Introduction

Punky Brewster. She was the coolest girl. I wanted so badly to be her. She was fun and had great style. For a few years I was doubling the number of socks my mother washed and folded just so I could look like Punky.

Punky and I grew up together. We experienced the same things--making friends, family health problems, problems at school, Girl Scouts/Fireflies, and first loves. Even the tragedy of the Space Shuttle Challenger was something "we" went through together. Punky was every girl's best friend.

Her upbringing was not that of typical girl her age. And I think because of that she had an incredible ability to adapt to change. Just look at her friends. How much more different could Allen, Cherie, and Margaux be? Her sunny disposition was infectious and it was something to be admired.

Where am I going with this? Well, probably now more than ever, I feel a kinship with the character I idolized as a young girl. I am the new girl. I don't really fit in. But unfortunately, I can't charm people with funky socks or cute catch phrases. Yelling "Melissa Power!" probably won't make me a whole lot of friends nor will it get me my dream job.

Two years ago I left the comforts of home--New Hampshire, where I was born and raised. I started a career there. I was building a great network. And I was fortunate enough to work with people I considered friends, very good friends.

I now live Washington, DC. The move brought me closer to the man who become my husband, and provided me new job opportunities. Washington has been slow to grow on me though. I am trying to embrace change, without giving up those things I hold near and dear.

A blog seemed like a neat place to update my friends and family "up north", and provide some entertainment for others. I plan on sharing what I love, the old and the new, and the adventures that come with a new lifestyle.

I think this will be a wicked cool. And I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.