New Beginning.

Um, I may or may not have started a new blog.

It is time to say goodbye to Mel's Musings.

The Year in Review 2009

The Year in Review: 2009

It’s back for another year!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?

Well, the biggest and most important thing was… I got MARRIED! I also stayed at a Bed and Breakfast, hosted my family and in-laws for Christmas Eve, became an aunt, went to Boston, took a water taxi to the airport, became a designer purse lover, joined the Lutheran church, became the proud owner of a Wii and a DVR.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?

My goals for last year were to get married, stay sane, and focus on the positive each day… I think I did pretty well. There are definitely new goals for 2010!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Brooke gave birth to beautiful Allison Marie!

And Jenny gave birth to Tori Eleanor, making Tim and I an Uncle and Aunt.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

We lost both of my grandmothers this past June.

5. What states/countries did you visit?

Illinois and Massachusetts this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Increased patience and a stronger faith

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

July 25- our wedding day!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting Married! Really, nothing else compares to that!

9. What was your biggest regret of the year?

Not making time for the things and people I should.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I had the BFF (Black Friday Flu- as Tim likes to call it), but that is about it.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Besides the many things for our wedding, my first Vera Bradley purse is a favorite as well as our Wii!!!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Tim for putting up with me and being a wonderful husband!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Someone who shall not be named here.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Wedding and bills and savings.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Our wedding day. Our honeymoon in Door County. Baseball season, new babies. The Wii. Our DVR. Spending time with TIM!

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

“Tonight’s Going to Be a Good Night” “ Love Story”

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? Happier!

ii. thinner or fatter? thinner

iii. richer or poorer? Richer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Spending time with those I love, working on the house, not worrying!

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

Worrying, working.

20. How will you be spending Christmas?

We hosted our families for Christmas Eve, and it was wonderful! Christmas Day we visited Aunt Kathy, Auntie Chris and Tim’s Parents. It was pretty near perfect overall!

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Yeah, there may or may not be this love of my life named Timothy Robert Reed.

23. How many one-night stands?

It doesn’t count as a one night stand when you are married!

24. What was your favorite TV program?

Grey’s Anatomy, Biggest Loser, Supernanny, Clean House

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No real hate here… just general annoyance

26. What was the best book you read?

I LOVED “A Thousand Splendid Suns” and “My Sister’s Keeper”

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Pandora. I had never used it before, and LOVE to have it on hand when I am home!

28. What did you want and get?

A wonderful wedding and honeymoon. A Vera Bradley purse. A Ryan Braun Jersey!

29. What was your favorite film of this year?

Harry Potter! It was soooo good!

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 31. I worked. The day before we had my amazing bridal shower! Best gift- Ryan Braun Tote Bag! (Thanks, Tim!)

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Having some people here who are not with us any more. Not much else (other than maybe a bun in the oven)

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

Practical, Old Navy with a touch of Vera.

33. What kept you sane?

Tim. My bffers.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I love Ryan Braun. I love John Cusack. I love Patrick Dempsey. Enough said.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?

The war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Got most excited about The Inaugaration!

36. Who did you miss?

Dean.

Scooter.

My grandmothers.

37. Who was the best new person you met?

Getting closer with the people I work with at BBW and AAL has been great!

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:

Love is unconditional. Things will not be perfect. People will not be perfect. But, we will love deeply and passionately and completely, just the same.

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

We've only just begun to live,

White lace and promises

A kiss for luck and we're on our way.

And yes, We've just begun.

Before the rising sun we fly,

So many roads to choose

We start our walking and learn to run.

And yes, We've just begun.

Sharing horizons that are new to us,

Watching the signs along the way,

Talking it over just the two of us,

Working together day to day

Together.

And when the evening comes we smile,

So much of life ahead

We'll find a place where there's room to grow,

And yes, We've just begun.

Mrs. Reed

It's official.

I am Mrs. Melissa Marie Reed.

Tim and I got married last weekend, and it was the happiest day of my life. (I hope Tim would say the same thing!)  It was in the 70s, the sun was shining and a few clouds... perfect weather.  The service was great- a packed church, tearful minister, and the love of my life.  

We got to take pictures on the same pier where we got engaged, and at our favorite park.  And then let loose at the most fun reception ever!  We had amazing food, great music, and lots of laughter!  Our photo booth was a HUGE hit, and the book is a fantastic memory of our big day.

Friends and family came from California- Colorado, Arizona, Green Bay, Idaho, ALL over.  It was great!

We had a lovely gift opening as a barbecue at our house.  It was nice to have everyone over and the cool gifts we got!  

I never thought that being married would be all that different, but it is.  I have never felt such immeasurable joy and happiness.  I love being Mrs. Reed.  This past week has been full of setting up our house- putting away new dishes and pots and pans, and setting up our new bedding, all while being Tim's wife.

Friday, I officially changed my name at Social Security, and have never been prouder to be...

Mrs. Melissa Marie Reed.

Where has time gone?

Where has this summer gone?

The end of the school year was incredibly hectic.

Then we said goodbye to both of my grandmothers.

Tim had a groom's shower at school which was lovely.

We welcomed Michelle into the family.

We cut down some trees, went to the Dells, celebrated our bachelor/ette parties, and are in final preparation mode for the wedding.

The wedding.

Is 10 days away.

I. AM. GETTING. MARRIED!

What?

There are a bunch of little things left to do, but mostly it is all good and I'm sure things will work out just fine.  I mean, if we end up married at the end of the day, it was a success, right?

I cannot wait to be Mrs. Reed.  I never knew it was possible to love someone as much as I love Tim.

He is able to laugh and joke around with me, and he does nice things for me, and he understands, and forgives, and accepts me for who I am.  My heart swells each time I think of him.

I am incredibly blessed.

I'm baaaack...

Okay, blogosphere, it has been a really long time.  May has been one crazy month!  Since the last post, chapter 1 of the thesis was completed, we went to A LOT Of Brewers games, wedding invitations were made and mailed out, yard work has commenced, changes at school have happened, a tree fell on me, and I got the best birthday present ever.

Don't worry, I won't bore you with a play by play of the last month.  But, I will tell you about yesterday, it was a good (and crazy) day!

Yesterday was a beautiful day weather wise.  Gorgeous sun, perfect temps... perfect.  I went to see M. play in his soccer game.  It was so great to see him out there playing well, and interacting with all the other kids and such.  He was very excited I was there!  I'm so glad I went.  After soccer, I came home and Tim and I were working on cleaning the house.  Until our neighbor showed up at our door with a "Yoohoo!"  Which led to her deciding that today was the day we were going to cut down the beastly overgrown juniper tree by the garage.  

Tim and I were outside for an hour with our neighbor, snipping and sawing away at this very large tree.  I was sawing off a major trunk that supported the top 1/3 of the tree.  Tim and the neighbor lady, and I were pulling it down, and when it fell, it pinned me under it against the fence.  It was crazy.  I couldn't get up at all from under the prickly brush.  After the world turned gray, and I thought I was going to pass out, I was freed from the brush, with some minor scratches, loss of breath, and only one twig poking me in my eye.  It was nuts!  Tim was great about making sure I was okay.  Thankfully, Neighbor Bruce came by and helped us chop down the rest of the tree.  So two hours later it was done... now we just have a big mess to clean up.  And, our lovely neighbor lady has said she has a question for us once we get all the trees cut down (there are a few more beasts on the property).  Who knows what she wants?    Honestly, I'm scared!

After recovering from the tree incident, we relaxed a smidge and then went to church.  Afterwards, we went to DeMarini's for pizza with Tim's parents and Aunt.  It was delicious, even if Nancy spilled her ice water all over me, and I got pizza sauce on my shirt!  We stopped at Leon's for custard, and while I was enjoying my strawberry yumminess, Tim gave me my birthday present.

It was the best birthday present EVER!!!!

I got a Milwaukee Brewers Pilsner glass.  AND a RYAN BRAUN TOTE BAG!  It looks like the white pinstiped uniform tops.  It is AMAZING!  And wonderful.  When I had to work last weekend, Tim went off to Miller Park to pick up some lovely Brewers items for me.  He did a great job!!!!

Today is the day of my bridal shower.  I am super excited to see everyone who is able to come.  I am also a bit nervous as well.  (I don't know why!)  But, I'm sure it will be great with Katy and Brooke in charge.  

Alright, off to get a few things done before the shower!  I promise I won't be a such a stranger! :)

Just another manic monday...

okay so not quite, I really just wanted to update the blog for Tim, since he KEEPS ASKING! :)  (love you honey!)

Time to Remember

One year ago we lost Dean.

Tomorrow will be a trip up to visit him and honor him.

I miss him so much.  Each and Every Day.

Attention!

The Brewers' Home Opener is in 4 days!

HOORAY!

That is all.

Are You Listening?

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

1:150 children are diagnosed with Autism.  This is a staggering number.

Today I am proud to be an Alpha Xi Delta.  My heart is bursting with hope as My Fraternity has announced it's partnership with Autism Speaks.  My sisters and their energy, love and dedication will be able to contribute support, funding, and hope for this cause.  

I know that we can make a difference.

Where does time go?

I cannot believe it has been a month since I last posted.  Life has just gotten in the way I guess!

Today was a great day.  We were up early, and I finally got the painting done in the attic, and most of my clothes put away up there.  This is highly exciting.  I cannot wait to get my desk to the house, and to put my touches on that room.  Then we just need to hang some blinds, and fix the door and closet doors and it will be ALL Finished!  (We have yet to have a room that is COMPLETELY complete in the house.  This drives me crazy!)

We did get our drapes and blinds hung in the living room, so it actually looks like a living room.  I love it!  We even ordered rugs that will be here in a few weeks.  They match our curtains wonderfully- at least in the catalog.. so I hope so in person, too!

Wedding plans are coming along nicely... crazy it is only 4 months away!!!  I am so freakin' excited!

I am slowly making progress on my research for my thesis.  I need to crank out some serious work before the end of the semester, but hopefully with good planning I can make some work time for that!

School is going well.  I love my job, even if it is VERY challenging.  There are definitely ups and downs, but I am so thankful to be there, and to be able to make a difference while I am there.

Things with Tim keep getting better and better.  We passed our marriage seminar, and I feel have just kept getting closer and closer.  Communicating about things and enjoying time together.  I love him so much and cannot wait to be his wife.

So, that is a mini update on my life.  It is good.  Opening day is 3 weeks away, and Spring is here.  

Hooray!

Stop this ride... I want to get off.

Okay, so not really, but gosh are things crazy crazy crazy busy!

I spent last weekend in Boston with 5 other lovely ladies from school.  It was a bit cold, but a great weekend in a different city, learning cool stuff, and eating yummy food.  I definitely learned a ton about IB, and am now puzzling about how to make a good special ed IB model since there IS NOT one!  I also fell in love with Boston and want to go back and explore MORE!  Although I felt like I was missing out on so much being gone, it was nice not working on anything while I was away, and just taking a break.  I left my laptop at home for Tim, and enjoyed a wire-less- weekend!

Speaking of Tim and laptops, he finally bought one of his own!  hurray!  However, we are officially a 3 computer 2 person house.  Crazy.  Additionally, we FINALLY got Time Warner back here to fix our Wireless Network, and now all three computers are happily, and legally, wirelessly connected!

School is interesting... the kids have had lots going on, the staff has lots going on, but overall things are going okay.  It is official however that we can NOT share a room next year.  It is WAY too over stimulating for EVERYONE!  

I am beginning work on my thesis, and this is freaking me out.  But, I am excited to accomplish such a feat, and get my master's, and get the cool hood thingy, and move all the way over on the pay scale thanks to all of my credits.

Lastly, the house progress has slowed to a crawl.  I still need to move out of the apartment completely, then there is finding room for everything, weeding out things, and making things OURS, not his and mine.  Hopefully, we can get back to progress soon!

Life is good.  Busy but good.  Just how I like it!

6 months...

There are only 6 months until the wedding.  This freaks me out.  There is a lot to do, and I have lots going on.  I'm thinking that some major listmaking/ timelining/ budgeting will be taking place soon.

Last week I started my research core to complete my thesis and thus my master's degree.  I must say I am VERY excited about this crazy endeavor.  1) It will be a great accomplishment.  2) I will have a published book in the Carroll library.  3) I will move ALL THE WAY across the pay scale thanks to all of my credits, and add on an additional license.  This is highly exciting- and very scary!

A summary of the past month...

Life is good, but very busy.  The house still needs lots of work- but hopefully once I move in I can help more.  I can make a mean batch of homemade mac and cheese.  Nintendo is the best timewaster ever!  (Tim and I have been playing a lot of old school Nintendo)  Unexpected 5 day weekends are wonderful, even if it is wicked cold.  Nights with my girls are a godsend.  I love being a sorority girl.

I now must go and pack...  hopefully I can be moved into the house soon.  I need to be there like yesterday.

Thanks to everyone reading the other blog.  I'm glad people are reading and commenting and creating their own.  It is awesome!

How Quickly Things Are Changing!

It is crazy to me how quick time is flying by and how quickly things are changing!

Just over a year ago, I had just met Tim, and was not sure what that would lead to.

Now, with only 201 days until the wedding, it is crazy that we have a house, a fun filled sassy relationship where we talk about stuff and laugh a bit too much, amazing families and wonderful friends.

I am so excited to celebrate with EVERYONE this summer at our wedding.  It is going to be a true celebration of our love for each other, our families and our friends!

***

Alas, I must also say that my time in Apt 212 is coming to an end... this freaks me out in so many ways!  I am so excited to live with Tim in OUR house and have my things in one spot and not be shlepping back and forth all the time.  I am also sad to leave 212 as it has MANY memories- we love hotel 212... the laughter, the tears, the good times!

I think though, that leaving here might help me with the whole moving forward business I haven't been doing so well with...  we'll see.

Alright, tomorrow is back to the grind, hopefully I can sleep tonight!

2009- The year everything will be FINE :)

Hooray!  The New Year is FINALLY here!  

I'm so blessed to have had a year full of craziness that was supported by my amazing friends, family, and fiance.  

Here are some goals for 2009:

1) Get married.

2) Attempt to remain sane.

3) Focus on the positive each day.

Since last year was such a freakin' roller coaster, I have decided to focus on the blessings of each and every day.  You can follow this fun journey at my new blog: The Best Thing About Today.  The idea is I will post every day about something good that happened that day.  Readers are welcome to comment, add their own 'best thing' or just read the happy thoughts :)

***

Last night, Tim and I rang in the new year at Alex and Jenny's.  It was a lovely night with friends, and plenty of good food and drinks!  The best part was having someone to kiss at midnight, and realizing that I was going to be his bride in just 7 months!

So far, this year is off to a fine start...  let's hope it continues!

Happy 2009!

As the Year Turns

Today is the last day of 2008, and I couldn't be more thankful for that.  This has been one heck of a rollercoaster of a year.  I'm really hoping that everything will be fine in 2009!

Sadly, it is Wednesday already, which means that there are only 4 days after today of Winter Break.  This makes me very sad.  I feel like we have been out of school forever!

I also came to the realization that I have not slept at my apartment in over a week.  I really just need to pack up and move to the house.  Like NOW.  Like YESTERDAY!

I wish I could find a magic roommate to take over my lease, then that would be perfect.

Alas, it is time for the activities of today to get started.  

Happy New Year, one and all!  May 2009 be fine for everyone! :)

The Year in Review: 2008

It’s back for another year!

 

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? 

This year was quite the roller coaster!  I fell in love, got engaged, buried one of my best friends, totaled my car so the air bags exploded, went to a MLB Playoff game, Packers game and Badgers game, bought a house, used a crowbar, and saw Rascal Flatts in concert!

 

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year? 

They stunk this year… but this year was crazy!  There will definitely be resolutions in 2009!

 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 

The Kupfer family welcomed Isaac David this past spring! J

 

4. Did anyone close to you die? 

My Uncle Gary passed away in February.

And, we lost Dean.  LCpl Dean D Opicka was killed in action on April 14, 2008.

 

5. What states/countries did you visit? 

Illinois, Missouri and Michigan

 

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? 

This year was such a roller coaster… I just want everything to be fine in 2009 (not great, just fine J )

 

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

April 14, 2008 was the day Dean was taken from us.

May 3, 2008 was the day Tim asked me to marry him!

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

Finding the man of my dreams J  Finding a great job, and not going crazy after everything that happened this year!

 

9. What was your biggest regret of the year? 

Not being in more contact with Dean while he was in Iraq.

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? 

I had strep, some nasty colds, crashed my car for some great seatbelt bruises, skinned my kneed pretty bad in Tosa, and sprained my wrist at BBW.

 

11. What was the best thing you bought? 

My wedding dress!

 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? 

Tim for not only proposing to me, but putting up with me! Scooter for getting through some tough stuff. And of course, Katy B for being the strongest person I know!

 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? 

My former boss.  Ugh.

 

14. Where did most of your money go? 

Bills and wedding.

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

The HOUSE!, our wedding, NKOTB!, The Brewers in the playoffs!

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

“No One” Alicia Keys; “I kissed a girl”- katy perry; “International Harvester”

 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? Happier!

ii. thinner or fatter? thinner

iii. richer or poorer? same

 

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Being in touch with friends, and spending time with Tim

 

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? 

Working, stressing out, and getting stuck.

 

20. How will you be spending Christmas? 

Christmas Eve was at my parents with Tim, Day Tim and I went to his aunt’s then to his parents’.  It was wonderful!

 

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Yeah, there may or may not be this love of my life named Timothy Robert Reed.

 

23. How many one-night stands? 

None! (well, except for a certain left fielder after that one baseball game, and that one group of hot men from boston after their concert… J )

 

24. What was your favorite TV program? 

Grey’s Anatomy, Whose Wedding is it Anyway?, Clean House, Suze Orman

 

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? 

There is one person whom I pretty much cannot stand.

 

26. What was the best book you read? 

Sadly, I didn’t do much reading this year… L

 

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? 

NKOTB all over again!

 

28. What did you want and get? 

NKOTB tickets, and a future plan I cannot even believe is happening to me!

 

29. What was your favorite film of this year? 

The Bucket List was incredibly good.

 

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 30. J  It was celebrated with good friends downtown Milwaukee with a hotel stay thrown in.  The best present was not only those in attendance, BUT my RYAN BRAUN autograph! (Thanks Uncle Keith!)

 

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 

Not losing Dean.

 

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? 

Practical… my job requires it!

 

33. What kept you sane? 

My girls.

Tim.

 

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? 

I love John Cusack. I love Patrick Dempsey. Enough said.

 

35. What political issue stirred you the most? 

The presidential election was SO exciting! Getting to vote was the best feeling ever.

 

36. Who did you miss? 

Dean.

Scooter.

 

37. Who was the best new person you met? 

Probably the staff at my new school, they are fantastic.  And getting a lot closer to Darren and Doug has been great too.

 

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: 

Say what you need to say, when you need to say it.  You never know if you will have the chance to say it again.

 

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Have no fear for giving in

Have no fear for giving over

You better know that in the end

It’s better to say too much

Than never to say what you need to say again

 

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open

 

Say what you need to say