Melissa: the name of a princess who was changed into a bee after she learned how to collect honey.

I think about my blog from time to time, but haven't written a post yet in April. April is one of those funny months. An in between month I guess you could say. I'd like to refer my April 2011 as a wrap up month. Wrapping things up with school and work. Starting in June things will change again and like the chameleon I am, I will soon change and transition. My father keeps telling me I need to work at the US Embassy somewhere since I have that advantage of transitioning well. He's right. Hoping that working with the government now will prepare me for the future to hopefully continue working for the government, hopefully federal once I graduate. My back home friend Katie is also interested and is working toward her masters degreee in social work to eventually do the same. Its nice to share the passion and interest with another great gal.

Easter Sunday is coming and I just get tickled to death with the colors and smells of spring. I can breathe this time which is different from my last Easter's. My mind is so clear its ridiculous. We are doing a Puerto Rican traditional lunch outside. Eddie (my adopted brother) will come over since he doesn't seem to want to drive to Cleveland. Vanessa, my sis will come over probably with hopefully some of her fresh sofrito that she makes from her garden. She has taught me how to make raised garden beds. How could I have been so disconnected from nature? Nature deficit disorder is what I think I developed during the time I spent in Chicago. Its so amazing to breathe fresh air and hear birds chirping all day long. I grew up riding horses as a young girl, so I've recently picked up horseback riding again. No lessons, just getting on her and doing what I know best. From time to time, I need some tips. Horseback riding is like driving a car almost. Once you get behind the wheel after some time, it all comes back to you. There is this amazing area in Northern Kentucky off Richmond road near Triple Crown. My friend took me out there and omg I havent seen such a gorgeous area in a long time. The trees and branches were overflowing onto the road, and behind the trees was all green. Don't get me wrong, ohio is nice, but ohio does and will never have the green rolling hills like Kentucky has. It was so GREEN. Did I mention how green it was? The cherry trees and crabtrees were blooming in the background and old plaintation homes and horse ranches came out from behind the hills as we drove. I literally jumped back at the gorgeous scenery. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven, no exaggeration. Once we arrived to the ranch, I JUMPED out and immediately smelled the horses and hay. I got on that horse so fast and trotted for hours. We took the horses to a nearby natural creek to drink. One of the best experiences I've had in such a long time. Vegas doesn't have anything on this. All the trips and fancy hotels I stayed in never amounted to this or ever will.

I'm thankful that April has brought me back to nature and the simple pleasures of laying in the long grass, having a picnic and sharing fun stories with great friends and family. I'm truly blessed. May is coming-Disney is next. Let's hope I can see Dave and Bridget (study abroad friends) and Jackie, my cousin, when I'm there. 

End of March

Its the last days of March. OMG. One more month of school and then the summer! Can't wait. Gotta a lot planned, and it feels right. The perfect balance. Friends, Family, Sports, Traveling what else could I ask for. Summer 2011 is almost here. I made it through my first semester of grad school. Definitely a transition, and it hasn't been bad at all. I think scheduling my classes will be adjusted next semester a little bit. No more 8:30 am classes-hell no!

Oh, yea and well something is in the works for Fall 2011. A Psychology course in Spain and teaching abroad. Crossing my fingers it all gets set up. As for today, working on a case analysis due at 6pm, a date out with a new dude (who loves sushi) and a good nights sleep in my comfy bed. April and May will be lots more socializing. Going to Orlando to see two of my best study abroad buddies. Columbus, Chicago and Orlando are all April and May. Looking forward to that. My mom might get a puppy. Ever since she saw Beverley Hills Chihuahua she wants a puppy. Crossing my fingers cuz I could sure use a snuggler to keep my toes warm. See ya'll in April. xox

Having the day off

So Friday came and went. Saturday morning I awake to a text message from my little brother (my best guy friend; brother from another mother kinda thing). He wanted to meet up for breakfast. After a great night out with my friends last night, I wasn't up for breakfast at 9am. Its brunch time which I heart, however our schedules won't allow us to meet up at 11am which would have been perfect. I'm hurrying up drinking my OJ, putting on my creams and taking my vitamins. I feel great. I feel great because my room is so clean, my bedsheets smell like roses and my head doesn't hurt. I'm working today, however having the day completely off yesterday and having the house to myself is all I guess I needed. I didnt realize how I'm constantly around people. I didn't realize how much little alone time I have. It was a great day. Matter of fact, its going to be a great weekend. 

Big Fat Back Home Weddings

Its almost wedding season and I'm feeling somethings in the air. The birds are out in the morning chirping and spring is coming. March Madness, my birthday, baseball games (Go Reds!), and of course weddings all await in my 2011. My first wedding this year is March 19th here in Northern Kentucky at the Dree's Pavilion. The special piece of this is that two people are choosing to spend the rest of their lives together, no matter what happens. No matter the difficulties or circumstances, they will overcome it-together. Its just the beginning where they are choosing to make that commitment. Its not necessarily just love-its dedication. Its something magical and especially courageous, especially when we are living in times where we have so many
options: When, How, Who, What?!

This year I want to take this time to celebrate with my friends and their commitments to make this decision. When its my turn, I will do the same-We will all celebrate (I'm thinking beach wedding in PR? lol) Its always that much more special when its the right person-exciting actually. I tend to like stories of whats yet to come. ; ) I believe in happy endings, I really do. I'm a Disney kid! (Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin)

Congratulations Sarah, Jackie and Laura. Find me on the dance floor. Opa!

Morning Attention Span

This morning on my commute to campus I was thinking to myself-damnit, why did I schedule an 8:30am class? Not only do I have to be there at 8:30am, but I have to wake up, get ready and fight the morning commuters to cross the river to Cincy. Now mind you this isnt Chicago so there's really no comparison, however I was pissy this morning and of course, like always-sleepy.

I get to class-bright and bushy tailed. Had my cup of cafe and was alert until crash, 1pm. This happens more often than not. Its not the coffee-trust me, being puerto rican I was breastfed coffee. So I just realized that my brain shuts off entirely after 1pm when I cannot absorb any more information. It just stops. Nothing will go in or come out. Now if I was doing hands on stuff-totally different story. I decided to pick up a fashion magazine thinking for sure I would be able to absorb that info-but no. It didnt work. I can guarantee if our society allowed me to go home and nap for an hour or two, I would be okay. Its not in the cards for us, as we have to get to work after class or whatever...damnit-its so unfair. I could totally run home take a quickie nap and be at work by 2:30, but of course I wont. Its just not enough time! LOL.

Oh well. No idea why on earth I want to share this on my blog. Its a good thing this 8:30am class. Go to class, review until 1pm and then go to work. My day on a rainy Thursday in Mel's world.

Happy Birthday Mommy

Happy Birthday Mom. For those of you that don't know the facts-here they are:

Name: Nancy Hernandez Dones, RN (Apparently gma didnt give her kids middle names)

DOB: 02/22/1952

Daughter of Arcadio and Adelaida Hernandez Soto-Mayor

Place of Birth: Bronx, New York (raised in NYC)

University: University of Puerto Rico, Summa Cum Laude in Biology & Nursing

Nationality: Puerto Rican

Fave things: Juniors Cheescake, New York Yankees, arroz con gandules, traveling abroad,

Fave tv shows: CSI, Bones, and Housewives of any City...

Happily married to one of the coolest dudes I know, daddy. :*)

The Package

This posting means a lot to me. Its my mothers birthday tomorrow and she is one of the most important people in my life. As most people know, I’m very much a daddy’s girl. My dad has always been the apple of my eye. When I was younger everything was daddy daddy daddy. I would even growl at my mom if she would look at him the wrong way-so, now you know. Freud would have a great time trying to figure this one out.

There were times that I would ask myself, “whats the purpose of a mother?” I always found comfort in going to my father when I needed something, so whats a mother suppose to do. Putting all of this into perspective and really taking the time to analyze it-theses question were answered.

Everything I know is from her. Every part of my existence and biology is her. Everything that I know about life and sacrifices is her. All that I am is her.  

Moving back home after a long stint in Chicago was an obstacle, at first. To begin with, my mom and I disagreed on the whole idea of me running off to the big city. Growing up I guess you can say we disagreed on everything. But, why? I can’t even answer that, because she was right on every tiny detail. I haven’t told her yet, but one day I will.

My mother and the women that brought me up are some of the most unique creatures out there. I have yet to meet anyone else like them. Words really can’t describe who they are. Let’s just say they come from good stock. They brought me up, showing me how to love, nurture and how to have courage and when to<<which isn’t an easy task to teach. The courage part was needed recently and what would I have done without it. I would have stayed broken and confused, that’s for sure. I needed to be strong and that was the time.

The courage was my mothers spirit. I saw her face and her eyes. With no words, it was there. I knew what to do. I’ve always known what to do. Because of them, it became that much easier. So with as much grace as I could possibly manage, I got through it. She always promised me I would.

I could go on and on about this for days. I could write forever about specific examples of when these women showed me time and time again how to be and what to do. There’s no need to go on about it, because I’m the proof that it works. Their philosophy worked because I’m the product of their wisdom, teachings and love. I only hope that if God blesses me with a girl; I will devote everything in my being to show her this package of love that the women in my life have blessed me with-The whole package.
I love you with everything I am. Thank you and Happy Birthday. xox

Dating...?

Lucky me, I'm free as a bird!? Hm' not entirely. Recently felt like I'm dating my textbooks. They take up so much of my time and energy and well, lets just say they don't snuggle me at night or buy be breakfast. Oh well; I knew what I was getting myself into going back to school. Hooray!
There are many benefits getting this graduate degree, for example the career I've so wanted for so many years. To be doing what I love to do, and then to possibly do some international contract work-crossing my fingers. Until then, the sweat and tears will need to be sucked up, cuz I'm going for it.
I've reconnected with some of my best friends back home and thank God for them. Also, my immediate family has been a huge support as their passion and brains are in the healthcare profession. They've been my rock these past months and I'm so thankful. I think my mom is more excited than I seem to be at times. I'm reminded of when she was my age as she met my dad when she was 27 and had her first kid when she was 30. You know I have to hear the good ol' line..."Man what I would do to be your age again. When I went to med school, oh, the fun we used to have!" She's right, what the heck!?-I'm 27, not married, full of life and have a great support system. Heck yes, I'm happy. If this is what contentment is, I'll take it.

So, dating....yep its happening. Several times actually. Time-consuming, but nice I must say. Their "ringing bells with me" as Khloe Kardashian would put it. Simple boys with a plan. Unlike me, I let them share their "simple" plans with me as my eyes and mind wander around the room wondering where the dessert tray is. The reality is it can be uncomfortable when it gets to the question, "So Melissa, what do you think about marriage?" Hugh?! Shit...oh no....we'll leave that for another posting. In the meantime, let's just say I'm having fun, nothing more, nothing less. The good ones seem to understand my school/work schedule which I like. There's been one particular fellow that I really seem to like. He's different, he gets me and I get him. He likes my attitude and I like his. Not gonna lie, sometimes I envision things like doing missionary work together in a far off jungle or sailing around in the mediterranean. I can't help being a hopeless romantic...its part of my latin DNA. I'm a dreamer always have been and always will be. Thats what I find so great about not being in a relationship-I can be a dreamer. Anyhow, like I said, in the meantime, I'll continue to do the dating until the time will cease when I get hot and heavy in my textbooks next semester.....hooray!? ; P

The Plan

This is pretty much the last conventional thing that was said (texted actually-classy) to me by Mr. 40. Eat Pray and Shut the F*** Up….it was pretty awful to say the least. Moving forward, there'll be no more writing about Mr. 40 on my blog.

What's a girl to do when all she did was put her eggs in one basket? I’m not implying that putting your eggs in one basket is necessarily wrong, however lets just say it was the wrong basket. I would like to say I placed my eggs, positioned, and repositioned them several different times, and whatta you know, the eggs just stayed the same. That’s when the inevitable happened! My eggs! Oh. There you guys are, but hey where’s the basket? Oh, I get it. Eggs in hand, I set off for grad school, moved in with the padres, called all my friends and family, and thankfully everyone picked up the phone to hear the good news. With support on my back and love in my heart, I’m setting off on a simple plan to reclaim my 20’s and get back to my uncomplicated existence. : ) Seems like a perfect plan right. Perfect is such a wrong word-why in the world does it even exist in the dictionary? Perfection is never the right word. With that said, my plan is to write this blog for comfort. My comfort in writing, as I often did when I had the time and energy. It allows me to express and showcase some of the many great and not so great things that happen in…clearing my throat, The Plan.
We all have a plan I guess. Sharing it is what we do these days... on FB, Blogger, twitter. We display our education, work, relationship status and like some, our whole lives. However, what does it mean when you see a quick glimpse of someone’s FB wall? How are they really feeling or what are they really thinking about The Plan. Some of the free-spiriter's out there think they don’t have a plan, but they really do. Moreover, we rigid folks have a very detailed plan that is laid out, and yep when life takes a detour, we fall to shit. So what about us people in the middle? What about us? I think I’m that “us” that kinda plans as we go. You hear about Plan A and Plan B. I’m not referring to that, just referring to those of us, that never had a plan A. We just go along hoping for the best…right. I don’t know. All I do know is if you understand where I’m going with this, then your probably  that “us”  I’m referring to.

I recently saw the movie Eat Pray Love. Liked, ok I’ll admit I loved it. Elizabeth Gilbert even calls her success a freak show…true dat. However, the irony is not that she divorced her annoying husband to seek an adventure abroad. Her dream wasn’t necessarily to catch a plane to nowhere. I think she was just sick of the bullshit. The bullshit about our existence and our purpose.
I’m in the middle of my first semester of grad school. So far so good. The Catholic boys seem to spark my attention…so when I’m not off dreaming about one swooping me off my feet or better yet, taking me into the locker room; I like to think that I’m off thinking about whats the next thing I can do for a family member or a friend. I recently found two great opportunities-plan my friend Laura and Jackie's bachelorette parties.
I was also asked to attend the Make a Wish at Disney for my friends youngest child. I'm honored.
So my plan for this spring and summer is to be there for my friends and family and make sure they have the best time of their lives. So far so good. Oh, and make A’s in my classes this semester.  May seem expected, but its my plan-for now.