Hello everyone!
My name is Melanie Rose. I was pleasantly surprised when Joann asked me to be a guest writer for her blog while she is off on her family trip to Disney World. We have been friends for 30 years! Hard to believe! I’m hoping Joann has the most magical vacation possible as she has been looking forward to this trip for a long time!
My instructions from Joann were quite simple in regards to what she wanted me to write. She simply stated, “Write about yourself.” Seems easy but I was a little overwhelmed when trying to put pencil to paper. (Yes, I literally wrote this out prior to typing!) I don’t typically like putting myself ‘out there’; however, I guess I’m going to have to get over that. Typically, I’m that person who refuses to go to a restaurant on my birthday if I think someone in my party will have the restaurant staff sing to me. I hate that! I get so embarrassed. I’ve never liked being the center of attention and I’m very shy.
I was asked awhile back to be a contributing author to a book titled, “Gratitude 540.” I was a bit hesitant at first but it ended up being a great experience. I wrote an abbreviated version of my journey to China to adopt my daughter. It’s a story I’ve wanted to share for a long time and considered writing a book at one time. For now, the short story will have to do. If you’re interested, the book is available on Amazon and Kindle. I hope you check it out!
Writing my adoption story has rekindled my love of writing. With Joann’s encouragement, I’ve decided to start a blog that I hope to have up and running within a couple of months! It will be titled, “The M Word,” and I have to thank Joann for helping me come up with that name! I love it! I have a few topics I plan to tackle on my blog.
Like Joann, I love all things Disney! I have a trip planned for my daughter and I in 2021. With over 400 days to go, I’m sure I will be sharing all kinds of tips and suggestions on traveling to Walt Disney World. I will also welcome any tips from readers. This will only be our fourth trip but I have done so much research and have learned a great deal; however, there is always so much more to learn!
My daughter is currently going to a local community college so I was able to have her home one more year after graduation! Sadly for me (but happy for her), she plans to go away to a major university next year. At that point I will officially be an empty nester. As a single parent, it has been just my daughter and I forever. It’s going to be a very difficult and emotional time for me. Again, maybe the blog will help keep me somewhat occupied when she leaves. I expect to be writing often about what I’ll be going through emotionally and the life changes that go along with being an empty nester.
Another thing I expect to explore is my health. I’ve gotten older and some health issues have crept up on me. Some of it has to do with weight. I’ve been on every diet imaginable over the years. My thinking is if I go public with my goals and my quest to establishing a healthier lifestyle, I will me be more accountable for my actions. As much as I need to do it for me, I also want to do it for my daughter. I want to be around for many more years in the hopes of seeing her graduate college, fall in love, marry and have a baby(ies). I would LOVE to join the ‘Grandparent Club’ at some point!
If you’ve made it to the end of my article – bless you! I hope some of what I talked about interests you and that you will consider following me once my blog launches. I’m sure Joann will let everyone know when that happens! So, out of love and great respect to my special friend, Joann, I will simply say:
Until next time …
Love always,
Melanie
