Elza Ruth

Spider Charts

2011-12-09T22:53:00.001-08:00

Oh 2011, you started off weird and have ended weird. I will not be sad to let you go.

I've learned so much about myself though... my journal probably hates me
Somethings I learned through beautiful experiences and somethings I learn through my stinking "hastieness" (if that is even a word).

Hardest Thing..

one

two

three

yep- I let them all find new best friends.
they are the kindest souls I know
i wonder sometimes if they know how much I care about, love, and miss them.

Most interesting thing..

I am scared of everything that has to do with life, and my no filter, worried little mind and mouth do me no favors.
I am scared of moving.
I am scared of graduating.
I am scared of losing.
I am scared of the dark.
I am scared of making the wrong decision.
I am scared I have lost my good decisions.
I am scared of rock climbing.
I am scared of letting people down.
I am scared of not understanding.
I am scared of texting.
I am scared of others thoughts.
I am scared of student teaching.

yep, i think way too much.

Funnest (most fun) thing..

Dallas with these crazy chicks...
My best friends, since 10th grade.
If BFF is ever appropriate, which is never, it is here
They are FANTASTIC.
I love them

most draining..
dating..............
just about right.
i dont know if i
am the penguin
or the little girl.,
probably both
depending.
good thing you
only have to
find one
penguin..........

http://www.graphicdesignblog.org/black-and-white-photography/

i just cant believe you put so much trust into one person and they know everything about you and then one day... you are done... not real
now dont feel bad.. i am just learning these things.

I turned 22...

Dreams...

2011-03-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Sky

The

For

Reach

For the past few months I have been feeling like obstacles were putting caps on my dreams. Only to see that I have been ignoring the blessings right in my face!

Nothing will keep me down.

kills 99.9% of germs

2011-03-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

Word to the Wise
this....

is not the same as this...

A few facts from this experience -

My hair is now 99.9% germ free

I need more sleep

I smell .. different

Though they look the same they do not act on my hair the same...

...

could've been worse...

like spray paint..

Make smart choices today everyone

Too Much to Ask For???

2011-03-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

Zach Levi - Be Mine Please

I don't want not pollute this post with words...

But my birthday is coming up and I've found what I want.

He beats a pair of shoes any day.

So everyone start saving up.

This birthday is gonna be a good one.

Mary

2011-01-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

Today we learned about Mary in Church, and while everyone thought I wasn't paying attention I was actually building a great respect for Mary.

The Angel came to Mary and told her she was highly favored of the Lord. That though she was engaged to Joseph she was going to be with child, the Son of God. And he is throwing all this unbelievable information at her and in Matthew it talks about Joseph not wanting to make a big scene and putting her away so she doesn't get stoned to death or whatever the penalty was for having a baby out of wedlock. She was told the name of her baby, that he was going to be the son of the highest and his kingdom would be without end. Then I was thinking, how old was Mary. Back then they were getting married to their betrothed men when they were able to have a baby. So, 13, maybe 14? She was so so young. And guess what happened next,
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

"Be it unto me according to they word"... has such great faith ever been communicated in so few words?
I am humbled and in awe at her faith in our Heavenly Father. I asked myself during class if I had that faith. Could I have reacted the same way?

I love Mary and her example. She is a wonderful woman!

Here I am...

2010-11-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

I am back! .. no excuses, lets get down to business.

I am going to make my blog fabulous and worth reading. Babies will even want to look at it.
I will have reason in my life..

Isaac (my brother) came into work the other day when I was playing supervisor and said... "Elza, did you ever think you would be this old, a senior in college, and not married?".. I'm old? "ah.. no?"..

I guess I can be one of two women in this picture.... haha

And one more for good measure -

Though I am realizing how hick this picture is... I love my fam.

21... couldnt tell...

2010-07-12T21:28:00.000-07:00

The older I am getting..

The dumber I am getting.. .

So.. the other day I had black zipper hoodie and there were peanut m&ms in the pocket, my FAVORITE... So I was at Katirnas house and I needed some energy becuase we were going out to see the midnight showing of eclipse! (So excellent - I am team everyone except bella) So, I reached in my pocket and grab a small hand full and toss them in my mouth... during the process something crunches really hard... burning acid sensation in covering the entire inside of my mouth... LIQUID ADVIL CAPSUL.. I forgot to take out from my race the week before. So i am rinsing and gagging and rinsing. gross gross gross..

I think if i grab a few more m&ms out of my pocket it will help kill the taste and burning..

another crunch and there is another LIQUID ADVIL CAPSUL.

HOLY MOLY.

Am I so desperate for a little chocolate??

Yesterday we had a big family dinnerup at my Aunt Jenny's house.

Having such a wonderful time and eating a wonderful meal nothing could go wrong.

I get a tickle in my ear, you know when you can't tell if it is in the back of your tounge, neck, or ear...

So I saunter upstairs to get a q-tip...

Got the tickle easy enough

But then I saw this little wonder...

Elza's mind:

"I've totally seen those on tv! they trim your eye brows! wonderful, I need to do that!... How do you turn this on... Ah there (buzzzzzz). good! ...sounds like hair clippers.. So i guess ill just start at the end and run it through just like on tv... "

I really did not see it coming...

21.. and not smarter..

oh well, life's for laughing.
:)

a little too....

2010-05-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Back from Hawaii...
A little too tan
A little too much aloha spirit
A little too poor
A little too much island fever
A little too unprepared.

Boarding my flight back home I felt a little blindfolded.

But I have been a little too blessed...
The Nelsons. Andrea and Dave... Could I ask for better people in my life. Since I set foot in Utah when I was 17 they have been there for me. Every second of the way. from helping me move in my dorm room, signing up for golds gym, to hiring me and trusting me to watch their beautiful children, and cleaning Dave's office. Even picking me up on my first Thanksgiving night away from home and taking me to see Enchanted in the movie theater. Calling the police when my car got spray painted, to letting me sleep at their house, whether it was I just needed a break from provo or lately when I had no other options. They have always been so good to me.. I can never do enough to thank them.

Molly and Emma. Thank you guys for being in my life. We have grown up together and I feel like were more like sisters, not cousins. I love you both.

The Creamery. I love it there. I work with all my friends and laugh while I do it.

All my missionary friends are finally coming home!!

4AM... I hate you M-F. but grateful for my pay check

The wonderful Lewis Family and my best friend Katrina - Thank you for having me for Mothers Day, I love being in your home and feeling loved there. I hope I can deserve your friendship. I felt so wonderful with you guys, when I was missing my own mom.

My mom is the most wonderful, beautiful, strong, and patient women I know. The list goes on forever so it is a little too long to type out. I love you mom.

My Grandpa came to visit. I love him. He is a Great man. He came to the creamery to have lunch with me before he left to go home and that meant a lot to me. I am so grateful to have him in my life. Such a wonderful example of a hard worker and a deep love for the Savior and his family.

Noah came to visit too!! I loved having him here. I wish we could all be here together all the time.
I was working at the creamery when a co worker ran upstairs to inform me that "there is a man downstairs asking for you..... he has a BEARD"... Should I tell him you left?" ... No thanks, thats my brother :)

Life is a little too good.

A Few Thoughts.

2010-04-02T21:32:00.000-07:00

21 Suggestions For Success

By H. Jackson Brown

Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.
Work at something you enjoy and that's worthy of your time and talent.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Be generous.
Have a grateful heart.
Persistence, persistence, persistence.
Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
Commit yourself to constant improvement.
Commit yourself to quality.
Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
Be loyal.
Be honest.
Be a self-starter.
Be decisive even if it means you'll sometimes be wrong.
Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.
Take good care of those you love.
Don't do anything that wouldn't make your Mom proud.

I found this list today on campus and snagged myself one. I find things like this to really touch my soul.

My favorites are # 3,5,11,12,17,20,21... I really just Love them all..
Key word in number 3 - CHEERFULLY, why go the extra mile if not done so with a full heart.
I think a lot of people need to hear #5 especially the part about forgiving yourself.
Number 11 is maybe my VERY FAVORITE.. Commit yourself to constant improvement. Is that not what the gospel is all about? Each day striving to be a better person then you were the day before... Its not about where you are, its about what you can become and working towards that goal.
Number 12 - Quality- In relationship, family, clothes, education, gospel, service... etc.
Number 20 - Take good care of the ones you love. Beautiful. They are the ones who are there in the end.
Number 21. I love my mom and want to make her proud.
The End-Sleep on it.

CULTURE NIGHT!

2010-03-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

This was my delicious pineapple upside down cheese cake...

At the beginning of the semester there was a week of recruitment. Club officers of over 30 clubs convince the student body and community why their club is the best and they should join it. It does cost at least 3 dollars to join a club which is a bummer but the money helps. I became the Secretary of the American Sign Language Club! I LOVE ASL. I really do. We got 79 members! Great numbers and it is just the first semester for ASL Club.

Erika and I join the Tahitian Club!! Three dollars well worth it. I want to learn how to shake my booty since i have never properly been taught through the various stake dance i attended and a few wedding receptions.. It was time to learn!! Better late then never ? ...

A few weeks ago was culture night, all the clubs who submit their groups to preform do! It is a two day process and clubs come prepared to and preform the dance of their cultures. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever done!!! I loved it!! And I learned to make vine lais and tea leaf skirts! I teach you!

However, you DO sell your soul to which ever club you join. Tahitian Club had us meeting twice a week for sometimes two hours at a time!! Just shaken our booties away.. But we worked so hard and a lot of people put in a lot of time.. and it was amazing to see these Tahitian girls move. They were amazing...

But all our hard work paid of for the moment in the spot light!
Click the link below!!!!!!!! its our dance! So fun! ASL one too! watch both they are so fun!
I love it here! Such an experience!

CULTURE NIGHT PREFORMANCE!!
ASL PERFORMANCE!

simple

2010-03-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

Your attitude decides whether you are happy or not.

..but a slurpee always helps brighten a gloomy day :)
I LOVE SLURPEES

TSUNAMI ADVENTURE

2010-03-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

So you probably heard about the earthquakes in Chile that was what, 8.8? Well it generate tsunamis and the whole pacific coast was on tsunami warning, including Laie, Oahu!

Friday night, we were out all night and got home around 2 AM. I was asleep by 2:30...

My one roommate Dee is shaking my feet at 3:30, what the heck?!
"What is it Dee?"--elza
"tsunami is coming, need to get to higher ground! wake up and pack your bags." --Dee

I had checked my phone and had received a bunch of mass texts saying that the sirens would go off at 6 AM for everyone to evacuate and the tsunami was expected to hit around 11 AM...

So were up and packing our bags: water, food, socks, extra change of clothes, flashlight.

Do we need this???

the grocery store across from my house..
Vienna Sausages.. ew

On their walls he left nothing but hooks and some wire. And the one speck of food that he left in the house was a crumb that was even too small for a mouse.

So my roommate dropped Erika and I off at this hill, evacuation spot and we claimed this picnic table! this is about 4:30 am....

It was a beautiful morning.. 5:30am

My friend Spencer, he is a boy scout for sure!
Also, A little fun fact, He served in Gloversville, NY!

the masses started coming. I will tell you this, Vienna Sausages were everywhere that day.. Barf.

The elders came
to be saved from
utter destruction!

i think her umbrella is for the wave??

playing his guitar to entertain us bored people..

2:00pm - nothing.. no tsunami, no destruction,

It was quite exciting! Kinda of scared at the begining and very tired of sitting on a hill.. but we made it out alive!

Hawaii..

2010-02-08T01:29:00.000-08:00

THE BAD AND THE BEST

2010-02-05T03:14:00.000-08:00

BAD NEWS-

I lost my stupid cord for my camera so my adventures are totally stuck on my camera. GAY. I am trying to find an alternative. And I know you're all saying just stick the chip in your computer... Alas, my slot is for a SD chip and my chip in XD. I am going to jack someones computer... ~~Jacking things is all the rage here in Hawaii.~~ Moving on.

My love for Hawaii:

are there words?

Though I feel Laie is slightly ghetto.. I love it. But Provo is definately my preference for some reason. Not winter, but Provo. I love living next to the beach so when homework seems senseless and unneeded (everyday) I slip on my bathing suit and go get my beach on.I am on the verge of skin cancer but so be it. I do try to put sunscreen on and apply and reapply just like gospel principles buttttttttt... I like a little crisp, I must admit. I love jumping on the BUS with Erika. and going to the north shore to sunset beach, sharks cove to snorkel and eating acia bowls, shrimp, and coconut cream pie from teds bakery! (thanks for the tip megan baby). Also appreciate a good hike in the tropical forests to a beautiful water fall with a rope swing.. which against my better judgement, I am peer pressured into tryin, "oh elza you can do it" "it'll be fun" "you'll get a boyfriend if you do it" "it makes you ripped" (they didnt say the last two, I think I said that in my mind.. ha!) So i did it.. and belly flopped... picture the most unattractive belly flop from growing up and mine was that.. times 3.8 and someone recorded it I think.. but I threatened the with a centipede in their bed if they post it on facebook or youtube. GO ME! I am actually on youtube. I got interviewed for "Late Night Show with Manny" (I made that a link because I am so tech savy). I think I was drunk when they were doing the interview and i just worked out... yay

SCHOOL

High School in every way. Very small and refreshing. You see every soul which is good and bad... depending who you are trying to avoid I imagine. I do feel that you can make a difference much easier here. Efforts stand out. I became SECRETARY of the American Sign Language Club. If you know me you know I could not be happier. ASL in the best thing I have ever learned, pursued, etc.

I suck at surfing, FACT, but very good floating over those unbroken waves.

Now, brown men, very pretty to look at... but when they start asking you if they can show your their island someday and you might just have to stay... well... my mom said I can't talk to him anymore haha. But seriously, nicest people I have ever met. Their culture is beautiful. Kiss and hugs all the time. BRING IT ON.

In my endeavors to become social and make new friends I joined the Tahitian Club.

This is a link to see me doing my thing

haha... I am wearing a wig.. So we meet twice a week because BYUH does a culture night where all the culture club come and dance the dance of their island. KINDA AWESOME. Again if you know me you know I love to dance.. but kind of dance like my dad. Not impressive. and I feel that the teachers of the club realize this but they think I am funny so they put me in the second row for line ups. BOUYA! I think they like the contrast of my blonde hair. But we get to wear tubetops!! ~~immodesty coming my way, and its totally legit!~~ :) and these butt tape leaf things to enhance our "shake movements" I do not need enhancement... but.. We get to where these viney things that wrap up our arms and around our necks. AWESOME. I will have to get a camera cord. It just not fun to read about.. only see. ebay.

COCKROACHES ARE THE DEVILS MINION. I HATE THEM I HATE THEM I HATE THEM. EVERYONE SAYS, "STOP BEING A BABY, YOU'LL GET USED TO IT"... FORGET THAT. IVE KILLED SEVEN AND ONE WAS FLYING IN THE AIR AT MY ROOMMATE YOU SHOULD OF SEE HER RUNNING WITH A BOTTLE OF RAID SPRAYING. 6:30AM. HILARIOUS. NO ONE TOLD ME THESE SUCKERS COULD FLY. GROSS. I LIKE TO TALK TO THEM BEFORE I KILL THEM. REMINDING THEM THAT THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE WITHOUT THEM AND THEY "DONT COME IN MY HOUSE" "THERES A NEW WORLD ORDER NOW THAT ERIKA AND I HAVE ARRIVED." ONE LIVED UNDER OUR SINK IN THE KITCHEN.. HE WAS A SMART SUCKER. I NAMED HIM CROTCHY.. SEEMED APPROPRIATE. GROSS NAME - GROSS CREATURE. HE IS DEAD NOW :)

Gechos crawl on my ceiling.. I am trying to be accepting of them. But they do not have an Australian accent or save me money on car insurance so.. they pretty much do not do anything, worthless.

PS... PCC NIGHT SHOW = BOMB

The list goes on. Peace and Love

This is the Cherry on Top

2010-01-07T12:40:00.001-08:00

I love Hawaii! I have been here for 3 days and it is beautiful. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here.

TOP 5 Loves (not in this specific order):
1. Weather.. even if it makes a curly hair crazy
2. My double bed! haha Sleep is important
3. Meeting all these fun people. I love it. Everyone is so nice
4. The beaches. Sand, waves, rocks.. surfers, beautiful brown men. haha
5. The gospel is the same everywhere for everyone! It is amazing to have a common factor with so many people in any corner of the world.

I have lots of pictures but I will post them later.
Aloha!

A Ragged Army

2010-01-03T15:24:00.000-08:00

So today was my last day in Butler. Tomorrow I sail.. or fly.. to the tropical beaches of Hawaii. But during the sacrament at church, I suddenly became aware of the young men passing the sacrament. A ragged stange army. The strippling warriors of Butler ward. I am very serious! I look at the front and this is what I see.

1st - a handsome man in a long trench coat.. james bond style

2nd - a young man who looked a little like this....

Kris Kringle from Santa Clause in Coming to Town
hahaha I swear to you. I was so excited when I saw him. It was definately bringing back the christmas spirit!

another boy was stomping in these

I do believe his shirt was untucked and he was my little brother.. way to represent Luke!

And this was attached to the pocket of another young man

haha they would not let him in the airport with that.
Between that and the mullets and beards I'd have to say I was very distracted during the sacrament...
These boy are quite the rugged army...

So that was my final experience in Butler for this Christmas..

Onward and upward!

CHRISTMAS FUNNY

2009-12-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Dear God,
Please send clothes for all those poor ladies on dad's computer
Amen.

EFY = My Heart and Soul

2009-12-10T21:59:00.000-08:00

I know that EFY was held in the summer but it was the most wonderful thing I have ever done. I did it on my own, took the initiative and loved every single minute of it.

This is my entire group at EFY, Liberate the Captive. The kids were so awesome and fun. I loved every minute with them. There was a water drinking contest during each day the entire week in hopes to keep the little chillens hydrated. You bet we won everyday! One boy, Nick, we figured out that he drank 100 lbs in water that week. He was a trooper, no one could beat him. We love you Nick, way to take one for the team!

This is Daniel. He was my co-counselor. He was propbably the best person they could ever ever put me with he was so helpful and supportive. I absolutely adored him.

PIZZA NIGHT!! The girls ordered so much pizza! They wanted to beat the boys. I picked up some M&Ms and pop for them upon request for our party. The girls are so amazing. I love them.

And of course personal scripture study. It is every morning and we get together and have a group lesson and go over the day and then there is personal study time. It was amazing to watch these kids dive into their scriptures and watch them change and grow

EFY is such an amazing place. I see it as this place where these kids can have a chance to take a break from the world and breathe. Let their guard down. They are able to be around a bunch of other LDS teenagers, they can have fun and not worry about others challenging their standards. It is so fun and the happiest place on earth for about a week. :)

Looking back - -

2009-12-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well this semester did not roll out quite the way I expected. I am ashamed to say that for the most part I just let the days roll by waiting for the next one to come. I was not making anyone better. I was not even making myself better. It was a nice slap in the face mid-semester to stop relying on others and make my own choices and have fun. Friends were not there all the time anymore, they had boyfriends, other commitments, busy, and so forth and so on. Boys weren't in my favorites section and I was not on anyone priority list.. And I ought to BE! haha So the next few post in the next week will be my very own adventures I had and goals I reached I hope you enjoy! Merry Christmas. Hallelujah.

Christmas Photo Disapproval

2009-12-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Dad liked my Christmas Card picture... Mom, not so much. She said she had never seen a black Christmas card and might as well call us the Adam's Family and put a coffin at the bottom. More Christmas Elza!

So in honor of my mother I redid the christmas photo! I have too so you'll have to let me know which one is a keeper. Enjoy!

Family Christmas Cards

2009-12-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

Oh the joyous tradition of sending out family Christmas cards to beloved family and friends. Within the past 6 or so years father bear has caught on to this trend and takes it upon himself to grace the world with a Hartung family portrait. Dad does not allow anyone else in the family to become apart of this process so we all await the final outcome of these "Hartung Christmas Cards".

The first year he brought home the the picture. It had been scanned onto the computer and he had a secretary at BC3 print out 100 copies in color! Imagine that. When dad brought home the white printer paper with all of our faces nicely inked on I think we all had a little something to say. Whether it was how bad one of us looked or the quality of the print job, dad took a harsh beating that night from one and all. In the end we were able to get his confession that he chose the one he looked best in and did not bother to look at anyone else. I am pretty sure Isaac's eye were closed and someone had their tongue out.. Frieda..

As the years went on the same sort of trend emerged. Though father bear did upgrade to hard stock, the Merry Christmas's and status's of kids were scribbled on over the pictures, and we children who were out in college or missions were still nicely copied and pasted into empty spaces on the picture. Last year though dad surprised us all with pictures neatly placed and words processes from a computer and even a cute holly berry border. WAY TO GO DAD!

This year I decided to experiment, Molly helped me and this is the outcome of the 2009 Christmas Card. I just emailed it to Dad so we will have to see what picture we get in the mail this year. Merry Christmas, Hallelujah.

Welcome to My New Blog

2009-11-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

This is my neeeew blog. Enjoy!