{1.31.06}

running again

As I rolled myself out of bed this morning, I realized once again how painful it is to resume running after taking several weeks off. My legs hate me and I’m pretty sure I coughed up a lung yesterday. I want to know why it takes months to get in shape and only weeks for it to vanish? What a sick and cruel joke. Adam is running again and taking advantage of my treadmill that we moved to his house last weekend. Yes Dad, you don’t have to move it after all – lucky you!

Well, I’m sad to announce that Brenner received his first RED card at school yesterday. He was so upset and nearly cried while he explained. The infractions weren't too serious but warranted: 1.) not listening and 2.) not doing things the first time asked. I think it is time to get back on track with his behavior chart I made for him awhile back.

You remember Molly right? We used to work together until Mt. Bachelor recruited her. I miss her tons! Anyway, here's some of her artwork we're trying to sale and get online. It's so much fun!

          Convertible                     Quail                           Stork                

 

 

{1.30.06}

painted, packed & cleaned

exciting I know! Adam’s living room is finally finished and I completed all the packing I can do until I move. I must say the kitchen is the most tedious room to pack when moving. I’m fully convinced that all the missing socks from the dryer have joined the witness protection program with the missing tupperware lids! Seriously, where do they all go? I’m determined to solve this mystery.

Friday night Adam and I watched The Exorcism of Emily Rose – this movie truly disturbed my spirit to the core. Hell hath no fury like a woman possessed! Why oh why do I watch these movies?

Ta dah!

(The orange isn't this bright, but you get the idea)

{1.27.06}

tired

Adam and I stayed up until 11pm painting and cleaning last night. We finally finished the accent color (rustic orange) on two walls and found a way around the bull nosed corners that had me stressing. What a difference color can make in a room, it changes the whole look and feel. Now we just have the mustard gold walls to finish and we'll be all done – whoot whoot! Finished projects are a good thing, a very good thing.

This weekend I hope to pack most of my kitchen items that I won’t use until I move, which will probably be most everything but my coffee maker and wine opener. Ha, just kidding…or am I? I've been so lazy in the kitchen lately…more than usually. Anywho, I will do more packing this weekend for sure. It’s a must, no excuses!

Random realizations…

• 
  
  The hole left from my nose ring may never completely heal.
  
  


• 
  
  Bitterness is it’s own prison.
  
  


• 
  
  No amount of hugs I give or receive from my son will EVER be enough.
  
  


• 
  
  That I fall more in love with Adam everyday.
  
  


• 
  
  Caffeine is pure evil.
  
  


• 
  
  Good moving boxes are nearly impossible to find.
  
  


• 
  
  I’m 32 and feeling OLD.
  
  

{1.26.06}

multi-tasking

Last weekend I was telling my brother how incapable I was of multi-tasking; he agreed and we came to the fast conclusion that it was a genetic flaw. But as I was brushing my teeth and cleaning my bathtub at the same time this morning, maybe, just maybe, I was possibly wrong. Ha…I obviously need to organize my mornings better, or maybe just prioritize!

For all you dog lovers...

Old English Sheep Dog - I want one!

{1.25.06}

mocha addict

Jamie and I just ordered our second mocha of the day. Argh, we are such addicts it’s not even funny. Maybe the office should invest in an espresso machine and expense it under “chemical dependency services”. I wonder if our insurance would cover that claim? Ha. It’s been a long week already playing catch up from the annual awards dinner last Friday. The piles of paperwork on my desk are showing some signs of improvements, which is a great feeling. One day at a time, right?

I had a lunch date with my Brenner today. I was missing on my boy so much and couldn’t go another day without seeing him. When I asked him where he wanted to go, he replied with great excitement, "Costco!” Ha! Needless to say, we didn’t have the time to go, so Papa’s Pizza came in second. For the first time in a long time I cried when I had to drop him off and go back to work…bleh.

I’m looking forward to a relaxing evening with Adam tonight. We are driving to Bend to do some shopping and eat dinner at Scanlon’s. Yummy!

{1.24.06}

back on track

I have got to get back on track with my exercise routine soon! With six weeks until our trip to Vegas and the thought of squeezing my white flabby bum in a bikini has me freaking out a tiny bit. It looks like today is as good as any to start running again. It’s actually been great weather here this week and I really hope it holds out for a while, I love the blue sky and warm sunshine…good for the soul.

All I have to say about bull nosed corners in a house is they SUCK if you decide to add color. Adam is trying so hard to finish painting his living room and is having the hardest time with these corners. It looks like molding is our only option at this point to create a clean sharp line between colors. Lighting and artwork will be our next project.

Adam’s software business is really taking off and we hope to do some local marketing very soon. For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, check out his website on my favorite links page. He is truly talented and I’m so proud of his accomplishments and desire to succeed.

***

by James Blunt

I have seen peace. I have seen pain,
Resting on the shoulders of your name.
Do you see the truth through all their lies?
Do you see the world through troubled eyes?
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.

I have seen birth. I have seen death.
Lived to see a lover's final breath.
Do you see my guilt? Should I feel fright?
Is the fire of hesitation burning bright?
And if you want to talk about it once again,
On you I depend. I'll cry on your shoulder.
You're a friend.

You and I have been through many things.
I'll hold on to your heart.
I wouldn't cry for anything,
But don't go tearing your life apart.

I have seen fear. I have seen faith.
Seen the look of anger on your face.
And if you want to talk about what will be,
Come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.

{1.23.06}

twice 16

What a great birthday weekend turning 16 twice! The kids had fun playing together while the adults found time to visit, plan next summers get-togethers and play games. I received so many of my favorite things this year, including; a Blue Buffalo certificate, Zen Bella Aveda Salon certificate, coffee certificates, Mary Kay certificate, Cookie Lee necklace, personalized bracelet from Adam, Tutti Dolci lip-glosses, yummy body wash, homemade birthday cards from the kiddos, my favorite flowers and some moolah! And after we got home last night, Adam made me an amazing birthday dinner! Whew, I got spoiled this year. Thank you all for a great weekend together, I couldn't have asked for more. I love you all.

Inseparable cousins

poker playin'

gameboy addicts

and a mother daughter moment.

{1.20.06}

event & moving mode

I’ll be so thankful when this day is OVER. It’s event day, everyone is running around in panic mode and the event room is at full capacity, which means staff won’t be eating or sitting tonight - groovy! I still have to finish packing for our trip back home this weekend. I’m totally excited to get my family fix and do some serious relaxing. Poor Adam has been fighting the cold that I had and most likely gave him and hope he feels better by tomorrow. Sorry sweets.

My moving date is still on schedule. I really need to spend some good quality time packing soon, I’ve really only organized and tossed stuff I don't want. I think I'm going to part with my favorite oversized gold chair, oh how I love that chair but I just don’t have the room in my new place. It will be interesting to see what DOES fit…it’s so tiny.

Heather, Sheryl, Me & Jamie - Annual Awards Dinner!

{1.19.06}

dmv birthday greeting

Don’t you just love receiving a bill for having a birthday? I just got back from the DMV to renew my drivers license. Augh…it’s as if they were saying “Happy Birthday, now give us your money!” Oh well, at least the new photo looks more like me and people will hopefully stop asking me to smile to get a proper identification.

Lauren and I had a great birthday celebration; in fact we had a “Super Duper” good time, ha! We exchanged gifts, drank yummy lemon drops, listened to Abba and talked about love, life and everything else in between. I’m loving my “surprise party” Lauren. Thank you, thank you!

{1.17.06}

reality tv

So most everyone knows that I’m not the biggest fan of reality TV, but because I do not have cable and we only had three channels to pick from last night, we went with The Bachelor. What a hoot, Adam and I laughed so hard, especially when that girl said her eggs were rotting! Who says that? Wow, in a strange way I felt that my life wasn’t so dysfunctional. Ha, good entertainment anyway.

Lauren and I are celebrating our birthdays with drinks tonight. Hooray for birthdays and good reasons to get together!

{1.16.06}

more peeves

It’s the week of my company's annual dinner, which usually means no lunch breaks and working late to finish everything in time. There is an exciting rush right before any event but during we usually all crash and burn HARD. Thank heavens for my good friends that provide me with a little liquid courage right before I have to present an award. I do fear large crowds more than anything.

It looks like I’ll be going to Vegas for the first time in March. It’s Eric’s (Adam’s brother) 30th birthday and we plan to meet a few of their friends from back home to celebrate in style!

More peeves…

• 
  
  Retail stores closed on Holidays.
  
  


• 
  
  Phone tag.
  
  


• 
  
  Unfinished projects…hint hint, Adam.
  
  


• 
  
  Dead bolts.
  
  


• 
  
  Cell phone proposals & contracts!
  
  


• 
  
  Bellyaching.
  
  

 

{1.15.06}

weekend, what weekend?

How can it possibly be Sunday already? Where did the weekend go? Aside from the three hours spent bowling yesterday, I found some time to shop and find the perfect dress for the annual dinner this Friday. I enjoy dressing up for work occasions, but an expense allowance would be nice. It gets so expensive to buy a dress that I'll only wear once.

I finally framed our pictures we had taken in December. Do you know how hard it is to find decent frames in Central Oregon? Good gracious!

I hear my laundry and dishes calling my name now...nite nite.

{1.14.06}

bowling fun

{1.13.06}

another waste of valuable time

1. Full name? Melissa Marie Mooney McIntosh

2. Were you named after anyone? Nope, but my parents sure did like the letter ‘M’ a whole bunch.

3. Do you wish on stars? Not really, more into gazing.

4. When did you last cry? Last night.

5. Do you like your handwriting? Kinda, depends on my mood.

6. What is your favorite lunchmeat? Roast beef.

7. How many kids? My one and only…

8. Names and ages of kids: Brenner William McIntosh, 4 years old.

9. If you were another person would you be friends with you? Sure, why not.

10. Do you have a journal? You’re on it.

11. Do you use sarcasm a lot? Never ever…

12. Would you bungee jump? Maybe, if somebody double-dog-dared me.

13. What is your favorite cereal? Cracklin’ Oat Bran.

14. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Normally, yes.

15. Do you think that you are strong? Um, I’m 5’3, what do you think?

16. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Not a big ice cream fan…but I'll have a bowl of whatever occasionally.

17. Do you have any grandkids and ages? Ah, NO!

18. Do you have any animals? Yep, two fishes.

19. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? Good one Lauren - Sometimes I just attract too much attention because I'm so stunningly beautiful. ha! :)

20. Who do you miss most? Heidi, my childhood friend.

21. Do you want everyone you send this to send it back? Yeah, what the heck.

22. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Black pants & shoes – we are exciting dressers Lauren.

23. Last thing you ate? Grilled Roast Beef Pinnini.

24. What are you listening to right now? Sadly, the news.

25. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Black.

26. Favorite Smells? Anything fruity & baby lotions.

27. Last person you talked to on the phone? Ray’s Food Place Manager about Membership.

28. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Eyes & smiles…good teeth and gums especially!

29. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Most definitely…Lauren rocks!

30. Favorite Drink? Lemon drops.

31. Favorite Sport to Watch? Baseball!

32. Hair Color? Dark brown.

33. Eye Color? Dark brown.

34. Do you wear contacts? Sadly yes. So much for Lasik eye surgery, bleh!

35. Favorite Food? Italian.

36. Scary Movies or Happy Endings? Probably happy endings, but since dating Adam I’m leaning towards the scary ones now.

37. Last Movie You Watched? Munich.

38. Favorite Day of the Year? Brenner’s birthday.

39. Summer or Winter? Summer.

40. Hugs or Kisses? Hugs.

41. Favorite Dessert? Cherry Cheesecake.

42. Who Is Most Likely To Respond? Not a clue.

43. Least likely to respond? See #42.

{1.12.06}

tickled pink

My parents are back from Maui and I’m so glad. It’s strange how the heart knows and feels when loved ones are many miles away. They had a great time and I can’t wait to see their fabulous tan lines and pictures. I’m going back home for my birthday next weekend to get my family fix and hopefully recharge. I miss my family.

I had drinks with Wanda and Heidi last night. We talked about Heidi’s already thriving wedding & events venture she recently signed her life away to. Sounds like I'll be helping with the decorating part of the biz. What fun! This could be the start of something good...

There is something about checking my mailbox and finding a surprise package that just tickles me pink! My Aunt from Washington is into silversmithing and sent me two rings; one artsy, the other traditional. The artsy one is a red coral and the other is a chrysocolla. I love them equally!

{1.11.06}

growth

Brenner has gone through a massive growth spurt lately. For his age, he’s now in the 95th percentile for his height and 70th for his weight. Poor kid, in just one week his pants went from normal to high water status. Time to hit the bargain racks at my favorite stores.

Last night, Brenner made mini pizzas for Adam and I. We helped him toast English Muffins, add some spaghetti sauce, sprinkle some cheese, broil for a few minutes and Presto! He was very pleased with himself and told everyone at preschool this morning. He’s such a great helper and is definitely at the age of wanting to do EVERYTHING himself.

My moving date has changed…again! I’m now moving mid-February. Living out of boxes is such great fun…grrr. Oh well, this month has been super busy so adding a few weeks is probably for the best.

Happy 10 months Adam, clear sailing indeed!

{1.10.06}

recent peeves

• Canceling my gym membership is harder than giving birth!


• My neighbor’s alarm clock going off at 5am (yes, the walls are THAT thin).


• This WIND.


• Deceitful scheming.


• Bra straps that won’t stay put.


• People who don't acknowledge you when you stop for them...rude! 


• Having to walk a mile to empty my trash.

{1.9.06}

more of me

1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

Portugal - near family. 

2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING?

Lime green jacket.

3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT?

Jack Johnson – In Between Dreams.

4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING?

6:00isham.

5. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE?

Wine opener.

6. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Guitar.

7. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV?

Depends on my mood.

8. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTERLIFE

Absolutely, Heaven!

9. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK?

Diary of a worm, Guess How Much I Love You, The Very Quiet Cricket, & The Giving Tree.               

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON?

Summer.

11. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

To make time slow down.

12. IF YOU COULD HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT?

I already have one and that's enough.  

13. CAN YOU JUGGLE?

Balls, no. Life, yes.

14. THE ONE PERSON/PEOPLE FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO?

My Grandfather – Founder and Chief of Police for the Redmond Police Department. I’d love to get his opinion on the Highland/Glacier Couplet Project…Grrr.

15. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY?

Friday, dah!

16. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR?

Um, who cares?

17. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER?

Hamburger.

18. FROM THE PEOPLE YOU WILL EMAIL THIS TO, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

Not a clue.

19. WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

My mother, she’s in Hawaii.

20. WHO DID YOU RECEIVE THIS FROM?

Cheryl

21. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER?

Tulips and Gerber Daisies.

22. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?

Rice PILE! 

23. ONE LAST ADDITION TO THIS QUESTIONNAIRE, THIS ONE'S HARD. OF WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD?

My son. He inspires me to be a better person daily.

{1.8.06}

bye bye nose ring

I had my fill of the constant irritation and decided to take it out last night. Adam is pretty bummed, but he’ll deal. I’m pretty excited that you can already barely see where it was!

Yesterday was relaxing, a little too relaxing for my taste. I was in bed sleeping for most of the day, bleh! I don’t know what hit me, but whatever it was hit me hard. I’m feeling much better today, but still a little tired. Adam, Eric and I watched Munich at the Old Mill today. It was good, but way hay too long. After, we hit Red Robin for lunch before dropping Eric off at work.

On this dreary day, I couldn’t help but wonder what my parents were doing in Maui. How I miss the islands, BAD. I miss the warm beaches, sand between my toes, incredible food, nightlife, snorkeling, geckos, Zodiac cruises, horseback riding, shopping and the ability to completely lose track of time. HEAVEN! Ok, back to reality. I’m excited for the new episode tonight of my favorite show – Desperate Housewives! It’s about freakin’ time, reruns bore me.

Ok, off to get some cleaning done.

{1.7.06}

ice-cream debate

Adam: Mmm, ice-cream sounds good.

Mel: Mmmhmm.

Adam: Do you want me to go to the store for some?

Mel: Um, I don't know.

Adam: Would you have some if I went?

Mel: Sure.

Adam: What kind do you want?

Mel: Anything you want, it's only for you.

Adam: You don't want any?

Mel: Well...maybe, just a few bites.

Adam: riiiiiiight!

...15 minutes later and enjoying a bowl of Chocolate Peanut Butter ice-cream!

{1.6.06}

halleluiah

Halleluiah, it’s Friday! For a short week it’s been ridiculously busy. I do believe half our members paid their membership dues in three days! Good Lord, pace yourself people! I need some solid uninterrupted time to catch up or I’m afraid that I'll never see the top of my desk until March, at least. Poor Oscar’s (my goldfish) view from his bowl is two empty mocha cups, piles and piles of paperwork and yellow post-it’s everywhere. I need to get a grip on this mess before it drives me batty…well maybe that’s too late.

This weekend we hope to finish painting Adam’s living room. Despite a few set backs, it’s really coming together and giving the room a more “lived-in” look and feel. Now if I can just get him to add more flair he’s set!

Flibberty jibbit, we just confirmed dinner and drink plans with Lauren and Nathan tonight, greatly needed after the week we've had.

{1.5.06}

10 months

I slept great last night…peaceful, uninterrupted sleep is the BEST! Dinner was another challenge to get Brenner to eat. Honestly, I don’t know how the kid survives on what he consumes. I always told myself that when I have children that I would never make them eat anything they didn't like or finish everything on their plates. But now that I’m faced with a picky eater, like myself at his age, I know now why my parents did what they did. Adam has been so helpful and keeping on Brenner with the new dinnertime rules he made. I appreciate and love how involved he has become with Brenner.

Adam and I have been together now for almost 10 months and I couldn't be happier or more in love with him! He is one of my many reasons I wake in the morning content, happy and ready to face another day. Some exciting changes are in store for us in 2006 and I can’t wait to see them all unfold.

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way.”

-Pablo Neruda

{1.4.06}

priorities

Changing my website layout should be the LAST of my priorities today. Yucky, I’m swamped with membership financials this week and I can't seem to catch up. On the bright side, my performance review was today and it went really well. I received exceptional ratings and was given the opportunity to attend the Leadership Redmond program next year.

Ok, back to work…sorry for the lame entry – my mind is mush!

{1.3.06}

2006

It’s finally 2006 and I couldn't be happier! This year I've decided against making the typical list of unattainable resolutions. Instead, I’m going to live, laugh and enjoy life ONE day at a time and let God worry about the rest. Done and done.

Recently, I've been losing sleep over a decision to accept or pass on a great financial opportunity that was offered to me a few weeks ago. So while I was enjoying a peanut butter spoon and reading the latest issue of the Weekly Current at 2am this morning, I unexpectedly found my answer. “Life is too short and that some opportunities are just not worth the sacrifice of time.” 

A Random Mel Moment:

Kindred - having a similar or related origin, nature, or character: kindred emotions. Do you ever feel as though you have this with someone that is inaccessible because of unresolved issues? I do and it sucks donkey doo-doo.  

{1.2.06}

happy new year

Our weekend getaway in Sunriver.

Jen & Trevor warming up for the BIG kiss

Freeeeeeezing our bums off

Coner & Ande

We made it!