
- posted by Korbyn @ 4/19/2004 10:52:00 AM

Spring Break
How I spent my Spring Break vacation. I took a road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia with some of the crazier cousins (Debbie, Celia, Cyndie and Sandi #2)and came home with new laugh lines in my face and a pain in my side from laughing all the time. What a beautiful part of the United States it is! I hadn't seen Margaret or Diane in nearly 30 years, so there was a lot of catching up to do. Margaret was daring enough to put us all up at her house for the week and Ben headed for the hills (cabin that is), so we ladies could be alone. We met Carolyn & Jeremy (Diane's daughter and her boyfriend) and spent time with Aunt Jean. We toured Thomas Jefferson's home and Jefferson Winery. Aunt Jean and I seemed to like the same kinds of wine, which was most of them. Cindy and Celia taught me how to crochet and knit. Sandi Crockett still needs more practice in that area, if you could only see her potholder. It will make a great white elephant gift someday. Lucky person that gets that! Margaret taught me how to do beading, so now I feel like beading everything. Margaret tried many times to play jokes on us but most of the time they just backfired on her, and we would laugh and laugh. I wouldn't have traded this trip in for anything, what a wonderful time I had!

- posted by Rick and Sandi @ 4/06/2004 03:06:00 PM

Now the Big News!!
For those of you who have not received their announcements, Patrick and Katie were engaged on March 17, 2004, St. Patrick's Day. They were on a cruise that T&H Electric, Ltd. had earned. She was surprised and when she called us all she said was "I said yes".

Hip Hip Hooray!
YES YES YES!

We can't believe it were gonna be in-laws. Hooray! The wedding should be next summer, just depending on venue availablity. We can hardly wait. We're just a little excited. We are going to party. More details will follow as they become available. Love to you all. Thanks Greg for passing this along to everyone.

Laurie, in-law to be.

P.S. Please leave comments for Patrick and Katie (and future in-laws) here by clicking on the comments link below. Also, if you want to send Patrick and Katie an email directly, feel free!

[Note: I [Greg Hay] am posting this for Laurie Hay, who is having problems posting]
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 4/04/2004 12:37:00 PM

Okay Fine...Hello
Well due to Greg's oh so lovely..."where are the other hellos?" Here is one from me!! I have been busy with work and other "plans" which will remain nameless for the time being! Sarah and I did just get back from a vacation to Indianapolis for a scrapbooking weekend crop (she was bored) and then a week at my dad's in Memphis (she was not bored!). We had a great time, and have now been tossing around the idea of moving down that way in the next 2 to 3 years at least after I finish my bachelors! All in All things are going great and I can't complain! Okay fine...enough for now...and more to come later!! Love you all!!
- posted by Korbyn @ 3/30/2004 07:55:00 AM

Pin the Star on the Pig

UPDATE: I have uploaded photos... You can view the Pinning Ceremony Photos here...

This is not directly about the Hay family, but it is about my wife Cresencia's brother (and she is a Hay, ha-ha!)...

On Friday, my brother-in-law Jeff had his 'Pinning Ceremony', and took his oath to become a Chicago Police Officer. It has been a life-long dream of his to become a police officer, and he signed up right after he moved here from the Philippines two years ago. After waiting for a long time to get called in, he's been in the Police Academy (near the University Village neighborhood in Chicago) training and working very hard, becoming one of the top cadets. I was very honored that he asked me to be the one to pin his badge (the 'star') on him.
He is now Officer #16437!

Jeff has made many sacrifices to move from Manila to Chicago, to give his wife and children better opportunities than the Philippines could offer (don't get me wrong, the Philippines is a great and beautiful country and fairly modern, but if you think WE have corruption problems in the states... well...), and I deeply admire his resolve to start a brand-new career when most of us would be afraid to... not to mention a career that many of us would be afraid to do period.

His official graduation is April 1 (the same day his sister and I got engaged!) at Navy Pier, and then after that, beware Chicagoans! ;-) My sincere congrats to Jeff [if you wish to email him, click here]! We'll make sure to take him out to Dunkin' Donuts for a celebratory dinner. =;-p

Greg

- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 3/13/2004 08:25:00 PM

HI Greg
This is a test to make sure everything is working. I look forward to seeing how far your search takes you.
Sandi Hay
- posted by Rick and Sandi @ 2/29/2004 03:19:00 PM

The brother has landed
Cresencia and I got back from Waukegan (mmmm....Quonset!), and can verify that yes, we do indeed have a brother sighting (and he's amazing still really damn white). As most of you know (hopefully), that my oldest bro Mike was called to active duty in the Air Force Reserves just after Thanksgiving. Well, he has gotten a 6-8 week furlough, and will be home for a wee bit before he is rotated back to Iraq. He got back on Thursday, so if you want to send him a shout out, or nude photos of significant others, feel free!
- posted by haydesigner in SD @ 2/28/2004 04:23:00 PM