Melissa Jones Blandford

First of all, thanks a bunch Bethany for showing me this website and Lauren for adding me to it. I didn't actually graduate with the class of '89. I moved to Hot Springs after 8th grade but stayed in touch with many of you through high school.

I graduated from Hot Springs High School (yep, same high school as Bill Clinton). Got a BA in English at UALR in 1992. Also got married to David in 1992 after meeting him in bar in Little Rock on my 21st birthday (not my finest hour for sure). Heath was born in 1993, and when he was 5 months old we moved to Ohio for David's job. Maddie came in 1996.

I got into Human Resources in 1999 on a fluke, got my master's degree in Organizational Management in 2003, and senior HR certification in 2006. Been working in HR for 10 years now and really love what I do.

My husband is an air traffic controller. My son is president of his class, on honor roll, a kick-ass baseball player, golf player, and funny as hell. My daughter is my mini-me...honor roll, FUNNY, and takes everything too seriously. She also cheers and does gymnastics, soccer, track, softball and anything else she can find to keep her busy and away from her mom. :)

We have a bunch of fun at my house. Everything is funny here. Especially if it's a bodily function. :)

My mom and family are all still in Arkansas. I never thought I'd live anywhere but Arkansas...but here I am in Ohio. People aren't as nice here as down South, and 15 years later, I still miss the South.

I have terrific memories of Holy Rosary Catholic School, Stuttgart Middle School, and SJHS. We were a great group of kids with wayyyy too much freedom, weren't we?

I am so glad to have a chance to catch up with some of you.