Amazing Halloween Weekend!

Will definitely post more about this...But it was awesome. 

My parents are total weirdos. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

JUDGMENT DAY!

LSAT scores will likely be released tonight or tomorrow night at 7p PST...

IT'S TERRIFYING!

Should make for a frightful Halloween weekend. Will my score be a trick or a treat? We will just have to wait and see!
I've come to terms with the fact that I may have to retake it. No. Big. Deal. 

In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. [Robert Frost]

I'm going to focus on things that make me really happy...like 20s-themed Murder-Mystery dinner parties, coaching water polo and ENJOYING MY YOUTH. This is going to be an epic weekend, even if I score a 125 and that stupid test! My costumes are awesome. I'm thrilled. 
Also, discovered an AWESOME jam for running if anyone is interested (helped me go the distance, even doing sprints on an INCLINE yesterday!) - Skrillex: "Kill Everybody (Original Mix)"

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 

Uh-Mazing

I've said this before, but I am a grammar snob. I cringe when people misuse words and punctuation. We all make mistakes - some grammar can get confusing (such as, when to use semi-colons, etc.). However, a lot of this stuff is pretty damn easy to straighten out. It kills me. Figure. It. Out. 

I just discovered this awesome post on The Top 10 Words You Needs To Stop Misspelling from The Oatmeal. It's nothing sort of amazing, or hilarious. (He has a lot of other awesome comics on his site - check it out)

My favorite? "Spell definitely with an "a"and you're definitely an a-hole."

Hope you got a kick out of this like I did. 

Also: Learn Your Damn Homophones. Please. Thank you.

Taylor Swift: "Enchanted"

I now remember why I've been waiting till 2a to go to bed lately. When I'm that tired, I typically sleep through the night. Fall asleep around 11? Well...If I am stressed about anything at all (which is constantly these days - 1, 2 or 3 days until LSAT results!) - insomnia comes knocking right around 3a. Without fail. Here I am, at 6:36a and I am still awake. The good news is, I got a considerable amount done on one of my essays, watched an episode of Vampire Diaries (the only TV show I watch regularly - weird, I know), and continued working on my Halloween costume. Hand-sewing ANYTHING is terrible, I've decided. At least I know that I will be able to sew on a button someday if need-be (but I will never, ever be Susie-Homemaker).

Maybe I'll take another nap before the day begins. Or, maybe I'll listen to the Taylor Swift album all the way through for another time this morning as I ponder Halloween...

I'm looking forward to it. I think this Halloween is going to be an attack of Lady Gaga and the cast of Jersey Shore. So, depending on where you normally party, the landscape might not change much due to the holiday afterall.

What am I going to be? Well, for years I've gotten smart-ass remarks about the fact that I am a very tall and athletic-looking girl. Oh really? I thought my height was about average? Oh. Ok. Anyway, people (dudes) are always joking that I look like an Amazon Woman. I should thank them for the costume inspiration. This costume involves a lot of leaves and feathers. And ass-kicking. And a weapon or two. I'm into it. I tried to avoid looking like Xena - Warrior Princess, but only time will tell if I am successful. 

Who is this beezy? I have no idea, but I like her furry top.

I love Halloween. It's not as fantastic as Christmastime in my book, but it's up there. Everyone seems to have a good time with it and people take themselves less seriously. And people are always up for throwing parties! I dig it. I have to be up un-Godly early this weekend to run/coach a water polo tournament, but I can sleep when I'm dead, right?

Speaking of which, here's an awesome movie featuring the un-dead. THRILLER! Always gets me in the mood for Halloween. Miss you, MJ.

Rules Are Made To Be Broken...

...in this context, at least. 

I am NOT a "Rules Girl". 

    I feel like I'm getting to the age where people I know are getting married...and my girlfriends are not looking for "boyfriends" anymore. Instead, they looking for "husband material" (maybe hunting is the better word here?). I get that. I believe that one shouldn't waste their time dating someone they know with which there is no marriage potential. But I guess, right now, dating and the like is just something to do and not a means to an end. If a lovely young gentleman and I fall madly in love and it leads to marriage, great. But as of now, I'm single and thinking more on the lines of law school apps and my career than bridal registries and babies. I have a lot of friends on my page, and many friends on the next chapter. Fact is, all girls are dealing with similar issues whether you are casually dating or on the fast-track to marriage. 

Obviously, we all discuss our situations and our issues. It's can be confusing. 

When in Sydney earlier this year, a lovely cab driver asked if he could give us some advice before he dropped us off at our final destination. Obviously, we said yes. He says:

"Ladies, I've heard you discussing blokes the entire trip. But, I must say - take sex out of the picture - and men and women have absolutely nothing in common. Don't even try to understand them."

    We found this sort of brilliant at the time, but we're obviously never going to stop trying. The thing that is so interesting to me is how we all go about it differently. Some of us just go with the flow and do what feels right (at the time), and others are very pragmatic about dating. BUT - We're all pretty much lost. Science can generally explain why we are attracted to certain traits (hello evolution - I like you because I want to mate with you), but that only explains so much. 
    There are so many questions - all the time (and we talk about them - ALL THE TIME). How often do you call/text him? What if his sister/best friend/mother doesn't like you? Are distance relationships worth it? Do you think he's cheating? Who is his ex-girlfriend, really (and what did he love about her)? How do I get him to shower more often? Can I really spend the rest of my life with him? But, probably most important, how do I make him want to spend the rest of his life with me? 

    Yeah, that's the kicker. Without question, that's THE question that underlies every other question a girl might think about over the term of a relationship (long or short). Even if she doesn't really adore him. Girls want to be wanted and adored even still - they want to be irresistible and desired in a general sense. I think the idea behind this is that we want to feel like we have the power to attract Mr. Right when he shows up, and if we can't keep Mr. Wrong (Mr. Right's lesser cousin) chasing after us, we probably won't do a great job reeling in our chosen one.
    I find this all pretty hilarious, but I'm absolutely guilty of a lot of it. I overanalyze and typically go with what feels right. And - Oh boy, have I made some wrong choices in the past. However, experience is the best teacher, in my opinion. But...I am always intrigued/perplexed by the girls that always seem to have the answers. They know what to do in any given dating situation. It's almost like they are programmed to follow rules...

    Well, here they are! I've known of this book - The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right - since I was 12 or so. I figured it was initially published in the 50's or at another ridiculous time when our world (at least socially) didn't resemble my reality. Yeah...I was wrong. This book was originally published in 1995! I've thumbed through this book before. Hilarity ensued. And now it shall for you, as well. (My apologies to any girls who believe this stuff or practice it, I just can't do it or support it). Here are THE RULES...and my commentary. 

The Rules
1. Be a “Creature” Unlike Any Other 
-OK. Fine.
2. Don't Talk to a Man First (and Don't Ask Him to Dance)
-Yes. Stay put. Men are never lazy - THEY. WILL. FIND. YOU. And, if you initiate conversation, it probably means you're a whore. Mutes make the best wives.
3. Don't Stare at Men or Talk Too Much
-I am SO GUILTY of...both. Well, I have a lot to say and some men are REALLY good looking! Shoot...I'm never going to get married.
4. Don't Meet Him Halfway or Go Dutch on a Date
-Don't you DARE think about paying for your share. It's not like this is a recession or anything. 
5. Don't Call Him & Rarely Return His Calls
-Yeah, be a bitch. Men love that. Or...They might? No, this is pretty rude, actually.
6. Always End Phone Calls and dates First
-Whatever. Yeah, feign IBS if you run out of ideas. 
7. Don't Accept a Saturday Night Date after 3:00PM.
-Because you'll have to wash your hair, right? Besides, guys usually carry day-planners in their purses and love to plan for things at least a week in advance. Oh, wait...
8. Fill Up Your Time before the Date
-Thank God for this advice. Usually, I tried to blow off all obligations at least 48 hours before a date, it was getting awkward. 
9. How to Act on Dates 1,2, & 3 End the date first especially if you like him.
-I feel so much better now. I knew being myself wasn't going to be sufficient!
10. How to Act on Dates 4 through Commitment Time
-What time is it?! COMMITMENT TIME!!! (When is that, exactly?)
11. ALWAYS end the date first
-Refer to #6 if you're in a bind.
12. Stop Dating Him if He Doesn't Buy You a Romantic Gift for Your Birthday or Valentine's Day
-Remember: Men love materialistic chicks. And, a sweet gesture doesn't cut it. No tangible gift = douchebag (You're SO easy to shop for, anyway!)
13. Don’t See Him More than Once or Twice a Week
-Guys love getting blown off, it says "I really like you".
14. No More than Casual Kissing on the First Date
-Under ZERO circumstances is dry-humping OK.
15. Don't Rush into Sex, Wait at Least Three Dates
-Ehhh...I don't know.
16. Don't Tell Him What to Do
-Earth-shattering stuff.
17. Let Him Take the Lead
-Do not, I repeat, DO NOT have a backbone. Men can read minds, anyway. Everyone knows that.
18. Don't Expect a Man to Change or Try to Change Him
-This one actually makes sense (although people can change - but only due to maturity and due to their willingness to do so...)
19. Don’t Open Up Too Fast
-I'll never win with this one.
20. Be Honest but Mysterious
-This isn't contradictory whatsoever.
21. Accentuate the Positive & Other Rules for Personal Ads
-No, tell everyone how much you suck. And that you wax your upper lip.
22. Don’t Live with a Man (or Leave Your Things in His Apartment)
-Especially not if it makes sense financially. Don't. Do. It.
23. Don't Date a Married Man
-Ohhhh. Before this book I was really confused about this, thanks.
24. Slowly Involve Him in Your Family & Other Rules for Women with Children
-What? I thought men loved babies, baggage and increased responsibility..?
25. Practice, Practice, Practice! (or, Getting Good at The Rules)
-Practice makes perfect! 
26. Even if You're Engaged or Married, You Still Need The Rules
-Always be a pain in the ass. ALWAYS.
27. Do The Rules, Even when Your Friends & Parents Think It's Nuts
-Most people, especially those whom you love and respect greatly, are always wrong. Are your parents even married anyway? Odds are, you're a bastard child. 
28. Be Smart and Other Rules for Dating in High School
-If you are 15 and are not thinking about marriage and finding "Mr. Right", you'll probably become a crazy cat lady.
29. Take Care of Yourself and Other Rules for Dating in College
-Don't get fat...?
30. NEXT! & Other Rules for Dealing with Rejection
-BUT YOU SAID THIS WOULDN'T HAPPEN IF I FOLLOWED THE RULES!!! WTF.
31. Don't Discuss The Rules with Your Therapist.  
-MY FAVORITE - and it's definitely not because he'll probably say you're crazy and all of this is irrational...
32. Don't Break The Rules!
-Don't talk about Fight Club?
33. Do The Rules and You’ll Live Happily Ever After!
-DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ! The divorce-rate in this country is not 50%. 
34. Love Only Those Who Love You
-Girls never fall first, obviously.
35. Be Easy to Live With
-Even if following every other rule on this list points to the opposite of this.

    Ok, I think I'm kinda funny. Some of these aren't total nonsense, just most of them. Life isn't rigid and planned. And if you want to talk to a guy, then by all means, DO IT. Hell, I want to be a lawyer. We live in the time of (mostly) equal opportunity. Women are not helpless anymore, and honestly, men often rely on women to make the first move. They're scared of rejection, too (it's human nature). So, if you can meet them halfway once in awhile, it takes the pressure off of them. Aren't you supposed to end up with someone who makes you feel comfortable and make your life easier for the most part? I'm not "buying" what this book is "selling". It's message? "Be a pain in the ass." No, thanks.

    There is only one rule I think we should follow while in the dating world (well, in ALL relationships generally - romantic and otherwise).  

"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option." -Mark Twain

    Thanks, Mark. I really think this one is the winner. I think I've always known this, but I haven't always adhered to it. It's good to remind myself once in awhile. If someone wants to be with you, they will be. If they want to talk to you, they will. If they say "I don't want a girlfriend" - they don't want you as their girlfriend. Actions speak louder than words. I know we can be our own worst enemies while dating by over-thinking and over-complicating that which should be quite simple, but we need to look out for ourselves and take hints once in awhile. 

Actually, what the hell do I know? I'm single. But, ready to mingle. Halloween weekend, anyone? Holler!

Happy Place

Every so often, I will tell my engineer father (OK - maybe he's not still technically an engineer, but he will always think like one) about my feelings. Half of the time it goes straight over his head (he was one of three boys and my lovely grandmother isn't the most feminine, warm, or open person - But I love her nonetheless!), or he chooses not to engage at all. We're very different - I'm very expressive and always talking. He chooses his words carefully and is very much ruled by what his brain finds rational.

The other day we were talking and my dad mentioned that I seemed tired. I agreed and mentioned that I'm dealing with a lot of anxiety over my LSAT score (that will make itself known in the next few days) and haven't been sleeping that well. He replies with: "You need to go to your 'Happy Place'". 

Really, Dad?

"Yeah, maybe when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed you should bring the pups up to your room and have a cuddle". 

Didn't know my dad liked to use words like "cuddle", but he has a point. Our pups are so damn cute. And they make me happy...And they will love me even if I score 118 on the LSAT (for those of you wondering, the lowest possible score is 120).

Callie - Our English Springer Spaniel

Oso ("Bear" in Spanish) - Our half-Corgi/half-mutt Mix

And, yes...Our dogs are named in honor of my kick-ass Alma Mater - Go Bears!

The point is, we need to find things in everyday life that make us happy and alleviate stress. Things that don't cost money. Friends, family and puppies are great examples of this. We can also create our own "Happy Place". Being content is about perception, really.

I am currently writing from a pretty damn happy place: Look how fabulous my desk looks! I have gorgeous flowers! 

The one and ONLY Stephanie Schnugg. What a kook.

Stephie is amazing and brought me those darling flowers pictures above (she chose exactly what I would have purchased for myself if I ever were to do that). What a sweetheart! She also brought by candy corn (my fave) and a card congratulating me on surviving the LSAT. That was really unexpected and so thoughtful. Warmed my heart, actually. It's crazy how your best friends give you just what you need sometimes...

Again...What a kook. Lunch at Haute Cakes. Lori came, too.

And THIS is what she gets for refusing to take a decent picture. She's still beautiful. On the inside.

In other news: I'm really, really excited about the new Taylor Swift album!!!

It's good. Really good.

"When your girlfriend has Taylor Swift lyrics as her status, you know you're either doing something very right, or something very wrong." (Loved this quote on Twitter) 

Funny thing is, it's SO true. Everyone loves Taylor Swift, especially girls (although I've known some dudes to be very emphatic about the fact that they LOVE T-Swift). And the girls that won't "claim" Taylor Swift are lying. Every girl can identify with at least one of Taylor's many great songs. She is such a true artist. Her voice isn't perfect, but she writes everything herself and is very honest. I love that about her. I have so many awesome memories driving around with friends and singing along to T-Swift at the top of our lungs. Many of my friends and I have turned to Taylor Swift songs for comfort when s*** hits the fan in a relationship, or when you're giddy and excited like a 13 year old who thinks they are in love for the first time. Her lyrics are all-purpose really.

I feel like I can really relate to Taylor. Except for the fact that I will never date John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhall, or a Jonas brother. Hmmm...

---

All-in-all, life is good. I would just like my goddamn LSAT score to show up so I can get on with my life. Until then, I'm going to spend too much time at the gym, eat too many mellowcreme pumpkins, and rock out to T-Swifty. Cheers.

Happy Monday!

I shared the link to this blog under my "Things That Are Awesome" section, but I think that this one deserves some special attention:

http://theworldwelivein.tumblr.com/

The World We Live In blog is chock-full of some of the most amazing images that I have ever seen. The world we live in truly is gorgeous! Give it a good look, it'll really make you happy that you are a resident of Planet Earth (and, not of some other planet...?). But, I will warn you: It's ADDICTING and will give you the travel bug for which there is no cure.

The Avett Brothers: "At The Beach"

Just what I needed:

"Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer." [Rainer Maria Rilke]

"Who Are You?"

That's a GREAT question. Actually, during one of my incredibly exciting Saturday-night studying escapades during the month of September, someone asked me this question. 

He was a Norwegian dude in his late-thirties who asked me if I was an Eastern European studying English in the states. I obviously said "no", but the conversation continued (he was very persistent and seemed harmless). He said I looked the part then proceeded to tell me all about this incredibly tall woman who is famous in the UK for marrying a man nearly a foot shorter than her....Then, he showed me a video of this couple on his laptop. Then, he told me about a book he is writing about Icelandic fairies. Somehow Anime was involved. He wanted to show me some YouTube videos about that, but I said I didn't have time. 

Anyway, he asked me if he could pose one more question before I left. He told me that someone recently asked him this question while he was traveling, and it deeply affected him. He said it changed his life, even. I agreed to hear him out. 

So he says, "Who are you?"

Woah. I stared blankly for a bit (and probably looked like a massive idiot), and I truly had no idea what to say. 

"Um...Do you mean, what do I do?"

"No" he says, "I mean - Who are you?"

Seems simple enough, right? But, no, it really isn't. Think about it...

All I could come up with was "Work in progress. I'm really not sure yet". 

Let's hope I'm right...

Truth is, it's really true. I have a "sense of self", but I don't know much more than that. I know that I had an identity crisis in college. But is it so bad to believe that we are constantly changing and evolving? Yes, I will always have the same DNA, and unless I go to great measures, I will still look the same and will probably have the same name (maybe I will change my surname one day if someone decides they want to put up with me for the rest of our lives). Nevertheless, I believe that our experiences shape us, and people do change.

"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense." - Harold S. Kushner

So...WHO AM I? Well, here's what I know so far:

My name is Melissa Catherine Wheeler.

I'm 23 and a Gemini.

I'm obsessed with astrology - it explains a lot of personality quirks that we all inevitably have, IMO.

I've lived in Orange County my entire life. 
I have a love/hate relationship with Orange County.

I will never live outside of California, but as of now, I favor the Northern half.

I'm naturally blonde - but darker than my current shade.

I have freakishly small feet for my size - 7.5.
I don't have health insurance and can't get it in this country due a pre-existing condition.
I am an organ donor.
I drive a lime green Honda Element.

I'm just under 6 feet tall (but I prefer 5'12").

I know that all tall girls have awkward stages (hopefully mine will end soon).

I'm the epitome of an extrovert. 

I was voted "Most Outgoing" of my 8th grade class.

I'm incredibly competitive.

I can be very sassy and sarcastic. 

Sometimes I can be bitchy and difficult.

I'm emotional. 

I can be really hard on myself.

I can be intense - which I understand to be both good and bad.

I'm ridiculously analytical.

My mom says I can't out of the womb arguing.

I make decisions with both my head and my heart, which isn't always a good thing.

I think too much.

I'm optimistic, generally. 

The glass is half-full...but it could be empty soon.

I laugh a lot.

I love to make other people laugh and will make fun of myself in order to do so.

I strive to be a good friend everyday.

I'm right-handed. 

I am NOT a clean freak when it comes to my room and being organized.

However, I am a clean freak when it comes to personal hygiene.

I'm very independent and am good at entertaining myself.

I'm very "Type A" and can be stubborn.

I'm outspoken and can be confrontational (but, maturity has helped with this). 

I love meeting new people and can talk about anything (and usually, everything).

I can always find something in common with anyone I meet.

I've been obsessed with the internet and all social media since I discovered it.

I love technology in general.

I am a Mac person.

However, I am a BlackBerry lover.

CRACK-Berry is more appropriate. I'm addicted to my phone.

I love twitter - LOVE it. 

I gave up facebook for over 2 months while studying for the LSAT and no one can believe I survived.

I find facebook chat incredibly annoying.

I've online dated and had a great experience (would definitely do it again).

People that online date really have nothing to be embarrassed about. 

I've been known to make a fool out of myself and will totally embrace that. 

I played water polo in high school and in college.

I went to UC Berkeley, and loved it.

I was in a sorority - Kappa Kappa Gamma.

I was a Rhetoric major and nearly minored in Eastern Asian studies.

I took several courses on Buddhism (which was amazing). 

I wanted to double major in Philosophy, but it would have been nearly impossible thanks to the several hours a day I spent playing water polo.

Don't tell my teammates, but I loved our conditioning workouts. 

I also enjoyed lifting weights. 

I definitely consider myself to be a girly-tomboy.

I've always kind of been a nerdy-jock, too. I love sports and am a total bookworm. 

I'm a grammar snob and will judge you if you use there instead of their.

I love to read.

I don't watch TV.

My life is full of contradictions

I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was in 8th grade. 

I listen to Christmas music in the summer and listen to it CONSTANTLY after October 31st.

I love holidays.

"Christmas" is my favorite smell.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is my favorite movie of all time.

I also love independent films. 

I sometimes enjoy movies and books that are considered "dark".

I'm a total weirdo and I don't believe in taking life (or yourself) too seriously.

I've had a "thing" for Hello Kitty and Sanrio since I was really little.

My debit card is pink and white and features Hello Kitty.

Meow.

I am a cat/dog/farm-animal/reptile/bird/you-get-the-picture person.

I am a morning person.

I am obsessed with Asian culture (I have never been to Asia, but I am dying to go).

I love all Asian cuisine, but can't eat much of it anymore.

I have a non-celiac gluten intolerance, so my diet is "gluten-free". 

There is gluten in soy sauce (which shows up in just about everything), which is unfortunate.

I feel the best I've felt in years due to this discovery, although I do miss my old diet sometimes. 

To call what I have a "sweet-tooth" would not do it justice. I have a sugar addiction.

Diet Coke is the bomb.

I love coffee.

I could eat Mexican food for every meal.

I love having a good conversation over brunch.

I love the ocean and the beach.

I've never been scared of sharks.

I grew up sailing competitively and nearly joined the Varsity sailing team in high school.

I blew it off for a spot on the Novice water polo team (I'm pretty content with that decision).

Water polo has been a HUGE part of my life.

I enjoy swimming in the ocean.

I'm a workout freak. 

I like going to the gym really late at night.

I recently took up running again, and want to do a half-marathon ASAP.

One of my major goals in life is to complete an Ironman: 26.2 miles of running, 2.2 miles of swimming and 100 miles on a road-bike.

Obviously, I'm a masochist. 

I always leave the gym in a good mood. Without fail.

I can't work out without music.

I'm a music fiend, it's a huge part of my life.

I enjoy all types of music, especially indie-alternative and electronic jams.

I love house music and can stomach country.

I download music constantly and am addicted to my ipod. 

I'm very "white" and can't dance.

I love making mixes for friends.

I have the most amazing friends, living all over the country and the world. 
I think about the people I care about constantly.

I lived in Sydney, Australia for several months this year and I miss it everyday.

I'm the first-born and have your typical first-born personality.

I'm the oldest of two.

I always wished I'd been apart of a larger family.

I have a little sister named Elizabeth. We have always called her "Curley" (don't ask).

She's 2 and a half years younger than me and is a Capricorn.

She currently attends UC Berkeley.

We don't always get along, but our relationship has improved significantly in recent years.

Now, we talk everyday and it makes me really happy.

We are incredibly different in our looks and personalities, but I think she's fantastic. 

I am really close with both of my parents, I consider them to be two of my best friends.

I think they are hilarious.

They are really supportive of everything I do.

They have been really tough on me over the years, but I owe most of my success to that.

They have given me a lot of great relationship advice.

It's not their fault that I am single (ha).

Their 25th anniversary is next summer.

They have showed me that all relationships require hard work but can be very rewarding.

They both wear the pants in the relationship.

Also, opposites can attract.

They're going to be awesome Grandparents.

I become more like them everyday.

I consider myself lucky (although it can be annoying at times).

I'm agnostic but used to be a devout Christian.

I read both testaments of the bible during my 8th grade year.

I don't believe in hell.

I believe that religion can be great for society, but organized religion causes a lot of problems.

Many religious people are hypocrites.

I believe people can benefit from attending any type of church service.

I believe in science and evolution.

However, I believe in Karma and fate.

I love many things about Buddhism.

I believe people are inherently good but we all make mistakes.

What goes around, comes around.

I believe in paying it forward.

I would like to adopt an Asian little girl one day (gendercide is such nonsense).

I believe in the institution of marriage and EVERYONE should be able to marry.

My mom always said "It's better for 2 people to love each other than for 2 people to hate each other, no matter who those people may be". That always stuck with me.

Being gay is not a choice. 

I'm very liberal when it comes to social issues. 

I believe in small government.

It's not cool to be ignorant - knowledge of current events is a necessity. 

I prefer to get my news from various online sources, especially the New York Times.

Fox News is the devil. 

ESPN is awesome and I love Sportscenter.

Go Bears and Go Lakers!

I believe in love - but not soul mates.

There is a difference between love and infatuation.

I have been in love.

When I fall, I fall hard.

I have had my heart broken.

I am a better person because of it.

I am looking for an equal in a relationship, I don't believe I need to be taken care of.

Chivalry isn't dead, it's just harder to find than it used to be.

Everyone has baggage - including me.

Life is complicated, but navigating through it can be awesome.

I believe that everyone deserves to be happy - but happiness is a choice.

--------------------------------------------------------------

This post is ridiculously long.

If you're still reading this, good for you for making it so far! Let it be known I didn't do this in one (or two) sittings. I am procrastinating working on my Personal Statement essay for my law school apps. I figured it's good to figure out who I am and if I can even verbalize it at all. Might as well share it with anyone who wants to read it. 

To my friends that are reading this, you're probably saying "no-s***" to most of this. But for those of you who don't know me, you now know a lot of random information about me...Hopefully you "get the idea" about Melissa Wheeler. Nice to meet you.

---

"The amount of happiness that you have depends on the amount of freedom you have in your heart" -Thich Nhat Hanh

Oh yeah, I'm also really, really into quotes.