Just Joshin': Getting to know my husband

I have had several friends do little diddies about their husbands: questionnaires, getting-to-know-you's, guests posts, that sort of thing. It's fun. It's different. And it gives you a break from hearing about my health, style disasters, and random thoughts.

And seeing as how this is a blog about my life, I might as well tie in the person who is the biggest part of it.

So, I'm honored to introduce you to my favorite person. The peanut to my butter. The string to my cheese.

(I'm in purple. Josh is in orange.)

Okay are you ready?
Yes. Whats on your shirt?
Oh, peanut butter.
Thats gross.

Okay, what is your name?
Josh Clark.

What is your middle name?
Dwaine.  With 1 syllable, not 2. Dwaine, not Dee-waine

What is your favorite color
Blue. These are really creative.
Just wait.

What is your favorite thing about me?
Your unfunny funniness

What is your favorite activity?
Playing with my dogs

When was our first date?
If you just want a date, it was August 20th.
What year?
2004

Who said "I love you" first?
You did, accidentally, in a car outside of McDonalds. And I responded with "Well, I'll see you later."
Oh gosh, I remember that. That was really embarrassing.

How long have we been married?
4 years 1 month

What is your favorite thing I cook?
Oh, there are so many options. I'd say hummus soup and poppy seed chicken.

What is your least favorite thing I cook?
Anything with brussels sprouts because it stinks up the entire house.

If I were ordering a drink for both of us, what would I get?
Something with whiskey for me and some kind of wine for you.

What is my most commonly used phrase?
Probably just saying my name really annoyed. (He then proceeds to mock me)

If you could throw out one of my clothing items what would it be?
Um, there are lots I would throw out. But if I had to choose- your mysteriously old clogging shirt or the shorts that look like a dog got ahold of them. 

If you had a week off of school and work, what would you look forward doing the most?
By myself or with you? 
It doesn't matter- in general. 
Sitting. Yard work. A movie. See how fat I could get off of pizza and burgers.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
2 old dogs, you, a couple of little ones running around, not in school and having a real job.

Tell me what you wanted to be when you were younger.
A stuntman. And strangely, a DJ at one point. 
Yea, engineering is close to those two. 
Yea, maybe I can keep DJing on the side as a hobby.

Until next time...

Binge-worthy Shows

During my healing/isolation period over the past few months the TV became my friend. Well, full disclosure, the TV has always been my friend. I love everything from a dark plot, to ethically-gray characters, to mindless teen drama.

During my normal life, I try to limit my screen time during the day. Otherwise, my house would be a mess and we would be eating out of cereal boxes. But as I healed from my surgery, not being able to exercise or talk, and being in isolation from radiation, I let myself be consumed by the television.

I didn't mean for my time to be spent this way. I had good intentions of making scrapbooks, cleaning out my closet, and scrubbing the house floor to ceiling. But each day I had little motivation to pry myself out of bed or off the couch; I called it a success if I took a shower or went for a walk. I gave myself lots of slack, considering the circumstances. I never once felt guilty that I was able to watch full seasons in a matter of days. I considered it a cultural cram session.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of hours of back-to-back show watching. Of your own cultural cram session. Here are the shows that I turned to.

1. House of cards

Some people save the best for last. Well, I couldn't resist the need to tell you about my hands-down favorite show. The best thing I've binge-watched. Ever. Now, I'm totally not a political person so don't let the setting scare you off. This is about deceit, scheming, and doing whatever it takes to get ahead. Maybe I love this show so much because I can't relate to any of the characters. And Kevin Spacey = amazing.

2. Game of Thrones

If you haven't heard of this incredible fantasy drama, then you have been living under a rock. Hands down the best show in television. It is based the book A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin, which I have since started reading since the show began. I love so many characters, and love to hate the others. I've been watching the show since the beginning but re-watched it during this downtime. The show is already on season 4, so you better hurry and catch up!

3. Veep

Again, I'm not a political person but Julia Louis-Dreyfus is hysterical. The HBO comedy is set in the office of the Vice President and the writing is spot on. Seriously. Watch this.

2. Orphan Black

This is a BBC series following a girl who learns she is a part of a clone experiment. It has great writing and an intriguing plot. But what puts the cherry on the cake is that one actor plays all the parts! I guess that makes sense, since she is a clone. But it is totally believable and I completely forget I'm watching TV magic.

3. Friday Night Lights

This has all the components of a good TV drama. High school football. Teens who are doing things way too mature for their age. And intertwined love stories that give soap-operas a run for their money. This show brings me back to my high school days, to a small town who loved their football. The characters are fun to love and easy to look at! Wink wink. (It feels weird to say that about characters portrayed as high school students....but alas.)

4. Gossip Girl

Talking about intertwined love stories, if you want a mindless plot then Gossip Girl is a show for you. After years of trying to watch all the seasons, I finally made it through. This is a show that you can stop watching for months on end and pick right back up. No need to refresh, because it basically is the same thing over and over again. That being said, I love it and I don't know why. And, I wish I was Blair Waldrof.

5. 30 Rock

Friends have been raving about 30 Rock for years now, but I could never get into it. After reading Tina Fey's Bossy Pants, I had a new desire to finally sit down and see what the hubbub was all about. Amazingly, society is right. It is extremely funny, witty, and the characters had me laughing harder than I care to admit.

6. Orange Is the New Black

Netflix sure knows what it is doing. While I don't love this Netflix original as much as House of Cards, this is a really good show. At some times the show was comedic, at others times it was a bit more serious. But I really enjoy the story and characters and I can't wait until the second season is released. I can totally relate the main character Piper if, you know, I was a possible lesbian who was convicted of a felony. I would totally be her if I had to go to prison (a completely straight version, however).

Honorable mentions: Parks and Rec, The Americans, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Downton Abbey

What shows do you love? Are you obsessed with Francis Underwood like I am? Do you look forward to Sunday nights for the new GoT like I do? Do you love Netflix and the fact that you can watch episode after episode without interruption?

Thumbs up!

Last week we drove to Little Rock for my final post-op appointment with Dr. Stack, my ENT surgeon. He gave my voice and scar a thumbs-up and confirmed that everything is healing well.

Praise God! 

I'd say my voice is 90% and my breathing is up to 75%... And things are only getting better each week. 

So, no more visits with the surgeon. Yahoo! Next on the appointment list is in 5 months with my endocrinologist for a ultrasound and bloodwork to make sure nothing is looking suspicious- just to monitor things. 

So, this was very good news indeed. Yay!

4 months

4 months

120 days

2880 hours

Every moment missing you

Wondering how your laugh would sound

how your skin would feel

how your hair would smell 

Looking at your empty crib

your new clothes

your unmoving rocking chair

The house was clean

your clothes were washed

the carseat installed

hearts were ready

It seems so strange to be a mom without a baby

with heart and arms so empty

But I don't grieve without hope

This isn't the end

just the other side of heaven

Stitch Fix: My 2nd box

At the beginning of May I received my second Stitch Fix box. Incase you didn't catch my first Stitch Fix experience, it is a personal styling service that delivers five items of clothing or accessories based on your personal style and budget. You keep the things you like and send everything else back. Seems too good to be true, right? Well, luckily it is not. I ended up keeping all five items and knew I wanted another box ASAP. 

Due to the waiting list I had to wait over a month, but it was worth it. While I didn't love the everything as much as the first box, I wanted to share my items. 

The pictures are terrible quality, as they were taken on my phone, at night time, and half of the living room's light bulbs were burned out. Hence, atrocious photos. Apologies, but beggars can't be choosers. Right?

Not only are the pictures terrible, but I didn't make notes of any prices or names of the pieces. Lets just consider this post a blogging fail and move on, shall we.

1. Tulip blouse

I loved the cut, but wasn't crazy about the pattern or the color. Send back.

2. Crocheted blouse

I loved the color and detail of this top. It was a tad tight in the shoulders, but not too big of a deal. Keep!

3. Chevron top

While I liked the color, this top was sheer and it actually felt a little cheap. It had these buttons on the collar that seemed like they could fall off any second. And, I have to say it, this is a terrible picture! Send back.

4. Chevron maxi dress.

I actually requested a maxi dress so I was really excited to see this in my box. The cut is similar to the dress in my first box but it flattering so I don't mind. I really liked the pattern and quality of this piece. Keep!

5. Bow earrings

I liked the idea of these earrings, but they were really heavy and didn't seem to fit securely. I remember they were a good price, but I wasn't in love with them. Send back.

So, I only kept two of the pieces -the maxi dress and blue crocheted top- both of which I have nothing like in my closet. But I consider it a win! With these two boxes behind me, I can't speak highly enough of Stitch Fix. I love that the shopping is done for me and I get a variety of things I wouldn't normally try. 

If you want to try it for yourself, use my referral link --> STITCH FIX 

And let me know if you do! I'd love to see what you get in your box!