The Pink Lotus: July 2008

This weekend I was so lucky to be a part of 2 amazing events...

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On Saturday, our friends Andrea & Robert were married!

I met Andrea when we first moved to our house in Chino. I was 8 and she was 4!

Although at first thought, she was a little "young" to be playing with... Andrea quickly became one of my best childhood friends! Jason asked me what we used to do as kids and I told him "We were poor.... so we played in the mud, played with the chickens, horses...etc..." LOL... but I also remember playing badmitton, dolls, going to the cabin in the desert and just always having fun. I also have 2 distict memories of Andrea.. First: She didn't wear a shirt till she was like 7 and Second: She had a Michael Jackson shirt that she would actually wear & twirl around in! Heehee..sorry Andrea!! But, those 2 things always stuck in my mind! Overall... I have nothing but great memories as a kid and of Andrea being my only neighborhood friend!! She and her mom Phyllis were so good to our family and even now we are lucky to still have them in our lives.

Andrea.. Jason & I, my mom, sister and the rest of our family are so happy for you! We love you and wish you and Robert the very best in your future. We also look forward to many more years as friends.

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On Sunday, I had the greatest pleasure to help throw my friend Kelly a Bridal Shower. (A really amazing one... if I do say so myself!!)

Although I have not known Kelly nearly as long as my forementioned friend... we have quickly built a bond over the past few years. I knew I liked Kelly from the moment I met her, she's easy going, full of life and always has a smile on her face & a drink in her hand! Haha! So, last year, when she got engaged to Jason #3... I was brought to tears when she asked me to be in her wedding!

Kelly I hope you enjoyed your shower and it was all that you could ever of imagined!

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Thank You both.. Andrea & Kelly for a wonderful weekend of beautiful memories...

Well.. it's official as of tomorrow I will be in my Thirties!

Ok ok.. I KNOW I turned 30 last year.. but 30 was JUST after the 20's.. so I wasn't technically in my "30's"!

I know my logic doesn't make sense.... but that's how my mind works! Haha!

So what do I have to show for 31 years?

Here are the things I have learned...

I am going to get older, going to get wrinkles.. and if I can't afford Botox.. then I will have to deal with it!
My hair will gray (even more so than it already has)! It is inevitable...! My family goes gray.. not bald... so I should be happy about that!
No matter how much I yell & bang on the steering wheel... the freeway traffic will not move! (Patience has never been one of my virtues... but I am trying!!)
My cat may be the meanest little %$#*&^! ever! As I write this, she walked into the office, up to my chair and bit my Achilles' heel! Completely Unprovoked.. no matter how nice I am to her.. she'll never stop being who she is!

Here are the things that matter the most...

The People who have been in my life.. past, present, future.. all have a meaning.. whether I laugh with them, love them or even get hurt my them ... they are a part of me and have made me who I am.
My sister said it best at my wedding.. she thought she found the "Last Good Guy... but Melanie got one too!" This is so true! I am blessed to share my life with an amazing man who has the same dreams that I do! He is the most wonderful person to me.. and to others! And I am so fortunate to spend my life with him.
My family is amazing...and they will always be there for me.. always! I know this to be my truth and thank them for it. My mom & sister are my support and I couldn't imagine my life without them!
My friends & acquaintances...whether I talk to them once a day or once a year OR whether I have known them for 1 day or 25 years... are truly a gift! I am so lucky to have them in my life and for them to want me in their life. Each person brings something different, unique and beautiful into our friendship and to that each friendship is truly special.
Although I don't have children.. my family & friends have brought (or will bring) beautiful children into this world.. and for that I am so lucky to call them my nieces & nephews. I receive joy from watching them grow and to be a part of their lives!
The World is truly fascinating.. it's more amazing than I could ever imagine! Each time I travel somewhere new, I realize how diverse this world really is and how much more of it I want to see!
Lastly... life passes by so quickly, I need to appreciate every moment & those who are in it.

Here are some pics of my life.... in chronological order...