New Orleans. I miss you.

A couple years ago when I was on my mobile marketing tour, I had a stop in Mobile. The drive to NOLA wasn't that far and I knew I wanted to jump on the opportunity to see the place for myself. So, off my friend and I went for a day of fun in New Orleans. It was AWESOME! We were there just as a major storm was approaching, so the place was absolutely dead. I had nothing to compare it to, but I can't imagine it's like that all the time. Anyway, we did everything traditional style. I ordered some good old fashioned Cajun food (a little of everything) and we sat on a patio, drank some adult bevs, and listened to some live jazz. Incredible.

I've been dying to go back ever since and this weekend is a perfect opportunity. I don't ever get time off because I work for two very busy people who themselves don't get time off. So, this Friday & Monday I FINALLY get a break where I'm not occupied. I figure, no better time than to road trip (8 hour drive) down to the bayou. I'm on a strict budget and looked at some hostels but they were all nasty. Hotels are out of the question, so I'm turning to couch jumping. Don't worry, Michael will be going as well since he has the weekend off too. So far, not so good though as I've gotten "we're full" responses from one couch and one NICE hostel. 

Cross your fingers something comes up. I could really use a break in the big easy.

Complications..

Sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Sometimes it feels like the walls are closing in. All of those statements sound like familiar songs and are oh so cliche. I know. But that's sorta how I feel about things right now. I'm totally not one who is unfamiliar with nor do I stomp my feet in protest of challenging situations. My mention of those lyrics aren't to complain, more to express. 

It's much easier to update my blog than it is to email, text, phone and other etc.'s the amazing number of people who have shown their concern for my situation. So...here goes.

I've known Michael since we were 14. Wait...maybe it's 13 that you start 9th grade. Whichever it is, it's been over 10 years. Granted, we never dated then and obviously much changes in people after high school times. I totally get that. I don't need another person to remind me of the fact we DIDN'T spend a lot of time together before getting married. I understand now that it was a mistake to do so. But, I'm in it now so there's no going back. Anyway...all that said and I just knew that something wasn't right with Michael. Obviously, any soldier that comes back from war experiences some sort of re-adjustment. Some soldiers kill, some see bad things, and all of them are brainwashed in order to make them more affective at their jobs. Michael also had a rough upbringing, details of which I will not discuss but just trust me when I say...it was as nightmarish as it can be. All of that together and when he returned from deployment he was a totally different person. The anger, the violent outbursts, and just his dull thinking of life re-assured me that something was dreadfully wrong.

I pushed and pushed and pushed for him to get an MRI. Finally it was done. He turned the results in Monday and on Friday, he went to his superiors and demanded he get some answers to his problems. After getting quite a run around and a little bit of drama thrown in between, he was finally able to see the doctor and express his concerns. You see, he started having spasms a few months ago. These episodes entailed him not being able to speak, his face going numb, as well as his lower extremities. Again, seeing this only re-iterated that something was wrong. The doctor looked into the computer to see if anything was input about his MRI results. There was something there.

The doctor told him he could not diagnose him because the results have to be read by a neurologist, but from what he could say, it wasn't good. He basically told Michael that it looks to him like Multiple Sclerosis. He said that whatever it was was going to put him on a desk-only profile, no more overnight week-long field exercises, possibly no deployment, and possibly end of his military career. WOW. 

Now, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. The behaviors that make me want to leave, could be caused by whatever is going on, which was my suspicion all along. That doesn't make them excusable and doesn't mean I have to stay and endure them, just because he has an illness. What am I to do? 

He doesn't get his official diagnosis until the 7th of September, so I have decided to wait and see what comes down and speak to his doctor. I want to find out if in fact these mood swings, aggression, etc. are because of this neurological problem. If they are, I'd like to know what treatment options are and odds of recovery/adaptation. I think I have a right to that right?

It makes it hard because it seems my parents are 100% gung-ho for me to up and leave. My mom is almost disappointed that I've decided to wait 10 days and go from there. Am I being ridiculous here? The Christian in me already struggles with the very idea of a divorce, but if it must be done..it must be done. Now throw on top of that I might be divorcing a husband who is sick...and I'm in a real moral dilemma. 

Please pray for me to have some real clarity with this issue. Divorce is SUCH a massive decision. I want to be happy and I want to make sure I'm in a positive, healthy situation...but I need to make sure I'm also doing the right thing.

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

 How super cute is this print!?! 

It can totally be yours if you enter my giveaway!

My good friend Valerie over @ Stimples & Strummels has graciously provided this to the followers of my blog. You will receive the matted print above, perfect for displaying in a guest room, your bedroom, or a changing area in your home.

Here are the rules:

1. You must be a follower of my blog and tell me so! (1 Entry)

2. Tweet about this giveaway using hashtag #EatPrayGiveaway (1 Entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway and be sure to leave me the link in your comment (3 Entries!)

4. Visit Valerie's store and tell me what your favorite print is (1 Entry)

**PLEASE don't forget to leave your email address or be sure to check back on Friday to see if you won!**

Giveaway ends on Wednesday, September 1st at noon EST.

Winner will be announced by Friday, September 3rd.

If winner does not respond within 24 hours of e-mail or blog post, the next person will be chosen.

The Hard Stuff

Isaiah 55:8 "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine."

So much to say, and I promise not all of it will be Debbie Downer talking. First, The Collegiate Couture's website is up! Yay! We don't have our products in the store yet, that comes this weekend and early next week. But, if you've got a minute...stop by and check it out!

Second, school starts again next Monday. WOWZER! Where did time go? I can't believe it. The good thing is I will be super busy with that while this divorce goes through. Once I'm done, I only have one more semester to go through...a Summer off...and then onto a university. Moving forward right? Pray I pass all my classes and everything works out smoothly.


Third, choosing to get a divorce is super rough. I know very strongly in my heart of hearts it's the right thing to do. Sometimes though, you want to believe your situation is the one people talk about. Where your spouse was lost, away from the Lord, and had problems...but you were patient, waited it out, and he came around. I'd love for that to be our story, but I just don't believe it is. The military part of it does complicate it, with an upcoming deployment...it's just not good timing. I don't feel comfortable being unhappy in my marriage and sending my husband overseas for a year. Not that I would do anything, but even the thought of having to send him divorce papers in Iraq is not appealing. 


He desperately wants me to stay and made it very clear last night with an emotional outpouring. It hurts my heart to see him that way, but I tried and I've seen this before. It's time. 


Give us the strength to get through this week. Almost half-way there.

 

I need you...

Now is when I need. I need strength. I need prayer. I need wisdom. I need guidance. I need hands. I need help. I need love.

Some of you have realized the transition in my life from my previous blog to the way it is now, is because my relationship with my husband is over. When I switched to this format, I had hoped that day wouldn't come, but knew in my heart of hearts there was no stopping it.

I married someone I thought I knew, and apparently didn't. I will not resort to mud-slinging here, on Facebook, or anywhere. I will say I feel I married a wolf in sheep's clothing. I myself have brought my own issues to the board and am nowhere near perfect. But the amount of "stuff" I have dealt with and the way it has made me feel is unacceptable. I will not allow myself to be beat down, miserable, and live in an intolerable situation. I have been in this situation before, and I survived. I know I can do this. I will do this.

Please, all of my blog readers, I'm asking you to pray for both my husband and I. He needs "saving" that he's just not currently getting. I need help in everything from logistics to strength to keep moving forward. It's not the divorce I'm worried about. I feel an immense sense of relief and freedom about that. It's the finances, the "where to live," "what will I do?" and all of the above.

I'm not alone. I know I have God on my side.

Wordless Wednesday ~ A Little Late!

Introducing, OUR LOGO! Thanks to Ink over at InkPrince.com!

Don'tcha just love it? Who knew a Gator and a Seminole could be friends!?!

http://www.thecollegiatecouture.com

Prayer

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

I'm not your typical Bible-Bumpin' Southern Baptist chick. I think that's a false perception people have about Southern Baptist's anyway. Sure, a lot of them are fire and brimstone and all things holy, but my Church back home is incredible and not like that in my opinion. Anyway, I rarely talk in depth about Faith, but it's on my heart to write something about prayer.

I know I'm not the best with making a routine habit of praying. It's not that I don't want to, it's just when I think about it, my prayers usually go like this...

"Dear God. Shannon here. Thank you for all that you've given me. Please release me from my sins and wipe me clean. I am sorry for going against your word and sinning against you. Please pray for (insert name and reason here) oh, and (insert name and reason here) and...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Then I pass out. I know, doesn't sound very Christian I guess, but it happens. Prayer relaxes me and perhaps that's God way of putting me to sleep since I tend to be a night owl.

Anyway, one of the best words of wisdom I have ever heard regarding prayer is to just talk to God. Throw away the routine prayers you were taught as a child and talk to Him as if he were seated next to you. No reason to get fluffy and act like you're spitting out a poem, just be real. I find it's very soothing when I take some time to do just that. It makes me feel really heard. Praying this way made me much more comfortable praying in front of others out loud at dinners and such. Another thing that is very humbling, is the occasional on your knees prayer. When something is really troubling me and I feel it's out of my control, I'll take a good 10-15 minutes, humble myself, and just talk to God about anything and everything I'm concerned about. I always do this on the National Day of Prayer and during times of major crisis in the world. It helps so much.

What are some things you need prayer for? Leave me a comment and I'll include them in my next session with Jesus :) 

I can say I'm very thankful for the door I feel God has opened me to with my new business. I have to be honest. I'm terrified. Frightened. Scared. I'm putting so much money into start-up, okay well maybe not TONS...but over $1,000. I'm not made of money and this is a huge risk, but any business venture always is. I'd love to be on a budget and putting tons away in savings right now, but it's just not happening. My tire blew out yesterday and I had already made an appointment Saturday to get two replaced. I'm riding on a wing and a prayer with those things. I'm bad to my cars, I have to admit and they've never been balanced, rotated, or replaced and I've had the car 3 years. YIKES! I promise I'll be better to these ones. Anyway, I'm hopeful and grateful God has instilled in me this chance to do something creative, fun, and exciting...and hopefully profitable. I still need prayer for my husband and our marriage. That God would give us direction on where to go, what to do, and how to do it. Time is running out with an impending deployment in the next few months, and decisions must be made before then. I know it's not good to put a timeline on things, but with military relationships...it's just different.

Thanks everyone!

Big Blog Giveaway ~ Scrapbook Patty

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give you all a heads up that a very good friend of mine is doing an INCREDIBLE giveaway over on her blog. Seriously, you can't afford not to enter! 

Visit her blog by clicking here: Scrapbook Patty.

Time to Play Catch Up!

Wow. Where in the world have I been?!? I haven't blogged in forever it feels like. I've been super busy getting everything ready for the launch of The Collegiate Couture! I'm so excited, words can hardly explain. Our logo was finished today and it looks FABULOUS. I have to give major shouts to "Ink" over at Ink Prince for doing such a great job. If you want to take a peek, please become a fan on Facebook, by clicking here. Our website is also being done by Ink, and will launch by September 1st. I can't wait to get feedback from all of you.

So I know I owe you all a recipe from Friday, so I'll get that up as well. For those that tried the Chicken Parm, I hope you enjoyed it!

The picture to the left is of Piper and I at the Austin Ice Cream Festival this past weekend. I'm so stoked I found her a baby sling to use at Target...ON SALE! She's far too little to walk around with that many people around and she hasn't had all of her shots so I don't want other dogs near her. It worked out perfectly and even she got to enjoy some doggie ice cream :)

Michael is in the field this week, meaning he is at work all week long including overnight. It's just me and the Pipes doing our thing. It's nice to have the peace and quiet, that's for sure. I hope I don't enjoy this too much. We'll see.

Has anyone gone to see "Eat, Pray, Love?" I'm dying to but need to find the time. Let me know how it was!

Wordless Wednesday

Miss you DC! :)

Yippie Skippie!

So I can finally come out and give ya'll the lowdown on my new business! It's called "The Collegiate Couture." If you're from the South, you know how important football is. We LOVE our football and us girls are always trying to find something super jazzy to wear. Unfortunately, there are very few options to satisfy this need. Majority of the options are very blasé and quite frankly aren't very feminine. If you don't reside in the South but still want something super cute to wear to show support for your college, your options are even more limited. This is where the idea came from.

I have a couple incredible friends and another business contact I just made through eBay who will be helping me launch The Collegiate Couture. My friend Jenny, will be creating all of the apparel for our website. She's amazing! Noell will be making all of the beautiful jewelry and Mary will be creating her custom doggie duds for four legged fans. I can't WAIT until we launch, which is going to be early next month.

To start, we will offer apparel for University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and Florida State University. For jewelry, we'll start with UF, UCF, FSU, UGA, & UT. Everything can be customized and we will be able to create apparel and accessories for all schools. In the beginning though, we'll only have photos available for the above mentioned schools.

I really hope to see some of my blog readers in some Collegiate Couture very soon. Also, if you feel you have  a product that you can create that would fit well with Collegiate Couture, please feel free to comment here or shoot me an email at Shannon {at} thecollegiatecouture {dot} com. We'd love to add more products to our line-up and there is a very generous payback for all sellers.

Thanks everyone! Wish us luck!

DIY ~ Doggie Closet!

Do - It - Yourself: Doggie Closet

So, Piper was in need of a cute place to keep her clothes, towels, blankies, and bows. After searching online, I realized the cheapest ones were in the HUNDREDS of dollars. Huh? That's totally bogus. So I decided to make my own. 

I already have one of the white Closetmaid cabinets and use it for scrap brooking stuff. So, I bought another one for $30 at Target. The wood shapes were about 40 cents at Michael's and the paint was about $1 per color. I painted each of them and used strong multi-purpose adhesive to glue them together. Then, I glued them onto the front of the cabinet and let it dry flat for a few hours.

On the inside, I found a small adjustable shower rod for $4 at Target. It was about 1/4 the size of a regular rod. I also bought a pack of pink children's hangers for a couple bucks, though I'll have to switch to American Girl hangers once all of her dresses are made. They have to hang at an angle right now because they are too long and prevent the door from closing. You can get packs of those on eBay pretty cheap. I use the top shelf for her towels, her blankets, her fabric for dresses, and her bow holder.

Eat: Chicken Parmesan in the Crock!

My lovely bloggy readers! It's FRIDAY! Can you believe we've made it through another week? I've decided that since I love to cook and this blog does have "Eat" in the title, that every Friday I'll post one of my favorite recipes. Fridays will now be "Foodie Fridays!" Here goes my first entry...

Chicken Parmesan

This recipe comes from my favorite foodie blog, "Crockpot 365."

--2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

--1/2 cup bread crumbs

--1/4 cup parmesan cheese

--1/2 t Italian Seasoning

--1/4 t black pepper

--1/4 t kosher salt

--1 T olive oil

--1 beaten egg

--sliced mozzarella cheese

--favorite jarred marinara sauce

The Directions:

--spread the 1 T of olive oil into the bottom of your crockpot stoneware insert

--whip the egg with a fork in a separate bowl

--mix the bread crumbs with the seasonings and the parmesan cheese in another separate dish

--dip the chicken into the egg, then into the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides with crumbs, cheese and seasonings

--place the chicken breast pieces in the bottom of the crock

--layer 2-3 slices of mozzarella cheese on top

--cover with entire jar of marinara sauce

--close lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. If your chicken is still frozen, it will take longer.

This is soooooooooooooo yummy! It is my most favorite thing to make. Sometimes I just throw the chicken, marinara, and mozzarella in the crock and it's still delicious.

Enjoy!

This girl has a...

YIPPIE SKIPPY DO! This is the first time in my LIFE I've ever had such a great GPA. I used to dilly dally and could care less about school and hardly got a 2.0. Yay for me! If it weren't for me flubbing around in my Computer class I would have a 3.6. Oh well. I'm stoked on the 3.4! :)

Is it the weekend yet???

Wow. Is it the weekend yet? I'm exhausted. I've worked an 11 and a 13 hour day back to back. Thank God the semester is over.

So, I've been searching high and low for a dog armoire for Piper. Excuse me for not wanting to spend $250! So, I went to Target and grabbed one of those Closetmaid two door cabinets in White for $30. I already have one for my scrapbooking stuff and it rocks. I had no clue how I was going to hang her clothes but lucky me, I found a white rod about 1/4 of the normal size for $4 in white. I assembled it all last night and it looks fabs! The only issue right now is her hangers. I bought a pack of pink kids hangers and they are too long. So right now all of her clothes hang at an angle. It works for now, but once all of her dresses get made, it won't work and I'll have to switch to American Girl doll hangers. I plan on putting the finishing touches to it tonight after I swing by Michael's. Since I'm too lazy to paint it, I'm going to buy those super cheap wood shapes you can paint and glue those on. Eventually I want to change out the handles too, but that will be last. I'm also going to make her a bow hanger and a bow organizer. Most of her bows are rubber band type, so she'll need the clear organizer. I think I'm going to buy extra, decorate them and sell them on eBay. :)

Oh and in case you're wondering what ever came of my butt...I made the Top 5 on TMZ, but came in last. BOO HISS! But, I think it's funny over 5,000 people voted for my butt. WOWZERS! LOL.

PS. I'm on TMZ

Shield your eyes children, I'm on TMZ.

Okay normally, I wouldn't mention this but I find it quite hilarious. I love my celeb gossip like there is no tomorrow. I see the photo contests TMZ has all the time and always miss them. I'm not one for taking risque photos and putting them on the internet to be twisted and used but I consider this photo (on the right) pretty safe. It's honestly, a couple years old and I only wish I still looked like that. Never the less, I thought I'd submit it for the heck of it and see what happened. I can't believe the picture made the front page of TMZ. LMAO! You can check it out here:

http://www.tmz.com/2010/07/31/bangin-backside-contest-beach-bikini-thong-photos/

An "Army Wife" Vent

So, one thing I talked about on my other blog was this Army life I've found myself in. It's interesting to say the least. I consider myself the "Anti-Army Wife" because I don't feel like I fit the mold. Anyway, I have to vent about something that quite frankly, is really pissing me off.

Much of the military is catered to families. There are tons of festivals, play groups, swimming pool meetups, etc. I have no problem whatsoever with this. Really. Why would I? With all of the ample opportunities for families, there is a significant lack in things to do for couples without children. What most people fail to understand, is that not everyone WANTS children. Some people CANT have children. Some people have TROUBLE having children. Not everything should be catered to children. It is the norm here. I'm sorry but in other parts of this country, it's not. Because my husband is in the military, doesn't mean I revolve my life around that. Where am I going with this...here ya go.

There is a really great group that has been established on Facebook for Fort Hood Army wives to meetup and do things together. You'd think that since Fort Hood is the largest military instillation around, it would be easy to meet people. For some, perhaps that's right but I know plenty of women who find it tough. So this group has all kinds of events. Coffee meetups, bowling, playdates, pool dates, bingo, etc. I went on the board and suggested some "Adults Only" events for the group to take part in to represent "the rest of us." One of these events is at a wine cellar, ummm can you get any more non child friendly? The second is clearly defined on their website as "Adults Nite at the *** Waterpark." No. This doesn't mean it's okay to bring your 20 month old. No, if you can't find a sitter you can't bring your kids.

Why in the hell is it that hard to wrap your head around the fact that not everyone wants to go out and enjoy themselves and be around children!?!?!?!??!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

I totally understand that when your spouse is deployed it's EXTREMELY difficult on you. But, the military offers plenty of childcare options both on and off post. Some people don't even realize the options they have and I know one, suggested to our unit by our FRG leader, requires a ton of paperwork that most people just don't take the time to fill out. On top of that, you can do sitter shares. Your friend takes your kids for one night, you take theirs another night. Also, sittercity.com offers a free account to military families. Although I'm not a mom, I can understand it's difficult to trust someone with your children...but that's no excuse to bring your kids to adults only events.

If you can't find a sitter, stay home.