Category Archives: Personal

Melissa Personal

Halfway, My 30 before 30 update

February 10, 2012 – 1:22 pm

Since February marks about the half way point between now and my 30th, I figured I should drag this out and see where I stand. I’ve got some work to do!!! But I am getting there.

1) Long Cycling Trip w/Sean (example, MS150, Shiner 100 or similar)

2) Learn some more Spanish

3) Find another way to incorporate French into my daily life (so I keep learning it) - I’ve been trying to speak to Sean in French daily and I’m also trying to read a book in French, I think check!

4)Visit a continent other than North America or Europe read more »

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Melissa Personal

Under the Weather

February 3, 2012 – 11:27 am

Well there are a million things I would love to post, but I just don’t have the energy. I’ve been sick for a week now and what ever this is seems to be taking its time to leave. Hopefully I’ll do an update post soon on Sally’s visit, some of the fun baked goods I’ve made and some of the projects that I’ve done. For now… back to bed. I get winded just getting a drink right now, using my brain well that’s just down right exhausting. :-)

Hope to update soon.

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Melissa Personal

Tummy Woes

January 11, 2012 – 12:01 pm

As most of you know by now I’ve suffered from tummy issues since… well since high school. I’ve been told I have gluten intolerance, IBS, anxiety, gastroparesis and more…

They’ve done test after test, and half prove their theories and half disprove their theories. Where does that leave me? Having felt like I have had a reoccurring stomach flu for about fifteen years and a few thousand dollars poorer than when this all started. Most recently they told me it was gastroparesis and they started me on a diet that seems to be helping. Oddly its a low fiber diet, with moderate amounts of fat and quite high in carbohydrates and protein. So far I’ve done well on the diet, even if I don’t have the condition.

What’s next? Well read more »

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Crafting Personal

New Years Resolutions! (And a challenge for my family and friends)

January 4, 2012 – 1:30 pm

Well we’ve got a few, many are on my 30 before 30 list from a while back. Check it out here. I’m slowly working on that list, but here are our join goals for this year:

Be healthy – eating better for our heath and my stomach situation, walking more with the puppies, doing a ride or hike together on a regular basis, and lifting weights together on occasion.

Save money – We’d like to save about twice what we normally do in a year, not including our normal contributions to 401k and IRA’s; to do this we plan to not eat out at all this year, unless we are more than an hour from home or if friends are in from out of state (however going for coffee, dessert or drinks on occasion is allowed, and Sean gets two work lunches out per month); I am also working on trying to make a lot of things we usually buy – hand soap, laundry detergent, etc; there are a few other little things we’re going to try, but I’m sure I’ll get into those more as the year goes on.

Puppies – Take them for another training class, preferably in a group setting with other owners and dogs.

Remodeling – We’re still debating on how we want to go about this, but there are 3 portions to our remodeling project and we’d like to at least get one portion done.

Well I think that covers the most important things. I made them detailed because Julie informed me that with out specifics you have no true goals to work towards. Hopefully these are specific enough. I know my 30 before 30 is. Lets see what we can accomplish this year!!!

Now for the challenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ARE YOU EXCITED YET!?!?!?!! read more »

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Melissa Personal Traveling

Home Sick from Spain

August 30, 2011 – 12:25 pm

Well we made it to Spain this morning. The weather is quite a bit warmer here, probably a good thing, I need to start the re-acclimation process before I head back to Texas. Though if you all could work on that and cool it off just a bit before I return I would sincerely appreciate it. ;) Julie and Courtney went off successfully with their tour group and I decided to do some wondering in Valencia myself. It is a quaint town, with a nice metro system. Big plus!

After relaxing peacefully for a while I decided to check out to the beach. Sorry no photos. I have to admit it was nice to be free of all the luggage and tourist gear. Staying in a hotel has its upside! Maybe not as charming, or culturally motivating as hostels, but nice in their own way.

Anyway, while sitting along the beach I couldn’t help but breathe in the beauty and salt air. That smell always makes me think of Texas. Growing up next to the coast will do that to a person I guess. I’m not one for emotional outburst… well at least not when it involves crying and getting upset, but it happened. I had thought to myself, ‘this is bliss.’ Then I thought, ‘well it would be if Sean and the puppies were here.’ As the sky turned various shades of orange and the breeze got a bit cold I just started crying.

After a few moments of trying to pull myself together a nice Spaniard stopped to ask if I was ok. Seeing as he didn’t speak very much English and I speak muy poco español it was quite a funny conversation. And by the end I was laughing quite hard, and crying even more due to the laughter. It was a good way to realize I was being a bit silly; I’ll be home in only a few days. I need to finish soaking up the culture and enjoy the scenery. Not everyone is so blessed to be able to take a trip like this.

However upon returning to the hotel I realized how much of my happiness revolves around one tall, dark and quite handsome Canadian-American. He is truly my other half. After having the time to get to know Julie better (quite thankful for that opportunity), the reading, the new sights, the culture, the languages, the food, visiting good friends, and having the quite times to soul search and reflect, while thankful for it all, I’m ready to be held by my hubbers.

Well, I sign off now, from what will probably by my last update while abroad, a very home sick girl. See you all soon.

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Melissa Personal

End of an Era

July 27, 2011 – 7:01 pm

As some of you may already know, I’ve decided to give up all my current jobs. I currently do some estate management as well as nannying. I’ve nannied for over 12 years now professionally, and I have been doing estate management for almost 3 years now.

The estate management I have done has mostly been with recently widowed women to help them in the probate process or to start life again on their own. Most of them have been short term projects and I’ve enjoyed them all! The job that started all this was working with my dear friend Jenny’s mom. I started helping Karen back in 2009 and from the work with her found that I truly enjoyed helping women in these situations. It felt good to help them find a new normal in life. Helping Karen has been my longest project in estate management and I finish that today as well. I am very happy to walk away from this job having made some new friends. All these ladies know they can still call for a chat any time! I am very blessed to have met them all!

My nannying has been a source of pride, fun and learning, and while I am excited for the next chapter in my life it is a little bitter sweet to leave this profession. This morning I did my last job professionally for a local church. Over the years I have cared for newborns, infants, elementary and junior high aged children. I’ve done temp jobs, over night nanny jobs, permanent position jobs with families, and more. After talking with a fellow nanny the other day, we estimated that I’ve held over 1,000 babies and cared for even more children! I wish all the families and children who have been in my life well! I hope they keep in touch too!

What is next!?! I’m not sure. I am going to take some time for myself and think about it. Sean and I are looking forward to our upcoming trip and the home remodeling we have planned for the beginning of next year. Until then I plan to work on my ’30 before 30′ list and enjoying my family. For now check back, and I’ll keep you ‘posted.’ ;)

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