Not a Melanie...

I grew up being called Melanie occasionally.
I didn't mind usually.
The effort it took to correct people seemed insignificant, under the circumstances. It wasn't as if they were saying something really off the wall like Minnie or something.
It bothers my friends though, Jen's corrected people rather heatedly that its "MEL-ODY."
Mostly I think I didn't mind because of Melanie from 'Gone with the Wind'.
I remember watching it for the first time with my mom, and thinking, "I want to be like Melanie."
And I really did.

She was so likeable, gentle-almost timid, very kind, and loyal.
But I'm not like Melanie.
I've realized that lately with everything I've had to deal with.
I'm a Scarlett.

People might balk at the comparison, because in the movie she's protrayed as a little selfish, somewhat immature; But really she's just misunderstood. She's strong-willed, hard-headed, and has this amazing tenacity and resolve.
I'm reminded of this line when she's had to deal with so many trials and heartache, she's about to her breaking point.
She says, "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."

One step at a time. I know I can do this, but there isn't a reason to dwell on it now.
I like that.
Her ending might not be as sweet as Melanie's character gets, but you know that even after the credits roll she will continue on.
Maybe it isn't so bad to be a Scarlett.
 \m/

My Dad's cooler than your Dad....

Got a text from my sister today about how dad is threatening to never leave the house ever again.

He's already a hermit; my mother and father retired and live in a remote area of Colorado only populated by a few hundred people in the off season.

You see they went on a trip to a Casino a few hours away with some friends. It seems that their friends were hit by someone in the parking lot, the perp tried to flee and my father forcibly detained him until the police could arrive. (The ex cop must have come out at that moment).

But little did he know its a Federal offense to hold someone against their will on tribal lands, even though he was leaving the scene of an accident.

My dad had to apologize to the guy!

I can just picture it.
My dad saying, "Sorry," then when the cops turn their back he does the *slit your throat motion* with his thumb across his neck.

My dad is a genuine badass...

Maybe he shouldn't leave the house.....keep the bear away from the general population.

\m/

A real woman should own three things...

A gun,

a cordless drill,

and a black lace bra.


Thats all.
'Nough said.
Boom bada bing.
You got those, you're set.
You can solve every major crisis/conundrum with one of the above.
Just think on it a minute....

A major earthquake decimates your residence, bam, get the cordless drill out, start working.

You are being chased through the woods by a pack of ROUS's, bam, start shooting.

Gavin Rossdale just broke up with Gwen and his band is coming to town, bam, bring out the black lace bra....


\m/

My date for Valentines

We had a little dinner.
Then watched a movie.
And at the end of the night we held hands...
;-)

Oh Hey Mel, nice to meet you again...

Its weird living on my own again.
So quiet.
Especially without my dog Ripley and her jingling little tag.

But its nice having things that are my own.
Its nice doing the things I want to do, and getting to know myself again.
You suddenly realize how much you've put aside your needs for someone else.
Like standing in the middle of the grocery store, and comprehending that you can get whatever YOU want!
I learned I still love Capri-suns.
You are never too old for Capri-sun and all the probably non-healthy benefits.
I bought frou-frou meals to make just for me. What I want to eat.

I get to read a book without getting grief for not entertaining someone.

Uninterrupted bubble baths.

I like having the freedom to have my own phone, with a bill I pay, no one questions every single call I make on it.

Getting close to my family again. Bought tickets to see my sister on the border of California and Arizona in March.

Its like I'm reintroducing myself to ME.
"Oh hey, Mel, nice to meet you again. You've been gone for a long time."

...But I sure do miss that tag jingling.

\m/

Mantra

Day 1 on my own down....
New mantra, check... (although I guess its more of a motto, I get those two confused)

Now my muscles are so used to lifting all my heavy shit, they don't want me to rest. Hurts now that I'm laying down.

Time to walk away...