No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Have you heard this saying? It is only marginally applicable to the following story.

The Friday before Christmas I was at the post office. After handling my own mailing, and dealing with the 46+ year old worker who flirted with me, I was on my way to the car. Our post office has a sort of a mud room. First you walk through a set of doors and then through a second set of doors that are only about five feet from one another.

As I exited I noticed an older gentleman in a motorized wheelchair trying to open the outer doors. He was a war veteran who wore a baseball cap littered with pins, and an American Flag t-shirt. He was struggling to open the door and maneuver through it. I noticed other post office customers were passing right by him and took this as an opportunity to do a good deed.

I grabbed the door for him.

"Hey, can I get that for ya?" I asked, with a smile.

"grumble, grumble," he replied.

I held open the first door as he passed through, and reached to open the second and hold both open. With my arms spread I felt good helping this man. Then it hit me, it really hit me. A felt flag on a thin pole attached to the back of his chair. The flag was at the exact height of my face, and smacked my left cheek and slowly slid across my face as he entered the post office. I had to laugh at this "reward" for being helpful.

Midday Graduation

Tomorrow I graduate. Sort of. I actually will not be alumni until January really. Tomorrow is the ceremony, and the time I will cross the stage when my name is called. It's kind of awkward because I graduate during chapel. So I have class before and after it. There is no robe for me to wear, no tassle for me to switch from one side to the other. But I don't care!

Finishing college is a huge deal for me. Probably more than you know. I can hardly believe this is almost the end. I feel like sleeping for a week after I finish my finals. I am proud of all that I have done and I will wear a sassy purple dress, I will wear my heels that will most likely make me taller than the school president, and I will eat a cupcake.

I am excited, and to top it all off some of my family will be with me to celebrate next week. December holds very good things for me.

Press Release

Here's an example of what I do as an intern. I wrote it!

Lights Out

Yesterday I stood in my co-workers office as we discussed a project I am working on. Suddenly all was black. I spun around and sure enough I could not see even a crack of light. I guess that's what happens when you work in an office with no windows.

You may recall this post when I talked about the construction at the hospital. My office borders the construction site and on some days our office shakes with what feel like simulated earthquakes.

The construction workers must have hit something because we were without power. I pushed my hands out in front of me and started walking slowly like a zombie. At this point everyone in our office suite had escaped their offices and cubes and were now fumbling together in the dark, laughing and making jokes about going home.

Suddenly power returned. I cannot tell you how awkward people look when power returns to an office. Everyone and I mean everyone was gathered around the water cooler. They all faced it as though the world were ending and filling their water bottles was their last beacon of hope. I could not help but laugh as everyone stared at each other in silence for a moment before walking away. All who gathered around the water cooler stayed to fill their bottles as though they would have all taken a water break during that time anyway.

Can you do me a favor?

Check out this article and tell me what you think. I thought there was no way this works, but Kevin and I saw it differently! Ahh. I am a little tripped out. Try it, and let me know what you see!

Manhandle South of the Panhandle

It has been a while. Last Monday marked year one of marriage for Kevin and I. We had heard "the first year is the hardest." When someone at work asked Kevin about it, he said it really hasn't been that hard, and they assured him it's really the first 7 years. So... I'll let you know in 6 years. We had a low key anniversary- we went out to breakfast, ate lunch at our favorite sushi restaurant, went to all our favorite thrift stores and watched our wedding video (Thanks S&M). On our anniversary of food and fun we saw a woman whose day was not going nearly as well as ours. I promised Kevin I would bake some cookies and so we went to Fred Meyer for the ingredients. As Kevin pulled into a parking spot I said, "Why is that car on the sidewalk?" As we got closer we saw that an old(er) lady had driven her car into the side of the building. It was actually pretty sad. Othe than being momentarily sad for her, we had a great time together. We spent the whole extended weekend alone which is just what we needed.

My title refers to a football game, Patriots vs. Dolphins. Leading up to it, announcers referred to the pending game as the "manhandle south of the panhandle" (because the dolphins suck) thus far it has proved to be true. At half time the score is 42-7 and all the Dolphins fans have left the stadium, their home stadium. Ouch.

We went to J&K's last night, we brought the food, they brought the fun. "Apples to Apples" may be my new favorite game. Bowzer was fun and hung out on my lap while I played the game. He's slightly larger than a lap dog, and so his paws would slide off my knees and he would readjust every minute or so.

I am halfway through my semester and I am anticipating Thanksgiving in California. Otherwise, things are pretty average in the life of the Martins'.

Link

Here's a link to the online version of the article I was photographed for! Kevin and I picked up the print copy today. Notice they misspelled my last name and I am not an employee, but rather an intern.

Interning Is G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S...yes

Yesterday was just another day at the office, complete with my very own photo shoot. I do feel a modelling career coming on. How can I deny my talents any longer?? I came into work and was told that a reporter would be arriving shortly to photograph a new therapy garden at our hospital. The photographer wanted to shoot some patients in the garden, but that is out of the question. The therapy garden is for patients who are dealing with mental illnesses. So, the marketing coordinator told me she needed me to play the patient in the photographs.

Yes. I know, it's weird. We walked the garden, where a therapist would point out plants and flowers for me to touch. We sat to act out a therapy session, at one point two therapists were "helping" me. Luckily (or maybe not) for me, the photographer only took pictures of me from behind.

By the way today is day one of 4 days off for me- no school or work. Kevin has Monday off and for the next three days we are going to relax and eat good food.

Thena and Truffles

Today was "Day of Outreach" at school. Two times each school year classes are cancelled so that students can spend the day serving the community. I picked a house that is on the street Kevin and I live on, in hopes of meeting a neighbor. I met Thena, and her dachshund "Truffles." We trimmed bushes, raked leaves, and did general yard work. Thena made hot cocoa and offered us mixed nuts for a snack. I had a lot of fun, and I looked cute in my flannel. I hope to visit them again, and maybe take Truffles for a walk with Kevin.

After my day of outreach was over I went to Kevin's work to have lunch with him. When he got in the car he said, "you smell like my dad." I was proud of that.

Fall!

I love LOVE fall. When Kevin and I first discussed marriage, I knew it HAD to happened in the fall. The air is crisp, and fall has its own smell. I love to look outside and watch leaves caught up in the wind twirling up and down in the street. When I was growing up fall meant that the holidays were coming soon. My mom always decorated our house with leaves and pumpkins. We burned candles and logs in the fireplace.

Kevin and I were tipped off by a friend recently that Goodwill is a great place to buy fall decorations. The next day we headed out to two of our favorite Goodwill's. We sorted through all the decorations and found some great items!
Meet Bobby:

He is really Bobby2, last October mom gave us a scarecrow for our garden but he succumbed to Oregon's elements, and he's no longer with us.









This close up is really for Andy and Whitney. I thought you could appreciate his little dreads.

Wild Horse Canyon Retreat

Here are some pics from our weekend in Eastern Oregon!

Kevin and I were happy to get out to the dry, hilly, environment to the East of us.

This is the path to the sports pavilion. I don't even want to know what their water bill is each month to keep the grounds this green.

I was a happy little lady on vacation.

This is one of the ziplines. First we were told it is the longest in Oregon, by the end of the weekend everyone was exclaiming it is the longest IN THE WORLD!

What? We really like to kiss, sheesh.

We caught this sunset on the drive home. It was gorgeous.

Race For The Phewwwww....

Weird day today. I am currently working as a cafeteria lady, but I also spend Tuesdays and Thursdays as an intern. Being an intern is fun, and gives me quite a few new things to experience. Today my internship led to me waking up at 6am! On a sunday, gross. I got up nice and early because I was in charge of coordinating a group of volunteers. Today was Portland's 16th annual Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure."

We (Kevin and I) took a shuttle (school bus) down to the race and headed straight to our crew's truck. We had tons of bananas on a table and Kevin and I got to work blowing up balloons. After passing out balloons to small children, and wrangling our team for a team picture, the real work began.

We headed north up Naito Parkway and claimed our spot to cheer on the biggest race of the day. Our small team of cheerleaders, from young children to adults, jumped and shouted and waved pom poms as racers passed. We spent the bulk of our time (3hours) screaming for the 5k walk. The 5k walk had over 35,000 participants. I yelled into a plastic megaphone and encouraged the walkers to finish strong. It never ceased to amaze me that each new wave of walkers was happy to hear the same things I had yelled at the 10,000 people before them.

I yelled things like:
"You're almost done!" "Only three more blocks, don't give up now!" "You can do it, bring it on home!" "You're so close now, I promise."
They loved it! So I yelled, and yelled, and yelled. All under the watchful eye of my boss who seemed impressed with my ability to scream non-stop for 3 hours. Kevin got quite a few laughs when he yelled "I'm here because I lost a dare!" Hardly true, we all know he was there because he supports everything I do. The crowd also loved when he would yell "If me yelling at you doesn't encourage you, then nothing will!"

On our way home we picked up some food and after filling my tummy I took a deep-sleep nap that felt so good.

Polydactyl Kittens...

...Or, kittens who have 6 toes on each paw! Yesterday I met two little kittens who are polydactyl. Their extra toes make their paws really big and when you hold a paw in your hand it looks like a mitten. When the kittens walked around they looked like high heels with the front four toes flat in front and the two side toes extended to walk. I held a little orange striped kitten. She had such a pretty coat and she was a very sweet cat. I wish I had my camera, because as I held her she would press a paw against my chest as she purred.

To The Canyon We Go

After Kevin gets off work this afternoon we will pack up and head to Antelope Oregon. Every Fall semester MBC takes a weekend to get away from the city and take a retreat. From Friday-Monday in the second weekend of September we take over Wild Horse Canyon. It is really beautiful there, and quite the opposite of the lush green, Portland. The best part is that this retreat is FREE! It is free for both Kevin and I, even though he is not a student. We are really looking forward to getting away and going on a hike, and maybe even using the zipline. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Of Minor Note

When you comfort yourself by saying; "maybe it is just stuck in my eyelid" you know you've got a problem on your hands. This morning as I sipped my coffee and chatted with Kevin I noticed the vision in my right eye seemed a bit off. It was a little blurry like when some goo gets lodged between my contact and my pupil. I decided to investigate further the cause of the blurriness. I looked into my right eye and noticed I did not see a contact lens. I began to poke at my cornea in a dragging motion, hoping the lens was there and I just couldn't see it. But, no such luck. The lens was gone. I began to wonder where it could be, in my eyelid? On my pillow? I have yet to find it. I will be a glasses wearer until I can make it to the eye doctor. I think it may be fun if the lens turns up in some awkward place.

Writing Exercise

In my Article Writing class we are given small writing exercises, to well, learn to write better. The other day our professor introduced a particular writing exercise with a story.

In Portland, we have many street fairs where locals sell stuff. Art, food, and some weird things. Apparently, years ago there was a woman who had a writing booth. You could pay her 50 cents and give her a topic and she would write a page on the chosen topic. In a similar fashion my professor told us to choose a topic for the person to our left to write about. I was given the topic "puppy-love" and I had so much fun writing it, I thought I might share it here too. Keep in mind I had a very limited amount of time to write this story.

Puppy-Love

I would have to call it puppy-love. There was not other way to describe it. I was in second grade and certain I had met my future husband. His name was Taylor. He had just moved to California from Georgia. We sat at the same table in Mrs. Cox class at Walt Disney Elementary. As luck would have it, I was given Taylor as my reading partner. We were told to prepare a short presentation on Johnny Appleseed. Taylor told me he was nervous, and that he couldn't read very well. I was confident I was the girl to carry him through.

"Don't worry Taylor, it's going to be great!" I told him.

I arrived home and got to work. It was important that I looked good. I began to put together what I thought would be the perfect outfit. The next morning I got dressed in the outift that I had fashioned after the '80's pop singer, "Tiffany." I pulled on a pair of wool tights, laced up my high top converse and put on a denim skirt, over a tu tu. I wore my favorite over sized sweater. The pink and yellow one, with the rollerskating elephants holding hands on it. I thought it might make Taylor want to hold my hand.

My mom drove me to school and when I stepped out of the car I was mortified. I suddenly realized what I was wearing. I was so embarrassed I turned to get back in the car, only to see that mom was gone. I did not feel as cool as "Tiffany."

Back To School, Back To School

I've got my lunch packed up, my shoes tied tight.
Hope I don't get in a fight.

Tomorrow morning I am off to school. My final semester of college. Barring any disaster (failing) I will soon be a graduate, with a degree in my grubby little hand. In many ways I am surprised I've made it this far. School has never come easy for me and I am really proud to be looking down the mountain I have climbed for the past five years. Soon it will be over, and I will be at the bottom of an equally large mountain- full-time employment.

This semester is very important, and I am going to be very busy. What does this mean for the blog? (You may be asking yourself). I don't know. I can assume that I will be majorly cutting down the blogging time. Either way this time will be an adventure, with quite a few exciting things to come.

A Lesson On Heredity From Will I Am

I was trying to remember the basics of genetics when "I got it from my mama" came on the radio. What a relief.

The song begins with Will I Am asking that ever important question:

"Baby where’d you get your body from?
Tell me where’d you get your body from"

To which a syrupy voiced poppy young female sings back:

"I got it from my mama.
I got it from my mama.
I got it from my mama.
I got it got it…"

Will I Am is beginning to understand:

"Mommy lookin good from her head to her feet.
She forty-four, but she still lookin sweet.
And you can tell her daughter aint even at her peak.
Cause her mama lookin so hot, packin that heat.
So be a good girl and thank your mama."

He takes it one step further to explain to us how this works.

"If the girl real fine,
Nine times out of ten,
She fine just like her mama.

And if her mama real ugly,
I guarantee ya she gon’ be ugly like her mama.

If the girl real pretty,
Nine times out of ten,
She pretty like her mama."

Oh, right. Thanks Will I Am.

I would give a link to a video on YouTube but it is really just a sad attempt for him to dance with bikini-clad women, and relax in a lounge chair looking like a broke-down Germaine Dupree.

Sometimes You'll Get A Ride

Update: So I called the tow company at 11 a.m. they called at 1 p.m. to let me know a truck was on its way. The truck arrived at 1:30. At 2:00 My mechanic called to say I blew out a belt and pulley. At 3:00 he called to say it was finished. At 3:30 Kevin called to say he had a ride home, from a co-worker who happens to live in Clackamas- also where our car was. Things were working out swimmingly. She drove us out there, and our mechanic happens to be on the street she lives on! So weird, I thought it would be a huge inconvenience for us to get a ride. The Lord is very good and even though we had to spend some money it will all work out.

Sometimes You'll Ride A Bus

Yesterday was normal. (As normal as this Summer has been) I took Kevin to work, and picked him up. It was hot here, well hotter than we are used to. We decided to go get an iced coffee, I decided to take a break from driving and asked Kevin to drive us. I would soon be very glad that I had...

As we drove down a busy road the car made this squeal/clunk sound. I thought we hit something that was caught in the wheel well. There was no where to park and so we kept moving until it was safe. We pulled into a small parking lot as my car began to overheat. We decided to get coffee and then return to the car. We came back to the car and I got in the drivers seat. It is my car and I am more familiar with what is normal, or not. When I hopped in we prayed and I started the car. The engine sounded fine, but my coolant temp began to rise before I even put the car into gear. My battery light flicked on, and I tried to pull forward. My power steering was out...

Kevin and I decided the car was obviously not happy and we should let her relax for a while. We sat on a little stone wall sipping coffee mostly in silence.

Our plan was to get the car home. If we could get it home we could figure things out from there. Our journey continued with Kevin driving. We pulled over every few blocks to let the car rest so that we wouldn't kill it. We took a back road and we would drive for two minutes let it sit for ten, drive for two and so on. We made it home, and began to look at bikes on Craigslist, Kevin has to get to work somehow. But why would anyone want to bring their bike to us- the people who have no cash? We looked up bus routes. This morning we got up extra early and Kevin walked to a bus stop.

Today we will have to have the car towed and then we will see...

Dating My Husband

Friday nights tend to be a bit of a date night for Kevin and I. We like to relax, maybe eat some good food, and just enjoy that the week is done. Last night I was in the mood for a movie. Right after Kevin got off work we brought home a pizza- half hawaiian, half pepperoni, all good, mmmmm. Earlier in the day I checked movie times at The Academy- our local $3 theater. We decided to see Ocean's Thirteen. After seeing Ocean's Twelve I figured this would be a rental, or Academy movie because Ocean's 12 kind of stunk in comparison to Ocean's 11. We got to the movie early and grabbed some nice seats. The movie was so good! They were back in Vegas (for those who follow this series of movies) and the writing for this movie killed the sequel. It was funny and fun, virtually no violence or sex and they were clever as ever. One portion of the movie includes an uprising at a Mexican factory that makes the whole movie worth seeing.

This morning we woke up late and laid in bed talking. We got up and made breakfast together. It was nice and the kind of thing I imagined doing as a married person. We decided the weather was too gorgeous to stay in. We drove to Vancouver, WA and walked along the Columbia. When we reached the end of the path five fighter jets took off from nearby PDX. As they ascended it was so loud the water in our water bottle shook. We walked back toward our car and stopped in at this McMenamins. We sat on the patio and watched the sailboats and jet skiers. We shared an appetizer and had cold drinks, and I began to dread ever leaving this place.

Woah....Starbucks

After I dropped off Kevin at work this morning I drove past a new drive-thru Starbucks. I was thoroughly creeped out as I saw a group of half-dead humans gathered at the building that holds the substance they are all so addicted to. There was a line of cars wrapped around the building and 5 or 6 people stood at the take out window. As I drove past slowly I looked to my right to see pedestrians ready to cross the street to join the zombies. One man had this blank stare on his face as though all he could see was the green neon sign calling him forward. He nearly walked into the side of my car in his attempt to make it to his morning mecca.

Heaven?

I am secretly, or now not so secretly, obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance. I started last Summer, and this season is even better. I get totally attached to the contestants and I love to watch my favorites. Last night Kevin and I watched the usual fun, pretty, crazy dances. I was unprepared for the most beautiful dance I have ever seen.

The choreographer Mia Michaels is a contemporary dancer/choreographer. I enjoy her work, but I don't always understand it. Last night Lacey and Neil were partnered, and they happen to be two of my favorite dancers. They were given contemporary as a category for one of their two dances.

As Mia began to explain her concept for the dance I felt a knot grow in my throat. She said that she lost her father to lung cancer two years ago, and this dance is based on what she imagines her reunion with her father will be like.

The dance began with Lacey (as Mia) and Neil (as Joe, Mia's dad) spotting each other across the stage. They were dressed in white and there were colourful daisies scattered across the stage. As I watched them embrace, dance, leap, and play I began to cry. I couldn't help it. It was so remarkable. I continued to cry long after the dance had ended.

As a Christian I know I will live eternally, and yet I have feared heaven. Maybe my mind can't wrap around the idea of eternity, or maybe at times I have not been totally convinced that it's really there. I believe it, but I have no context for understanding a place like heaven. I have lost two people in my life who I felt especially attached to. I fear losing Kevin, my parents, my siblings. Sometimes I wish I could hide them all. It is irrational I know, because they all know Christ.

But in this dance it was as though I could imagine each one of them finally resting in Jesus' arms, and what it will be like for me to be reunited with them one by one.

I don't know that this video does it justice, but if you have lost someone you hope to see again, watch this. I know it has comforted me more than I can say.

Dance (with a new link)

Can I have it? Can I have it?

This was an all too common experience for me at DVC or riding BART. So umm Listen.

Sizzle

I know what you're thinking- "awesome new white bathing suit Melody!" You're wrong. It's just a painful sunburn. A word of advice. If you take a prescription that says "causes sun sensitivity" they are not joking.

Escape From Alcatraz

This is so great. Simpsons shout out to Oak-town. Sorry the video isn't great, but you get the most important part. check it.

The Endless Weekend

On Friday after Kevin got off work we drove straight to our mechanic to get new brakes for the Saturn. We walked around the neighborhood and hung out at a park while my car received some much needed TLC. They finished in less than an hour, and when we came back they were topping off all my fluids, told us what to watch out for, and had rotated my tires without us even asking. We love our mechanic. We drive pretty far to go to him, but he is honest, has fair prices, and does great work. We got home, and I got to work on the promised "man meal." When we came home Kevin was greeted with my surprise for him. I had baked his favorite- carrot cake. I made it from scratch, with cream cheese frosting of course.

I am coming to terms with the fact that I am my mom, yes that is a hostess apron around my waist thank you very much.



I worked on our dinner of New York Strip steaks and "chuck wagon potatoes." Oh man it turned out sooo good. I was nervous as this was my first time making steak. We seasoned the meat with "Jamaica Me Steak."



We ate it up. I could only eat about 2oz. of my 8oz. steak, but Kevin cleaned his plate.



After dinner we watched Shaun of the Dead. Then we sat down with tea, and carrot cake and watched some British sitcom on PBS. At this point Kevin and I looked at each other asking ourselves if we have become my parents. If you know them you understand. Our favorite quote from the British sitcom- Son- "She was your wife before she was my mother." Father- "Not necessarily."

Saturday we went for a hike to work off the calories from the night before. We used our left over steak to make yummy tacos, therefore justifying further the purchase of this delicious meat.

After church on Sunday we were feeling adventurous and decided to check out a dog show. We loved the movie "Best In Show." As well as the series on Bravo "Showdog Moms and Dads." It seemed a natural next step to go to a dog show.

Admission was free and we paid $3.40 (for both of us) to ride the Max round trip to the show. I was in dog heaven. We went home and took a nap and then we did laundry. I swear we did as much in one weekend as we normally do in 3 or 4.

Rainy Fridays Are Lovely

It's Friday and it's grey and rainy. I love it. Tonight Kevin gets an extra special mans meal.

I am going to make this- minus the giant ball of butter on the steak. I mean is that really necessary?



Have a good weekend!

Birdie, Mulli, Bogey

On Sunday Kevin and I volunteered at an event for the hospital he works at. We signed up to help out at their 12th annual golf benefit. Our previous experiences with volunteering have involved early morning, long hours, and heavy lifting. We enjoy volunteering and try to do it when we have an opportunity.

We were told to wear khaki shorts (blech) and that they would provide a polo shirt when we arrived. We spent a good part of Saturday searching for khaki shorts for me because I have not owned a pair since 7th grade. That shopping trip was an ordeal I will save for another day- but I did find a pair for $11 so it worked out.

Sunday morning we started the day slow with coffee and bagels and drove 30 minutes West to the event. We arrived at The Reserve which is a very beautiful golf course.

We parked and walked to the club house to register. We were given our volunteer polos, a gift bag, and hats. I was expecting some hideous over-sized men's polo, but to my surprise, we were given really really nice Nike golf shirts. The men's are maroon with white stripes, and the women's are burgundy with pink stripes and totally cute and fitted. This was when we realized this would not be our common volunteer experience. We put our shirts on and walked to the lunch tent. The catered food was fresh and delicious.

Next this crazy old man drove us to our hole in a golf cart. He drove the cart as fast as he could cutting straight through the course. Our hole was #5, and was a prize hole! The deal was that if any player could make a hole-in-one they would win a $12,000 motorcycle that was parked at the tee.

Our job was to stand at the putting green and watch for a hole-in-one. We sat in the sun for 4 1/2 hours and watched golf. Every once in a while a cart would deliver cold water to us and ask us if we needed anything. We didn't see a hole-in-one but I did learn a lot about golf and now I really want to play it! Plus some of the players tried to bribe us into calling a hole-in-one. It was a fun day and I told Kevin we can use our new shirts to find each other in Disneyland, or to be serious players if we go mini-golfing.

There were a lot of players, and a lot of golf carts



The majority of players looked something like this



It was hot and I think we all got sweaty

Jesus Jeopardy

Does that sound like blasphemy? Maybe. But it wasn't my idea- ok, maybe it was. I took a summer school class this summer, and for our final assignment we could write an 8-10 page paper chosen from a myriad of topics- or create a board game. The game was to be similar to Jeopardy, but needed to be a playable board game based on Christology.

Kevin and I spent a weekend at thrift stores searching for the perfect board game for me to re-work. We finally found the perfect one- "Movie Mania"



Originally priced at $29.95 (why??) We bought it for $1.99. I went to work painting over the box and game board. Kevin helped me create some rules of play, and he helped me get it done on time. I painted the box a bright blue and copied the Jeopardy logo onto it. I outlined the letters with yellow paint and then filled them in with gold glitter. Snazzy! I even did the same with a small box that holds my category and question cards for the game. The main purpose in creating the game was to come up with 30 questions on Christology.

My professor titled the assignment "the Jesus game" and so we ran with it. When you open my game the first thing you see is a bright yellow cardboard square that reads "Jesus Jeopardy rules of play." So maybe I am the blasphemer, but I had a lot more fun making a game with Kevin than writing an 8-10 page paper.

Post Script
I would like to tell you that I took a picture of the final game, but I took the picture on my camera and I cannot load those photos onto here. Sorry to be a bum.

Shell Shock

Growing up in California, every 4th of July my mom made fried chicken, macaroni salad, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. We would pack up the coolers, fill our trunks with blankets and folding chairs and usually one or two soccer balls. As mom would pack the caddi or the van we would all whine and complain that she was bringing too much. We just wanted to get to the park! By the time we would arrive at Central Park (San Ramon) we were all thankful mom had packed all she had. We would set up and claim a large piece of lawn for the four kids and two parents, plus whoever may stop by throughout the day. At the park we would listen to weird live bands, inevitably cross paths with our school friends, and watch skydivers land with red white and blue smoke streaming from their shoes. Throughout the day we would wander the park, and kick the ball around. When night fell we would gather together to watch the fireworks. After the show ended my dad, my brothers, and I would stand in a circle passing the soccer ball while we waited for traffic to die down.

As I got older I would notice the couples around me, snuggling up under a blanket or holding hands as they watched the sky burst with color. I wondered if someday I might have someone to hold my hand and watch the show with. Kevin and I have been together for about 2 and 1/2 years now and last night was our third 4th of July as a couple, but the first time we have been in the same place. In 2005 Kevin was in Yemen, and in 2006 I was in San Ramon with Kevin here in Portland. So we were really anticipating this holiday.

We were happy to be together but we were missing our families so we chose not to pay to get into a park. Fireworks are legal here in Portland, but some are illegal- if they travel more than 12ft. Last night we walked our neighborhood where we watched a constant show of legal and illegal fireworks. It was amazing, and for the first time I had a hand to hold as I watched the sky. Our neighbors called out "Happy 4th!" to us as we passed. The romance and sweetness of it all ended when we came across some kids playing with fireworks. Their parents were close by, but they were lighting firecrackers and throwing them. We paused to watch a firecracker burn down before walking forward. As we began to walk again this kid chucked a lit firecracker right at Kevin and I. We quickly moved in opposite directions and the firecracker landed between us. The cracking of it was so loud my ears were ringing. The kid claimed he "didn't see us." Right. We were done at this point but it was still a great evening.

Fish! Anytime! Anywhere!

It's been a while since YouTube has had anything worth posting- until today. This afternoon a commercial came on for an ingenious new product. Keep in mind this exact commercial ran on t.v. today.

Fish Pen

Wookie In Heaven

In 2001, On June 29th as it were, I was scheduled to have all four of my wisdom teeth removed. A week or so prior my friend Tiffany and I discussed the probability that my cheeks would swell like a hamster after the surgery. My cheeks are round as it is, but we imagined that the trauma would round them out to new widths. If you know Tiffany at all, you know that she loves rodents. It is as though they are drawn to her:



Anyway, Tiff and I decided I should buy a little rodent friend of my own to commemorate the surgery. We made a trip to a tiny local pet shop that was once a house. We stepped into a side room where the owners kept all the hamsters. I noticed a cute little brown hamster with the sweetest eyes. She was small, and to me she definitely looked like a girl and I liked that. I held her close to my face and examined her eyes. She had to be mine. I picked out a white and pink two level cage for her. Tiffany gave me an old purple hamster ball for her to run freely about my house and we were set. I named her Wookie.

Wookie brought me joy for the next two years. She was very smart, and learned how to open her cage. I realized this one day when she was missing from her cage, with the door ajar. I was so scared she may have run outside or been stepped on. I called her name and she came scurrying down the hall. She stood on my foot and looked up at me. She was rad. In 2003 while I was in Africa Matt and Stephanie took care of her for me, and she died while I was gone. Matt informed me and the rest of the family through an obituary he wrote about her short life. He found this picture recently and named it "wookie in heaven."



I miss that little face. My favorite was to feed her baby carrots and watch her push it into her cheek forcing her cheek outward. I miss that fatty.

Your Guess Is As Good As Mine

I thought I was confused, now I am bewildered. Shortly after posting my rant this morning I picked up a voice mail from the coffee shop manager. She said she needed to know what my fall availability will be. Against my better judgment I called her back:

me: "Hi, I am just returning your call. About my availability- I am really open right now, but in the fall I have an 8a.m. class three days a week, and a 9a.m. class two days a week."
manager: "So is the 8a.m. on Mon. Wed. Fri.?"
me: "yes."
manager: "Ok, thanks. Bye." click

Did she call me just to taunt me? She didn't even say anything!!! I would just like to mention to any future coffee managers, or anyone in any kind of management position- your communication should exceed that of a potential employee.

The paint crew position has been filled, and KK never called. So there we are, nowhere really. Now my new plan is to offer myself as an unpaid helper in a marketing office to get some experience. Really, can anyone turn down free work? I guess we will see.

Coffee, Gadgets, Or A Paint Brush?

This whole job thing is border line out of control. It is so weird. Since my last post I met with my old manager at kitchen kaboodle, I have followed up on an application at a coffee shop, and applied to work on a paint crew at my school.

I went back to kitchen kaboodle only to learn everything has changed and no one I worked with is there anymore. That made me feel uneasy, but when we met I learned that the hours they are offering are awful! It wouldn't be so bad, but they want me to work Saturday and Sunday! Pretty sure that is the only time I have with Kevin. And, we are still in our first year of marriage, which means we are not yet willing to compromise on time spent together. The funny thing is that the manager went on vacation the day after we met together. So I called the assistant manager and told him I can work there, but I can't work Saturdays. So, they are deliberating (I assume) and I imagine I should hear back today.

I applied at a cute little coffee shop that is very close to Kevin's work which would be great since we share a car. After turning in my application I called to follow up, because call me crazy but I think that is how you get a job. Anyway, when I called the shop the manager was out so I left a message asking her to call me back. She did not call me, so I called her again(how's that for initiative??) Our call went something like this:

me: "Hi can I speak to the manager?"
worker: "yeah."
manager: "Hello?"
me: (ever so excited to be actually speaking to someone as wonderful as a coffee shop manager- or that's what I want her to think anyway.) "Hi, my name is Melody and I turned in an application to work there, and I am so excited about the opportunity and I look forward to meeting you."
manager: "Ok."
me: "Well, I just wanted to see if you need anymore information from me, and I wanted to let you know I am free this week for an interview."
manager: "Oh, well we are waiting to get a lot of applications, and then we will call for interviews."

Seriously?? Waiting for a lot of applications? Sheesh, why not just tell me you don't want me to work there.

Yesterday after reading craigslist for the 80th time I called my school. I spoke to student employment and I was told they "may" be hiring for paint crew, and that I should come in and apply. Manual labor never sounded so good! I applied and now I am waiting- assuming that the coffee shop is a bust, not knowing if they actually have a place for me on said paint crew, and scared of being offered a job at KK for fear of the new messiness there and not knowing why an entire staff has left, seems sketchy to me.

In the midst of it all I just sit and pray, the prayers of a temporary schizophrenic who cannot decide if I am truly thankful for God's provision, or if I am mad that I don't have a job yet. Kevin is so patient with me, and my crazy ideas. He has not even forced me to take a job just to have one. I know he wouldn't... but I still appreciate it.

jobless loser

I hate being unemployed! This seriously blows and I am not amused.

What's the gorge?

Today I felt like we had gorged ourselves when we had some friends over last night. So I proposed to Kevin that we head to the gorge to work it off with a rigorous hike. To my proposal Kevin asked "What's the gorge?" I paused, thought to myself well it is a gluttonous meal- much like the meal consumed the night before of shrimp scampi, ciabatta bread, and raspberry ice cream:



But it is also the canyon 30 miles East that the Columbia river runs through:



I explained- "You know, the place we hike near Multnomah Falls." As soon as the slight confusion was gone we changed clothes and drove East to hike Elowah falls. It was beautiful and any guilt that remained from our hefty meal has dissipated. Man I love Oregon!

DTS, PDX, BFF

Yesterday two of my wonderful friends Ryan and Lindsay came to visit Portland! These ladies have a special place in my life because we lived together in Switzerland and Lindsay and I travelled through Africa together. Ryan is living in Colorado these days while Lindsay lives on a Naval base in Washington. Ryan came to the Pacific Northwest and they made the trip south to visit Portland.

I was such the little tour guide. First stop, The Rams Head on 23rd for lunch. Ryan exclaimed at the cheapness of food here in our great city. She recently spent a year in Boston and was quite happy to have a burger, cajun tots and a beer for less than $10! We walked the street looking at the little boutiques and stopped in "Turkish Imports" we found rugs from Afghanistan and dishes from Tajikistan somewhat lacking in the "Turkish" department.

Next we climbed the floors and navigated the color coated rooms of Powells. My two friends are avid book readers and could really appreciate the "city of books". We drove back across the river for coffee at Bipartisan and picked up Kevin from work. The four of us then went to Flying Pie for Pizza and arcade games.

Ryan and Lindsay gave Kevin and I a wedding gift that is so amazing! Both of these ladies are also avid tea drinkers. They picked a tea set for two- blown glass tea pot and tea cups. The sneaky part is that this is a teaposy tea set and came with a box of tea blooms. These are little bundles of tea leaves that bloom when you pour hot water on them. And look like this:



I am so excited to have ladies over to show off my new tea pot and tea blooms I can hardly wait! Erin- we will have to pick a time for a girls-only tea party for two. And all the women of my family- drive here, fly here, just get here so we can share a bloom, and some conversation. Thanks Cookies and Fred! You girls are the best!

Spidey-disappointment

Let me say that if you have not seen Spiderman 3 and you want to- DON'T READ THIS.



I LOVE Spiderman 1 and 2 and I own both. I was excited for number 3 and today, being cold and rainy seemed to be the perfect day to check it out. We sucked it up and paid to see it in the theater. I want my $13 back!

There were hardly any good fight/sky high chase scenes. I can think of only two that rivaled previous Spidermans.

Two new characters were introduced, and I won't really give it away, but the "sandman" is awesome and used some great special effects.

Spidey goes through some sort of ridiculous period of finding himself in which he becomes a weird emo-looking aggressive guy who attracts the attention of all women (including absurdly gorgeous black women who would never look twice at an emo white kid who is half their size, note the photo in the top left of the above collage). He struts the streets of N.Y.C. for about 10 scenes, ending in a very strange/cheesy dance scene. Come on now, Spidey's gotta dance??

Line after line of cheesy quips and life lessons, I was ready to vomit by the time Spidey teams up with the green goblin and forgives his enemies. The end alludes to a happy ending, but shows nothing. After 2 hours of love, friendship, rainbows and puppies, you give a mysterious ending? You might as well show the wedding of Spidey and MJ and why not throw in the birth of Spider-girl, for good measure.

This movie was so silly, and I do not recommend it. If you must see it- rent it. But don't invite me over to watch it.

It's my party, or it was my party

So Tuesday was my birthday, and now I am the big 2 3. Right. So I had a really great day- made especially enjoyable by my husband, Kevin. First, he woke me up and we went to my favorite coffee shop for a bagel and coffee. Then he had work and I had Summer school. Around 11:45 a.m. mid-lecture I looked out the window of the classroom to see Kevin carrying a big bouquet of pink and yellow balloons!




This was so surprising because he was at work, and I had our car. Behind him were Erik and Erin they all walked into class with a bag of cupcakes and milk for the whole class! That was pretty special.

After school and work we came home and I opened presents from Kevin and his mom. Nancy made me an apron!



We changed clothes and went to our favorite sushi place....mmmmmm



6 rolls, plus one extra special "crazy roll"!





After this we went to Papa Haydn for some really good dessert. During the day I talked to my parents and Tiff, and all three of my brothers called. I felt pretty special. On Wednesday we had a package waiting at our door. My mom and dad shipped me their cards, plus my mom bought me some really fun gifts for my house. My favorite being this really bright patterned table cloth. All in all, a great first married birthday.

Consumed with learning

Back to school back to school.
One week to relax and now I am back in action, in class from 8:30a.m. to 4p.m. I am currently taking A.C.S.- Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology taught by the one and only Dr. Wayne Strickland


I am reading this:


and this:


So I am a bit consumed with it all.
This weekend I will ride a Ferris wheel and I think that makes everything better.

Be-Ach

Mama's in the O R and yesterday she, Kevin and I adventured out to the beach. We walked possibly a total of 18-20 miles. I kid you not. My mom is crazy! She insisted on walking to the spot on the beach where Kevin proposed to me. I told her we should drive there, but hey she won't back down from some stinking beach walk.

Here's a pic of the adventurer's:


It was such a fun day. On Friday I cooked some yummy yummy shrimp scampi and we played a fun game that resulted in a face off of Kevin vs. Cheryl in who knows me better. It was hilarious. (mom is very competitive) We'll just say they each won in their own right.

Now mom is with J&K and the bowz. Kevin and I are taking it easy. All in all a great long weekend, thus far.

They work hard for the money

This morning I dropped Kevin off at work. Each day I take him to work by 7a.m. Each day as I leave I drive past a large construction site. His hospital, Adventist Medical Center is doubling the size of its current building, see? This morning as I drove past the site, which is a little more developed than this



I saw all the construction crew gathered in a circle stretching together, doing stretches similar to this



How cute is that? Just imagine orange vests, hard hats, big men and women, gathered together facing each other as they stretch for the day. I loved it!

Welcome to this tent

This one is for you Megan!

With pits wide open!
Welcome to this tent
We'll show you **** and ****** *****!
With pits wide open
Under the flashlight

Picture this meggy meggy- You, arrive back to a tiny tent, shared by me, you, and Tiff. You un-zip the tent to see two giggling girls laying on their sleeping bags, writing inappropriate songs to Creed's "With Arms Wide Open." Yes, this was the reality of a certain trip to Mexico, and I do hope you remember this memory that is quite dear to me. If you don't remember the words that have been bleeped, let me know and I'll e-mail you to refresh your memory.

Erin And That Other Guy, Maybe He Is Aaron?

Ok, so for those who did not catch this earlier, when I tried to add a link for Erin, on my previous post I accidentally entered the wrong myspace address. But the best part is that the link took us to Erin's complete opposite...




As you can see, Erin is- as Erik pointed out- much more beautiful than that other guy.

Seattle, Space Needle, Sanjaya, Suttens

On Saturday morning we hopped in a car with Erik and Erin. We drove up to Seattle and our first stop was the Space Needle for some lunch. Kevin being the smarty that he is, thought we should walk around the a little more before taking off. Well, thank goodness we did! We were lucky enough to happen upon an autograph signing for the one, the only- Sanjaya! If you don't know now you know. Please enjoy the video I shot, and note his shimmy as he walks toward the girls.

Wow

It was special to say the least. Regardless of what you (or I) think of him it is pretty nuts to see a faux celebrity, in person.

I will apologize to erin, I don't know who that guy was...I just assumed you were using straight and not strait...silly me

cute will kill you every time

So this previous week was not my best... sty in the eye, cold, flat tire. But I will say that this makes me smile even when I don't feel like it.

p.s. Matt- makes sure stephanie sees this video, and it is definitely worth watching the full video. only 31 secs.

It's Flat? Really?

Do you ever have those days where your suspicion is that it may not be your day? Well, I walked outside to discover a flat tire on my car. Granted, I am thankful I did not make this discovery while driving, but even so.... It makes me wonder if a BigO employee came and let out the air so that I will go and spend money on new tires. So, I guess I will go to any tire place, but BigO. Suckas.

It's a wild world, wild wild world

This has been a weekend of weekends. In one way it has felt like a month has past, and not in the "oh my goodness I am exhausted sense." But in the "wow, I have seen so much, heard so much, walked so much sense." I doubt that either of those count as "senses," but yeah I said it.

First we had a visitor staying with us, and it was great to see him. Pastor Bill, who discipled Kevin, and who married us came to Portland, and stayed at our little house. We enjoyed debating theology, and sports, ate some good food, and rented a movie. Plus, we successfully hosted someone who is not (exactly) family, so I feel pretty accomplished with that. I will say that I have my mom to thank, because without her example I would be lost.

On Saturday while Bill took care of some things in Portland, Kevin and I headed downtown. We went to the farmers market and enjoyed a tasty little lunch of baguette with goat's cheese, and jam. We then met our friends Erik and Erin at the Saturday market. We walked around, didn't find anything to buy, I almost got in a fist fight and we capped it off with some stumptown coffee which made me forget the lady I wanted to fight. Erik and Erin are pretty much our favorites.

On Sunday morning I got a text from Matt letting me know he and Steph were in town, sweet! So we had lunch with them, and Jonathan and Kristin. I am tired, but so happy and satisfied with the weekend. I will say that laying down with my husband for a rest made my weekend complete.

Sicky Sick Sickersons

In classic Melody style I have managed to get a cold in one of my last weeks of the semester. I remember the fall semester of 2005, I got so sick during finals week, that one of my professors sent me back to my dorm room to take the exam (don't worry, I couldn't cheat- I had to write a review...journalism, anyway).

That time of sickness actually has a great story attached with it. At the time, I was sharing a teeny tiny dorm room with a very energetic freshman, so energetic I lovingly, eh hem, referred to her as "puppy." I was really struggling to get rest in our dorm room, and so I went over to Kevin's apartment. He picked me up from the dorms with a bag full of medicine and 7up and saltines. We drove back to his house and he set me up in his bed to rest, condemning his roommate from entering. He brought me plenty of blankets, and when I was ready to snuggle down for some sleep I was sitting upright and threw myself backward to lay in the bed. I had underestimated (significantly) the distance between me and the wall behind me. I basically threw myself backward slamming my head into the wall. It didn't hurt, but I was suddenly much more sleepy than I had been. Can you say concussion??

So anyway, being sick is one of my least favorite things in life and something that happens to me all too frequently. But thankfully I have a really really sweet husband who tonight has cleaned our kitchen, made dinner, and has brownies baking in the oven. Mmmm it's like chocolate heaven over here.

In other news Kevin and I planted a garden- it's beautiful! But by planting our garden, we learned that a kitty had been using our dirt plot, as his personal litter box. So, upon the advice of some funny petco employees we found a solution. We went to petco and this teenage worker, overheard us mulling over the kitty repellent options.

Petco Worker: "Umm, do you like have a cat, like peeing in your garden and stuff? 'Cause that stuff like doesn't work and stuff. You should put down like some chicken wire and stuff 'cause cats don't like to step on it. It totally works."

Us: "Oh, thanks."

And she's right. It like totally worked and stuff.

p.s. Megan- I do plan to respond to your question regarding dr. perkins, in fact I have a draft of my response...but I will post it when you post on your blog! ha. No, I'm just joking. But I will finish it and post it soon...

Hotties

We got an e-mail from our amazing wedding photographer letting us know he has launched a new website. Kevin and I were super excited to see we are hot enough to make the site! Yes! You should check us out If you go to his portfolio, and under the engagements category click "featured" and then go to Melody and Kevin- it has our whole engagement session. Then, if you hit up the weddings category you'll find a select few photos in the gallery section. There's even a sweet photo of dad taking pictures.

Anyway, Joel is amazing and we definitely recommend him. As soon as I get my rear in gear we will have an album from him too. Oh, I feel sick thinking about how I haven't done that yet! blech.

!yadhtriB yppaH

Happy Birthday DADDY!!!

Some years ago in England, a sweet young boy was born.
New Zealand and America, and quite a few countries in between would be lucky to have him in their countries.
He married the love of his life, and became the proud father to four children.
Each day he is a living example of Christ's love for all people.
Today he is one year wiser, and we celebrate him!

I love you dad!

eww. eww. eww. ewwwww.

Alright, well Melissa headed to the doctor and found out her hand is displaced. So that's pretty gross, but her arm was so swollen they could not set the bone that day. The doctor explained she needed to wear a soft cast and ice her arm for two days. At the end of those two days her fingers looked like lil' smokies. Side note: the funny thing is the day she broke her arm she called me and said "hey, I think I broke my arm, what should I do?" Pretty sure she was in shock. The next day she unwrapped her arm to show me an arm that looked like a small roller coaster...yeah, you think you broke it??... Anyway, the swelling wouldn't go down, a week later and she went to the doctor yesterday to have her arm...umm re-set. You know, re-broken. So, the lesson here, break your bones when you're a kid, and not when you are 20+. It will be more than you can handle.

Spring, or something reminiscent

Spring has arrived. In Portland this means that one day it's a lovely eighty degrees and the next it is in the 30's with rain. It's different, but I don't mind it too much. I am looking forward to sunny skies and summer evenings in the park. We took care of felix the cat with success, and now we think we could get a cat at some point. So that's promising.

Today begins MBC's "Spring Lectureship" mainly this is a time when a really important person comes to speak for an hour each day, during what would be chapel. This year our speaker is an amazing man named John Perkins. He is an African American man from Jackson, MS, who many would say has continued the ministry Dr. King would have. I am looking forward to it.

This weekend A&W will be here!!! Man I can't wait. It will be exactly 6 months since the last time I saw them. Also I only have 5 more weeks of classes and today I chose my schedule for the last time! Weird. I am almost a college graduate. With a mere 29 days left in the cafeteria I am so happy. I am ready to turn in my smock and Multnomah hat (on the hat the T is a cross...gag). It's been real, but I'm real ready to be done with it.

Oh, and for those of you who enjoy soccer- my friend Melissa, who was a bridesmaid in my wedding, was playing intramural soccer at MBC last week. She stood with her arms at her sides when another player shot the ball and hit her right arm. Her wrist broke immediately and she went to the doctor. Turns out his misfired shot was so forceful her hand was displaced from her arm. I won't tell you what followed at the doctor's visit, and what she still faces, in case Matt is reading this.

Phewwww...

Wow, I am home in Oregon. I flew back Tuesday evening, and my sweet man was waiting for me with flowers and balloons. We came home and he made me dinner and just treated me like a little princess. My time in California was so nice. I relaxed in the California sunshine, took Abby for a walk, chilled in Oakland, and really enjoyed the down time with mom and dad. Back to life here in PDX, I cashiered yesterday and turned in my biggest paper for the semester, heeeeeeyyyyyyy. This weekend Kevin and I are cat sitting for some friends. We plan to rent a movie and hang out with our little cat friend Felix, or Free-Lix as we call him. Should be some good times.

Cafeteria anecdote for the day:
Yesterday I arrived to work to find that the "dining services" is hosting a campus-wide easter egg hunt. The signs explaining the game happen to be posted around my cashiering cubby hole where I sit each day. Having the signs posted so close to my face, I was asked by nearly every cafeteria patron- "Where are the eggs?" "Are there any eggs left?" "How many eggs are hidden?" "Are the eggs from cage-free chickens?" Ok, maybe not the last one but honestly I got asked with each new customer some question about the silly eggs. I considered allowing the sign to "drop." Then I remembered the manager would freak out. Oh well....

California.....

So I am at my parents house in California, the weather is unbelievable and yesterday for lunch I got a salad and iced tea at a restaurant. Strange as it may sound, such a meal is hard to find in Portland. After sleeping for some 10 hours last night I was woken up with Abby in my bed. She was quite excited to be up on the cloud bed, since she is not usually allowed. Today Gma&Gpa are stopping by to say hello. I miss my Kevin so much but I know I will see him soon. It's weird to sleep in a bed alone now. I think last night I was much too sleepy to realize I was alone. I am off to eat some lunch and try my hand at some homework.

p.s. I love you kevin!

Ummm

Oh, I feel so embarassed for these men.

If theology could kill...

I would be its victim today. On Friday morning I will be flying to Oakland to spend the weekend with two of my best friends, maybe you know them- Bern and Cheryl (better known as mom and dad). Plus I get to see Matt and Stepha and who can forget my little Abby dog?? I can't wait, but what it means for me is that I have to write a huge paper between now and then. Have you ever had to tackle the themes of John? OK, so have you been told to show your professor something in the text he hasn't seen before? And the professor happens to have a doctorate in New Testament theology!! Aggh. Yeah, so I've got a good 15-20 pages to write, and read through the book of John 5 more times. It can be slightly overwhelming.

But I take breaks for YouTube Laughs

m-a-s-s-a-g-e

Guess who is super duper lucky to be married to Kevin? Yeah, well that better be me. I don't think there any others...anyway. For valentine's day my handsome man surprised me with a professional massage. I am finally cashing it in, and today is the day that I will enter the world of pampering. At 1 p.m. I will be dead to the world getting my back worked. I pretty much can't wait. I will let you know how it goes for me.

Name: Melody Occupation: Lunch Lady

After arriving back in PDX in October, I promptly began to work for Kitchen Kaboodle. I loved my time there but the commute was eating more cash than I was making. School began again in January and I needed to work, and what could be more convenient than the cafeteria at MBC? And, what better way to get re-acclimated to the "community" than by serving food to the people who thought I was dead? After one week as a server I was asked to cashier. Yes! Promotion! So, monday-friday 11-2, I cashier in the cafeteria and then I clean. As I perch behind the cash register I watch the students and faculty, staff and visitors. I observe it all and have quickly learned that popularity never goes away, and you need to be in a clique to eat comfortably in a cafeteria, regardless of age or stature. I plan to share only the best of my observations, and of course I'll share about my life and the man who has captured my heart. Hopefully I won't fail as a blogger and I will be consistent, we'll see.

Alright...

First post, gots ta get it out of the way...