A Thanksgiving Gift

I went to Carlton United Methodist church in Waterport (just north of Albion) last week to see Mark Randall as Charles Dickens in a one man performance of A Christmas Carol with my Dad, Ruth, and her Mom. After the show, a woman approached me and the following conversation took place:

Woman: "Hi, by any chance is your father's name Paul?"

Me: "Yes, he is."

Woman: "I thought so. You probably don't remember me but I knew you when you were a little girl and this tall. [lowers her hand above her knee]. I just wanted to tell you that you've grown into a beautiful woman."

While we were catching up about the last 20 + years, I was trying to figure out why I didn't recognize this woman at all. I've had this conversation many times when I come home to Albion but I'm usually able to recall at least one memory with the person who remembers me. I felt bad that this woman was so kind and I felt like I had never seen her before.

On Thanksgiving, my Dad told me that he was also surprised that this woman picked me out of the crowd. She remembered me from Albion United Methodist church - the church where I was baptized, the church I attended with my Mom and Dad, and the church my Dad and I left shortly after my Mom passed...

My Dad was so surprised that he approached her later that evening and had the following conversation:

My Dad: "I'm very curious. You haven't seen Melisa since she was 3 years old. How did you know that was her?"

Woman: "I recognized Barb."

Bones

I never thought that I would be so excited to wake up at 4 am that I wouldn't be able to fall asleep which is exactly what happened to me last night. I was waking up to see one of my wish families off at the Rochester airport before their flight to L.A. to spend time with the cast of Bones. This was something that my wish child wanted more than anything and it was amazing to share the excitement with her and her family.

Publish Post

Loaf & Ladle

I had so much fun yesterday with my Aunt Annette. Last month, I started volunteering with her at the Loaf and Ladle soup kitchen. This is is the second time I've gone and I'm starting to recognize the regulars. It is amazing how appreciative people are when I don't feel like I'm doing enough.

One of the perks is that she is giving me cooking lessons. She taught me how to make butternut squash soup (one of my favorites), a pasta bake with homemade sauce, and apple crisp. YUM!

Exciting Updates!

It is official - I will be returning to the Gulf Coast in 2010 for my next hurricane relief trip! My flight was booked yesterday and I will be staying at Camp Victor from Feb 28 - March 7.

I was re-certified yesterday afternoon as a Wish Granter with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I was moved up to a "lead" wish granter which means that I'll be making the initial contact with the family and working closely with the back office to help wishes come true!

A new topic for my blog.

A recent post by Penelope Trunk reminded me that I have a blog and I actually miss writing it in. I disagree with her statement that blogs must have topics in order to be meaningful because there are several blogs without topics that I enjoy reading. I'm taking her advice because I think it will help me stay motivated to keep writing.

What is my topic? My blog topic is going to be Volunteerism because volunteering makes me happy. I'm feeling stressed in just about every other area of my life, this will be a nice place for me to slow down and remind myself all that I have to be thankful for.

Stay tuned...

Pittsburgh

It was Jessica's 30th birthday on Friday so we celebrated with a road trip to Pittsburgh for a girls' weekend and to visit her family.

Shortly after crossing the Pennsylvania border, we met roadies who were making a documentary about the band Apple Miner Colony. We watched the Stanley Cup game at a bar that was part of health club. We walked by people who were lifting weights, passed a wedding, and ate a ton of loaded french fries. Out of curiosity, Jessica's dad asked someone in the wedding party who was getting married and that person replied, "I know my sister but I don't know her new husband." It was very exciting to be in Pittsburgh when the Penguins had their victory and it was the perfect end to Jessica's birthday evening.

On Saturday, we all had great luck shopping. I bought a new sundress from Macy's and a spent my birthday gift card on a pretty pink shirt from Banana. We went saw the city from Mt. Washington and went dancing at Dolce. James Harrison from the Pittsburgh Steelers was also there. We woke up to a nice big breakfast this morning and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool.

It was fun to have a weekend away and I hope that we can all go on another road trip soon. We are thinking about Montreal, Philly, and Washington DC.

If only I could get rid of my sunburn.....

My First Facial

Aunt Sue took me out for my very first facial yesterday to celebrate that I am now 50% finished with my degree! When I arrived at my appointment, I was pleasantly surprised when I was brought to a room with heated blankets and soothing music. (I was expecting a chair next to a sink and sliced cucumbers). It was a wonderfully relaxing experience and I can't wait to go back. :)

Waking Up Canadian

What if my name was Stonewall?

During my class break on Tuesday, some of my classmates were discussing baby names. Todd said that he and his wife had to rule out a few names because the initials would spell S.O.B. That story reminded me of an argument that my parents had before I was born.

They had VERY different thoughts on what my name should be if I was a boy. My mom wanted to name me after my father so I could be a Jr. My dad is a big history buff and wanted to name me Stonewall.

I wonder what my life would have been like...

In Elementary school: Stonewall graduates from Kindergarten , 1990.

In Middle School: Hi, my name is Stonewall. Would you like to purchase girl scout cookies?

In High School: Stonewall has been inducted into the National Honor Society.

At Saint John Fisher: Congratulations to the 2005-2006 Student Government Association Executive Board members: Mark, Erica, and Stonewall.

At my first professional job: Thank you for calling (my company). My name is Stonewall, how may I assist you today?

At Simon: Stonewall, what do you think of the financial crisis?

During Interviews: I have nearly 150 years of investing experience. My career began in 1861 with a bull run on Wall Street.

I'm happy that they agreed on Melisa with one 's'.

Flutter: The New Twitter

Foxes Jumping on a Trampoline

Just Another Study Night...

25 Random Things About Me

OK, I admit, I'm getting sucked into the viral "25 Random Things" facebook thing but it has been a lot of fun reading and learning about my friends. Here you go...

1. I love window seats in coffee shops, restaurants, and airplanes because I enjoy watching the world around me. If the seats also have soft cushions, pillows, and blankets I'm twice as happy.
   
   
2. I'm afraid of heights and especially terrified of the glass floor in the CN Tower. In 2008, they introduced a glass elevator...eek!
   
   
3. I get annoyed when I miss McDonald's breakfast...
   
   
4. It is taking me four years and counting to make my live list of "101 Things To Do In 1001 Days." So far, I can't even check off #1 which is to make the list.
   
   
5. People say I'm well organized and manage my time well but I am constantly wasting time looking for my keys and/or cell phone as I'm racing out the door.
   
   
6. I've wanted to ride a bicycle built for two ever since Peedy,the talking parrot, sang the chorus of "Daisy" on my desktop in the late 1990's. Although the robotic serenade was horrendous, the thought of sharing a bike with someone you love sounds absolutely romantic.
   
   
7. I don't have a single stamp in my passport and would love to change that, preferably overseas.
   
   
8. I want to learn how to do calligraphy and start making homemade cards.
   
   
9. I've lived in the Rochester area for my entire life and have no idea how to to find the top secret hidden subway.
   
   
10. I'll try almost anything once which is how I ended up biking 40 miles in the Tour de Cure and signing up for the 2009 Polar Plunge.
    
    
11. I can always find a reason to celebrate and my birthday lasts the entire year.
    
    
12. I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up or where I want to live. So much sounds exciting and I'm not ready to admit that I can't do everything.
    
    
13. Dessert is my favorite meal but for having such a big sweet tooth, I'm very picky. Chocolate ice cream is OK. I believe that white cake with berries and a light whipped cream makes a perfectly balanced breakfast. I don't like anything with nuts or raisins. Cappuccino and a tiramisu, creme brulee, and/or several cannoli [no 's' because canolli is plural] is my favorite way to end a meal.
    
    
14. I don't like vegetables shaped like trees (broccoli, cauliflower, etc..). Colors are fine (red peppers, butternut squash, eggplant, etc...) as are branches and leaves (asparagus, zucchini, and green leafy vegetables).
    
    
15. I don't spring forward or fall back. If my clocks don't change automatically, they are only correct for half the year.
    
    
16. I have/had many nicknames but I despise being called Missy. It makes me feel like I'm being scolded and should only be used if you are very angry with me.
    
    
17. I vividly remember random dates, conversations, and moments that have meant a lot to me. Even if months or years have passed, I can recall details like it was yesterday.
    
    
18. I hope the MINI E is mass produced. If it is, I've picked out my next car.
    
    
19. One of my favorite (Fisher) professors described me as someone who is nice to everyone but will only let a few friends get close to me. She said that once I let someone in, I treat them like gold.
    
    
20. I have a pink birthmark on my left calf.
    
    
21. When I was little and constantly misplacing things, my Dad would always remind me that the object I was looking for was, "wherever you left it...". He had no idea that his words of wisdom would soon be repeated in front of our entire church congregation. I was sitting right next to my pastor (and his microphone) when the children's sermon was about finding Jesus. I confidently informed my pastor that "Jesus is wherever you left him."
    
    
22. When Warm 101.3 started playing Christmas carols in July and announced that they wouldn't stop until they raised enough money for charity, part of me secretly hoped that they wouldn't meet their goal.
    
    
23. My roommate (a social worker) and I (a business student) met in a Communications class and bonded during an all nighter to prepare for our class presentation.
    
    
24. I've been told by friends, family, and the College President at Saint John Fisher that I should become a lawyer but I disagree because I hate arguing and public speaking.
    
    
25. I believe in karma and trust that good things will happen to good people.
    
    

I'm trying so hard...

...to get my pricing homework done and to stay on top of my readings:


I wonder how much our cat knows about elasticity of demand...

Are You As Smart As Melly? Take her U.S. History & Government quiz to find out!

During my cleaning frenzy today, I found my U.S. History & Government quiz on foreign policy:

Word Bank:

• Delome
• Treaty of Paris 1898
• Platt Amendment
• Panama Canal
• "dollar diplomacy"
• Good Neighbor Policy
• Roosevelt Corollary
• Open Door Policy
• Yellow Journalism
• Russo-Japanese War
• Olney Interpretation
• "moral diplomacy"

Quiz:

1. _____ Foreign policy approach that encourages U.S. investment in other countries.
2. _____ This policy means less emphasis on intervention and more on Pan-American cooperation.
   
3. _____ U.S. foreign policy approach to China: promoted equal trade rights for all nations in China.
4. _____ Sensationalist writing used in the media to create a "war like" mood.
5. _____ This interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine claimed that "Today, the United States is practically sovereign of this continent..."
6. _____ As a result of this , U.S. power increased in Cuba and Cuba became a U.S. protectorate.
   
7. _____ President Theodore Roosevelt negotiated peace between the nations after Japan and Russia fought this war.
   
8. _____ President Wilson used this policy towards Mexico conducting foreign affairs in terms of judgments about right and wrong.
   
9. _____ This addition to the Monroe Doctrine called upon the U.S. to intervene in the Western Hemisphere and act as an international police power when necessary.
10. _____ This ended the Spanish-American war.
11. _____ The area in dispute between the U.S., Panama, and Colombia
12. _____ Spanish minister who wrote a letter criticizing President McKinley

You have one week to take to this quiz and submit your answers in the comments. Bonus points for guessing how old/what grade I was when I originally took this exam. I'll post the answers on January 25th.

Catching up with Dan

I haven't hung with my friend Dan since July and before that it had also been at least six months since our last get together. We grabbed dinner this evening and in between bites, we joked about feeling old (we've been friends for almost 10 years!) and reminisced about high school.

We also HOUSED seven rolls of sushi and an appetizer. YUM!

It's funny how there are some friendships where it doesn't matter how much time goes by between visits because it always feels like no time has passed....

I'm not alone and it could get worse...

It turns out that I'm not the only one having a "terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad" week:

When I apologized to my professor for being late, he told me that he was sympathetic to my situation because his car died the day before and he was taking a taxi to and from work. (What are the odds?!)

My week could have been much worse:

A friend of mine also missed class because of car troubles. In her case, she was in a car accident. All of a sudden my "terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad" week, didn't seem so awful.

Things are looking up:

Although I'm still fighting my cold (it's winning), I felt well enough to go to the office this morning. When I got there, the first voice mail I listened to was from the Team Bank of America chairperson asking me to join their executive board! It made my morning to find out that I'll be helping to plan the events and volunteer initiatives that I love participating in.

First my phone...

...then my car died tonight. AAA took forever and I missed the first GBC meeting of the quarter. When I arrived on campus, I was that annoying person who was a half hour late and had to awkwardly find a seat in a room with over 90 students. Waiting for AAA made my cold even worse and being sick makes me grumpy.

If I was in elementary school, I would quote Alexander and say that I am having a "terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad" week.

On a positive note, I had a good day at work and think that I will enjoy my pricing class.

Unreachable

Not by phone, not by text.

My phone died [I'm not surprised] this evening and won't be replaced until I receive a new one from AT&T's warranty department.

Until then, the internet (or snail mail) is the only way to :p

114 Years Old

Simply Amazing:



I hope I live to see 114 birthdays. :)

My phone is going NUTS!

If phones could take drugs, mine would be on crack.

When I turn the phone on, it rapidly highlights every icon on the menu and won't let ME select anything:

• If I open the address book, it opens the Internet...
• If I open my missed calls, it opens the Internet...
  
• If I text, it inserts random 6s or opens the Internet...
  
• When I try to outsmart my phone by opening the Internet, it goes back to rapidly highlighting everything on the main menu and selecting nothing.

Arg! The only silver lining is that my current phone isn't dialing my cousin every time that I turn it on, check my voicemail, or try to make outgoing calls. When I hung up my pink razr, it would start redialing her number. I had to let it go to voicemail just to let her know that nothing was wrong, I wasn't trying to get in touch with her, and to ignore my calls until I fixed my phone.

That was also a fun problem to explain to ATT customer service:

ATT: Did you try (insert troubleshooting suggestion here)?

Melisa: Yes, and it started calling my cousin.

ATT: Did (insert troubleshooting suggestion here) work?

Melisa: No, it is calling my cousin

ATT: What about (insert another suggestion here)?

Melisa: Nope, it is calling my cousin again

Maybe I should give up on pink, suck it up and just get an iPhone...

I'm a bull riding champion?

I stopped by Elsewhere Cafe on my way home from Christmas #3 to catch up with my close friend Jules whom I haven't seen since I was "living in a studio with a kitchen smaller than most people's closets" That was two years and three addresses ago.

While I was there, I found out that there are rumors circulating around my hometown that I am a bullriding champion. Not only am I bullriding champion but I also won the state finals?!

I am mortified but Jules thinks that I should keep it going by making ambiguous comments like, "That was in my past" or " I only do that on weekends."

One of my favorite Story People prints...

I love Brian Andreas' Story People artwork and this is a video of one of my favorite prints: