Throwback Friday

I know you all were disappointed last week when I failed to post the weekly installment of Throwback Friday. I do apologize...so here it is yaw'll; bright and early so you aren't spending your Friday waiting, wondering, what this fool is gonna post this week.

Drum roll please.....

Connecticut Trip 2003

Oh Lawd...this was the most random trip I've ever taken in my life.
It all started when I wanted to see my favorite basketball player, Sue Bird,
play at the Mohegan Sun in CT. So I rounded up a few pals (all from different states) and here we went.

Friday: First stop was in Greenville to pick up Spanks.
Then to NoVa to pick up Gould.
On to Maryland to pick up Kelli Quelet and
lastly, to Philly to pick up Colleen where we stayed over night in the bat cave (I have a video somewhere, but can't remember its location at the moment).

Saturday: We got up bright and early and headed north. We briefly stopped in Jersey to visit Kelli's now husband, Keven. And on to Uncansville, CT.

We made it! We walk in the casino and who is taking stage to perform? None other than Nelson (you know the long blonde, handsome twins of the early 90s). U know you had their poster from Teen Beat!

And if it couldn't get any more random, a guy I was sorta dating, very much on the DL, because I was also dating this other guy showed up. He was working in CT so he decided to join us. After the game we then all piled into the car and trekked another hour or so west to Hartford.

We all went out, after many Jager Bombs in the hotel room, where Gould constantly was hit on by this lesbian ALL NIGHT. I tried to convince the lady that Gould was with me; she didn't buy it. Hoolarious! The night ended with me cuddled up with....no not the guy (damn, what kind of girl do you think I am) but with Colleen and Gould.

Sunday: Tired and exhausted we headed back South, dropping off everyone at their respected locations and staying at Spanky's 'rents home in Newport, VA.

Monday we all returned to our normal lives with lots of memories and an appreciation for "Bad Boys."

And man, would I like to find that video. I'll start looking...

OFFICIAL Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - "What A Wonderful World" Video

This just put me in the best mood ever!!

Throwback Friday

While my life is pretty eventless and boring these days with finishing up my last semester and the joys that go along with school, I thought I would start a new series.

I'm introducing Throwback Fridays, a series in which I find a picture from the past and share with all of you.

And for my first installment of Throwback Fridays, I would like to dedicate it to my dear ole college friend, Spanky.


After Hurricane Floyd flooded out our entire college town of Greenville, NC, our chapter advisor decided to donate some clothes to us (see above picture). This was 1999, not 1969 folks. Her heart was in the right place, but please, like a bunch of sorority girls would actually wear this shit.

So one day on the front porch of the AOPi house, Spanky and I decided to don the clothes and put on a dance party. As this was such a hit, we did an encore production at the annual Pledge Retreat. Our dance, to the Backstreet Boys, became a staple in the Pi house and is still performed today. Today's dance is known as the "Snuggie Dance Off."

I'm Melissa....and I'm an Addict

I can't stop thinking about food.

Honestly, I think I'm addicted to food.

I need help!


That's all. People say Step 1 is admitting you have a problem.

There, I admit it!

Dare I Make a Resolution

I'm gonna do it; I'm gonna make a New Year's Resolution this year. I never do but I think I owe it to my myself and my health to make one and stick to it. So this year I'm gonna eat healthier and loose weight. My weigh-in tonight was 131. My goal: 110. And I have a partner in crime too. Dustin is doing this with me. I'd put in his stats but he might kill me.

Wish us luck folks...I think we're gonna need it.

You're Outta Here

Goodbye 2010. You've been a thorn in my side, you've tested my patience, strength and faith. You've pushed me to the edge but you've also pulled me back. You've made me question myself as a person, a wife, a friend and a daughter. You've hurt the ones I care so deeply for and you've taken people from us. But at the end I'm still standing. You might have gotten the best of me at times, but you didn't get me. I'm here and bidding you farewell.

Now a time for reflection:

Friendships were lost but new ones were gained. In that I have realized more of who I am as a person and what friendship is really about.

My Pirates had a rough year but overall I think we were pretty successful.

My mother finally moved out :)

Marriages, births, pregnancies and adoptions for those who truly deserve it.

Long summer days on the lake with friends.

A marriage that I think can withstand through anything.

A stronger feeling of self worth.

New friends.


Here's what I look forward to in 2011:

GRADUATION

Tailgating in Pirate Nation

Another week at the lake

And most importantly time to work on me. I've been so focused on others (good & bad) that I've forgotten about myself.

Cheers to all of you having a fantastic New Years. I hope 2011 is kind and generous to all of you. May 2011 bring you everything you deserve.

Bahh Humbug

Why yes, it has been a while since we've "talked." My apologies. While most is telling how exciting and great Christmas was out there in bloggy land, mine wasn't at all that exciting. It was mostly filled with stress and frustration. I guess maybe I should start with some background info (insert "rewind" noise here).

In April my mother moved in with us. It was supposed to be temporary. We were gonna move her into my grandmother's house so we began to remodel. All of our extra money and time went into that house. We didn't care since we were inheriting the house anyway.

As I watched my mother's condition (she has Parkinson's) worsen I really began to question whether she could even be on her own. Mom didn't want to go to assisted living and I felt guilty even suggesting it. Of course this caused Dustin and I to argue (he's a much more hard ass than I am). Well anyway a month ago, fate stepped in and we are being forced to sell the property anyway because Medicaid is doing an estate recovery for the money that Grandma benefited from. So that's where all the stress started. After many tears and sleepless nights, I made peace with that and encouraged Mom to help me start looking for somewhere safe for her to live. Oh My, did that start World War III in Casa des Costello. I swear Mom's head completely turned a 360 and I covered my face expecting pea soup to projectile from her mouth.

At this point she was falling several times a week, each time leaving behind a path of destruction. Blood, cherry Dr. Pepper, down shower curtains...you get the picture. So I had conversation with her doctor and immediately there was a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and even a social worker coming to help her.

The decision was made that she WOULD NOT be able to be alone and couldn't even live with me for she needed 24/7 help. Although that was a relief off of me, I still felt awful for Mom. She's only 56. I couldn't imagine giving up my independence at that age. After many arguments and threats that Adult Protective Services would get involved if she didn't go, Mom finally gave in.

We found a great place 5 minutes from the house who could take her December 30th. Prayers had been answered and smooth sailing from here on out right? Nope; not with my luck.

Mom had an exacerbation of her Parkinson's and ended up in the hospital. This was Tuesday. On Wednesday I was told that the hospital couldn't keep her because Medicare wouldn't pay because she didn't qualify for admission. So the battle with case management started. Mom couldn't even stand, much less walk and I was supposed to bring her home with me. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. I screamed, pleaded, made threats from Wednesday morning to 9:00 Wednesday night. I started back on the phone 7:00 Thursday morning and begged the long term care facility to take her early. After much pleading and reminding them she was "private pay" and I would take her somewhere else they finally caved. We got Mom moved in. But now I feel bad and guilty. She seems more depressed than usual. I was able to bring her home for Christmas for the day. But still we're trying to get her moved in. And I guess D has been so fed up so long he just needs a break which means trying to get him to help is like pulling teeth (sorry babe). I do understand though. He has been a huge help and advocate during the past month. We both need a break.

I guess its just a bad time of the year. Christmas doesn't feel as good since Dad passed 4 years ago and then losing Grandma this year certainly didn't help. Thank goodness for an awesome friend who included us with their family on Christmas Eve. It helped tremendously!

Sorry this is so long but this is the first time I've actually had to time to sit down and process it all. It has been a whirlwind.

But let's leave this on a good note in hopes of a great new year. We got snow and another day off of work. 8 inches we had. It is so beautiful and makes D happy; reminds him of home. Also we had wonderful news that one of my friends is pregnant and another just adopted a baby boy. This news defiantly made me warm and fuzzy which is a big difference from the scrooge I had been.

Next blog will be happier, I promise. Here's hoping 2011 will be much kinder.