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For different reasons, my journal is becoming friends only. If you read this and want to continue to, then lemme know and I will add you. Otherwise, you will have to get your own life and stop butting into mine, haha.Mel's Mood:  angry |
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After today, I realize how lucky I am and that I probably should be thankful for the opportunities that I am given. I am not saying I was not before, don't get me wrong. Yes, working on a holiday is one of the worst things that a person has to do, but trust me, there is much worse things people do. Being alone on a holiday is one. Not being able to afford a meal at all is also one.
As part of my job today, I had to go to the Twin City Mission and try to talk to people who were eating there. By the time I arrived, I had apparently missed the rush, but a few were eating at tables. I approached them, but some refused to talk to me, which is understandable. Some did however, and it's kinda sad.
One was eating there with his roommate and said he came because it was easier to come instead of cook. But it was also because he was single and alone for the holidays. I left there feeling worse then when I arrived.
From there I went to the Salvation Army and talked with a woman who was still suffering head trauma and could not drive because of a car accident 12 years ago. She was eating alone until a volunteer came and sat down next to her. After talking to her, I realized her family is out of state and she will be with them for Christmas. That made me feel better.
Of course, how ironic-- since I didn't get to have a real meal because of my schedule, the people at the Salvation Army gave me a plate. :sigh:
My family called me tonight, and by the time I got off the phone with them, I was balling. My dad started crying. Yes. My dad. I know that I was going to be missed, but I guess I had no idea how much. I felt so helpless. When the man who thought was stronger than anything begins to cry. It makes you open your eyes.
But...
I have so much to be thankful for,however.
* I am thankful for my awesome family and friends
* I am thankful for having a job--yes even though I hate it
* I am thankful for my health
* I am thankful for having a boyfriend who supports me and loves me more than I could have ever imagined,
* I am thankful for being able to live free and not in harm's way.
I really wish I was with my family...Mel's Mood:  sad |
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I used to hate change. I mean really hate it. But I think over the years, I have learned to deal with it better. Well, I guess I had no choice. I graduated college, got a new job, began life on my own, etc...
So now, on the verge of yet another change, I am excited.
I hope to go back to school next semester and get certified in teaching English or even Journalism. And with the program offered through Sam Houston, I can get my master's by taking only 12 additional hours. Too cool. Then I can teach!
I have discovered that I think I would be better at teaching what I do then actually doing what I do. I love writing and reporting, don't get me wrong. But unfortunately, I have grown to dislike the way I do it more and more everyday. :-(
I look at the past and see all the people I "trained" to be journalists. They are now excelling in the field they love and making me proud. I want do that for more people.
I am ready to get out of this town and pursue something new. And for once I am not afraid.
Of course, I have the greatest boyfriend who stands by me and supports me in whatever I want to do. My family also supports me and that's always something that makes it worth pursuing your dreams. Or at least something different.Mel's Mood:  blah |
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I love rainy days. Especially when they occur on my day off! (and Halloween to boot)
It's one of those days to curl up on the couch with a good book or some paper and a pen and just let your thoughts take you to a place far away, but just for a little bit.
Let the pitter patter of the rain gently wash away any troubles or thoughts from the previous week or the days to come. Let the sound of the clapping thunder remind us how storms are Mother Nature's way of telling us that she too can have bad days.
It is also a good chance to clean my apartment, which got a bit messy over the weekend.
So, how do you spend rainy days?
Oh and remember to have a happy and safe Halloween!Mel's Mood:  calm |
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WOW
I am still in shock. The Astros are going to the WORLD SERIES!!!!
What a season. What a team.
I heart my boys!!! :-)Mel's Mood:  bouncy |
| » And the magic continues... |
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Here it is almost two days later, and I still can't get the picture of the Astros' dramatic win on Sunday out of my head.
First of all, I am sooooo glad it was my day off and I was able to watch most it. Yeah, I missed the 14th-18th innings because I was on my way to Houston. I was literally like 5 minutes from my driveway when Chris Burke hit what will probably be the biggest hit of his career. Now, I don't know how many of you listen to games on the radio while driving, but this is not an easy task, especially when you are getting more frustrated by the minute.
But seriously, I know many would argue that there may be better games, but that was the BEST game I have ever seen. I almost cried at the way it ended. It really was a microscopic view of what the season was like.
My friend Erika called me as I was driving. I told her the situation, and her response?
"Only you would get this worked up about baseball"
Well duh.
Baseball is my life. OK not my life, but it is my favorite sport and the Houston Astros are "my boys."
When I was growing up I idolized Jeff Bagwell. (Still do) I would go to every game I could and even go to the off season fan festival held every year, dubbed "Astro Fest." I went to so many of them, that he actually started to recognize me.
For my 16th birthday, my friend was able to get me an autographed shirt and ball, especially for me.
That summer, I went to to Florida for spring training,. As a bunch of people were leaning over the wall hoping to get an autograph, out walks Jeffie. After practically hyperventilating, I held out my pen among the many others in hopes he would grab it. A few seconds later, he took my pen and signed my magazine. I was a happy girl. My dad told him he made my day. More like my year, haha.
Heck, my cat's name is J.C., or Jeffrey Craig. Figure it out.
This past February I was able to make it back to the fan fest and got my picture with Jeffie. What a moment. :-)
Now, on the brink of their second trip to the NLCS in as many years, I have more faith then ever. I never gave up on them this season, even when they were 15-30.(Many of you how much of a fan I am). I knew what this team was capable of. I know it will be a long, hard battle, but I will not give up on them.
This team is magic. Now let the show begin! Go Astros!!
Oct. 10th, 2005 @ 11:42 pm
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| » Oh where oh where could it be? |
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Lost: My passion for doing what I used to love. If found please return to owner.
And the sooner the better please...:-(
Sep. 28th, 2005 @ 12:22 am
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| » The trip down under |
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Well we made it back from Florida in one piece. Yay for that.
Hurricane Katrina put a little damper on our original plans, but that was a small sacrifice to pay considering what the people of New Orleans are going through.
The trip was supposed to take about 21 hours. We left Houston at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday and it was smooth sailing for about 8 hours.
We were able to fill up on gas at reasonable prices on and off. Until about 8:30 p.m.
As we were driving through Louisiana, I noticed every gas station had a line waiting for gas. My first thought was 'Man they must have gas at a decent price' But what really was happening was no one else had gas.
We discovered this a little while later and were like 'Crap, now what?' We found a gas station that looked like had a short line. Well, come to find out it was a line alright, but a line waiting for a gas delivery that was scheduled to come at midnight.
Let me tell you, I have never seen anything like this before. Apparently, it was a scene out of the 1970s gas shortage. A few hours after we arrived, a line has snaked down the road for at least two miles. People were sittng outside their cars, sleeping on the pavement, smoking, and just trying to keep themselves occupied.
And as our luck would have it, we were parked next to a swamp like thing so we were getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
We heard rumors that a delivery may not come until 4 or even 6 a.m. My dad and Randy just hoped that the gas would come on time, otherwise we might not have been able to make it.
At about 12:40 a.m. a truck resembling a gas truck pulled into the gas station. About 15 minutes later, the pumps were turned on and we were on our way.
We had no other gas problems and arrived in Florida at about 5 p.m. Friday. I was so happy we made it. I got to see family that I seriously have not seen in more than 10 years. Crazy. We hung out Friday night for a post-wedding partay and had a blast. Even after not getting much sleep, my dad, Randy, and myself stayed up and partied like most of the grooms posse and my younger cousins. Good times.
The wedding on Saturday was great. The ceremony was beautiful. The reception was fun.(Pretty much exactly what I want when I get married). I was dressed to kill, (if I do say so myself), in a killer red dress. My baby was dressed to impress in a stylish black shirt, pants and a swift tie.(ow, ow)
After the reception it was off to the Irish pub across the street for more fun. My cousin and her new husband even joined us in their full wedding attire. Yay!
I really enjoyed spending time with my family. I love my dad's side of the family. They are a bunch of fun, down-to-earth Irish people who know how to have a good time.
I hope that it's not another 10 years until I see them again.
Well, it shouldn't be :wink: :wink:
The trip back was not as bad. No gas problems and I didn't have to drive the whole trip! (that's what happens when you go with your dad and boyfriend!)
I love being me sometimes.
Sep. 8th, 2005 @ 12:15 am
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| » Not a typical Friday night |
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No, it was not a scene out of "Cops" or "Reno 911" But I think I had just as much fun. On Friday night, I got to ride-a-long with the men of The Bryan Police Department's Directed Deployment Team. The four man team basically takes special assignments and allow patrol officers to do their day-to-day-work.
Here is my article:
http://www.theeagle.com/stories/081405/local_20050814055.php
I am pretty proud of it. :-)
Friday's assignment consisted of strict enforcement. That means that the team didn't take calls, rather they patrolled the parts of Bryan where violent crime has been reported most during the last year and stop cars for something as minor as not wearing a seat belt. The idea behind it is to stop a bigger crime from happening by nabbing someone for a smaller crime.
The shift started at about 4 p.m. and was pretty slow to begin with. That is pretty normal though, the sgt. told me as we drove around looking for any reason to stop a vehicle.
About 2 hours into the shift, he gets a call from his partners who need help with a man they had stopped who had crack cocaine in his car. We arrived at the scene and I let the police do their thing as I took notes. A few minutes later, one of the officers came and showed me how they tested the drug to make sure it was crack. I felt special that they were not leaving me in the dark. They even got to seize the dude's car.
About 45 minutes later, we were off to see what else we could catch.
The night was going really slow and the Sgt. was trying really hard to find something for me to write about. (the crack guy was cool, but we really didn't catch him)
A little after 10 p.m. he found what he was looking for. Blaring a stereo, a Ford Taurus sped by us as we got behind him and pulled him over for the loud music violation. (that was one of the main violations the whole night, the crack guy was originally stopped for that too.)
Upon going up to the driver's side window and asking him for his license and insurance, the Sgt. knew that the guy was acting nervous for some reason. The Sgt also told him the reason he was pulled over and the guy replied with "oh yeah I saw something about that in the paper." HAHA Go us! But then of course the question is, well why did you blare the radio if you knew you had warrants AND drugs? Uh DUH!
The Sgt. came back to the patrol car and told me he was positive the driver had warrants. A call to dispatch confirmed them and he was placed under arrest for the not one, but five warrants. As he was being taken to the patrol car, he told the Sgt. that he has placed some weed in his wife's purse.
After searching the purse, officers found a plastic bag with about 4 ounces of marijuana.
His wife was also arrested for the marijuana as well as two warrants she had.
Police also found a crack pipe and a digital scale. While getting booked in the jail, a small amount of crack was found in the girls purse also. But here is what pisses me off: She was pregnant!!! And she was doing drugs...I mean come on...that poor kid...
I was very excited that we had finally gotten something so exciting. I had hung back in the car for a while not knowing what kind of situation it was. But after a while I got out and was observing all that was going on. I felt special and it was even better that the police were happy I was there and told me everything they were doing.
The rest of the night was pretty quiet and they even called it an early night because they had four hours of paperwork ahead of them. Just another night in the life of.
I had a really good time, and it was much better then sitting in the newsroom by the scanner waiting for something to happen.
I can't wait to do it again sometime.
Aug. 14th, 2005 @ 02:59 pm
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| » Viva Las Vegas! |
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It started with an idea of "Hey, let's go to Vegas to celebrate Kim's 21st birthday!" Several months later, it became a reality.
Early last Monday, my mom and sister took off to Sin City for three days of gambling, drinking and of course, much needed girl time.
We left Houston at 7:30 a.m. and arrived in Vegas at 8 a.m. Yeah, yay for the two hour time change. Since I was so early we couldn't even check into our hotel yet.
And that hotel kicked ass. It was New York New York ( Read more... )
Isn't that too cool???
It was just like walking on the streets of New York. And I love New York, so it was awesome. I had never seen anything like it and was totally in awe. Of course hearing the bells of a casino can get your blood pumping as well.
announcer's voice
New York-New York Hotel & Casino allows Vegas visitors to take a bite of the Big Apple and enjoy Broadway-caliber entertainment and Coney Island fun.
No detail was spared in the design of New York-New York, and a more faithful representation would be hard to imagine. The resort's facade approximates the New York skyline down to the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. The interior features faux trees and streams lining a Central Park-themed casino and a bar in the middle of Times Square, complete with neon and flashing lights. Too cool
Since we couldn't get into the room, we decided to explore. Using my mom as out our guide, we explored the MGM Grand and Paris Hotels. Man, I absolutely fell in love with the Paris hotel. Now, I have never been to France before, but if you closed your eyes, then you would think you were really there.
On day two, we explored the Venetian, The Mirage, Harrah's, and Treasure Island. Day three included touring Caesars Palace. There really is so much to do and not enough time to see it all.
While we were at the Venetian, we saw a couple getting married on a gondola. How romantic is that? (The gondolas run through the hotel.) We saw the MGM lion as well as one of the white tigers at The Mirage. The whole time we were there I saw only one Elvis impersonator. What was up with that?
However, The detail that went into the building of these hotels is amazing. (I took more than 100 pics)See them here:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/widescreen@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=/fb1e&.dnm=e4da.jpg&.src=ph
And of course at every hotel, we left a bit of money in slot machines here and there. Now, I really wish I could figure those puppies out. My theory, is you have to put tons in the machine in order to get some out. And yes, I say that because I won diddley squat. :-P I still had fun though.
Our nightlife consisted of hanging out at an Irish Pub the first night and listening to the dueling pianos at another bar the second. On the second night, we all got this drink that was like 48 ounces in a Statue of Liberty cup. It lasted me all night, and was gooood.
On the first night, we also saw the dancing water fountains at The Belagio. That consists of the water being choreographed to music. My camera didn't work too well at night, so I didn't get good pictures.
Let me just say though, the next time I go, I will be prepared for the cost of a drink. In a way, it's better to gamble and get them for free then hassle with the cost a bar or restaurant. The cost of food has also apparently gone up since my mom went three years ago. It can be crazy.
I am so glad that we went though. I concluded that I will be definitely, making a trip back in the future, this time hopefully with my boyfriend. I also have been kicking around the idea of having my bachelorette party there. How cool would that be?
All the walking did wear me out and left me with a blister the size of Texas on my foot, but heck it was so worth it.
Things to do next time: WIN money, dance on the bar at Coyote Ugly, go downtown and play blackjack, see a show, and buy myself a cool T-shirt, hehe.
Girls Rule! Las Vegas 2005
Aug. 6th, 2005 @ 10:23 pm
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| » Livin' the night life |
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Well, I made it back from Vegas in one piece. It was a great time. I will update about it as soon as I get time and catch up on all the sleep I lost, ha.
Grrr I hate working Saturday's...
Aug. 5th, 2005 @ 10:48 am
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| » Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we might as well dance |
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In four days, I will be in Vegas. I am super excited. But I think I am more excited about having four days of not dealing with stupid people or stories and the daily grind that gets old day by day.
When I was editor at The Batt, I trained all my staffers to be semi-decent journalists and now I read about how they are loving their new jobs and taking on the world. Then there is me. I hate my job on most days and have convinced myself that I have lost my passion for news. I find it so ironic. Don't get me wrong, I am doing OK for myself, but know that I could be doing better.
I sit by the scanner everyday in hopes that it stays relatively quiet. Every toneout makes my heart jump, and I am relieved to know it's mainly heart attacks and accidents with no injuries.
I remember the day when a fire or major accident would sent my adreniliane pumpng. Now, I just cringe at the thought. There are days I just want to cry. I hate not having a normal weekend and working late and having to miss out on a lot of things.
:Sigh: what's wrong with me? Maybe it's the job. Maybe the people I work with have made me lose all my love for journalism, which is sad since I have been dreaming of this since I was in 8th grade.
Besides that though, I am so very happy. I think that even on days when I feel like I am going to burst because of my job, my happiness can override that. It's such a great feeling to know that I can feel like this. I am just thankful that the feeling of loneliness and sadness was only temporary.
Jul. 28th, 2005 @ 01:19 am
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| » If you're happy and you know it clap your hands |
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I can finally say life is going well and I can honestly say I am happy. It has been so long since I could say that and I am so glad that things seem to be looking up.:-)
I look forward to everyday and can't wait to see what it brings.
"The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love and be loved in return"
And yes, I still need a new job and I miss all my friends who left me...BUT I can still smile everyday.
Jul. 8th, 2005 @ 12:34 pm
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| » "Life may never be perfect, but it can be a lot of fun if you let yourself appreciate what is right" |
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There is light at the end of every tunnel
I get this really cool compliment from my editor on my Juneteenth story that ran in Sunday's paper Saturday night. He told me it was one of my best stories and that he was so proud of me for doing so well. And the thing is, I didn't even think it was that great. Guess I don't even know good writing when I see it. Go me!!!
It was good to hear because the week started off really crappy. I even got to leave work at 9:30!
Good times were had at Northgate that night.
EDIT: For those who cannot read it, here it is: http://www.theeagle.com/stories/061905/local_20050619001.php
Throwing the hat over the wall
So me and Randy are now dating despite me being terrified out of my witts. I am so scared to get close to a guy because when I do--WHAM-- they hurt me somehow. He claims he is not out to hurt me and that he cares for me so much. I told him I wanted to take things slow because I was still mending from the entanglement my heart felt a month and a half ago. He said he was fine with that, so I guess we will see what happens. He is super sweet and seems to care about my feelings. He thinks it's cool I am a reporter, haha awww.
BUT,I also have the fear that I am going to hurt him, or as I put it, pull an "Adam." I just hope my heart knows what it is getting into.
Jun. 19th, 2005 @ 10:59 pm
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| » Although I still have 10 days... |
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Rascal Flatts - Moving On
I've dealt with my ghosts
And I've Faced all my demons
Finally content with a past I regret
I've found you find strength in your
Moments of weakness
For once I'm at peace with myself
I've been burdened with blame
Trapped in the past for too long
I'm movin' on
I've lived in this place
And I know all the faces
Each one is different
But they're always the same
They mean me no harm but it's time that I face it
They'll never allow me to change
But I never dreamed home would end up
Where I don't belong
I'm movin' on
I'm movin' on
At last I can see
Life has been patiently waiting for me
And I know there's no guarantees
But, I'm not alone
There comes a time in everyone's life
When all you can see are the years passing by (are the years
passing by)
And I have made up my mind
that those days are gone
I sold what I could
And packed what I couldn't
Stopped to fill up on my way out of town
I've loved like I should
But lived like I shouldn't
I had to lose everything to find out
Maybe forgiveness will find me
Somewhere down this road
I'm movin' on
I'm movin' on
I'm movin' on
Jun. 5th, 2005 @ 11:40 pm
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| » Straight from the brain to the heart..hopefully... |
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Dear heart and mind,
I know we have had a lot of discussions, lately, but I don't think you are listening. You see, I want you to AGREE. Say it with me slowly A-grr-eee. We have talked about all the things that make it perfectly clear to make that happen. There should be no confusion. It's pretty obvious why that needs to happen. Remember that laundry list of things we talked about and how they all made sense? You guys shouldn't need me to remind you of all the crappy things that make it so obvious that agreeing with each other is the best thing to do right now.
Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Mel
May. 26th, 2005 @ 12:13 am
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| » Leaving on a jet plane... |
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So it has been brought to my attention that I need to get out of this town.
I apparently have too many memories here. And in retrospect I guess that is true.
Everywhere I go I have a freakin memory of an ex or something that makes me sad or angry. GRRRR...
I know it is supposed to get better and it has, really. I have options and people who want to date me...and I am thinking of what I want right now. And by that I mean career wise as well. I really need to figure how to make the transition to sports writing or broadcasting. If anyone has any ideas or connections, please let me know...
And hey, and ESPN in in Connecticut and I have no exes there...sign me up...
May. 23rd, 2005 @ 02:55 am
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| » The truth really does hurt |
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"never waste your time on someone who isn't willing to waste their time on you."
"if it's too good to be true, then it usually, is."
Well DAMN me
May. 2nd, 2005 @ 10:23 pm
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| » One more year and I can rent a car |
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OK. So before I begin to write about my birthday, I am sure people think I am the biggest idiot. Let me explain.
Two days before
My birthday really began Sunday when my parents came into town to have dinner with me. They had felt bad that Adam was not going to be in town and wanted to take me out. They also wanted to meet Adam, so I think it was there way of being sneaky, hehe. We all (all being my parents, Kim and Brett and Adam and I) went to Texas Roadhouse. It was a good time, well until I had to sit on a saddle and wear this ugly purple cowboy hat. But it was good times. Adam got video. Great, yay for embarassing moments.
I took Adam to the airport on Monday still a bit bummed that he wouldn't be here for my birthday, but still supportive of what he does. He knew I was bummed and tried to make it better. I explained to him that my birthday normally sucks and no one really cares, etc. ( I wasn't really wanting sympathy. I was being truthful).
The Big Day
I wake up and do my normal getting ready for work routine. My dad and my sister call me to say Happy Birthday. I then head to work.
I arrive at work and the minute I walk in I am greeted by several "Happy Birthdays." Kelly even tried to play Happy Birthday on a recorder, but was unsuccessful. She got me a frame, which I was told was for a picture of me and Adam. Yes Boss. In the middle of doing my daily calls, I was told I had a delivery up front. Hmmm. I walk up front and there is a beautful flower arrangement sitting on the counter. I read the card: "Happy Birthday. Wish I was there. Adam." AWWW. I felt so special that he went to the trouble of doing that. I walked back to my desk with the biggest smile on my face.
While on my rounds, I get two more phone calls, one from Adam ("Did you really think I was getting you just a book" Uh yeah.) and Erika.
I come back from making sure there was no crime, and sitting on my desk were the most pretty purple tulips I have seen along with a ballon and stuffed animal. I read the card and realize that Sommer had sent them. Wow, we are not that close of friends, but that just made me feel even more special. I also think I was the envy of the newsroom ;-)
My mommy calls me and we chat for a while. Heck, If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be here, so thank you mommy I love you!!
The Eagle gang took me to Cheddars for my dinner and it was good as usual. They got me a venus flytrap as a gift. Yeah, interestng, but kind of funny.The card was also pretty funny.
After work it was off to Northgate, but not before Erika gave me my presents: A Target giftcard, journal, some baseball stuff AND an ELMO COOKIE CAKE!! Yeah baby, I was sooooo excited. (oh the baseball stuff was a joke, for a while there it looked like it was the theme of the year).
At Northgate, Sommer and her husband John, Scott, Mark (Adam's friend) and me and Erika enjoyed drinks at Duddleys. Yeah I had like 3 shots and 3 drinks in a short period of time (Hey, it's not my fault people kept buying me drinks). I was not expecting anyone to even come out on a Tuesday.
I went home in the best mood (and maybe a bit drunk).
Although, I really missed Adam, I realized that I have great friends who really do care about me. Thank you guys for making my special day, well special!!
Oh and yeah, you can say it. I know I am an idiot...
Apr. 28th, 2005 @ 06:20 pm
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| » Hugs |
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Birthday update coming soon.
Thanks to all who made it special! :-)
Apr. 27th, 2005 @ 11:58 pm
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