Friday, December 12, 2014

Friday Fave- 12.12.14

Not only am I excited because it's Friday (and I don't have to work this weekend), but this is also my first Friday link-up! So let's get into it.

{one}
Today is my library branch's Christmas party. This is my first one attending since I missed it last year so I am kinda sorta really excited. The best thing about my job (besides access to tons of books) are my coworkers. So it'll definitely be fun to hang out with them for a bit.

{two}
My husband and I have been doing a Harry Potter/Christmas movie marathon throughout the week. I'm happy for a free weekend to fit in more movies.
 Also, I haven't watched the HP movies in yeeaaars so it has been great seeing all of those again. They were so young in the first one, and then that hair in the 4th one. Oh my.



{three}
Sigmund Freud humor is the best, especially when shared with your best friend.




{four}
I miss Zoella and Alfie's vlogs and Sunday videos. Just saying.



{five}
I have yet to do ANY Christmas shopping. A+ Procrastination.


I hope everyone has a good weekend!


Wednesday, December 3, 2014

I Am a Wife With Two Spouses

Yep, you read that right. I have two spouses.

One of my spouses makes me laugh whenever I'm around him whether I am mad or sad. He is an amazing person with a big heart, especially for animals. He likes the Ninja Turtles and can give you a whole explanation why the new Star Wars movies are horrible compared to the old ones ("They're classics!") And without a doubt, he is the strongest person I know.

My second spouse is mean and he is relentless. He hates pizza and salad, and is very picky with any other foods he eats. He can turn any day into a bad one and will even attack in public. The worst part is my first spouse and I have to deal with him for life.

He is Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

 


My husband was diagnosed in 2008, shortly before I met him. In the summer of 2013, he was admitted into the hospital for a week and half because of complications.


From his prospective, he could give you every in and out of what it is like to live with a chronic disease that any one walking past him on the street wouldn't be able to see just by looking at him.

But from my perspective, I just see my husband in pain from the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed.

Every meal has to be carefully chosen and prepared because there are so many things that could make him ill if he eats them.

Going to work or going any place for that matter is a big deal especially if he is having a flare up.

His joints ache constantly and he isn't able to do as much as he wants or would like to.

He takes an array of different medications that are constantly being changed or altered, added to or subtracted from. Most of these medications are not cheap and are not covered under many insurance plans INCLUDING Obamacare. This means that under any insurance plan, adequate treatment can still cause a patient to fall into debt.

The hardest part?

There is no cure. He can be in remission, making his symptoms less noticeable. But for the rest of his life, he will always have Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.

As a wife, this is a hard reality. You want to make it better. You want to stop the pain or make what he wants for dinner. You want to live a day without fear of hospital stays or surgery. You want HIM to live a day without this same fear. You want him to be able to go out and live a normal life without the anxiety. But that's not possible.

And the saddest part is many people don't know what Crohn's or Colitis is even though at least 700,000 Americans, if not more, suffer from this each day.

I write this post not only for my husband and those who suffer with him, but for the people who have no clue what this disease is or how it affects the people who have been diagnosed.

December 1 through 7 is Crohn's Awareness Week, and I challenge you, dear readers, to become aware and learn about this disease and the lives that it affects.



You can learn more about Crohns and Colitis here.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

The Story of my Pets (Update)

Well, hello there lovelies. 

Since I'm off work this weekend and spending time at home with the hubby and our "zoo," I thought it'd be a good day to catch everyone up to speed on our little family of animals and there stories. Because everyone loves cute and fuzzy animals, right?

Prudence

 Prudence is our 4 year old beagle/rat terrier mix. I adopted her from the humane society as just a small pup. She is the sweetest dog ever and definitely loves to eat. And she is a BIG cuddler.
Rosey
 Rosey is a 1 and a half year old yorkie. She was given to Sean by a friend when his Crohn's was really out of control and he had to stay in the hospital for over a week. We call her "angel pup." She is sweet but definitely as sassy one.
Zues
Zues is our newest addition. He is a 7 month old Dorkie (yorkie/dachshund). A coworker of Sean's mom couldn't keep him so she was going to surrender him to a shelter. Obviously being the animal lovers we are, we couldn't let that happen. Two days after we had him, he fell really ill and we took him to the vet. It turns out he had parvo. He was hospitalized for 4 days until finally the vet decided he was homesick and couldn't make him eat because of it. So, they released him on outpatient care. That night, he ate and we knew he was going to make it. To this day, he is the silliest, most playful pup.  
Augustus (Gus)
 We bought Gus at Petsmart a few months ago and he was a semi-impulse purchase. Our hamster Hera had died and we went to get a new hamster but we walked out with him instead. Gus thinks he's a dog. At first we were worried about not buying him in a pair since guinea pigs usually do better with a buddy, but Gus is absolutely happy with his dog friends. Whenever any of the pets come up to the cage, he sticks his nose out and wheeks and wheeks.
Hercules
 Hercules is our little syrian hamster. We went into Petsmart for a Guinea pig bowl, and walked out with him, only because he was the cutest thing ever. He has a marking on his back that kind of looks like a lightning bolt too.
Dexter 
 He is a blue and purplish beta named after the television character. I can't get a picture of him because he is a fast swimmer.

Annnd that's the clan! What pets do you have?
 

Friday, November 28, 2014

How Thanksgiving Was Different For Me As a Newlywed


This Thanksgiving was my first one as a wife. A wife. That's still weird, but exciting to say.

Our holiday followed the same routine as last year. We went to Sean's grandparents' house for a couple hours, then Sean had to work (which is no fun), and I relaxed at home with the pups. But this year just felt different.

This year, I wanted us to create our own traditions and lay down our own roots. I wanted something special, that we could continue for years to come.

Some traditions I've seen are cooking a favorite dish to bring to the family Thanksgiving, buying an ornament to represent something special that happened each year, watching a certain movie, or putting up the tree on a certain day.

This year, we decided since Sean worked this Thanksgiving and most holidays, we would celebrate our very own separate holiday on Saturday. We will cook a small Thanksgiving-like meal, put up our tree, and watch our favorite Christmas movies. This is something we could do the Saturday after Thanksgiving, every year.

Call me a nerd, but this is one of the most exciting things I've ever done. I love the idea of traditions and starting our own. It is definitely one of my favorite things about being married, and it's even more fun when the person you're married to is your best friend and shares the same value as you.

What traditions did you start as a newlywed or even more recently that you still do now?


Saturday, June 8, 2013

Infinite

Exactly three weeks ago I graduated from college.

My name was called and I walked up the platform. With a nervous smile, I shook hands with the president of my university, and then after a few more handshakes, I exited the stage a college graduate.

I never thought I would experience a dream come true, but I did.

That day was a blur. It was raining, but somehow the gloom seemed as light as if the sun were out. Like it was just a blanket covering us graduates to provide a little security as we crossed into the next chapter of our lives.

When the class of 2013 was permitted to exit, I spotted my mom in the crowd. Her smile is really the only vivid thing I can remember. The second is when my best friend, roommate, sister, looked at me as she was returning to her chair and mouthed the words, "we did it."

But, it was my mom's smile that made the whole day worth while, because I earned that degree for her. As I exited the stadium, I held up my degree, looked up at her, and cheesed like the little girl I know I would always be to her.

Now, three weeks later, I have my own apartment (except the remainder of my roommate's belongings) and a different life I'm very much in the process of navigating. In a week, my roommate will be coming back to pack up the rest of her things and move hundreds of miles away, the furthest we've been in 4 years. It's strange to me how a stranger can come into one's life and become such a vital part. Even though I know it's just a "see you later," my roommate has been my family since I left St. Louis. She's been there for the colds, the break-ups, the bad grades, the good ones, the falling in love, the Walmart trips, and so much more. Like I said, she became my sister and no matter how far apart we are, that will always bridge the distance. I'm sure of it. 

So, I sit here, looking around at what my life has become in three short weeks. I contemplate where to hang my degree. What books should go on what shelf. What pictures to put in frames. I purchase furniture and watch as this apartment grows into my home. A piece of myself goes into every decision.

The vastness of it is scary yes, but it is the most free I have ever felt. I could literally do anything right now. Who knows where I will be in another three weeks, or a month, or a year. I could have a new job and be falling in love.

As irrelevant as it sounds, I'm often reminded of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." The night my roommate and I left the theater, she looked at me and asked, "So, what is your infinite moment so far?" and I couldn't answer, until now.

It was the moment I looked up at my mom, like I have done so many times throughout my life, and held up that degree. It was the moment when I gave her the goofiest grin I could because I knew she watched me grow up in those seconds that I crossed the stage. It was in that moment when a grin was the biggest "thank you" I could muster through tears.

It was the moment, I was infinite.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Once Upon a Time, I Actually Did Something Over the Weekend

Yes, you heard it here first.

I, Melissa, actually went out this weekend. And, it was a blast. This may or may not go against my being antisocial lately.

Anywho...

This Weekend I...

Went on a fun errand run with one of my best friends, Alayna. I needed groceries and she needed supplies for a project she's doing with her class. This resulted in a conversation with a model who worked at Home Depot named Rob. Okay, he wasn't a model but he might as well have been. And when a man who looks like a God is talking about fishing and manly things, you can't help but be all hot and bothered. Am I right?

Our errand run ended with a stop into Petsmart where they were having an adoption thing. And oh jeez, I almost adopted one. His name was Jet and he was a Jack Russell and Rat Terrier mix. I seriously fell in love. But adopting a dog without my roommate's consent and the whole money thing kinda stopped me. I hope he got adopted.

{Sorry, for the blurry picture. He was skirming}


Saturday night, I got all dolled up to visit with my old landlords/friends who I just love. A simple dinner turned into an awesome girls' night.

First, I cooked some red beans and rice while sipping white wine. I have never had white wine and after trying it, I don't know why. It was yummy.

Yes, there is red beans and rice underneath that cheese and ketchup. Don't judge...


Oh, and not to mention. These girls got to entertain me while I cooked...



After dinner, the six of us went out to Ellis Park ( a horse racing park/casino) to have some drinks and gamble. Now, I am not a gambler... I lost my ten bucks (oh, yeah I know biiiig risk taker) and spent the rest of my night watching the others gamble and drinking. Speaking of drinking...

I thought I wasn't a beer drinker, but lately I've had a taste for them. I tried Bud Black Crown and I usually hate darker-ish beers but this was good.

Sunday, I worked and then relaxed and did homework while snuggling with my Prudy-bear.


How was your weekend?

Linking up with Sar & Syn!


Thursday, January 31, 2013

Top 5 Worst T.V Shows... Random Thursday

Hey ya'll!

Today, I am linking up with Em, Lin, and Meg for a looong overdue dish of some Random Thursday.



Today's topic?

Top 5 Worst T.V Shows

We all know television has had some doozies. Not every show can be F.R.I.E.N.D.S or How I met Your Mother (We all know those are my faves). So, which 5 do I deem the worst?

{One}
Teen Mom 2
Okay, I am guilty of watching this show. I really, really am. It's addicting. But it's soooo dumb! I mean some of the choices these girls make should not be televised. But like I said, I watch it sometimes. Not religiously. But sometimes.

{Two}
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
No... just no. Stop that right now.

{Three}

Anything Kardashian related
STOP giving these people t.v shows. I BEG you, please

{Four}
Secret Life
Just the commercials for this show makes me gag. I'm guilty for watching my fair share teen dramas *cough* obsession over One Tree Hill *cough* But this doesn't even have good plots. The acting is bad, the writing is bad. It's just bad and cheesy and over the top.

{Five}

Buckwild
This had potential to be a good show. Country kids are fun and interesting. But this just turned out to be trashy. None of the guys are hot. The girls are annoying. It just doesn't work.

Do you have any t.v shows you hate? Link up!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

A Day in My Life

Hey everyone!

So floating around the blogoshere is a challenge where you document your day by taking one photo every hour from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep. It looked fun so here is my "Day in the Life." I documented this past Monday since it was my day off. Enjoy :)

Note: Since I only get one day off a week, I will warn you this might bore you. just sayin'

Monday January 28, 2013:




8 a.m- Up and dressed for class. I will not leave the hhouse without coffee.


9 a.m- Victorian Literature. We're reading North and South


10 a.m- Work Study. Unpacking books received in the mail.


11 a.m- Still at work study...


12 to 2 p.m- Usually at 1 I have my humor writing class, but it was cancelled. So for two hours I did homework and read blogs.


2 pm- Senior Sem wooo


3 pm- Waiting for the bus


4pm- Cleaning my room


5 p.m- In order to do laundry, I had to go to the gas station and bargain for quarters.


6p.m- Cleaned Ted's fish tank while waiting for my friend Alayna to come over


7 p.m- How I Met Your Mother!


8pm- Time to fold and hang up allll that laundry


9 pm- made a late dinner for the roomie and I


10 p.m- The Daily Show

11 pm- F.R.I.E.N.D.S and homework

12am- Settled in and watched Catfish before bed




1 a.m- Bed time

Welp, as you can see it was a relaxing and productive day off!

Until next time...

XO,


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Tuesday Ten

Linking up again with Lin and Amber for Ten on Tuesday. Join in!



One
 How I Met Your Mother was a repeat last night. I was not happy.

Two
Catfish was a new episode. Honestly, I think it's awesome that they feature gay couples too. And Nev is just uber cute.
Three
Yesterday was my only day off of the week and I would say that I was productive. You'll get to see my day off hour by hour tomorrow!

Four
I have a 2500 creative non-fiction piece due tomorrow which I haven't even started. Procrastination rules my life.

Five
For my media class, I have to write and film a public service announcement. My topis is pet adoption. You beeter believe I will be staying away from Sarah Mclaughlin music... I wanna make it funny but sweet. Any suggestions? What would YOU want to see in a pet adoption ad?


Six
My outline for my novel is being workshopped in class tomorrow... I think I'm going to pee myself.

Seven
It's official... I'm a Hoosier. I got my state I.D last week.

Eight
I swear I have been the most anti-social person ever lately. The only person I have wanted anything to do with lately is my roommate and that's only because I live with her. No clue what my deal is.
Nine
I think being single makes people try harder. I swear if I was in a relationship right now, I'd be sitting here in sweats and no make up. But nope, I woke up this morning and tried. That should be our motto.... single people, we try!

Ten
This song has been stuck in my head all week...


Welp, there's my 10. Have a good day everyone and tune in tomorrow for a day in the life of me!

XO