Monday, December 14, 2009

School Is Finally Out... Well Almost

Tonight is my final for my oceanography class. I thought this class was going to go on and on forever. I didn't love it as much as I expected to. I think I thought that it was going to be more of a marine science and less of a "this is a wave, and this is phytoplanktin" kind of class. I had full intentions last week for actually studying for this 90 question final. I even broke out the flash cards, the powerpoints and the study guides to do my best to maintain my grade or hopefully bring it up. On Friday night before the krew came over I started studying and only got through 2 chapters (out of 5) and then shuffled it away as the guests arrived. One thing led to another this weekend and the study guide and flash cards never made it back out. These chapters do not contain material that you can just "fake" your way through and do alright. So tonight before class I am going to scramble and review as much as possible before the final at 6:00 pm. I am SO glad this class is over. The regular semester classes really are hard for me because about 1/2 way through I become unmotivated to go to class anymore. Since I work full time and am doing night school I get really tired and just plain over it!

Next semester I am taking Political Science A180 with Heather. I am also going to try to apply to take at least 1 paralegal class. I think that is what I want to do "when I grow up" but who really knows at this point. I also want to be able to transfer to a 4 year university and complete my BA degree.

I have made a counseling appointment with one of the academic counselors to review my options for getting my AA and possibly transfering. I am going to make an education plan and this will be on file with the school and will help guide me better. I feel like I have a good handle on the situation but I would love for someone to confirm that my calculations are right and that I am not taking classes for nothing.

Next semester I think I am going to really try to stay focussed and take 3 classes: political science, math, and 1 paralegal class. Think I can do it?

Friday, December 11, 2009

Fresh Start

This is my fresh start to my new blog. Now that I am a married woman and all I thought it would be a good idea to start anew as Mrs. Keeney. The wedding went without a hitch. Any issues that arose my wonderful maid of honor, Heather, took care of. The day was beautiful and I enjoyed every moment even though the day flew by! I can't wait to blog about my new adventures and recap on some of my best wedding moment memories!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Best Mother's Day Present!!

So Heather, Cathleen, Dad and I have been plotting for some time. Heather couldn't decided what to do for Mom for Mother's day. She asked if she would like flowers, even though they are quite expensive. I told her that it would be a nice gesturebut probably not worth the cost. Somewhere along in the conversation we came up with the idea to have her fly down and suprise mom.

So the plotting began...Heather was to fly down the Friday before. We pulled Dad into the plot and decided to have a "Mother's Day BBQ" at our house with the family to pull everyone together. On Friday when I picked her up we would surprise Nichole at work and have Heather stay the night there to hide her. Nichole was to get off of work at 4:00 pm so the four of us (Heather, Cathleen, Nichole and I) would have a girls night and go to Davids Bridal, maybe see a movie, and just spend time together. This was the plan...

Well a few days before Heather was supposed to come down Nichole drops the bomb that she switched with another employee and has to work from 3:00 to 9:00 at Seal Beach. Bummer!! I made sure she knew we were going to hang out on Friday to ensure she wouldn't make plans with someone else. The BBQ was all set. Family knew and were all excited. It turned into a combo BBQ for William's 13th birthday as well.

Friday comes and I get off of work at 1:00 pm. I go to the Dr's first to have the so unpleasant yearly exam and quickly head home to pick up Cathleen. After that we head to the airport. We picked up Heather from Long Beach and headed to Seal Beach for the first surprise. We stopped at Starbucks to kill time and to also prep for our surprise to the unsuspecting Nichole at work. We devised the plan that Cathleen would be on the phone with Heather who would be standing outside of the store listening in on our conversation. When we walked in Nichole saw the Starbucks with a envious eye and I explained that I forgot to call until after I went through the drive through. At that point that was Heather's cue to bum rush the store and yell surprise!

It was perfect!!! Heather with Starbucks in hand for Nichole came rushing around the corner. Nichole jumped back, gasped with open mouth and exclaimed "Oh my gosh! What are you doing here?" We explained the rest of the surprise plot about the next day and how we were to hide Heather at her house that night.

Saturday morning was like any other and my mom was busy cleaning the house for the BBQ at 12:00. Nichole and I were in communication so she knew when everyone was there for the big surprise. It was perfect! I sent the all clear text and they were on their way. Dad had the camera ready. Nichole walked in first and told Mom that she had something for her. Mom came out of the kitchen into the dining room and once again Heather came rushing through the door with sunflowers screaming "Surprise! Happy Mother's Day!" The look of shock and awe was priceless and then came the tears of gratitude and love. She was so surprised and so happy to have the family together on Mother's Day (well, one day prior). She got all emotional (score!) and was very happy that we had done this for her. Even Aunt Lisa was emotional and excited! She told Uncle John that once her girls go to college John better arrange the same surprise! :)

Needless to say, it was the best Mother's Day celebration yet! It was a complete success!

(Pictures to be posted later - after I steal them from Dad)

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Happy Cindo De Hangover

In the wise words of Heather, Happy Cindo De Hangover! Last night we did end up going to a bar with some friends. After I got home from school I got a call from my cousin Nichole. She was at bar in HB and Timmy (an old friend from high school whom I now love) was competing in a beer pong tournament. I still don't understand the game's rules, however our cheering section was large and loud and it was so much fun! I only had 1 drink and we were home by 12:30 - 1:00ish which isn't bad considering that is usually when I fall asleep anyways. No hang over for me or Troy! :)

Thank goodness school is almost over!! I have 2 papers to write and then I am finally done. I am trying to keep my grade point average up so if my Psych of Women isn't a B or better I am definitely retaking it with hopefully a not so psycho teacher. She is a nice lady and is really trying to find her teacher style however her tests are ridiculously hard and the material is already intense enough. We were required to do a 20 minute presentation on a critique of something "women" related. Check, one off the list. Her paper sounds easy enough but she is one to not only grade for content but is a HUGE stickler for proper APA format. You can have an impeccable paper written well and screw up the formatting and bang bad grade!

With being so busy with Amy and her house (that's for a separate entry) I have little time to myself of my relationship. Troy has a second job now as a security guard at The Galaxy with Jared. He has also recently been playing on Jared's softball team. They have 1 practice during the week and then games on Saturday morning. Initially I was not happy about this as in the past my experience with a lot of "Jared time" didn't work out well for us in our relationship ultimately. However, he is staying active, making extra money, and enjoying life again so can I really be that upset?

After a short mental breakdown of sorts last weekend I have accepted it and moved on. We don't see each other very often now between work, school, soft ball, his second job, and the recent dramas in my life so it has been rough. But through it all we love each other and we are working through it. Can't wait for this semester to be over!

PS - I am so happy to know that Cassandra will be home soon and we get to do fun wedding things!! Oh and I can't wait for Heather to come in after that for the summer and have the entire bridal party at my disposal!!

Love, Melissa

Friday, April 17, 2009

#3 on my list already?

Yesterday we went to a condo which quite possibly could be our future home. We toured the condo and fell in love.

Tomorrow we will sit down with the realtor and crunch the numbers. We are VERY excited and even if we submit and offer and we don't "win" this whole ordeal will be a learning process and we will be that much more educated in the home buying process.

A little about it:

* It is in Stanton but it is on the border of Garden Grove. It is primarily white and is in a very nice neighbor hood.

* The unit is a corner unit with 2 bed, 1 bath and a bonus add on room. The garage is connected to the patio/backyard which is connected to the home.

*The patio isn't very large because one of the previous owners had built onto the back end of the house and made a "bonus" room which is fully enclosed including hardwood floors.

* There isn't a dining room but more of a breakfast nook which is fine with me since it is just me and the future hubby.

It is the perfect find for a first time home purchase.

http://www.movoto.com/real-estate/homes-for-sale/CA/Stanton/11212-Austin-Way-202_I09042067.htm

In exchange for the perfect little nest egg home is severely downsizing the wedding. This sounds like a crazy feat considering we are just 6 months away from the big day. I have already contacted the reception venue to see how I can get out of my contract and get a refund on the money I've already paid toward the final bill. We will just go cheap and I am totally ok with it. If all goes well we will just have the reception at the clubhouse where my aunt owns a condo, buy some rockin paper plates and plastic silverware and bring on the cheap Stone Fire fine dining. Add in a ton of bottled beer and a heck of a lot of saved money and we have a down payment to our new home.

Am I crazy or taking complete advantage of a GREAT buyers market right now?

Thursday, April 9, 2009

What is in a name?

So I have been thinking about this whole name changing business. I have been Melissa Haney for 22 years of my life. It is everything that I know. Now that I am getting married I am faced with the daunting task of changing my name officially to Melissa Keeney. Although this is not a big change from Haney to Keeney it is a huge step in my life. Do I want to give up Haney? Should I "-" my name?

Also, has anyone every dealt with government agencies before? Not fun! I will have to change my name on my Drivers Licenses, Social Security card, credit cards, banks, loans, and anything else where I am referred to my maiden name.

Should I be sad I am giving up Haney or excited to be receiving the gift of Keeney?

STD are out!

My save the dates are officially in the mail, every last one of them. Isn't it exciting? They turned out cute I think. I am just glad to get them off. I am a checklist person and the more items I can check off my list the better!

Is it bad that I just want the wedding to be here and over with already? I can't wait to see all my details in action and to enjoy my vacation!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

High School, College, Career... then what?

How does one get started on career? I fell into what I am doing at this point. I haven't really made any decisions for myself in regards to my career. I started working for my uncle basically by default. I worked for the family business so that was easy. Then I got a job doing accounting work. I got that job because I was friends with the boss' daughter-in-law. After I started and continued to hate upper management there I moved on to my current job at the law office.

Do I like my job? That is an interesting question. I like the majority of the people, I like the challenges that I face at work on a daily basis, and I like the new things I learn all the time. However, I do not understand nor like the management. I am like a 3 year old who is constantly asking why? I want to know why policies are put in place, how and why things work, and the reason behind some of the monotonous tasks the support staff have to endure. The larger the firm gets some of the more ridiculous policies that arise.

Sometimes I feel over worked and under paid... everyones complaint right? My biggest problem is that I am the young one on the totem pole. I feel like I am a good team player and I constantly contribute above and beyond my job description. However, does my paycheck reflect my efforts? I don't think so. I have only been a legal secretary for 2 1/2 years but I feel like I am just as good of a secretary with the same case/work load and I get paid WAY less then them. My attorney did give insight on the whole experience aspect and that I should really reflect and be appreciative of the amount of money I make per year for only being 22 years old.

So is this the career that I really want? Do I see myself in this field for the next 40 years? My ambition to go to school got a huge boost when I realized how much less I was being paid for the same am out of "experience" as a fellow secretary as she has a BA with emphasis in an unrelated field.

Where am I going in my studies? Where am I going in my career? How do you choose your goals?

Angel's Season


Angel's season... a time of tailgate parties, beer, BBQ, and good ol' american tradition.


We went to Angel's opening day! We got in line to get into the parking lot at about 2:30, gates opened about 3:00. We partied under the Angel's A in the parking lot. It was a good turn out. Nichole came with us and then we met up with Amy and Steve, Derek and Deby and the kids Riley and Aiden, and then Steve and Amy's friends Luke and Amber. They BBQ'd hamburgers and hot dogs and we turned on some fun music. It was great. Amy is preggers now so I got to have a sober buddy.


Jared showed up towards the end of the tailgate party and proceed to talk the foreign language of cars with Derek most of the night. Mallory came even later. She got to the game about 3 1/2 innings in. Jared and Troy walked down to meet her. She didn't follow directions very well and parked by The Grove instead of the same parking lot we were in. Jared and Troy both had a little more than neccessary to drink and they became loud and obnoxious, but all in good fan fun.


I can't wait to hang out with the family more and do something we all have fun doing.


Let's go Angels!!!


Friday, April 3, 2009

Bucket List

Cassandra inspired me to create my own bucket list. Here it goes:

1. Get married and go on a fabulous honeymoon!
2. Have a baby or babies
3. Own my own home
4. Go on a hot air balloon ride
5. Go white water rafting
6. Go on a wine tasting tour
7. Vacation in NY and take tours of all the fabulous site seeing hot spots (including the Sex In The City Tour)
8. Learn how to skateboard
9. Go to the World Series
10. Earn my BA
11. Co-own a classic car/truck with my husband and learn how to work on it
12. Go on a cruise
13. Swin with dolphins
14. Study abroad for at least 1 semester
15. Go to a Nicholas Sparks book signing
16. Own a pair of fabulous and ridiculously expensive designer shoes
17. Camp in Joshua Tree to sleep under the stars

What else would you put on your bucket list?

Are tattoo still taboo?




So today my boss saw my new tattoo on my foot. She liked it. So I LOVE my attorney Laura. She was my saving grace when I first started my career path as a legal secretary. I was assigned to her and she was so fantastic to me! She helped me and never ever made me feel like there was a stupid question or that I was wasting her time. So for her 50th birthday her daughters made her and them a tattoo appointment and they all went and got matching tattoos (well similar tattoos just with different coloring). So today she told me that she is going to add on to her existing tattoo! And she is turning 51 this year!! So much for the idea that tattoo is for "young people only"!


Are tattoos still as taboo as they used to be? They seem to be more common and everywhere I look.

Monday, March 30, 2009

STDs... Not the disease!


Tonight I finished designing and printing my Save The Dates. After countless hours of online envy I bit the bullet, designed my STDs, and printed them out. What was originally holding me back was what photo of Troy and I that I wanted to use. Due to time constraints while Heather was down for Spring Break we were unable to take our version of E-pics. For that reason I picked a picture of us on my birthday a couple weeks ago and ran with it. I think they turned out great! And the best part is that they are magnets!!!

Tomorrow I will work on the mail merge for the labels and then purchasing cute postage. Then off they go in the mail. So excited to get another to-do checked off my list!!





Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Bridezilla Effect

So today we went on a mini bridemaid dress shopping hunt. I have been avoiding this for a while now just because it wasn't a huge priority and I wasn't really excited to make such a big decision just yet. Since Heather was in town I decided that it would be a good time to go even sans one bridesmaid. Needless to say, it was a disaster.


To begin I had a very stressful and unfillfilling vacation followed by crazy work issues so my mood has been off for the last few days. This morning when I woke up to my alarm at 9:00 am (which is early after going to bed at 1:00 am) I was exhausted and already irritated with my day. We went to my cousin's new baby's, Leo, baptism. It was very nice and then we went to the reception at their home. It was nice but towards 1:00 I had an excruciating headache. Perhaps it was a tension headache from what I knew was coming. I had told Troy the night before that I wasn't looking forward to it and that I had a sneeky suspicion that it wasn't going to turn out well.


We got to the first bridal shop, Ferndales, and it started out kind of rocky. I have a more conservative, simplistic style as my MOH and cousin have a more radical and trendy style. This immediately caused conflicts. We had taken a small detour towards the wedding gowns as we were just touring the rest of the store and there was this very simple flowy dress that I liked. I was saying how much I liked it and how comfortable it looked and Heather exclaimed that she didn't like it and it looked like a maternity dress. That was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I finally threw up my hands and said that every time I say I like something she makes an offensive comment about it.


I am starting to have sympathy for some of the Bridezillas on TV. I had originally thought that having my family up there with me would be best for me so I could be must comfortable and have people who support me. Sadly I am starting to feel bridesmaid regret and am wondering if I should just go shopping by myself, pick out the dress, and send the info to the girls to order their dresses. This would prevent further discussion about types of materials, lengeth of dress, style, color, pick-ups and the constant chatter about how borning my look is.


Thankfully most of the wedding preparation is done. I may just do most of it myself. I kind of wanted someone to help me make good decisions and to help me make choices that help achieve the look that WE want because it is OUR wedding day and not theirs.


Bring on the Bridezilla Melissa. She has been unleashed....

Thursday, March 26, 2009

A little time for myself

So for my birthday I received a cute little box in the mail from my BF in Michigan. Inside is a little piece of heaven for me... I love to read and in what seems like a former life I used to read ALL the time. However, between working full time, school at night, a fiance that can be high maintanence, and the continuous joy of planning a wedding I just don't find the time to read as much as I used to.

So a few days before my birthday I opened my little box and discovered a mini series of books, lip gloss, and some bomb homemade truffle things (which I stupidly left on my parents' counter and snacked upon at will by others).

So I have started the first book "Something Borrowed" immediately and approximately one week later I only have 20 pages left. I am excited to move on to the next one, "Something Blue."

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Cake Topper



So here is the cake topper that I think we are going to do. It is wood and hand carved by Crafty Eddie. I am really impressed. I can't wait to get it to cover it in crystals!

Scrimp and Save

The wedding date is set. Most "big" vendors have been booked and deposits sent. Now it is all about the details and coordinating. We have been living with Troy's parents for 1 year and 2 months and have been trying to save as much as possible. We are starting to get into crunch time and I need time to spread out all of my stuff so far and see how far I am in the planning process. I am about to go crazy while living in the future in-law's house. It is difficult to be mostly confined to one room when you are used to having your own bathroom, own kitchent, etc. So now we are really focusing on keeping our eyes on the goal and saving and paying off as much as possible. This weekend, after Valentine's day of course, I hope to make my last payment to the photographer and possibly book and pay for our wedding cake. Yesterday I ordered the potential wedding cake topper. It is a K had carved by Crafty Edy. I saw another Knottie ordered one from him and then used swarovski crystals, glue, and a lot of patience to give it some bling and wow factor. The details are definately coming together. Now its time to finish saving and get our own place again!