tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54766429400847543502024-03-04T22:06:20.420-08:00yesihavesunblockmelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-21876498529004351322014-08-07T20:48:00.003-07:002014-08-07T20:48:44.502-07:00About that time I went to prison.... Most of the time I'll be over <a href="http://bit.ly/AugblogLMT" target="_blank">here</a>, where you can read about things I do & learn.<br />
But really. I did go to <a href="http://bit.ly/AugblogLMT" target="_blank">prison</a>. And it was amazing.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-70676876768500957432013-08-20T20:51:00.002-07:002013-08-20T20:51:29.708-07:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">On Sunday I made my weekly pilgrimage to the downtown farmers market for greens and veg. Normally I stick to the farmer's stalls, but this time wandered into the food court - ya'll better not sleep on the international market in there! I saw a sign for </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=471422292897680&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/Cinnasmiles?directed_target_id=0" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;">Cinnasmiles</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">. These sticky rolls would be my death by gluten nowadays, but I had to ask if she had some GF love on the table. No luck, however, she responded with an enthusiastic, "I remember you!!!" Annetta reminded me that she was one of my World Vision volunteers over a year ago at Musician's Corner... we discussed my leap of faith quitting my job, going to Rwanda, and becoming an LMT. She told me I inspired her to start her own business and follow her dream. I was trying to pick my jaw off the floor, not cry, and thank her for thanking me all at the same time. Not my smoothest moment, but </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=56273389949&extragetparams=%7B%22directed_target_id%22%3A0%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/authorjonacuff?directed_target_id=0" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;">Jon Acuff</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> would be proud. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Starting your own business and following your dream is not one leap of faith. It's several leaps. Sometimes you land on your feet, sometimes you land on your face. Sometimes you misjudge the distance and do that awkward really hard landing. Sometimes you win. After several months of landing on my face, having a moment like that with Annetta was a huge encouragement to me. If I won the lottery, I would still want to do bodywork, and would have the funding to get more training! I still love school... *nerd gong*</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Share your stories! You never know who might need to hear about your struggles and victories.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">And if anyone needs some bodywork and to generally feel better in their body, call me maybe?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">MelanieJoyeLMT.com!</span>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-35288521850775929362013-08-13T19:45:00.000-07:002013-08-13T19:45:57.563-07:00<div class="p1">
<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">"<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God binds up his heart so closely with suffering people that he interprets any move against them as a move against him." - Tim Keller.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Out of the frying pan, into the fire.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In one week's time: the delights of closest friends' birthdays, the ache of grief with a dear friend's awful loss, a joyous wedding... to live in the tense arc between the two... to allow each one to be their own and not arrest the other. How?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Keller, in a sermon on anxiety, talks about perspective and expectations. Taxi drivers in NYC ram into each other. Often. In the midwest, there are police, accident reports, phone calls, etc. But in NYC, the taxi drivers expect chaos. They are ready. They keep going.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My wise friend E.M. observed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Already in exile. Thrown into a furnace to be executed. God was right in there with them. Alongside them. Does life ever calm down, or is it one continuous bonfire? Isn't fire a method of purification?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The happy warmth of weddings & births, the searing pain of death... to suffer... to struggle… to know God's presence no matter our circumstance. My friend Audrey wrote the song below. It's a prayer I didn't know was on my lips until I heard her sing it. When I taste Your goodness, I shall not want.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #d9ead3; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by <a href="http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/artistdetail.php?artist_id=2912">Audrey Assad</a> | from the album <a href="http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/albumdetail.php?album_id=13154">Fortunate Fall</a><br /><br />From the love of my own comfort<br />From the fear of having nothing<br />From a life of worldly passions<br />Deliver me O God<br /><br />From the need to be understood<br />From the need to be accepted<br />From the fear of being lonely<br />Deliver me O God<br />Deliver me O God<br /><br />And I shall not want, I shall not want<br />when I taste Your goodness I shall not want<br />when I taste Your goodness I shall not want<br /><br />From the fear of serving others<br />From the fear of death or trial<br />From the fear of humility<br />Deliver me O God<br />Deliver me O God</span></div>
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melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-87890632091455365672012-08-09T20:07:00.000-07:002012-08-09T20:07:06.483-07:00toya and melanie bond.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you know i love <a href="http://blackgirlslikeus.com/" target="_blank">toya</a> when i'm allowing myself to be internetted like this. she wrote this article for <a href="http://www.natural-nashville.com/2012/08/unity-weekend-my-friend-melanie-and-i.html" target="_blank">natural in nashville</a> after we watched chris rock's documentary <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213585/" target="_blank">good hair</a> - which i think e'rbody should see. it's amazing. i learned a lot, laughed a lot, and bleached my heather locklear-ish roots into submission.</span></div>
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<b>U.N.I.T.Y.- The Weekend My Friend Melanie and I Bonded Over Our Hair</b></div>
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I promise we did not plan the matching blue tops. I swear. </div>
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During my friend Melanie's and my 12 year friendship, we have talked about pretty much everything under the sun. But until recently we rarely ever discussed our racial differences. We just have so many things in common that discussing our differences just barely ever comes up. Well a few months ago Melanie asked me if I would be interested in watching Chris Rock's documentary <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m-4qxz08So"><span class="s1">Good Hair</span></a> together. "I just think it would be so fun to watch together." she said. Having already seen the film, I chuckled at the thought of my possibly having to further break down certain things in the film regarding my culture for her. Then something dawned on me.</div>
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Melanie was interested in this movie because she was intrigued about black hair. To say that I was less than intrigued about a white woman's hair would be an understatement. I'm just going to be honest here. At the time, I felt like ever since I was a little girl I've been overloaded with knowledge about the European standards of beauty. Unless I bought a magazine that was geared towards black women, chances are that every other magazine had articles that catered to enhancing the beauty of white women. And really with all that I have had to do to my hair in over thirty years from weaves to braids to bi-level stacks and The Big Chop, I could not fathom that the plight of the white woman to keep her hair in check could even compare. And wasn't their hair pretty much all of the same anyway? Does that sound a little close minded to you? Yeah me too. That's why I changed my mind and came up with an idea. "Why don't we watch the movie and do our hair together?" I said. Saturday was coming up and with that being my Big Hair Day consisting of pre-pooing, washing, deep conditioning, etc,. I figured we could really get into what it took for us to individually maintain our hair. This was perfect timing as Melanie's own "Big Hair Day" was coming up because she had to touch up her roots with hair color. She loved the idea and we set a date.</div>
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I went to Melanie's house and we both went into the bathroom to start our respective routines while sharing about our hair textures and styling woes.</div>
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Me explaining the beast that is hair shrinkage</div>
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Melanie paying the price for beauty</div>
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When I reached the point where it was time for deep conditioning and her hair color went into processing, we went into the living room to watch the movie.</div>
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Movie time!</div>
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Melanie, who we all lovingly call The Wise Pixie, currently has a super cute and flattering pixie hair cut. When I first met Melanie she had a really fly bob. Her hair was and still is platinum blonde (which I always forget is not her natural hair color because it fits her so well) and it had a layer of turquoise underneath. Fly! She's never been too afraid to take risk with her hair. As our discussion moved into a more cultural direction, I asked her if she ever felt pressure to be blonde because society holds blondes to such a high standard of beauty. I was pretty enlightened by her answer:</div>
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<i>"I went super blonde after I lost my first job out of college and ended up moving to Pittsburgh by myself. I lived with an amazing family - her brother, a stylist, told me he wanted to try cutting my dark blonde, ashy, shoulder length hair into a pixie cut and bleaching it out. I didn't have anything to lose, I didnt know anyone, and I wanted a change! It was exciting and liberating and I loved it."</i></div>
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Ladies, doesn't that liberating hair cut sound familiar? Doesn't that sound like our monumental Big Chop? We continued watching the film together and took breaks in between to discuss some things further. One thing that stood out to me was the discussion we had about keeping up with the lastest hairstyles. In the movie they talk about how expensive it is to buy and maintain weaves. I shared with her that I did my Big Chop because I was tired of feeling like I had to keep up. I just wanted to be myself. What she said next was something I definitely chalk up to cultural differences:</div>
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<i>"Have you been to a Bon Jovi concert recently? Have you noticed the women are sporting the same hairdo they did in the 80's - as they squeeze into today's version of the same ripped jeans and old shredded, tasseled tees of yesteryear? The hair has stayed the same since the first time they gave love a bad name. My wise friends Becky & Karen pointed out that women who tend to keep the same coiffure for decades do so because that dated hairdo is from a time when they were happiest in their lives."</i></div>
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Now grant it some women do these things at concerts for one night nostalgia but plenty of women do not. I knew exactly the type of women she was referring to and a light bulb went off when she said it. I then remembered that the haircut I had when I was my happiest was an MC Lyte bi-level haircut that I rocked while wearing some pin-striped Gitano jeans. I have never thought about going back to that hairstyle. "Oooooh!" I said. "Yeah that's definitely a cultural difference." I thought about all of the makeover shows I've seen and how so many of the white women on there had been rocking the same hair style for about fifteen years. I would have never thought about Melanie's statement possibly being the reason why. </div>
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As we continued to watch the film, Melanie turned to me and said "You know Michelle Obama and Hillary have not done this. It would do some good." We both hollered over that. "They should! They should totally do their hair together in the White House!" I agreed. "More women should do this together. Each one teach one! Could you imagine the racial reconciliation that could come from this?" While we both proudly sat on the couch feeling like racial reconciliation trailblazers, Melanie's roommate walked in and we explained our little experiment. She came in and joined us on the couch during the part where Chris Rock was interviewing men in the barbershop about how they felt about women wearing weaves. "They know?!" Melanie's roommate asked in complete shock. "The men know?!" Melanie and I both burst into laughter over her amazement. "Yup! They know." I concurred. After more laughs and a few more discussions, we headed back into the bathroom to blow dry our hair. </div>
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"I have a dream that little black girls and little white girls will come together over their hair."- Author umm... unknown</div>
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I truly hope this story encourages others to not be afraid or defensive when it comes to discussing things like our hair. Although we chuckled over the mental picture of Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton sitting in plastic caps next to each other, I believe I can also speak for Melanie when I say that we honestly wish that more women would do what we did. Let's face it; sometimes white women are afraid to ask black women questions about things like their hair and sometimes black women are tired of answering questions about it. At the end of the day, how are people not going to assume the wrong things about each other if they don't have dialogues and get the right information? As women with natural hair, some of our stories about our natural hair journeys are so empowering and what woman do you know could not use a little empowerment every once in a while? I truly believe that not only can more dialogue dispel a lot of assumptions, but it can help us unite over our similarities and embrace our differences to the point where we can appreciate one another as women as we should.</div>
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</div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-54133125529691871342012-08-08T20:01:00.000-07:002012-08-08T20:01:10.032-07:00i didn't like this birthday until...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i'd like to thank all my delightful friends for turning my </div>
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we bounced on trampolines like crazy people,</div>
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and ashley the amazing made me a giant gluten free strawberry cake!</div>
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and then the house was packed for a viewing of jurassic park.</div>
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glorious.</div>
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i've earned the number 36. i'm just getting started.</div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-6889076050306098242011-12-12T09:26:00.000-08:002011-12-12T09:26:57.441-08:00swagger. he has it.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">real swagger. michael caine.</span></div>
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<br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-16991084125553228392011-12-06T20:16:00.001-08:002011-12-06T20:23:23.063-08:00i like-a the books.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">girls like guys that read. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">accent optional, but rather helpful for some.</span></div>
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<br />melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-11750800331421112302011-12-05T20:16:00.000-08:002011-12-05T20:17:21.994-08:00gift cards!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i can't handle traffic. so instead of being angry in traffic, i stopped to run errands and ended up actually accomplishing something. gift cards for my LMT business! easiest and best Christmas present ever, for all your gift-giving needs. getcha some. (melaniejoyeLMT@gmail)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLd0EetlIA7KGv7f050clvWio8n7FVUUaBi1p4kMEZM1_8RUwTC9sApPMN0LPeAiT9gThho1-XgvbPBUjrYP8jncpBH4kfPHG1eDnlj4qmwvWLbNA8lKOwZtMGRn36PF36K7lO_P9AFE/s1600/LMTchristmas.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLd0EetlIA7KGv7f050clvWio8n7FVUUaBi1p4kMEZM1_8RUwTC9sApPMN0LPeAiT9gThho1-XgvbPBUjrYP8jncpBH4kfPHG1eDnlj4qmwvWLbNA8lKOwZtMGRn36PF36K7lO_P9AFE/s320/LMTchristmas.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-70388337150409735022011-10-31T13:36:00.000-07:002011-10-31T13:36:32.558-07:00sometimes life is like lucy & the football.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteCE3kSYcB-xlH54JSll_sqXAyHlAvIqzGtNR9V710Us3-GosDMpSyPhVQXEPN2CNBtIFyqedvNokb1RiVWgTFV-vTc62I4ews4p6Ir57VGAyHg2VBhiZRj1RlK0Nk6XpPr5wNSnF8DM/s1600/imgres-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgteCE3kSYcB-xlH54JSll_sqXAyHlAvIqzGtNR9V710Us3-GosDMpSyPhVQXEPN2CNBtIFyqedvNokb1RiVWgTFV-vTc62I4ews4p6Ir57VGAyHg2VBhiZRj1RlK0Nk6XpPr5wNSnF8DM/s1600/imgres-1.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this is one of my favorite seasons. this is one of my most favorite images of fall. charlie brown vs lucy & the football. this is also how i felt last week...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i saw the football.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i visualized my approach.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i started to sprint.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i aimed!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i kicked! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and i missed it.....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i like to plan. i really enjoy it. i had planned to go to a structural integration school in miami and be awesome at structural integration and save the world. my plan was in place. little things started to happen, but i was so focused on my goal that i missed the little whispers.... a warning note from a family member, the massive financial risk, my body was literally hurting from stress, and i was having terrible dreams. i just really wanted this training. i wasn't listening. it was chaos.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the stress of the sprinting, aiming, and kicking was taking its toll - and nothing was moving forward. at all. then a few wise friends spoke, and i finally listened. this is what they said...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"God does not speak in chaos. He speaks in peace."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"follow the peace."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">immediately after those words, my verse of the day was about how God does not speak in the storm, or in the wind, but in a still, small voice. amazing that you can know.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the relief of letting go was almost more than i could handle. i'm not afraid of a struggle. struggles are good. they make you stronger; the right answer is made clearer. so i am not deterred from my goal. i know there is a link to be made between counseling & bodywork. i know i want continued training in structural integration, but it's going to be a different path than i thought. and much better than anything i could hope or dream.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-38161477687342960682011-10-06T09:15:00.000-07:002011-10-06T09:15:41.168-07:00ROUND 2: the adventures continue!remember that one time i quit my job and went to africa? (and needed lots of sunblock?)<br />
remember that one time i went thru massage therapy school and am now licensed?<br />
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well, round 2 of needing lots of sunblock is about to commence: after completing 2 sessions of advanced training in connective tissue massage, i've been made an offer i can't refuse to continue my bodywork education at the institute of structural integration in miami/north bay village, FL. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PmLQQIsiim1nfHRGrPhE5xwJittbKVBBJhodSVGOJ3FenC2G5Ii-hnu99FxDZs0TcdAV69Xg-MRv_uYaZp9ybzVoLji8qnYug16KhW1E_RJ0aoaZlHYYxHMExeuavL7VeL5r6N3Az9g/s1600/CTM+certificate.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PmLQQIsiim1nfHRGrPhE5xwJittbKVBBJhodSVGOJ3FenC2G5Ii-hnu99FxDZs0TcdAV69Xg-MRv_uYaZp9ybzVoLji8qnYug16KhW1E_RJ0aoaZlHYYxHMExeuavL7VeL5r6N3Az9g/s200/CTM+certificate.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfak5WrcOrKgxOjLfYgZQyA5UsrpHU65YV2G-SLBwvpMNbnjW1VrRD1q8bVD7-wKvsPyiqZMfx_HdVc6F00nW1xmTRfi-ZRmG5aVgz8ZFXvmkbogtaYeyLfO7lmgnghYOJa2IgvfXNcc/s1600/MJ+LMT+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfak5WrcOrKgxOjLfYgZQyA5UsrpHU65YV2G-SLBwvpMNbnjW1VrRD1q8bVD7-wKvsPyiqZMfx_HdVc6F00nW1xmTRfi-ZRmG5aVgz8ZFXvmkbogtaYeyLfO7lmgnghYOJa2IgvfXNcc/s200/MJ+LMT+logo.png" width="144" /></a></div><br />
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my goal is to find a way to integrate counseling and talk therapy with bodywork therapy for anyone who has survived trauma: rape survivors, military personnel who have lost limbs, those struggling with PTSD... basically anyone who has the biggest disconnect in their mind-body relationship. this training in structural integration is a large piece of my puzzle. once this round is complete, i will be one of 8 therapists in nashville who understand and practice this modality. our bodies are designed magnificently, and an amazing detail is our mind-body ability to shield us from trauma - we hold trauma down to a cellular level! some of that cannot be released until that layer of tissue is released. i believe there is a significant link between talk therapy and bodywork that would bridge the disconnect between mind and body - naturally and holistically. any one else want to find out?<br />
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you can read more about connective tissue massage and structural integration here:<br />
<a href="http://www.johnlatz.com/about.htm">the institute of structural integration in miami</a><br />
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so remember that one time i asked for help to go to africa? here's round 2. i drained my savings account going to school the first time around, and building my business here in nashville has been a slow process - as i expected. this opportunity with training in miami was dropped into my lap, exactly how most of the best things in my life come about. i'm going to keep this succinct and ask for specific things:<br />
1. i need prayer.<br />
2. i'm having a garage sale 10/22 to raise some money - want to donate your fall purge?<br />
3. i need someone to sublet my room in nashville from jan - may with my awesome roommate.<br />
4. i would like a house sitting gig in the miami/north bay village area from jan - may, or a possible extra room in someone's home, or any safe housing option.<br />
5. i would like to bring my little dog with me.<br />
6. i need money. cost of living/rent/etc plus school will run around $12,000+.<br />
7. i need a part time job while i'm there.<br />
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i almost choked writing that, but i know and have seen that with God, all things are possible.<br />
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any thoughts, ideas, contacts, prayers - all are appreciated.<br />
donations will be happily accepted thru <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2b8gxbx">paypal</a> or <a href="https://venmo.com/i/melaniejoyelmt.hUM.fdj">venmo</a>.<br />
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and yes, i will have sunblock in miami. and a parasol.melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-62889723404052178922011-06-23T19:57:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:57:39.263-07:00capital LMT!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">me. licensed. officially. yessssss....</span>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-82527403628230987062011-06-23T19:52:00.000-07:002011-06-23T19:52:34.895-07:00sunblock, episode 3. a 2-fer<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=yesihavesunbl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0036Z0HL8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this is a pretty great lotion, if you're prepared for how fluid it is. i was not. and half my sample runneth over onto my bathroom floor. 3 oz for $34 is beyond my price range. shisheido ultimate sun protection lotion is quite lovely for your moisturizing and sunblockey needs. and spf 60 is as high as you can go without getting screwed on prices above the magic number of spf 60. if you're a fan of this brand, you won't be disappointed.</span><br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=yesihavesunbl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00260GSVM&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>i'm a big fan of this stuff. nice, soft, matte finish - but the low spf 15 is a deal breaker for this girl. plus $42 for less than 2 ounces really hurts my feelings. if this was spf 45, i would consider, but aveeno's spf 30 is doing me real fine at the moment for $10.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i really super bad want to find a natural sunblock in the spf 45 range, but i have yet to find non sticky, non stinky coverage that isn't as good as the old faithful... this neutrogena is my most</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> favoritest. $9 for 5 oz! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i'd also like to try the aveeno version of this in the same price range.</span><br />
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</span></span>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-45571430411942028372011-06-20T09:23:00.000-07:002011-06-20T09:23:48.421-07:00i have a logo!!!! (now i need a license.)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as i tap dance around my house impatiently "waiting" for notification of my licensing approval, i'm trying to create forms, signup sheets, and line up some work. i also needed business cards, thank you notes, and the little teensy details that make a business. oh, and a little brand recognition might help.... therefore, i enlisted the services of my friend James at <a href="http://lacroixdesign.net/">LaCroix Design</a>. when your friends help you out with their professional and creative services - it's such a humbling gift. i was blown away by James' enthusiasm to make me a logo. let's be honest, i cried when i got to my car after seeing his work. not because i am a melty wuss, but because he truly cared about what i wanted to do. plus, it's always FUN to work with your friends. i am continually stunned at the talent that surrounds me here in nashville.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i will now brag on James. we go back a few years, but both ditched the music business and sort of lost touch. when i contacted him needing help with my new logo & identity, he jumped. i was thrilled, especially after nosing thru his site! (his work speaks for itself - i would preach on, but you can see i don't need to.) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's a bizarre process, this branding thing. unlimited options overwhelm me. i baby-stepped it from there. i found a tablecloth with the colors and texture i liked. this tablecloth is now a drape in my home studio. use what you like, i say. i knew i wanted the color pallet from the tablecloth with the imagery of leaves. i learned about leaves and essential oils in my aromatherapy class and was blown away by their healing properties. i searched out images of these healers... eucalyptus, comfrey, olive, arnica, barberry. i emailed him some zip files of the color pallet, the tablecloth, and leaves. "here are things i like. i want it to be simple and classy." i'd like to be an idea person, and sometimes i am, but for the most part i am a planner, a finisher, a completer, a fixer. logos are out of my creative strengths. and i tell myself that's ok.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we then met up a week later. he showed me a few ideas, but i knew the first one was what i wanted. you can see his work on my logo <a href="http://dribbble.com/shots/193685-Melanie-Joye-LMT-Identity">here</a>. the 2nd attachment was the first one he showed me - and i thought to myself, "self, that one would be perfect if it was in a square." i loved that it looked like a seal or stamp. OMG I CAN MAKE A STAMP AND STAMP THINGS.... (i love and delight in the little things) and he even made me a pattern! we chose pantone colors, a business card layout, etc. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he loves the mathematics of design. i love the elements of line & repetition. he either read my mind, or intuitively knew what i needed even if i couldn't verbalize it. even the leaf is based on one of my favorites, the eucalyptus, which has wonderful healing properties.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and so cheers to you, my friend, James LaCroix. and dear internet universe, hire this fella. you will be thrilled you did. </span><br />
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</span>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-43842018032456753782011-06-20T07:52:00.000-07:002011-06-20T07:52:11.348-07:00quitter!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so my beloved friends over at <a href="http://blackgirlslikeus.com/">BGLU</a> have decided to read Jon Acuff's book, Quitter, and chronicle their journey. since i already quit my money job to go to africa, came home and wondered how i was going to make a living, and then went back to school to become an <a href="http://melaniejoyelmt.com/">LMT</a>, i can say with a smile that i am already a quitter. but i want to read it anyhoo, because i love a good dose of encouragement. especially as i start my own little business. read along with Tia & Toya - they are hard at work to whip their side hustle into their full on dream job. and i may put in my 2 cents. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ok, let's be honest. i will totally put in my 2 cents.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i hope parents don't hate me, because i think everyone should quit their job to go to africa and then sit around wondering what it is they really want to do... how they really want to invest their lives... to be in a spot where they must figure out what their mission(s?) really are - in their very guts and not just what someone tells them. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">total random side note: the best roadie shirt i ever saw in my former touring life? "rehab is for quitters." it still makes me chuckle.</span><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=yesihavesunbl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0982986270&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-37780969926316871492011-05-24T09:07:00.000-07:002011-05-24T09:07:42.534-07:00countdown!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i am THREE days away from completing a 600 hour training program to be a <a href="http://melaniejoyelmt.com/">licensed massage therapist</a>. it was an inkling way back in 1993. now it's a real thing. i can't wait to work.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the goal: to have several steady clients, allowing me to charge a lesser rate so i can help those who couldn't normally afford a massage but desperately need stress relief. i want to work with military families, rape survivors and those who suffer from PTSD. opportunities keep popping up out of the proverbial blue.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my favorite comment from my clinic hours last night:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">first a muffled grunt, then, "i bet you could rip a phone book in half."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18 years in the making and it's 3 days away.</span>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-35524318266819845882011-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:002011-05-16T08:29:31.626-07:00beyond organic<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i heard about this from dr. josh axe at exodus health center! i use garden of life supplements - you can find them at the best price at <a href="http://vitacost.com/">vitacost.com</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here's the article from dr. axe... <a href="http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4979b8874c5b2ae2f7e7dff44&id=71fcc11841&e=a1c5c01d9f">beyond organic</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">click <a href="http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=11772">here</a> to register with me! </span><br />
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</tbody> </table>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-64975032586203203472011-05-08T10:29:00.000-07:002011-05-08T10:29:01.603-07:00sunblock testing, episode 2.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=yesihavesunbl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001B1ONBY&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">today's sample is Peter Thomas Roth Max All Day Moisture Defense Lotion. (writing that, i felt like i was back at ol' G and their incredibly long product names...) </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bonus points:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+ non-greasy moisture!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+ smooth and non-irritating!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+ anti-aging! (ticked off i must start heeding this crap)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+ has vitamins and what not!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+ i kinda like it - have been sporting it for two days and no irritation.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">downfall:</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- $29.99. which really isn't that bad - hurray for amazon prices! it's $42 on <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P6563&categoryId=B70">Sephora</a>. i'm currently paying - $10ish for <a href="http://www.aveeno.com/facialcare/positively-radiant-daily-moisturizer-spf30">Aveeno's Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30</a> - again with the long names)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- contains several chemicals like avobenzone & octinoxate that have been <a href="http://www.skincancer.org/sunscreen-safety-is-called-into-question.html">called into the principal's office</a>.</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so now i have to go look at all my sunblocks and figure out which one will kill me... juuust kidding. i will, however, do some homework on more natural or organic sunblocks to see if my old favorites need to be rejected. and if those that claim they are natural are legit or full of .... really hard for me to not rhyme it..... hitpostnow</span>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-52974209101443740462011-05-06T12:45:00.000-07:002011-05-06T20:05:54.824-07:00sunblock testing, episode 1.<span class="Apple-style-span" >have decided to review sunblocks and SPFs. fell for some shiny packaging and a freebie at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P284010&categoryId=B70">Sephora</a> because i'm always on the hunt for newer, better, less chemically ways to not fry like an egg. tested these each on my semi daily trek with violet the dog. she taste-tested this one and seemed pleased.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >today's sample is <a href="http://www.supergoop.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=3">Dr. T's Supergoop Sunscreen Swipe, SPF 30</a>. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-G6UrcbpAFQWlMzr0l6fGnQst-o3MiK4POwz2Ov97cjyYlzN-m_jNLJagDw474ZbVXPtGd6lV8PV-498TWeHstjbi_S5NLIHBEdV33txZ7nLH_3gD9wXw2_TznvYC98cBRUvH0oLJp38/s200/Screen+shot+2011-05-06+at+9.53.05+PM.png" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 152px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603802071380932482" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >why do you need a sunscreen towelette? dunno.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >feels like:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >.... a nice lotion when you smooth it on.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >.... you dipped your hands in flour about 30 minutes later.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >bonus points for the following:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Smells clean - not like a coconut or a beach or a fruit. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >paraben and fragrance free, good for my sensitive epithelials. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >no animal testing.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><div><span class="Apple-style-span">packaging: *because 1st impressions and fonts are important, people! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">this is pretty, simple, straighforward & yellow. pleasant.</span></div></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >demerits for the following:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >not even close to sweat proof.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >why, towelette, why?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >lots of leftover lotion in the packet. boo and fail.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">cost - </span><span class="Apple-style-span">$34 plus shipping for 21 wee towelettes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3_AtbRWoD_Ybt2jPu69KoHs_tpH9vszKsa4Gwg3dFAizvrrkhOFhAsYq4RGta5HiQrEBx3GV1Oh7Qx3jHil3f6M7OU70RixpD8Y5JIag-9ZwnNTjEmufYVvpzdonHkhM0BYSDCC6rFI/s1600/LizLemon.jpg">@#$!?</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >are you fresh out of your mind? that's nigh to $1.34 per wee towelette. foolish.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >i pity the fool that buys Dr. T's Supergoop.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-40032788313178018262011-03-15T09:43:00.000-07:002011-03-16T07:52:33.125-07:00P90Lentabout two weeks ago there was a buzz question - what are you giving up for lent?<div><br /></div><div>as a relatively newb anglican, i'm still stretching into the true, sacred meaning of lent. two years ago i started taking on a something or other, instead of giving up a something or other. giving up chocolate or caffeine doesn't really mean anything to me, and i'm pretty sure God doesn't want me to torture myself.... so this year i decided to take on P90X. healthy shmealthy. taking care of the ol' temple. plus, my pants don't fit as i think they ought. for me, it's an offering of one hour and 30 minutes of my day. working + school + study = this is a big chunk o' time & determination.</div><div><br /></div><div>the other day my friend JH was over and he asked me what i was giving up for lent. instead of blathering on about it, i had to think. "to keep in simple? self loathing." he responded with a welcome burst of laughter.</div><div><br /></div><div>on a much holier & less sarcastic note, i offer you this for your Lenten mediations:</div><div><br /></div><div><div>“For Lent, 1966”</div><div>By Madeleine L’Engle</div><div>It is my Lent to break my Lent,</div><div>To eat when I would fast,</div><div>To know when slender strength is spent,</div><div>Take shelter from the blast</div><div>When I would run with wind and rain,</div><div>To sleep when I would watch.</div><div>It is my Lent to smile at pain</div><div>But not ignore its touch.</div><div>It is my Lent to listen well</div><div>When I would be alone,</div><div>To talk when I would rather dwell</div><div>In silence, turn from none</div><div>Who call on me, to try to see</div><div>That what is truly meant</div><div>Is not my choice. If Christ’s I’d be</div><div>It’s thus I’ll keep my Lent.</div></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-87988433824987767482011-03-03T09:06:00.000-08:002011-03-03T09:12:18.502-08:00LMT journey, part 2. Takin' care of biz-ness.<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <meta equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css"> <title></title> <meta name="Generator" content="Cocoa HTML Writer"> <meta name="CocoaVersion" content="1038.35"> <style type="text/css"> p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia; min-height: 16.0px} </style> <p class="p1"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <meta equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css"> <title></title> <meta name="Generator" content="Cocoa HTML Writer"> <meta name="CocoaVersion" content="1038.35"> <style type="text/css"> p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia; min-height: 16.0px} </style> </p><p class="p1">Website 1, website 2, twitter handle, basic business philosophy, colors, logo, space, business license, massage license, zoning...... What in the world am i doing? The Great Name Game was fought and won: Studio Massage played along with music city, my wee in-home studio, and it was simple. I duked it out with a few geniuses about securing my .com address, but some guy in Madrid has been sitting on it since 2003. So I scooped up the .biz, my own name, and the closest twitter handle I could secure:</p> <p class="p1">1. StudioMassage.biz</p> <p class="p1">2. MelanieJoyeLMT.com</p> <p class="p1">3. @StudioLMT</p> <p class="p1">Luckily, I work at a great web design company, have a great boss, smart co-workers, and get great how-to advice. Wondering if I can get an iPad and do everything paperless. That would be a great challenge and oh, how very green of me.</p> <p class="p2">
<br /></p> <p class="p1">I suppose:</p> <p class="p1">1. .com is best, .biz works the same way, with a bit more effort of promoting my BIZ-ness so people don't default to .com. I will not fall prey to godaddy.com's fear tactics!</p> <p class="p1">2. because it's my name.</p> <p class="p1">3. simple, short, and sweet.</p> <p class="p2">
<br /></p> <p class="p1">Apparently I need to do MORE research about zoning, certificates, licensing, LLCs, sole proprietorships, incorporations… lots of hoops, so little time.</p><p></p>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-53611050155925832712011-02-27T14:04:00.000-08:002011-02-27T18:34:15.003-08:00LMT journey, part 1. Life changing.<div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia">Life-changing.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia; min-height: 16.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia">I quit my job, went to Rwanda for 4-5 weeks, came back and wondered what I was going to do with my life. Always loved the idea of massage therapy + health + alternative therapies + a total life change. Luckily, my money job (not really a money job, I just never really bought anything) provided a savings account, so I have the great luxury of working part time while going to school. I am getting nervous about it - an unexpected move with unexpected expenses, and other unexpected life moments.... budgets simultaneously rule and rot.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia; min-height: 16.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia">So I decided to go Natural Health Institute here in Nashville. Going back to school at 34 is just weird. Weird, I say! Even with years of hearing, "Melanie, will you rub my shoulders?" I was not prepared for SCHOOL. For homework. I had no idea how to study. It was a rough go at first, even as I felt more and more confident about my choice. The more I learn, the less I know, and the more I love to learn. I love Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Kinesiology… my instructors are legit. So much experience, so much care, so much knowledge - they continue to pour their guts into their students, and they really care about us. I sit in class and am in awe of the creation of the human body. "Wait-a-second… this muscle can do THAT? and THAT?! from there?" Highly nerdy moments of excitement. Our bodies are brilliantly designed. If given enough time and proper resources, our bodies can heal themselves with their intrinsic wisdom. (of course there is that nasty percentile of crap that just happens) Keep it simple. Eat real food. Get real rest. MOVE. Fill your soul with good things. Fill your time with good people.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia; min-height: 16.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia">What I'm learning: I cannot effectively care for others if I don't properly care for myself.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Georgia">Easier said than done, but let's give it a go!</p></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-4816231346008092142011-02-20T17:58:00.000-08:002011-02-20T20:18:11.017-08:00why i am too old to go to general admission shows, and the dos and do nots of concert attendance.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">my amazing friend </span><a href="http://alltheseblessedthings.wordpress.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">rachel</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> was in town this weekend, and we were quite excited about our tickets to see </span><a href="http://www.jimmyeatworld.com/discography/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">jimmy eat world</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and david bazan. we had a plan. we arrived early and camped out stage left. short girls have to take a wide stance at shows so we don't get stepped on. so we did, and we held our ground. during bazan's set, we watched the couple in front of us consume over four drinks each, get in some snogging, all while she showed him photos on her phone - of her dog, wedding dresses, things on facebook, etc. he then yelled at her to stop. then came the set change, and we were caught in a full court press of place stealers who didn't get there early to get their spot. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(1. i can't go to general admission shows because people are so overly rude, late, and tall.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(2. i can't go to general admission shows because people pay their money, and yet wave around their facebook, phones, and photos to the detriment of other concert goers. like me.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Snogging Couple became Snuggling Couple, and quite a wobbly one. every time Snuggle Pants would put his arm around Wobbly Girl, he would come an inch from bashing rachel in the nose. so i politely told him so - "hey buddy, you probably aren't aware, but each time you hug your girl, you're close to smacking my friend in the nose." i did my best to be really sweet. his response? a resounding "WE WERE HERE FIRST!" rachel is much quicker on her feet and retorts 'we were here sober!' - which did nothing for me keeping a straight face.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(3. i can't go to general admission shows because people get drunk and stupid.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">he turns around and immediately throws the elbow up and around Wobbly Girl. good thing rachel is scrappy and quick - she dodged the elbow. no small feat considering we were being squashed by rude, tall, late-comers. at this point, Wobbly Girl is woozing around a bit. in order to keep myself less squished, i had put up my dukes to keep my parts to myself. i basically am holding her up with my forearms at this point. suddenly, Snuggle Pants, whips around and starts yelling at me about having my !@#$-ing elbows in his girlfriend's back. my shock was mirrored on the faces of those who watched the rest of this go down. my favorite demand was that i tell him how many songs bazan did, with no opportunity to respond - he must have been convinced there had been no one standing behind them for the past 30 minutes? he spewed profanity and threats... spouting about them being there first, how i should stop causing a scene, (?) more profanity and threats to my person, etc. i'm watching the utter hatred on his face and, despite the "adrenaline rush" of being publicly cussed out, i felt desperately sad. i also knew that any reasonable problem solving steps would never happen with a mean drunk.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(4. i can't go to general admission shows because i feel really sad for foolish people.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the yelling stopped and he continued being angry, but at least was facing forward. Wobbly Girl was now leaning on me full force, and turning around telling me to move back. now i'm firmly wedged between her and Large Guy behind me, so there is literally nowhere to go.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(5. i can't go to general admissions shows because i don't want to get squished and have great anxiety of getting squashed like a grape)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(6. i can't go to general admission shows because i didn't pay good money to have one of my favorite band's performance ruined by a really really mean person)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">rachel and i ended up wiggling thru the crowd to some fresh air and nicer faces. my calves ache from being on tiptoes, but at least we were surrounded by people joyously singing every word, and having a great time. it really was an amazing set, and it's such a drag that the mean guy will get none of my earthly justice....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i would write a list of dos and do nots of concert attendance, but i will just suffice to say a few things. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i really don't want to see your tongue moving around in someone else's mouth. really. no, really. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14.1667px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">why are you at a show if you are just going to be on facebook the entire time? remember the good ol' days when people just used their phones as really expensive lighters? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">be aware of your surroundings. your super nice phone is quite bright/annoying/distracting as you update your status.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">dear jimmy eat world, i love your shows because you have just as much fun as the crowd, everyone sings along because you write great songs, and it's always been ridiculously great experience. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">i am tore up because i love live music, and it's reason #7 why i'm too old to go to general admission shows... because i am too old. sigh. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-84678863318026540692010-12-03T22:01:00.000-08:002010-12-03T22:12:11.310-08:00did that just happen?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">so this just happened at inglewood kroger:<br /><br />Mr. Rump Patter - "well, aren't you cute, did you wait all summer to look cute in that hat?"</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">me - "heckyesidid!!!" insert haha neighborly banter. I took note of his good-looking-ish-ness at the exact moment of... this moment: now here happened a slide and pat motion with full palm contact, and me at 7 full seconds of freeze frame. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and action! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I swirled my index finger in the air at him.... "' 'scuze, did you just pat my rump?"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Mr. Rump Patter, apparently not expecting to be questioned, averts his glance and attempts to swerve down another aisle before I could get my fist to his face. He succeeds only because I am too stunned to move. <br />me - "UNACCEPTABLE SIR!!!!!" (it was the first thing that came to mind)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />I was trying to decide whether or not I was going to explode when I feel eyes on me. Slowly I turn to see a rumpled looking woman with a big grin and her hand perched upon her hip. She leans forward. I expect a moment of camaraderie.... it was not to be....<br />Rumpled - "oooo honey, if an attractive man like that patted my ass, I would give him my number!"<br />me - "for SERIOUS??????" this came out at a much higher pitch and decibel than I anticipated. She sauntered a wide berth around me, complete with a side eye and reproachful "mm-hm girl." As she passed, I noticed her navy blue tee airbrushed in neon pink: "you wish you were with me."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />You can't make this stuff up. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Notes: go Krogering during daylight hours. have faster reflexes.</span></span></div>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-37003328663155690862010-11-30T13:17:00.000-08:002010-11-30T13:32:00.646-08:00roommate adventures from days gone by: the nashville edition.<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">also regarding roommates:</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i forgot to mention when christie and melissa and i lived together in a scary house with the mouse. the policeman saying, "girls, do you know where you live?!" with great concern was indicative of the neighborhood….</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the mouse, episode 1. melissa bought some healthy snacks to take on the road, and had put them on a shelf in the basement. not long afterwards, we found that a mouse had literally eaten its way thru the ENTIRE bag (a big ol' paper grocery bag) and into each box. we hunted for a fat mouse for a while but gave up.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the mouse, episode 2. i was at work and got a hysterical call from christie and could only decipher "mouse" and "washing machine." after resuscitating her over the phone (while completely failing to hide the fact that i was laughing) i hunted for a fat, floating mouse.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">arrived home and peeked into the washer to see this pathetic little mouse standing on tip-toes to keep his head above water. scooped him out with a measuring cup and deposited him onto a washcloth - thought i would let him dry before depositing him back into the wild with his critter brethren. the little fella just lay in my hand (on the washcloth, you germophobes) and was shivering, so i tried to dry him off. the minute he tried to sit up, i scrambled outside and put him on the ground. he promptly lay back down and i considered the state of suckerhood i was in. i sat there with him for a bit until he stumbled over and sat on the top of my pink chucks. we stared at one another for a moment and then he scampered off towards where i saw a guy freebasing something in the back alley.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">did i really try to dry off a mouse with a washcloth? </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the lizard. this is when i was a bad roommate. christie discovered a lizard in her room and alerted me to the crisis. she may or may not have sprinted into the living room and perched atop the couch. i caught it without much incident in a ziplock tub. then i may or may not have chased her around the house with it….</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the bird(s). once upon a time there was a birdie i named lloyd dobbler. he was a lovebird with emotional baggage. didn't play well with others. we tried for over a year to make it work, but he was unwilling. he went to be with another girl who was ok with his issues. i hope he's made friends. once upon another time(s) melissa came home with a "can we keep him?" gorgeous red canary. he became jim. jim la fleur for her, jim halpert for me. he sounded like an atari game come to life and would sing his brains out in the morning. funniest wake up calls ever. roxy was displeased. jim went to live with a little old lady with a whole flock of canaries. we hear he is doing well and wooing his fellow lady birds.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the intruder. i don't waste time getting inside in the dark. no matter where i live. once upon a time at scary mouse & lizard house, i entered & locked the door. the exact moment i locked it, there was a pounding at the door. not like a "hey i'm your friend" pounding, but a very insistent pounding. safety first! i peek thru the blinds to see a large unkempt, unshaven, and unsavory man on the steps. not wanting to immediately be rude, i asked if he needed help. he wanted to come inside. (right.) christie grabbed her dog and ran to the other side of the room. i'm sure she would have saved me from there. :) i informed mr. unsavory that he wouldn't be coming inside. he pounded on the door with more insistence. since i am a nice person, i dialed 911 and yelled, "START RUNNING!" he could move quite fast once he heard the siren. the cops arrived in less than a minute (excellent work, sirs) patrolled ours and the surrounding houses. no dice. the nice officer looked quite concerned… "girls, do you know where you live?" </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"well, yes but we…" </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"we didn't pick the loca…."</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"nothing has hap…."</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">collective sigh…. "welllllll…."</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">after a surprisingly detailed description of mr. unsavory (i was quite shocked at what i could recall) the officers left us with a stern warning to be careful. we lock ourselves back into the house, sat on the couch, and stared at each other. after a few minutes, christie pipes up, "how cute was he?!" that's my girl.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The New Home.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i haven't figured it out quite yet, but i think her name is serenity. for several reasons. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1. i yell "serenity now!" several times a day. in my head.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2. nathan fillion will hear about this and want to meet me. (oh captain, my captain!)</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3. i can hula-hoop in the front room.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4. violet is pleased with her ability to gallop down the hall, launch into the air outside my door, and still land in the middle of my bed.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5. it's sparse, and i like it.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">6. i always wanted a carport.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">7. it's a solid, safe house, and i like her.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">8. no feral neighbor children or window rattling decibel levels from passing vehicles.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9. amber owns a drill.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10. the great goodwill purge. simplification within serenity.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">it's advent season. i leave you with this advent prayer for hope:</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lord Jesus Christ, who is, who was, and who is to come,<br />we pray for the virtue of hope, that amidst the trials and difficulties of this world,<br />we may keep our hearts fixed upon you, who reigns over the cosmos.<br />May your grace enliven us, strengthen us, and defend us,<br />as we await your coming in glory. Amen.<br /></span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">David Bennett</span></em></span></span></p>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5476642940084754350.post-87441198542437175662010-11-14T20:12:00.000-08:002010-11-14T20:43:15.676-08:00the chroni*WHAT*cles of boscobel<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnx6Lj_vxVHfgJ9vkG7Fh-O0_LLX4gtD1OlXoZAm55aheBjAIwKoJwAoZmgPmQ1c6EPjXb-bNKT7HnqRNAISuatsh9Td3MFZsUcwrK5s2YA65vpqj1n5rOkwM6EcFIAN8-uR3zr0lwG4/s1600/reassuring+paw.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnx6Lj_vxVHfgJ9vkG7Fh-O0_LLX4gtD1OlXoZAm55aheBjAIwKoJwAoZmgPmQ1c6EPjXb-bNKT7HnqRNAISuatsh9Td3MFZsUcwrK5s2YA65vpqj1n5rOkwM6EcFIAN8-uR3zr0lwG4/s200/reassuring+paw.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539625515188153922" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></a><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">my time at the boscobel house draweth to a close.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i'm sad about it, so i will celebrate the good moments.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">dogs. melissa convinced me i needed my own dog. we prowled petfinders.com and squealed over countless dogs. roxy appeared less than thrilled. i wanted a huge dog, but was happy to compromise to keep roxy from becoming a snack. along came Violet. a pregnant unwed mother dog from the streets. we drove up to the middle of nowhere to a shelter to introduce "the girls." violet promptly bit roxy as they were discussing who was boss, and i was crestfallen. i thought melissa would lay down the law, but she said we would give it a shot. i signed the papers and suddenly had a dog. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in the backseat on the way home, violet kept her paw on my leg as if to say, "don't worry, i got this." </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">after a few staring contests in the backyard, roxy decided to tolerate her. violet's been trying to get roxy to play with her ever since. so, i thank melissa for rescuing me with a rescue dog who sheds all over her house. I won't mention the birds & squirrels she catches and brings inside to "share."</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">anti-social. is an indicator of a great friend enjoying being anti-social together? discuss.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">melissa can make a killer grilled cheese sandwich and have it in your lap before you knew you wanted it.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the neighbors. i could say a whole lot here, but i'll summarize - when you use your broken down vehicles to store what appears to be total crap, you should probably get rid of it. when you have more cars in front of your house (lawn, sidewalk, whatever) than rooms in the house, you should probably downsize. when you find your neighbors' children on your porch for no reason…. well. i just… nevermind.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the television. Law & Order, LOST, What Not To Wear…. collective swoons over Jim Halpert and John Cusack… i even enjoyed being yelled at for rolling my eyes and making snarky comments while they watched The Bachelor/Bachelorette or whatever Next Model of Something or Other Show. in fact, that was great fun. and then, to cleanse the palate, watching Hoarders to make ourselves feel better about our small-in-comparison collection of hotel soaps and shampoos.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXO8NFTcqrDRD2rr8Y2qU3c8ndvbzx2_erB0uEqRDirqqpUH2C4sCLcPty8qtb2JyOt_f_nVUd1SaYr54H9gGsYoboQBSn6GM1PKqq-ZBRgjaspdzW3fdeDXWjFWSruPa8Zpxfa4OwEk/s200/IMG_0808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539628105548569970" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the travelin'. we went to florence, italy, and walked around and ate food for 8 days. "what do you want to do today?" "I dunno, what do YOU want to do today?" it was a relaxing vacation with lots of food, gelato, walking, art, and complete with a cooki</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">ng class, a mugging and a guardian angel. one time, we also got stuck in the mountains with our friend abby when we couldn't get to our weekend wine & cheese cabin escape.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the decisions. Tuesday Night Bible/Wine/Cheese/Study group. "so, um, girls, i am going to quit my job and go to africa for a couple weeks, can you watch my dog?" turns out it's one of the best decisions i have ever made, with some amazing friends cheering me on.</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">new roommate! out with the "i don't know what to do this stuff" and in with the new roommate! amber can always be counted on for chocolate and magic smoothies. ps, i am taking her with me!</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">living together for a long time makes you forget who belongs to what appliance, gadget, DVD, or certain article of clothing you constantly share. if we would have shared shoes there could have been a rumble…. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">i'll miss my clip-on koala for real.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">so... who wants to help amber and I move into our new digs?</span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well"</span></span><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">." - julian of norwich</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p>melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09393002921819896206noreply@blogger.com0