Lunch With The Secretaries

Today I drove to Brea to lunch with the ladies I used to work with at Buena Park High School. We were all secretaries in the large office, and I was 23 years old when I started working there in 1990. This was the first job I had in a school district, and I loved it. I loved the atmosphere and everyone I worked with. It's where I worked when I began my credential program and left to do my student teaching just before graduating from CSUF to begin teaching. These ladies were like second mothers or aunties to me and taught me so much. I am forever grateful for them.  Carolyn, in the bottom photo next to me, was the closest in age of the ladies who were in the office. She became a dear friend and influenced my love of Mary Englebreit and rubber stamping. She is so elegant and kind, and my heart was full after hanging out with the gals today.

Melissa Turns 50

Today I celebrated my 50th birthday. Years from now I'll probably read this and think I was so young "back then." Right now, it doesn't even sound like the right age. It sounds too old! Today happened to be Tammy's annual girls' day, and she really wanted me to come. She invited my girlfriends to join her girlfriends so she could do something special for me. She had organized a present, with Shelly's help, and had gathered charms from many of my family and friends to put on a bracelet. Each charm had special meaning. I was overwhelmed at the kindness from my family and friends, and at the meaning behind the charms. No one duplicated, and all were perfectly chosen. Tammy was so amazing to do that for me.  We hung out at her party for a bit and then returned home where Kelly was making me a five star dinner. Instead of going out, and because the weather was perfect, we set up our dining room table on the back patio with our patio lights for ambiance.  Jenna created menus for us with choices on them, and then took our orders. I was blown away by her creativity and how fast she put this together! We had mushroom and chicken tortellini with garlic potatoes and asparagus. There were salads and limeade spritzers and a scrumptious Bundt Cake for dessert (thanks to Beth and Kevin).  It was a perfect night out with my closest girlfriends, and I couldn't have asked for a better group to hang out with. What a wonderful husband and cute daughter I have too! It was truly a special celebration.

Wedding Anniversary #27

Kelly and I celebrated 27 years together on our actual anniversary, August 1st.  We made time for a date to our mutual favorite, Cheesecake Factory.  Because selfies are in, we took a few.  These were the best, and that's not saying much.  Hahaha!  It doesn't seem like 27 years have passed.  We've experienced three moves, a college degree, buying our first and only home, career moves, the birth of our two beautiful daughters, the death of three parents and other family members, birthday parties, holidays, vacations, the deepest heartaches and the greatest joys.  We've grown up together, and we still like each other.  Kelly still makes me laugh.  I still drive him crazy.  The fun never ends.  Happy Anniversary Babe!