Chris and Miss

Thirty-Six Lessons Learned

October 18, 2009 at 12:49 am | Posted in Melissa | 2 Comments

I just celebrated my thirty-sixth birthday and, therefore, decided to write down 36 things about me…significant events in my life, things I’ve learned, and moments which caught me off guard.  These events are in no particular order of significance.

1. I was born in Butte, MT in October of 1973.  My uncle Brian sat in the waiting room when my mom went into labor, until my grandma arrived at the hospital.  My earliest playmates were my uncles Pat and Brian and my brother Jeremy.  Because of this, I grew up being able to relate better to guys than girls.

2. I played on a State Championship basketball team.  I was an excellent sub, and was quite efficient at the bench cheer, that season.  I started my senior year at off-guard.

3. The hardest job I’ve ever had is being a parent.  It is seriously the most difficult and rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

4. I speak Nick Jr.

5. My husband and I met at a house party in college.  He was climbing through a window to get  cup of beer- we broke up five times in the first year we were dating.

6. I have a really hard time with confrontations.  Because of this, I don’t like watching shows with people arguing.

7. I decided I wanted to be a writer about six years ago.  My first short story was published in 2005.  I think my dream job, however, would be as a professional colorer (of coloring books, not actual art).

8. My parent’s divorce was finalized the same year as the Challenger Explosion.  I think that fact speaks for itself.

9. I rear ended a truck in high school because I was looking at people lining up for a Whitesnake concert.

10. There is only one person in my life who I dislike so much that I would not speak to her if I ran into her on the street.  She is my Malificent, Ursula, evil Queen, and wicked stepmother combined into one.

11. One of the most traumatic events of my life was giving birth to my miscarried daughter, Kaileen.  I sometimes wonder what life would be like if she were alive, and look forward to meeting her in Heaven.

12. My most difficult pregnancy and delivery was with Allison.  My hospital nurse did not believe I was in labor until I was almost completely dilated.  At one point I stopped directing all questions to her and instead asked my husband to ”get me help.”

13. I tried out for cheerleading before my seventh grade year, and made the squad.  We moved before the school year started, so I can’t officially say I was ever a cheerleader.

14. My high school boyfriend cheated on me the night of our Junior Prom and then broke up with me four days later.  My young heart was truly broken, but the worst part was that he didn’t tell me the truth, but rather broke up with me because I was “too into Track and Field.”  Seriously Track?

15. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease after Ally was born.  It was one of the best and worst things that’s ever happened to me.

16. I detest military acronyms and wish soldiers would speak the English language.

17. My husband makes me smile when he cuddles with our children, which is quite often because he is a very affectionate guy.

18. I look forward to the day my kids are old enough to watch “The Goonies.”  I used to fantasize that I was in that movie, and each time we drive through Astoria, I wonder if the pirate caves are real.

19. I had a tumor removed from my forehead four years ago…my brother had one removed from his in the same month.

20. I never liked playing with Barbies, or anything “girly”.  My parents spent a lot of money on a dollhouse for me one Christmas, and I played with it for about an hour.  Sorry Mom and Dad.

21. I went to Mexico with my seventh grade class.  It was my first plane ride and the only time I’ve been south of the border.

22. I desperately want my kids to play basketball, but none of them are interested at this point.  Seems the more I insist, the more they resist… 

23. My husband’s dad passed away the year before we were married.  It makes me sad that he didn’t get to meet our children.

24. My grandpa and grandma were married for 59 years, and I hope every day that Chris and I have the chance to spend as many years together.

25. I’d go to the dentist every month if my insurance would pay for it.

26. On the tooth subject…I never had to wear braces.

27. The last time I ever drank milk, without chocolate added to it or as part of a latte, was when I was six.  I had the stomach flu and haven’t been able to tolerate it since.

28. I had morning sickness with all of my pregnancies.  It was terrible and I envy women who don’t experience it.

29. Once, when I was little, I was knocked down by a big dog while running down the street.  He then proceeded to stand on top of my back.  My brother claims the dog was our golden retriever, Digger, but I’m not sure.  Either way, I’m still scared of big dogs.

30. If it were closer, I would get into my van today and drive to where my family owns cabins, in Western Montana.  I try to close my eyes and smell the fresh air and see the stars in the sky, but there is nothing like actually being there.  I miss it.

31. I lived in Montana until I started college at 18.  I swore I would not move back.  Now I regret saying that, because I think I jinxed myself.

32. I didn’t have asthma or allergies until I moved to Western Washington.  Apparently I am allergic to molds.  As a consolation, I do like curling up in front of the fireplace on rainy days.

33. I have a great relationship with my stepdad.  He is amazing with my kids.  When he went through cancer treatment, he exemplified mental and spiritual toughness, and I am so grateful he is in remission.

34. I love being a mom and raising my three kids, but am done having children.  I think the fact that being a parent is hard work warranted another number.

35. When I was little, we used to go to Butte and do Mousersize with my grandma.  That was Mickey Mouse’s version of dance/aerobics.  I still remember some of the songs.

36. My brother killed my pet parakeet by sticking her on a moving record player after which she flew into a wall.  I don’t blame him, he was just a little kid, but I did sing Olivia Newton John’s, “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” the night she died.

Well you’ve learned enough about me to last another thirty-six years.  Blessings, until next time…