Mosaic of Mel

Found this on Danielle's blog, Midwest Modern Girl, and I couldn't help myself. There's nothing like a flickr distraction on a rainy Friday.


1. Melissa Vogue, 2. Flickr Loves Sushi. Mmm., 3. Toms River High School North Marching Band, 4. Lime Green Window Shutter, Red Flowers and a Rail, 5. Nick Zinner, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, 6. Fitz's Root Beer, 7. Greece, 8. Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundae , 9. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, 10. 3 / 52: creativity, 11. Le Carnaval de Nice - 1 : flying papers, 12. melissahead buttons!!!

My answers:
1. What is your first name? (melissa)
2. What is your favorite food? (sushi)
3. What high school did you attend? (toms river high school north)
4. What is your favorite color? (lime green)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (nick zinner)
6. Favorite drink? (root beer)
7. Dream vacation? (greece)
8. Favorite desert? (brownie sundae)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (rich and famous)
10. What do you love most in life? (creativity)
11. One word to descibe you? (nice, duh)
12. Your flickr name? (mel829)

So here's the deal...you answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses):

Wanna play? It's addicting! Type your answer to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the FIRST page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL's nto the Mosaic Maker (or make it yourself in photoshop). Have fun (and post a comment here if you do it)!

{photo credits are listed above}

Now what?

Things are going super, thanks for asking! Yesterday, my virtual baby Operation NICE was featured in the Daily Candy weekend guide, which was pretty freakin' awesome. My total hit count for yesterday was 8,345. Just to give you a basis of comparison, I normally average around 400. Insane right?

So, now what? I sort of feel like I just reached a goal, and now I need a new goal. Do I make Operation NICE a non-profit?? I'd love to, but that businessy stuff, well to be honest, it frightens me. But I have thoughts about things I'd like to sell. And you know what else I'd love to do? I'd love to do workshops or give talks about the importance of niceness. Kind of funny to hear coming from a self-proclaimed introvert. But I actually love public speaking. I know, I'm weird. Also, I was talking with some friends of mine about the idea of a book...maybe. I don't know.

I feel like I'm at a crossroads, but instead of two roads in front of me, I have twenty. My dad always said that there is no "wrong" path. Each path will lead you in a different direction, but none of them are "wrong". That's comforting. But I also don't want to take the really windy, treacherous, never-ending path. The short, flower-lined, well-paved path is good for me!

Melissa: The Last 10 Years

Yesterday was my 10 year high school reunion. I debated whether or not I wanted to go for over a month. I was one of those people that graduated and promised myself I'd never go back. But you know what? I'm glad I did. It was an enjoyable experience. I reconnected with some people who I wish I would have known better when I actually was in high school. And I also discovered that things haven't changed much, even though I have.

While watching everyone drink their $50 worth, I realized WHY I was an outcast in high school. It wasn't because I was a geek or a loser. It was because I shared nothing in common with nearly everyone else. I really believe that my high school was filled to the brim with one-dimensional, superficial people. Many of them came from wealthy families. And that just wasn't me. And it isn't me. So going last night was sort of an epiphany. Closure. I was truly happy that I wasn't "accepted" by the "in crowd" back then. As cliché as it sounds, it made me who I am today. And the folks who I enjoy spending time with usually had a similar experience in high school. So there must be something to it!

Also, I was talking with someone about the experience, and they stated that the majority of people peaked in high school. Not me. I'm peaking now. Late bloomer, I suppose!

But I will say this. I looked fabulous! Haha! Thanks to the voters, I went with the shirt dress and ended up getting a FANTASTIC pair of brown and purple snakeskin heels. So, here's me!



And just for fun, I scanned my senior portrait in and did a little comparison. My hair got shorter yet bigger. I'm much paler. But all in all, I think the years have treated me well!

News and Outfit Help

I haven't been around much, I know. But I've been waiting for this for a week or so. Awesome, right?!

Anyway, I'm really posting for a reason. I need help. My 10 year high school reunion is on Saturday, tomorrow. And I don't know what to wear! First of all, I wasn't going to go. But after a month of going back and forth, I'm just going to see what's up. But, since I was a huge dork in high school, I have to do the stereotypical thing and show everyone how FABULOUS I am now. Heh heh.

Do you like any of these outfits???



I don't know if I do. I couldn't find anything with enough WOW factor. I may have to go shopping after my hair appointment. But I thought I'd get some opinions. Let me know!! THANKS!

BarackRoll'd??

Okay, this had me nearly in tears!

Alphabeautiful!

I received my gorgeous wall decal from TastySuite the other day so I attempted to put it up last night. I wasn't quite sure where to put it. I knew it had to be in my office. And there's this huge empty spot above my computer, but nothing seems right there. I was thinking maybe a picture rail with a collection of framed artwork. Who knows.

Anyway, I decided to put the decal above my Expedit bookcase. Seemed like just the right amount of space. I love it!


So I haven't been blogging as much lately. I think it's because most of my blog time has been taken up by Operation NICE. Speaking of that, some pretty awesome news to come regarding that next week!

Let's see if I have any updates worth mentioning. Well, I went out to see my friend's cover band in New Hope last Friday and the old DJ dude called me Sarah Palin. Yes, because all women with glasses look alike. I was a tad bit offended, but I suppose that's better than saying that I look like Janet Reno.

The Red Bull Soap Box Derby was not a ball of fun. I was pretty miserable actually. Soaked. Irritated. Sweaty. Squished. All around uncomfortable. But the Ben Folds show was the redeeming event of the day! Dang he's good. And with an orchestra?! Unbelievable. I nearly cried like five times because the music was so moving.

I actually don't even have any purchases to speak of because I've been good! That is most likely because I STILL haven't worn all the new clothes I bought. Once I get through them all, I'll go back to shopping like a maniac. In the meantime, I should put some money into my savings account quickly, before I know any better!

Rain Rain Go Away

Rob and I really try to hit every fun Philadelphia event that we can. Which is why we were super excited to hear a few months ago that the Red Bull Soapbox Race was coming here, on the Manayunk Wall no less! Race day is tomorrow, and it was bound to be a great party with awesome photo potential. "Was" is the operative word here.

But it looks like Mother Nature hates soapbox races because she sure is trying to ruin this one.


They claim that they are racing rain or shine, but heavy rain and wind is definitely going to put a damper on this event. I know there will be a few hardcore partiers out there no matter what the weather, but I'm sure there will be few parties, fewer people, and much soggy discomfort for the folks that stick it out.

Knowing Rob, we're going to try to go no matter what. Unless there's lightning. He hates lightning. So maybe I'll put those rain boots and new trench coat to good use. Either way, I get to end the night with one of my loves, Ben Folds! Plus a full orchestra! And considering the forecast, I'm glad I sprung for regular seats instead of the lawn!

Here's what tomorrow could have been like:

Dumb Luck?

You can see on the left hand side of my blog that I'm currently reading this book called, The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life. I love it. I'm about halfway through, and last night I read the chapter on Mindfulness. I need some help in this area because I always tend to worry about the past or the future, without focusing on the present. So that's something that I'll work on.

But one part was talking about how lucky people really aren't lucky. They are just more mindful. They notice things around them. They are aware of the good and therefore stumble upon what folks would consider lucky. Sure, makes sense. But for a self-proclaimed mindfully-challenged individual, I've had a lot of luck lately!

I noticed it this morning when I received an email from Rachel over at Red Prairie Press saying that I had won the scarf contest on her blog! Yay! My fingers were crossed for that Pink with Poppies scarf that she had.


Amazing! I was so happy to find out that I won! Then I thought about it and realized that it was the THIRD blog contest that I had won in a matter of a week and a half. Earlier last week I received an email from Justina of perch saying that I won the TastySuite wall decal contest on HER blog! I narrowed it down to two and asked her to choose her favorite, so it would be a surprise.


And then also last week, Niki from Niki's DesignO'Blog let me know that I won her UPrinting.com business card giveaway! She said they would contact me and I haven't heard from them yet, so we'll see what happens. But isn't that kind of crazy?? It's not like I'm the only person entering these contest. I'm feeling pretty lucky! Maybe it's good karma. Maybe it's the creative vizualization. I mean, I totally visualized myself wearing that pink scarf, handing out Operation NICE business cards, and applying my wall decals. Maybe it works.

Whatever it is, perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket.

I need help!

I've always joked that I have a shopping problem. But I think it's becoming serious. I honestly can't walk into a store without buying something. Lately, dressing nicely has been very important to me. Not sure why. But while I've always loved clothes, in the last year, I find myself wanting more and more. I need pants in every style and color. I need more skirts and dresses. I need accessories that match every outfit I own.

Luckily, I don't have any credit card debt. I'm fairly responsible when it comes to my finances. The only thing is that I could be saving A LOT more than I am. I'm hoping that once it gets cooler outside, I won't be going out to shop as much. As long as I can cut out the online shopping, I'll be all good.

Just to give you an idea of what I do, this is a list of all of the clothing items I purchased LAST WEEK. Now, just so you know, it's not like I haven't shopped in months or even weeks. I buy clothes every week. The previous week I most likely bought half as many items, but still. I'm going to need a second closet soon.

pink short sleeve button down
gray short sleeve button down
cream lace cami
black lace cami
light brown long sleeve wrap
black long sleeve wrap
yellow ballet flats
tiffany blue ballet flats
yellow corduroy blazer
purple scoop neck tee
purple scarf
white scarf
silver necklace
purple shirt dress
teal short sleeve scoop neck sweater
brown pin striped dress pants
gray dress pants
black pin stripe dress pants
black pin stripe vest
5 pairs of tights (2 black, 2 yellow, 1 burgundy)
black trench coat
gray long sleeve cardigan
pink long sleeve button down shirt
red skinny belt
black skinny belt

This is the only reason I'm happy to go back to work...so I can wear my new clothes. It's excessive, right? I wish I had photos of all these items so I could make a ridiculous mosaic. But check out these two pairs of shoes I bought! Aren't they the cutest?? I blame that purchase on Danielle.


I'm stopping now. I swear. If I post about anything else that I bought, please reprimand me.

28 years young!

Last Friday was my 28th birthday. One year closer to 30, as my grandchildless mother likes to remind me. It was a fun day, particularly since I didn't have to work. I took this photo in the morning, so I have one to document my 28th year. People still think I look like a kid. I suppose that's a good thing.



We started our day with breakfast as a nearby café. I heart breakfast foods. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, toast. Mmm. Artery-clogging goodness! Then we went to see the Real Pirates exhibition at the Franklin Institute because I had received free tickets via Starbucks. (Thanks Starbucks!) It was really neat. I was blown away when I saw the real pirate's treasure spilling out of the cliché treasure chest. We were even able to touch some of the "pieces of eight", but Rob refused because "do you know how many people have TOUCHED that????"

Afterwards we headed to Marathon Grill for a burger and then I had a delicious milk shake on the way home. I was able to rest for a few hours before we headed back to the city for bowling with our friends.


The best part of the night was the end of our final game. The boys side finished early because they had one less player. Rob had the lead with a 149. When it came to my 10th frame, I had a 130. I told everyone that I needed either a strike then a spare or a spare then a strike, which was highly unlikely, to beat Rob. But everyone was rooting me on because apparently no one ever wants Rob to lose. Plus it was MY birthday! My first ball ended up being a strike. The crowd cheered! My next ball was a 6. Not great. The pressure was on. I threw that final ball and we all watched intently. It felt like slow motion. SPARE!!! I won with a 150, highest game of the night! Haha! It was glorious!

After bowling we went to the 700 Club and boogied down to some old school hip hop. There's nothing like a little Skee-lo on your birthday. All in all , a way fun night!

I was teasing Rob because he kind of blew it a bit. The bowling party wasn't a surprise, since he had to ask me for my friends' phone numbers. And he didn't buy me a birthday present. No card. No cake. Nothing. And his reasoning? "You don't need anything." Well duh. He said that my present was breakfast, lunch, and bowling. He's right, I don't need anything. But I admit it was a little sad not having any gift to open. And no surprises. Even if he would have picked up some grocery store flowers of something, it would have been a surprise. But Rob has never been the greatest with surprises, so I kind of expect it now. That's why I spoiled the heck out of myself that whole week. Someone's gotta, right? Luckily I take good care of myself since my hubby isn't the "spoiling" type.

But I loved my birthday! And I have a feeling my 28th year is going to be a really great one!