What’s your full name?

Melissa Ann Aguirre

Were you named after anyone?

Ann comes from my paternal Great-Grandmother’s name and also my Mother’s middle name.

What’s your average day like?

This is a good question. My days vary since I work part-time (as a mentor to teachers). On a work-day: wake up by 7, get myself ready. Kids usually wake up while I’m getting ready. Then, jump in the car and drop them off at the babysitter (or at my parent’s). Work, work, work, work, work! And then rush to pick them up by 4…get home, play! Make dinner! Hubby gets home (who is also a teacher!). We have dinner, play outside and on a good night go for a walk. And then it’s bath and bed!

On a non-work day: life is a little more casual which makes this a good balance! I wake up by 7 and the baby is usually awake then too. We make our way downstairs, make coffee and watch Good Morning America. And then, my 3.5 year old makes his way down by 8 and we all snuggle. And then, I make them breakfast. I get the 3.5 year old cleaned up (teeth brushed, spiky hair) and ready for pre-school. I usually throw on yoga pants and a t-shirt and jump in the car to take him to pre-school. Little bro comes along too. We drop off big bro and then head back home. This is when I do my house chores. Laundry, dishes, mop, prep dinner. And then, the baby takes a nap. I usually do some computer work in between chores while the baby sleeps. Then, we go back to pick up big bro at school. We all come back home together, have lunch, play…maybe go to the library. We all have “rest” time on our days home together. (I usually try to watch “Ellen” at 4pm on my non-work days.) And then, I usually start cooking dinner by 5/5:30 Our nights end the same each day- dinner, play, bath and bed!

What do you consider to be your “home”?

The house I live in with my family…in this fine town I grew up in!

How far away do you live from where you were born?

I was born at a hospital in San Jose- but we lived in Gilroy. I do live about 8 blocks away from my childhood home. Funny, I know. I didn’t “need” to live so close to home but it just happened that way. I went away to college and moved back home upon graduating. I found a teaching job in the neighboring town. Long story short, my husband and I purchased a home minutes from my childhood home (where my parent’s still live).

Is that distance something you think about? Do you have any connection to your place of birth?

I don’t normally think about it — it just all feels comfortable. I do have/feel a connection to this town. I don’t HAVE to live here for the rest of my life but it is the right place for us now.

Are you in touch with anyone from your youth? Is there someone you wish you stayed in contact with, but didn’t?

I think I pretty much am in contact with anyone I wish to be.

At the moment, what’s something you’re looking forward to?

Specifically, my husband and I are going to an event at my Aunt and Uncle’s winery tonight. It is tucked away in Corralitos. It should be a lot of fun!

Is there anything you need with you throughout the day to feel complete? (cellphone, make up, hair brush, clean teeth, etc.)

All of the above! If I am in “mommy-mode” I make sure to have the essentials: diapers, wipes, snacks and extra clothes for the kiddos. For me, I need my cell-phone and some lip gloss!

When you look in the mirror, what do you notice first about your appearance?

My eyebrows. My skin pigmentation.

If you could change something about your appearance, what would it be?

I would love to be in better shape. (Meaning: lose 10 pounds!)

What do you first notice in strangers?

Smile/teeth as well as personality. I can immediately pick up on level of friendliness.

What do think those that know you say about you?

I think those that know me say I am friendly and kind. (Sidenote: I aksed my hubby this question and he says, “That you’re smart.”)

What would you hope they would say?

I hope they say that I am friendly and kind!

What do you think strangers notice first about you?

Again, friendly!

What is your proudest moment? Biggest victory?

1.Being a mama! 2. Playing 4 years of college softball.

What is your biggest regret? Biggest failure?

One (small) regret from a long time ago, was to not trying out for the softball team my senior year of high school. I was bitter about an incident and decided not to play.

If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

My level of organization at home. Also, professionally, being more firm with my words.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself teaching (still) and sitting in the stands with my hubby watching our boys play sports.

Are you making plans for the future, or being more spontaneous?

I tend to be more of a planner. I am indirectly making plans for the future as I support my husband who just finished his administrative credential and is now beginning his Master’s in Education. This will open more doors for us in the future.

If you could know exactly when and how you would die, would you want to know?

Ugh, this gives me a pit in my stomach. I don’t think I would want to know. With my personality, I would dwell on it until it occurs.

If you were to die tomorrow, would your life be complete?

No. I have much more to see and experience — like watching my children grow up.

Do you have any dreams unfulfilled?

Before…years ago…I had aspirations into going into administration within education. Principal, Assistant Principal. But, in knowing what that takes, I am not certain that’s the path I need to take.

What is the one rule you try to live by? Do you feel successful at following it?

My one rule is to live a good life and be a good person. I want my children to look back on their childhood with fond memories and some good laughs. I want to be nothing but a good role model to them– including showing them how to have a successful relationship/marriage. I do feel successful at this so far!