MelsWorld's Xanga

Okay what I was saying was...

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:09:36 GMT

We have two dogs named Maxim and Chopper. They may as well be named Yin and Yang because they're that different. Chopper would never jump on the counter, grab things he shouldn't and he certainly wouldn't chew up your remotes, cell phones and bluetooths. Maxim does all of these things. You name a bad habit and I guarantee you that Maxim has it. It's his specialty. We've had to replace 4 bluetooths, 1 cell phone, a Nintendo DS, too many remotes to count, a mouse and a keyboard. And that's ONLY the things he can carry off in his mouth. He's destroyed other things like a 32 inch TV, a coffee table, rugs, cabinet knobs, trees, etc. We love him to death though. He's what we call spirited and full of personality.

Last night I was talking to my mom about all the bad things Maxim had done since I got home when all of the sudden he walks up to me and I tell my mom... I've got to call you back in a minute I need to get a picture of this...

Have any of you read the book Marley and Me? If not it's about a man and his new bride that decide to get a perfect little yellow lab puppy that they love but is truly the world's worst dog. We've got Marley reincarnated in Maxim I have no doubt. Thank goodness I love him to death because he could make a nun curse.

Just so you know he is running around in the backyard right now with a towel I wasn't able to pry from his teeth before he made a mad dash out the back door.

I need to tell you about my upcoming trip I have planned to Paris & Prague this fall but at the moment I'm afraid xanga will eat my blog again and I know I won't have the patience to type this again.

I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to seeing what you guys have been up to!

A Year in the Life of Melsworld

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:18:41 GMT

I won’t even begin to make excuses for not being around for over a year. I’m ashamed of myself…really. And I now see I’ve got to learn how to do this again! So many new buttons to push!! WOOHOO!

I'm going to try and summarize what I've been up to in the past year.

Dale and I flew into Denver in February to visit his brother and go to a Rockstar Supernova concert. We went to Cheyenne, WY, Alliance, NE, and to South Dakota. In South Dakota we drove through the Black Hills to go see Mount Rushmore and had dinner in Kevin Costner’s bar in Deadwood, SD. The concert was in Loveland, CO so on the morning before we drove to Estes Park where the movie The Shining was filmed. It snowed every day of the entire trip and I was all about loving that since we hardly ever get snow.

I also went to Nashville to meet my friend Stephanie to see a band we both enjoy. VH1 just happened to be filming there that night and now we are stars on a video on VH1!! We’re right there in the front – there’s a funny story about how that happened don’t ya know?! Apparently I still have pretty good luck!

Another trip I took during this past year was up to NYC again to visit my friend Wendy for her birthday. We had a blast!! Much to our surprise (really) we found out the Panthers would be in NY to play the Giants in their first preseason game. Wendy works for ESPN so we had no trouble at all getting tickets to the game. Lots of fun stories and pictures from that trip.

Got Dale a puppy for Father’s Day and because we didn’t want Chopper to be lonely we got him a little brother 2 weeks later. I went from living with two boys (Dale & Stripe) to living with five (edit: okay so I can't count - I meant four!) Go ahead and shake your head in disbelief – I do it at least twice a day. I’m an idiot.

Meet our lab puppies - Chopper & Maxim

I've got lots and lots and lots of puppy pictures I'd love to show you guys!

What else happened…my nephew Josh got married in Fort Fisher, NC by the ocean. It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony with just family.

My other nephew Grant (the Marine) is in Iraq until next February. He just called me a few minutes ago and it was really good to talk to him. Here's a picture of him taken over there.

Other than that I’ve seen a few people in concert – Motley Crue & Aersomith, Juke Kartel, Whitestarr, Panic Channel, Lukas Rossi, Element (Josh’s band), Parallel, Van Halen, Gwen Stefani. I think that’s it but I feel like I’m forgetting somebody…

There’s plenty of good “Back Stories” to all of my adventures over the year but to keep this blog length to a minimum I won’t bore you, that is, unless you want me to. Let me know which (if any) you want to know more about and I'll spill.

Other than those things I got a chance to talk to Juls and Neil when Pam visited with them last weekend. That was really cool!

I got a new subscriber yesterday from an old friend. Made my day but it’s been so long since I’ve blogged I forgot that I have to subscribe back to get updates from his website.

Lastly something I heard on the radio yesterday ... pick three words that describe you and your life. Mine these days are...

My Hysterical Madness

Wanna see my Boobies?

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 13:44:32 GMT

It's the most wonderful time of the year... (I'm wearing halloween socks today too! )

This is for my buddy Morgane! See, I'll go to the ends of the earth for ya!!

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:08:53 GMT

Good grief it took me like days to climb through all the cobwebs surrounding my site! I hate it when I let that happen!

First I'd like to give a shout out to my Brother's today because it's his birthday!! Also Saturday is my niece Heather's birthday. She's the one that gave us my beautiful grand niece Chloe. Which is what this blog is all about! I wrote this blog just after I got back from the Caymans but before I could post it I ended up going back down because Chloe was in a baby beauty contest and I HAD to be there for that!! Thank goodness I was because she WON and I would have kicked myself for not being there when they announced she was CAYMAN BRAC's BEAUTIFUL BABY!!!!!!! Here's a picture of the beauty queen!

Next is a picture of her playing peep-eye with me! Too cute!

This is my mom's favorite picture of her.

This is what I wrote after my first trip!

I had the absolute time of my life!!I had time to get to know my wonderful grand-niece and to spend some much needed quality time with my sister and niece.That week flew by though as they always do when we’re on vacation but I’ve got TONS of pictures and a few funny stories!Let’s start with the pictures!

Meet Chloe just a little over 15 months old. (edit: she's now nearly 18 months - what a slacker I am!)

I couldn't let her go without Panthers wear!

Strutting her stuff!

She became quite the little ham while I was there... not sure who she took that after!

Watching the sunset

How beautiful, huh?

This trip my sister took me to Little Cayman by chartering a boat and flew me over to Grand Cayman for a day. It was the best trip ever!

This is Little Cayman

She's so polite and check out her cute socks

Then she runs off screaming!

I took this one at the airport just before I left...I cried for hours. I can still see her there waving and saying, "Bye" in that sweet voice.

My favorite picture - she looks so content to me

I know many of you probably think your kids and grandkids or nieces and nephews are the best in the world but sadly I must inform you that I do believe I’ve met the best little girl in the world.She is such a complete joy to be around.I have no doubt that she can make me smile in the worst of situations. I mean it when I say words cannot describe how much I love this person.

I'm sorry I made you look through so many pictures but I couldn't decide which to post!!!!! I love them all!

Friday, April 21, 2006

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 15:36:14 GMT

So last weekend I went with my niece Misty and her boyfriend to Carowinds. While we’re standing in line for the Drop Zone a man asks us if we’re related to which we reply yes. He says he could definitely tell. A few minutes later he says, “You’re not her mother are you?” Misty immediately says no she’s my aunt. I imagine the look on my face wasn’t a pleasant one but at least he tried to save himself by saying, “I must say you guys have good genes.” Whatever, the damage is done buddy. Sad thing is I could be her mother if I had gotten pregnant at 14. That’s scary.

I’m flying down to the Caymans for a week on Sunday to visit my sister, niece and GREAT niece. I’m very excited!! However, I found out over the weekend that I’ll have to give up my phone or pay $1.99 a minute and 50¢ a text. Considering I talk to Pam a couple of hours a day and a text or two a night this could be difficult. Try and keep her busy while I’m gone since she’s like me and tends to get herself in trouble when she’s bored.

I had a few other things I wanted to say here but to get out of work before midnight they’ll have to wait for me to get back. I’m sooooo sorry for not ever getting around to you guys but I will I promise when I get back. Think about me. That is if you still remember me! I love you guys very much!!!!!

Something I bet you didn't know...Capn' Crunch is left-handed. By golly it is the truth!!

How funny is that? Now miss me please!

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 15:48:03 GMT

Let me say this before you do...when it comes to updating my site to keep you guys in the know of the happenings in Melsworld I just plain suck. AND then when it comes to getting around to you guys to see what you've been up to I really suck ass. If it makes you feel better though I do kick myself often for this.

Now what all has been going on? This blog would be 7 miles long if I tried to tell you everything so I'm gonna try and keep it to a minimum. Try...you understand.

Getting back to...oh a little over a month ago. In NYC we did meet the boys of the Lovehammers. They were more than friendly and we were able to spend some quality time just hanging with them in their hotel lounge. It was very cool because not only did we talk to each of them individually we also met the guys that are making their tour possible. I made friends that night I still talk to almost daily so once again being in the right place at the right moment and actually realizing it and making the best of the situation paid off. Not only did it pay off but it got me tickets to the Charlotte show the following week and even more quality time hanging with the band on their tour bus. Oh the stories to be told. But of course you wouldn't want me to bore you with details I'm so sure.

Anyway these guys are awesome and put on a show that I must say is one of the best I've seen if not the best and as you know I've seen A LOT over the years. I'd link to all the pictures and blogs but as you know I'm too damn lazy.

Some things overheard or said during both evenings.

- OMG, that was YOU guys?? Um, yes it was.
- Hold my beer I want to show you something.
- What the f#$! is that?
- He thought he ordered a chocolate shake but it turned out to be an $85 shot!
- He can't get you into the show in Charlotte but I can.
- I need to grab my coat- it was nice talking to you (thinking he wanted an out)- no, no, I'll be right back.
- Cheers!
- How can I say no to you?
- Nice tattoo...upon further inspection ... Nah, that's not real!!
- Well you should have it since I placed it right in your hand.
- You're not leaving so early are you? (Probably 1:30am) I know your hotel is only a block away.
- Why didn't you save me? Well if I'd known you were in need of saving I definitely would have.

Bobby coming up to us to talk in NYC. Dear lord the man is hot. Pam swears I was even forming real sentences when talking to him which surprises the hell out of me.

Dino tells me he kept thinking he'd see me right after the show and I tell him that I was right here (on the bus) and he says but I didn't know you were right here. Probably a good thing in hindsight!

The following day Dan (the guy that got me in for the Charlotte show and in the picture below on the bus) calls me and needs a favor. He said one of the guys left their IPod at a Wal-Mart in Charlotte. He wanted to know if I'd get it for them and send it. Well let me think about it- kidding! Absolutely I'd LOVE to help the band anyway I can! I thought it was so sweet that he thought of me and trusted that I'd take care of them!

Pictures!!! I will later show you some of the AWESOME pictures I took during the concert in Charlotte. I was front row against the stage so they turned out great.

Oh and the beer? It wasn't just a prop can you believe it?

Now I've got something funny to tell you. Remember when I posted this?

Wanna know how stupid I truly am? Okay conversation between Bridgen and me with other co-workers listening...

M: I either like pork on the grill or baked.
B: You can also broil them.
M: I don't have a broiler.
(laughter erupts)
B: You have an oven don't you?
M: Well yes.
B: Then you have a broiler, Mel!!
M: Oh.

True story.

Well ...Monday night I sent the following text to Pam.

Smoke alarm twice, fire blazing, smoke has begun to clear, calling in pizza.

As you may imagine it was quite an eventful evening to say the least. I want to tell you all about it but once again time has gotten away from me but I promise (no really- I mean it this time!) I will give you a full report very soon! Let's just say it's got something to do with my new found broiler and I've got pictures!

Pssst...go and buy the Lovehammers new cd and then you can come back and thank me. As selfish as I am I just cannot keep these boys a secret!! Hurry!!

NYC Trip

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 14:59:06 GMT

On Friday my horoscope read...

You thought something was carved in stone, but now it feels like it's crumbling away. This is actually a good thing. It's a prime opportunity to embrace change and exercise your sense of flexibility.

You have NO IDEA how this was tested and I will go into detail later but here at a few of the crumbles...

Pam's flight was canceled so she didn't get in until approx. 6 hours after me
The snow canceled our plans to go out with the girls on Sat night
It snowed all night and all the next day – nearly 27 inches
My zipper on my winter coat broke so I had to wear my very light weight one
My so called 'snow boots' aren't REALLY snow boots
I thought my toes and fingers were frost bitten but Pam assured me they were not
They canceled our concert due to the weather
Many places we planned to go were closed in the city because of the snow

However...as bad as it seemed to be there wasn't anything we could do about it. We decided to make the best of it and try to find a way to still see the Lovehammers and meet with Jo & Amanda.

Let me back up to when I first arrived into the city.

I call Jo and we have this conversation...

Me: Hey Jo, I finally made it into the city.
Jo: Oh no I've got a car coming for me in 10 minutes.
Me: I understand with the snow coming and all.
Jo: (giggle) Do you know what I'm thinking?
Me: No, but I can hear the wheels turning in your head!
Jo: Let me see if I can cancel my car and I'll come to the hotel to at least meet you.
Me: Yippee!!

She did and here we are entertaining each other in Applebee's.

Amanda called while we were hanging out and was so jealous that she couldn't be there too! The trains in and out of the city weren't running as scheduled so she didn't want to get stranded which was totally understandable although we did miss her.

We were having so much fun Jo decided to stay tomeet Pam. We go to get a bottle of wine for us and some coconut rum for Pam. We go into one store and ask if there is anywhere near that we could buy this because we couldn't find a place. The guy says across the street and we look and in big glowing red letters we see WINE & SPIRITS. How did we miss that?

Pam gets to the room and we toast in front of our window.

Here is a view of Times Square from our hotel window.

A record breaking 27 INCHES of snow in NYC.

Why doesn't it surprise me that it comes on the very weekend we were there...Amanda said it didn't surprise her because she thinks I don't do anything unless I do it in a big way! Cest le vie...

Amanda actually took two trains into the city with her girls to meet up with us for only about 2 hours. I thought that was so very sweet of her. It was so funny how we found each other. First of all Pam and I go to Penn Station to meet her. Do you guys know how big this place is? We didn't. She calls us and tries to figure out where we are and lead us towards her but being one that's directionally challenged I didn't make it easy for her. Funny thing though we are walking and I turn around just as this other person is and I'll be damned if it wasn't Amanda! We were both like HEY, immediately giving each other big hugs!

The Fab Four

Unfortunately Sharon wasn't able to make it and complete the Fab Five because her babes were under the weather but there's always next time!!

We laughed and talked and had a couple of drinks just like the old friends we are even though we'd never met in person. There wasn't ever an awkward moment because we all know each other so well. Although the time was so short lived it was probably one of the best times I've ever had with friends. I'm sure those around us would have NEVER guessed we were meeting for the very first time.

Amanda's beautiful girls!

Just before we were to leave Pam and Jo ran to the restroom and after we had left the restaurant I tell Pam in a na-na-na-na-na-na tone...Amanda took a picture of me with the girls haha! She was like, oh shut up! Still she ain't got one of these!! Hehe!

Now I'm sure you're wondering how we dealt with our concert being canceled and if we indeed found a way to meet them, right? Well....

Story to come...you won't believe how everything came together but lets just say that my horoscope (for once) was right on the money!! Believe me I'm HAMMERED and without alcohol!

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 16:12:54 GMT

Oh Hell Yeah!!

How ‘bout them Panthers?

We're trying to keep it a secret at just how good we truly are. Surprise!

As you know I am ecstatic. Beyond even. It was a terribly exhausting game but my boys never gave up and that fight kept them from ever being behind in Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. My gosh they’re tough and that is why we had to play our absolute best game or they’d beat us once again. I must say that last week I had people try to lure me into dogging them but I didn’t, I simply said, “Yes, you guys are going to be tough and I sure hope my boys can bring enough to do it.” Why? Well I learned my lesson a few years ago after bragging and then us losing 8 straight games. Yes I do learn from my mistakes. Besides our head coach John Fox doesn’t allow his players to talk trash because it only fuels the other team. I decided he is a very wise man and crow has never been a favorite taste of mine anyway.

Catch him if you can.

We’re walking a tough road, one many have failed and it’s going to be an even harder game this weekend. We’re flying 5 hours to Seattle and they do have Shawn Alexander, the MVP of the year. But what my team has is heart. They have the desire and the belief in themselves when no one believes in them. Their fans have the same heart, we love them and know they can do anything they put their mind to. They may have Steve Smith the leading WR in the league and Julius Peppers a defensive wonderment but what makes them so good is they play as a team. They work together to get to the top and that’s where they want to be. Where I know they can be.

After the game I sent a text to everyone I knew with a portion of the Panthers Fight Song.

Stand and cheer for the Panthers
Stand and cheer for the team,
The pride of both Carolinas
And the city of the Queen.
CAROLINA!

We may not be the best or have the best players but we've got a team that works together really well.

I love my team and hope you guys will help me cheer them to victory this weekend.

GO PANTHERS!!

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 14:28:00 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Your New Year's Resolutions

1) Get a pet rock

2) Eat more gummy bears

3) Travel to Holland

4) Study finger painting

5) Get in shape with spinning

What Should Your New Year's Resoluton Be?

Not only did I go topless for the second day in a row but last night around 7pm it was still pleasant enough to once again sling my top back and let the wind mangle my hair. Ahhh...how do I love Charlotte, let me count thy ways...

Is there anything better than that? Why yes there is actually. My precious Panthers won a playoff game last week against the NY Giants! I was beyond excited as you can surely imagine. This week we play the rough and tough Chicago Bears- I am a bit scared of this one I must admit but I've got faith in my boys and there's always happy socks!

After the game I told my mom we were going to meet the Panthers at the stadium when they returned from NY so she jumped in the car and headed to my house so she could go with us.

Here we are...

Check her out even sporting a Newcastle beer jacket given to her from yours truly!

This is Sean Tufts...he was signing autographs when I said to him, "Smile!" He did and what a smile he gave me!

Not too bad aye? I think not!

You may not have noticed but it's exactly 1 month from today when the North meets the South in NYC! YAHOO! Let the final countdown begin!

Everyone repeat after me...

GO PANTHERS!!!!!!

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 14:28:36 GMT

BOO?

I've been busy as you might have guessed, still am for that matter but alas I needed a break from the real world and whallah here I be! Here's what the month of December consisted of besides work.

I booked my flight and hotel reservation for the NYC trip. Any of you New Yorkers that want to offer advice or suggestions please do. We're staying here in Times Square - any opinions?

Here's a funny...we were cruising through our neighborhood and came across this sign.

Poor guys, I wonder how many times it happened before!

Stripe loved all of his presents!

In fact his favorites he takes everywhere with him...even to eat.

He also loved sleeping under the tree on all the presents.

Watched the Panthers lose to the Bucs, rebound with the Saints only to lose to the Boys on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas to me. I took my nephew Josh to the game in the suites even and they just couldn’t pull it off much to our disappointment. Damn, if they don't win this week in Atlanta its very likely they won't make the playoffs. Damn.

I added a link over on the left to Spread Radio Live - it's a radio show hosted by Dave Navarro from his home. He plays some great music from upcoming artists that he thinks deserve airtime. There's also some rather funny dialect in between songs. Sometimes it's Dave yelling in the other room to see if Carmen is okay because he hears her find a spider (I totally can sympathize with her here). Anyway check it out- even if you miss the live show you can listen to the rebroadcast. Just so you know I did ask him for permission to post the link so it's all good and besides who can resist Dave?

Oh and before I go you've got to see what I gave Dale for Christmas...

Ha-ha! Don’t you just love it? I thought it was a rather clever way of raising money for my trip! Although he did find it humorous he didn't put the cash in my hands. However I have two new pairs of shoes!! Yeah me!

Did I show you guys who Pam and I are going to see in NYC? No? Well, shoot me now because I've deprived you no doubt. That or I'm trying to keep them all to myself! Haha! Anyway, the new loves of our life are...

Chicago's very own (a favorite city of mine as you know)

THE LOVEHAMMERS

Bobby Kourelis, Dino Kourelis, Marty Casey, Billy Sawilchik

Yum.

Have a safe New Years and make it the best ever!

Love ya!