Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long have you been married?
A: That depends on when you read this! Jesse and I got married on August 2, 2003.

Q: How did you and Jesse meet?
A: We both went to the same high school, and knew of each other, but never spoke throughout high school. I always thought he was too cute to talk to. :)  A few years after high school, we were both home for summer, and a mutual friend re-introduced us. It was a good thing we didn't know each other in high school; we both had a lot of growing up to do before we were ready for each other. But once we started dating, we quickly saw our future was destined to be together. We were engaged 6 months later and married within 14 months of our first date. The rest is history!

Q: Why did you go to Texas A&M?
A: I applied to Texas A&M in high school, with no real desire to attend there. I knew I most likely would not be accepted. Sure enough, I was not, and I went to Texas Tech instead. My first summer home from college, I met Jesse (see previous A). I never thought I was going to be that girl who transferred schools for a boy... but I did. I was definitely a "two percent-er" when I started attending, but slowly came to love the school. The people, the traditions, the sports, I love it all. My senior year, I was still not ready to get the monumental Aggie ring. 5 years after graduation, I changed my mind, and finally ordered my Aggie ring. I have worn it almost every day since, and now officially bleed maroon.

Q: Are those Aggies really as crazy as everyone says they are?
A: Um, yes. But in a good way. Aggies are some of the most passionate people I have ever met.

Q: How old are your kids?
A:  Again, depends on when you are reading this! Our daughter, Ryleigh Ann, was born on Thursday, May 24, 2007. She has been a blue-eyed, ball of energy, talking non-stop since she took that first breath. Our son, Wesley Haas, was born on Monday, September 21, 2009. He has been my sweet, cuddly, "all boy" baby. They are both my world, and I try to always remember the blessings they bring to my life amidst the crazy chaos of the toddler years.

Q: How many kids do you want?
A:  Yikes. Great question...wish I had an answer for you...

Q: How do manage to work from home full-time, with two kids?
A: Lost of help! The kids both go to a 4-hour Mother's Day Out two days a week, to give them a chance to socialize and engage with other kids their age. I have a babysitter come two days a week for 5 hours, so I can concentrate on work, handle meetings, and run to the grocery store. Its a crazy life, but I'm so thankful for the flexibility to work from home, and not "miss" my kids growing up.

Q: What in the world does a technical writer do?
A:  Ya know the manuals that come with a new product? Yeah, I write those. I interview engineers, learn new products, and then write documentation to help a customer. User manuals, installation instructions, maintenance, service, troubleshooting, etc. Sounds boring, right? Well, I work mainly with HP's server, data center, and software groups, and get to meet and learn from some of the smartest minds of the age. Not too shabby!

Q: What would be your dream job?
A: Tough question. I'm often asked if I would ever want to write a book, since most writers think of that as the ultimate goal. I think it would certainly be a challenging and rewarding experience. If I come up with a really great idea, I'd certainly consider it.

Q: Why do you blog?
A: I have a terrible memory. Like...the worst memory in the entire world. I have had the same home phone number for over two years, and I still cannot remember it. Watched a movie just this weekend, and couldn't tell you what the main story line was about. Scary, right? Anyway, life is too precious to forget. When I first started blogging, it was because I had a new baby, and wanted to send pictures and stories to my families to read. Later, I would find myself re-reading the stories I wrote down, completely forgetting they had happened! So now, I write things down so I always have the story to remember.

Q: What is your favorite recipe?
A:  Oh man, that's a loaded question! I love food! Anything in the CrockPot, Chicken Enchiladas, Turkey Spinach Lasagna...When you start talking about baking, I don't think I could even start a list! Cookies and my mom's Peanut Butter Brownies would be on top.

Q: What was your most successful home project or design?
A: I think the most success I have had in designing our home has been patience. Our first house, we worked project after project, quickly changing each room of the house. Now, between work and family, we have had to work much slower. We don't have the extra cash laying around to just go buy whatever we want for now. So we take our time, do one part at a time, and only purchase things that will last. It has been a hard lesson to learn, but I claim it as my biggest success.

Q: Favorite color?
A: Green and brown
(Yeah, that's not really a FAQ, but couldn't resist throwing it in there.)

Q: Your name is Melody- are you musical?
A: I wish! I grew up playing the piano and the harp, and can still read music. My parents gave me our family piano last year, and I have every intention of starting piano lessons again, to re-learn how to play. I sit down and fumble through stuff now, but it's just not real musical, ya know what I mean? I love to sing (just as my kids, who think I'm nuts, singing and dancing with them), but I promise it is nothing you would ever want to see or hear!! I'm convinced that when I get to heaven, God is going to give me a perfect voice and some serious dancing shoes.

Q: What is CrossFit and why do you do it?
A: The definition of CrossFit is, "constantly varied functional movement performed at high intensity." Basically, we are always changing up workouts, trying different combinations of exercises, repetitions, intervals, and speeds to make sure our body never gets used to any one thing, thus never hitting a plateau. Is it hard? For me, it is incredibly challenging. My body hurts all the time. Do I see results? Ehh- yes? I am much stronger than I started out, but I didn't suddenly get skinny. My muscles are much more defined though. Why do I do it? Because it pushes me and encourages me in more than just fitness. So much of CrossFit is mental, and without the push from others, either trainers or other CrossFitters, it would be easy to give in. Once you push through it, you realize just how strong you are-mentally and physically!