Abandoned! The Melissa Ortiona Story

Yes, it does sound like a bad Lifetime movie story but this is the title of my life that my neighbors gave me recently. So sit back and enjoy the show......

Chris left on Saturday for his 2 day adventure with the cats to Colorado. I was left behind in Monterey, CA to finish cleaning the house, finish all business in Monterey, and tend to Ashlyn and Bailey. Things were going well that weekend. Begging for food was a mere thought since all I had to do was mention BBQ in the neighborhood and we had plently of food to feed me, Ashlyn and, of course, Bailey. So Saturday lead into Sunday again friends were willing to feed me again especially since there was wine involved. Jan and Susan was excited company on Sunday. We looked back over the last 2 years of me at CHOMP (Ok I forgot there were people reading this that wouldn't know want that meant -- Community Hospital of Monterey Pennisula) and remembered the good and the not so good but difinetely a part of my memories of Monterey.

Monday was a dark and drippy day. The day fit the mood since today was the start of my good byes. The first of many were Ashlyn's school teachers they have been a crutical part of her and our life the last year. I don't trust too many people with my child outside my little Spruance Road bubble. I visit many times my friends who were trying to pack there house and pawning stuff off to neighbors and sneaking garbage in trash can as need (since my was already clean for the house inspection). Finally Julie rescued me from my lurching around and gave me free range of her house for food and internet.

The house inspection went great. No charges for any damages or cleaniness. I would hope not since I was suppose to do is a general wipe down. Now how do you stop just wiping things out. Once I start I couldn't just leave it without being 100% clean.

Good byes continued through out the day. Which were hard. Ashlyn wanted to know "why you so sad mommy?" She is a trooper she would wipe the tears away from my face when one would fall.

Now for the plane day. I have been to the Monterey Airport and have called United repeated times to confirm Bailey on my flight. We get there with the help of Ruben and the Huxsoll. Yes, I need two cars. One for me, Ashlyn, Bailey and his crate and the other with all my luggage. We get to the airport and for one my cage is too big for the airplane. We could get a smaller crate, however, he would be abel to lay down completely. The airlane was OK with that; I was not. Then the military orders stated I could have luggage up to 100lbs. So I have 4 bags ranging from 50-90lbs. Way less then the 4 each we would have on the orders. They were only willing to accepted bags weighing less then 70lb. What the heck! So me shaking and tear swelling up my friends were asking questions for me to the airlines. They first solution was for me to rent a car and drive myself to the airport. HELLOOOO have you seen how much stuff I have and who in gods name will return my rental car in SFO? So have a tearful call to the shuttle service they arraged for a private shuttle to pick me up and drive me and all my STUFF to SFO. Two hours later I was on my flight in tow with all family member that I was responsible for. The flight was a bit disappointing. It took them 2 hours into my flight to offer a drink. Yes I need a drink, a stiff one. Plus there were no food left once they got half way through the plane. Thank goodnesss for Ashlyn's snacks!

Now we are hanging out in the hotel. There is a McDonalds right beside us to provide a play area for Ashlyn. I am awaiting confirmation that I can pick up my car which is 40 miles away from me (there is another mini-series story in the making). The biggest thing I am waiting on is the closing date of my house. They are trying to push for Friday. So keep your fingers crossed.

So no I don't feel abandoned. I feel loved from all my friends and family that has supported me through the last few days. THANK YOU!!!!

Dog Days of Summer

We have enjoyed the last few weeks. Chris as finished is next to last quarter and all that is ahead of him is his Thesis. We decided not to take a vacation do to our unknow future (No, we still don't know where it is we will be living after September!). We enjoyed some down home fun. We took in a baseball game in San Fran, and spent another few nights camping out in Big Sur. It seems like the summer has just begun but my August calender is already getting cramped. Especially with the anticipation of a move. It started to become real when we had to say good-bye to another 2 set of neighbors. I hope you all are enjoy your summer. Remember to take some time for yourself and Enjoy.

Maybe Our Last Summer in Monterey

Each and every day I am now getting the question of where are you guys heading off to in September and the answer still remains "I don't know!"  One day soon I am sure we will find out however as for now we are living like this is our last summer in Monterey.  I hope the sun remains shining and the weather stays mild (mid-70's).  We will take every opportunity to enjoy the state of California.  Yes there are still places we haven't explored.  So watch out California the Ortiona will be traveling once more.

Trip around the world?

No we didn't take a trip around the world we just went to Vegas.  We took a good ol' road trip toVegas this weekend.  It is about 8 hour drive there and we took in something new each day. We strolled through New York in the morning and by lunch we were in Paris dining in the Eiffel Tower then that same evening we were transported back to King Arthur Era for a tournament.  The next day we were able to lounge by pool in the near 100 degree temperature.  That evening we had dinner at with friends at the Hofbrauhaus.  These were just of the few events we got to take in.  There are many other things we got to do.  The funniest part of it was we were 17 floors above the Casino and we never got to gamble.  That is want children will do to you.  

Mother's Day

I have never wanted to be a mom until recently, well I guess for the last 4 years.  Four years ago I was barely pregnant and I have never looked back on being a mom.  I have enjoyed spending the day with family and feeling like the best mom in the world for at least one day of the year.  I never believe this is true except for this one day.  Of course, like many others I feel on a day to day bases what I did and how I could be a better mother.  I look at my lovely daughter and think I must be doing something right however I always want to improve.  

I can say in all honestly that I have a wonderful family and of course this day is for me and my family because I couldn't be a mom without them. 

I love you and couldn't imagine my life and different.

Farewell Jolene

For you guys who didn't know we have had a spend a night guest for a few months.  Our sister in law have been here studying to speak German before she head to Germany for her job.  The time has come to move her overseas and clean the guest room once again.  It has been a interesting to have family here so long.  Being military we haven't got to be close to family in a very long time.  This has given us an opportunity to have family around and help out with Ashlyn.  I have had a sister to teach about shopping and wines. She was a very good student.  She has also learned that children are not in her immediate future.  We have learned a lot about each other and Ashlyn as learn the meaning of extended family.  Thank you Auntie J for all the time you spent with us. Have a great time in Germany and we can't wait to come visit and be able to cash in on a free room.

Correction.

I have to admit that I was wrong on my previous post.  The butterflies are not Monarch they are "Painted Ladies."  I do apologize.  I never claimed to be a Lepidopterologist.  I did enjoy them no matter what they were.

Monarch Butterflies

I get to live in amazing places.  This weekend while I was stuggling with the overgrown, undercared for back yard I looked up to witness a unique migration pattern.  The monarch butterflies have hatched and started their migration from Pacific Grove, CA. The winds were just perfect to have them fly right through out housing complex.  At first I thought that it was just little pieces of paper flying through the air from a fire.  I moved from the back yard to the soccer field and notice hundreds of butterflies.  This lasted for hours.  Children were smiling ear to ear in hope to catch one of these butterflies in there home made butterfly net (who has those just laying around?).  Today the groves of them have slowed down and I was able to capture a few photos of them on my flowers outside of my house.  It was truely amazing, once in a life time opportunity to witness.

Ashlyn's Talents

Ashlyn as become a very talented person.  I have no idea where she would have gotten this quality.  Ever since she has heard music her body has moved.  She loves to shake her "butt butt." Now she has reach deep into her soul and is experimenting in singing.  I am unsure if I should be standing in line American Idol but I love to listen and watch all of her talents.  

#33

Okay I am really not in my twenties anymore I am "In my Thirties."  Yes I have recently experienced a Birthday.  A day before my "Big Day" I was lured out of the house for a mani and pedi with a girlfriend of mine.  Once I was back I had no idea that there was a surprise 70's party for me.  This is exactly want I needed to let loose and have fun since I was restricted to light work for the last 2 weeks and when I was up moving around I was planning the wine event that I co-chaired.  

All my neighbors where there.  I wish some of my friends back in the day could meet these incredible people I know here.  We truly know what the meaning of community.  That is right you Spruance Road Mafia -- I am talking about you. Chris planned the party but I know it took all of you guys to make it happen and I am truly grateful. 

As for the party there was cheese whiz and chicken in a baskit, box of wine, Twister, and other wonderful memories of the past.  I realized I was a true child of the 70's. 1976 that is!  The best part of the evening was the Karaoke. We sang and grooved to the music.  

Thanks to all of you that made my day special.  

GROOVY BABY!

Ski Tahoe

I have never thought that I the southern gal, beach and water lover would ever say this but "let it snow!!"  We had another wonderful ski adventure to South Lake Tahoe and skied Heavenly.  Ashlyn  actually was old enough to take a few lessons.  She was up with great balance skiing down the bunny slopes in no time. For me I took another lesson and feel very confidence on the green and some small blue slopes.  Chris and I got to take a few run together.  We looked strange out there one on skies and the other snow boarding but we enjoyed our time out together.  

As for Lake Tahoe, it is a beautiful place.  We drove around the lake and even headed up north one day.  The view were spectacular.  It makes you really think of nature and the wonderful events that can happen there.  We had all elements -- snow, ice, sun, water, rainbows, and even a small fire.  The are is so dynamic.  Needless to say the best element we had on this trips was we were able to enjoy it with friends and even other family member.  

Christmas hustle and bustle!

This year Christmas was a hustle and bustle.  Our family got to enjoy some holiday fun with neighbors then we celebrated our Christmas a day early.  We had made arrangements with Santa and he agreed to come a day early for Ashlyn because she was such a good girl.  Then on Christmas day we head to New York City.  There we enjoy an Christmas dinner at Rockefeller Cafe right below the Christmas tree.  We were able to watch the ice skaters while we had a wonderful Ortiona  Family dinner.  The next day it was off to Hershey, PA for Alex and Jolene's official wedding.  We got to enjoy Chocolate World and the Hershey Hotel.  The wedding we great and we dance until midnight (well it was only 9pm Monterey time!).  Then back to JFK to catch our plane back to Monterey.  Luckily, our flight were not delayed in any way.  I know other had a hassle at airport.  Our experience was so good that we bought a ticket for Tita Rosie to come and visit us for a while.  So Christmas is over.  All the decoration are down however now the organization starts since we will not be in CA next year for Christmas.  We are looking forward to spending Christmas in a new location either it be in Washington, D.C. or where ever  else the army decides to send us.  I hope you all enjoyed your holiday season.