back in 2004 i posted 50 things about myself. then, i updated it in 2007. and again in 2008. life is constant change, so here goes my 2012 grant.

1. i'm still a christian; now i'm focused on a deeper growth in Christ

2. i'm 32, but i think i could pass for 26 ;-)

3. i'm african-american

4. i enjoy writing again

5. i help market and promote a garden center for a living

6. after months of hard work, i am finally an accredited business communicator (abc)

7. i'm content with a life that is not based on goals

8. i have only one sibling - a younger sister

9. i have only one niece - and she spells her name with a y too

10. my grandfather knew little richard before he was little richard

11. i've lived in germany on two separate occasions

12. i've visited the leaning tower of pisa

13. i've visited euro disney

14. i've visited disney world three times

15. i have been on a roller coaster once, and i think i waited too late in life to try it

16. i have arthritis

17. i wear contacts

18. i've never worn braces

19. i have tmj that was triggered by a chiropractor's visit

20. i don't believe in chiropractors

21. i've overcome the fear of desertion and enjoy quiet times with my own thoughts

22. the only times i've been to las vegas are for work-related events

23. i wear a little more make-up now; i need the enhancement

24. i really enjoy cooking with organic herbs and spices

25. i like to write and edit resumes ... the side gig is good - all referral based

26. i like to sing out loud now - as you get older you start to care less about what people think

27. i have a pomeranian; although she's showing a lot more gray now

28. i recently learned that books on an ereader are pretty cool

29. i believe most people are prejudiced (not racist)

30. according to myers-briggs, i am an ENFJ

31. i buy out of necessity rather than desire

32. i love salsa, mushrooms and spinach (sometimes individually and sometimes wrapped up in a tortilla together)

33. i love ice cream

34. my favorite color is pink

35. i'm not crafty

36. but i am creative

37. my high school and college are less than 5 miles apart from one another

38. i make my check marks backwards

39. i tend to overanalyze things

40. i like dramas, comedies and love stories

41. i like to play card games

42. my all-time favorite movie is the green mile with michael clark duncan and tom hanks

43. i believe communication solves most problems

44. i tend to over communicate

45. during birth i caused my mother's leg to become paralyzed temporarily

46. in elementary school, my teachers wanted me to skip a grade, but my mom refused to allow it

47. i have a master's degree

48. i love the warm weather, which is why i live in texas

49. i've learned that people always disappoint, but God is forever constant

50. my new life motto is: make no plans


nearly five years ago, a major event occurred in my life, those who are close to me know what event i'm referring to, after which i threw myself into my career. i joined professional associations. i took continuing education courses, viewed webinars and networked like crazy. i was busy. and i was crazy. and then i realized - what i do for work is not who i am.

Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
the company i currently work for falls under the horticulture industry. in addition to selling gardening products, we educate the public on gardening efforts. one tip we share in texas this time of year is that it's best to plant trees in the fall and winter season so the roots have a chance to take hold during a period of dormancy when the ground is not as warm (although 2012 is shaping up to be an anomaly with respect to the "winter" temperatures).

five years ago, i was growing like rapid fire. i was warm, heck, i was hot. my goal was to be the go-to pr girl in dfw. and  then i just decided to stop. i wasn't happy. i was busily filling my days with things that didn't result in internal joy. i refocused on what was really important - developing meaningful relationships with other people and God. so, i slowed down. i went dormant. i cooled off. this was essential so my roots could take hold and i could grow in Christ. this is still a work in progress for me.

it's not that i don't find value in professional associations, education, networking and the like. it's just not as important for me anymore. i don't have to be melyssa aka the go-to pr girl. i am just fine being melyssa, the daughter; melyssa, the sister; melyssa, the aunt; and melyssa, the friend.

to be honest, i like her a lot better than melyssa, the pr professional.


as i move into 2012, i am reflecting on some things that made me happy this past year. i know happiness is temporary, but 2011 brought some fun times!

Singer, John Legend; me
Image Credit: UT-Arlington Photography
1. meeting john legend
2. the mavs winning the championship
3. spending time in ft. lauderdale with true friends
4. my niece's 5th birthday party
5. floor seats at the aac and an awesome mavs' win!

here's to more happy moments in 2012!