Crazy About Boots!

For this weeks Friday Fancies, the theme is boots! I chose to do some wellies since it's been raining like crazy in the sunshine state. I'm really looking forward to some nice, cool Fall weather.

Don't forget to link up with {av} at Long Distance Loving!

Rainy Day by shanstinson featuring barbour boots

Barbour boots
£80 - josephm.com

Stuart Weitzman crossbody bag
$595 - zappos.com

Vera Bradley printed umbrella
$32 - zappos.com

Vila Raina New Raincoat
$97 - oliverbonas.com

True Story

Publix sugar cookies are the most amazing thing you will ever put in your mouth.

Plain and simple.

I've been living without Publix and it's blessed sugar cookies for 3 years now. I was ELATED at the chance to indulge in their goodness and picked up the biggest pack I could find in the bakery on my first trip since being back home. SCORE!

I ate one cookie the day after I bought them.

Then we decided to eat some more the next day.

I bring my happy @$$ over to the couch and Romeo and I bust open the container and dive right in as we enjoy the dark and the Red Sox game.

Chomp chomp. Yum Yum.

Romeo's eaten about half the cookie at this point. I've eaten a few bites.

Me: "I'm tripping out or something because I SWEAR something is crawling on me."

Romeo: "Calm down Shannon! Nothing is crawling on you."

Me to myself: "OMFG. What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling tiny things CRAWLING on me? Piper doesn't have fleas, so WTH is going on?"

I jump off the couch run to the kitchen...

Yeah. We just ate like half a colony of ants and didn't realize it.

I'm gagging, swatting, freaking out, throwing cookies outside, and doing everything I can to prevent myself from yacking Publix sugar cookie goodness all over the living room floor.

Oh my gosh...we just ate ants.

Pest control was called this morning.

True story.

More Randomness About Yours Truly

I love doing fun posts like these and you guys seem to enjoy them. If you do some yourself, leave me a comment with the link so I can check yours out too! :)

I'm a Boston Red Sox fan. Am I from there? No. Have I ever been there? No. Romeo got me hooked on them in 2004...BEFORE we won the World Series :) The past several days have been extremely stressful in this household because of that. If we don't get our act together tonight, I am going to be livid.

Pork chops are disgusting and make me want to vomit. I don't think I've eaten one in 15+ years. I think it's something I was given so much as a kid, that now...I can't stand the sight of them.

My new InSaNe obsession is La Croix's Coconut flavored sparkling water. I love all of their other flavors and drink them like crazy, but coconut...holy gosh. I drink about a case each day or so. I'm not a soda person and this has all natural flavoring added to the water, which is SO incredible. Everyone who tries my sparkling waters can't stand them, so I guess I'm the only freak-o who does.

Fall is my favorite season. LOVE the colors and how crisp everything is. I love pumpkins, apple cider, football, and the togetherness that comes with Thanksgiving. I really want to *SOMEDAY* get married in October or November so I can incorporate all of the gorgeous colors.

Despite being one of the most intense, insane Gator fans, I've yet to see a game in The Swamp, let alone one in person at all. It's a freaking tragedy I'm praying to GOD ends this year. I can't take it anymore. Anyone want to send me some tickets??? ;-)

Happy

 = Me

Yes it is true. I am happy as a clam.

I still do not believe I am living here. Not yet. It might sink in after a few weeks. Maybe a few months. Who knows?

I love having all my friends here. I love having a zillion people to hang out with and make plans with. 

I do not love everywhere I go, I run into someone I know. Especially when that someone is not somebody you particularly care for. Blah.

I do love that I spent my Sunday with Wendy going to a bridal show and bumping into vendors I used to do business with. Okay, well sorta kinda on the last part.

I love that last night, Romeo cooked dinner for us. Vino and all. I soaked every second of it in because I know it is an extremely RARE occurrence :)

I love that my job has let me work from home this week. I don't know how long it will last, but I know I'm thankful to have some more time on the books.

Le sigh.

Someone Like You

So, I only heard bits and pieces of this song until I came home. It's pretty powerful, but then again what Adele song isn't? It's entirely depressing for me to listen to, but her voice is so amazing, how can you not love it?

I would so hate to be in this position and hope I never have to again...

And...this cover by An Honest Lie

One Year Ago...

Where was I one year ago?

I was picking my family up at the airport, @ Fort Hood working with my victim advocate while they were installing a hitch on my car, packing all my things while his SGT stood in our TX apartment, threw everything in my Uhaul trailer, and headed across the country. It happened so fast, but it did not come as a surprise. I came here to Charlotte confused, scared, excited, and in shock that it ACTUALLY happened. One year later, on the very same weekend, I'm leaving Charlotte.

I can't say my life has changed tremendously in the past year, but I certainly have.

I remember how I felt before I left. I remember how scared I was. How miserable. How trapped I felt. I knew this wasn't what God wanted for my life, yet wasn't sure getting a divorce was the right thing either. It took one more time, one more incident, and I was done.

I've never gone into how it all went down and probably never will, but any woman who is trapped in a dangerous situation should know...there is ALWAYS a way out. I had no family within 1,000+ miles and not many real close friends I could call on. I was financially strapped due to a few reasons I won't mention, but the Army stepped in and really helped. I encourage any military spouse experiencing domestic violence to go to their Family Advocacy program for assistance. They can help you with rent, food, even a plane ticket to get you out if you need it. There are shelters everywhere and thankfully, I had enough for a hotel and didn't need it, but there are always options to get out. Civilian or military families. There are always options. But in the middle of the night, Piper and I left with the few things I still had packed from visiting my family back home, and we made it. I can't believe I slept that night, but perhaps because I was so exhausted and relieved it was over all at the same time.

The first few days were confusing. Then, I felt relief while also being fearful. I lived in somewhat secrecy where only a handful of people knew where I was really living. I was happy to be in a new place, with new people, and have a new start. I was thankful to my friends Kate & Bryan for giving me a place to land and pick up all of the broken pieces. At the time, I had no idea how ugly things would get, but luckily...eventually it all had an end. That's all that matters.

It's been about 6 months since I've been officially divorced. It will always be a part of me, but it feels less and less important in my life as time goes on. Do I still wish it would have never happened or that things would have turned out differently? Absolutely. I loved my husband. That is why I married him. That period of time "dating" and being married to someone serving our country changed me. For the good and the bad. I now have an instant connection with those in uniform and their families. They can understand what others cannot and vice versa. I'm forever changed and hope to someday use my experiences for the benefit of others. Very few in this country understand or even comprehend what it means to love someone who gives themselves so selflessly for our country. Even less can understand what it means to love someone who returns, but never truly does.

Due to all of this change, my mission in life has changed. I used to be so set in what I wanted to do and now it's all up in the air. I know I want to work with military families in some way. I can't let that experience go. However, the biggest impact and the most opportunity for that would be in DC. We know where I stand with that for the moment. I'll make a decision once the year passes :)

Anyway, I survived. I'm still trucking. I hope to eventually get settled. Somewhere. For now, I'm just happy I've made it this far.

I've gotten so much response from so many people who have been going through a divorce, considering leaving their military spouses, encountering violence, etc. and are so fearful of the future and/or what to do. Like I said before, there is always a way out. There is always a light around the tunnel. It has not been in any means easy for me, nor is it really over yet. There are plenty of times when I wanted to give up. Plenty of times when I had enough. Plenty of times when I thought it would have been easier to just stay. Plenty of times I questioned if I made the right decision. Every now and again, I still wonder...but deep down I know. I did.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me this past year of my life. I can't wait to walk with you through the next year, good times and bad. But let's hope it's nothing but good :)

Wordless Wednesday

Life is a Changing...

Well ladies (and a few gents), my life is a changing. What's new? I'm never somewhere for long. My life is always on the move. 


I'm kinda ready to spill some beans, but not all of them.


A week from now, I'm moving back home. A week from now, I'll be unloading my Uhaul into Romeo's garage and "staying" or "crashing" or something with him. I do not use the word "living" because it freaks me out a tad. I mean, it's not living together. I'll be over at his place 80% of the time anyway, so he figured "Why not?" Sharing closet space with a man also freaks me out. I didn't even do that with my ex husband. I am excited to cook and clean for someone again. I know, I know. How crazy, insane, housewifey of me. I honestly enjoy it though.


This is all so bittersweet and overwhelming for so many reasons.


For one, I never imagined living back in Orlando again. I really, really dislike it there. Like, really. Sure, Florida is always in my soul but it's really not where I envisioned my future. 


It might be temporary. I've given "things" until the end of the year to go in the right direction. A concrete, solid, unwavering direction. If it doesn't go the way it needs to, back to DC I go. I'm struggling with that SO much. I recently remembered how strongly I felt about raising a family in DC and how that won't be possible if I end up staying in Orlando. Will I be okay with that sacrifice? And for those wondering, if things work out with Romeo, living outside Orlando is simply not an option due to professional and family commitments.


It's also hard for me because I won't have a real "home." I'll be going back and forth between family and Romeo's places. I hate that feeling. It just makes no sense for me to get a place of my own when I have places to stay. The whole point in me going back home is to save money I would be spending on rent here in Charlotte.


On the flip side, I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful I have someone who just called me and said "I've never been so excited in my life" after reminding him 24 hours from now, we'll be together again, at home. Le sigh. That is cute. I'm thankful I have so many friends and family back home who miss me and who I miss in return. I'm thankful I'll be surrounded by these people and have some more memories to add to my life.


I'm embracing this new path, though hesitant and nervous, I'm embracing it. One day at a time.


Pray for me as I move forward. Pray I find a J-O-B ASAP. Like yesterday. Really. That's my main source of fear, though I'm trying to trust and let go.

Friday Fancies - Gametime Chic!

It's no secret who I root for on Saturdays. If you can't figure it out from my blog description, I don't know what else to say. This week my boys in blue play Tennessee. Sadly, I won't be watching because I'm in Charlotte with no cable. DIE. By next weekend, I'll be back in Florida territory and able to DRIVE to games if I want to!

Link up with {av} and the rest of the bunch @ Long Distance Loving for Friday Fancies!

Gametime Chic by shanstinson featuring gradient sunglasses

BB Dakota vintage looking dress
$88 - modcloth.com

Tory Burch croco shoes
$195 - footcandyshoes.com

Clutch hand bag
$795 - tiffany.com

G by Guess stackable bracelet
$19 - gbyguess.com

Jennifer Meyer 18k jewelry
$675 - barneys.com

Gradient sunglasses
$250 - tiffany.com

What's Your Song?

It's one of my favorite times of the week and something I've missed for the past couple. Time to share the song I'm currently digging and hop around the blog-o-sphere listening to everyone else's. Link up here.

I heard this for the first time on the way home from DC on Sunday and about DIED. In no way does it describe my life right now but I can relate to it. I think we all can. I have listened to this song and this song only since Sunday. Literally. I'm obsessed.

We've all had moments where we wish we could pick up the phone and call someone we still loved. Most the time, they've moved on or we discovered they never really loved us. How bitter is unrequited love? Anyway, enjoy this tune and let me know your thoughts :)

What I'm Loving Wednesday - Reina's Wedding Edition

Where to begin? I've been stuck at Starbucks for the past 3 hours, ears bleeding from The Beatles BLARING over the speakers. So, somehow...I have to keep this short.

This past weekend was Reina's (Semper Gumby, The Return of Sunshine) wedding!!!! She is now married to her marine and is now referred to as Mrs. P! Yay!!!! 

I had the distinct honor of serving as one of her Maid's of Honor and though the miles kept us too far apart for me to be able to really do what I had wanted for her, it still felt incredible to watch her walk down the aisle and marry her future. 

She had an incredible wedding and no detail was spared. I have an impeccable eye for weddings and it was just storybook, right from a dream. Everything went off without a hitch and even though weather threatened to scramble things in the days leading up, all was well on the big day. Fun was had by all.

Here are a few fun (and stunning) shots from the big day...

PS. All professional shots compliments of Susan Solo Photography

Recognize the girl on the left? That's Jordan from Southern Hospitality!!! Who knew we lived right down the street from each other...seriously. And please disregard my blatant intoxication in this photo.

Never Forget - 9.11.11

This past weekend, I had the honor of serving in Reina's wedding as one of her MOH's. She knew long, long ago that she was going to get married on 9.10.11. She never knew how significant that weekend would become in history.

I was so happy to know I'd be spending the 10 year anniversary of the attacks on our nation in DC. I knew immediately I had to do something to honor and remember this day. I chose to spend it taking part in the Freedom Walk, sponsored by Operation Homefront, at Arlington National Cemetery.

It was an incredibly emotional day as we walked through the gates of Arlington and into listen to an incredible speech given by a Marine who was pinned down in Fallujah, Iraq. When he spoke of his PTSD and the affect it had on his wife, I lost it. So hard.

9.11 for me is not just a day to remember all the innocent lives that were lost but also to honor and remember all of those who have stepped up and answered the call to protect our great nation. All the service members and their families who will forever be affected by loss, grief, and pain.

May we never forget.

MIA

I'm alive! I'm here!

This is quite possibly the longest I have ever gone without blogging and I don't know what to do with myself.

I'm sitting here at Barnes & Noble, sipping an iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte giving the guys hogging the electrical outlets the evil eye, watching my battery on my laptop slowly wind down.

UGH!

So in case you haven't put two and two together, I have no internet. WOW. Is life insanely different without it! I'm staying at my friends' new home and while they are on the road, they don't need cable or internet. Kinda awesome if you ask me. They are saving a few hundred dollars I can imagine. So, I've resorted to Red Box movies, lots of alcohol, some Jillian Michaels, and reading "How to Get Divorced by 30: My Misguided Attempt at a Starter Marriage" by Sascha Rothchild.

This Thursday, I'll be traveling to Maryland to watch my friend Reina @ Semper Gumby wed her honey :) I'm excited to partake in the celebration and be a part of her honored wedding party. She's getting married on the water in Annapolis and I'm sure it's going to be just breathtaking. She'll be a stunning bride. Can't wait to report back.

Work is...interesting. I don't want to go into too much since my blog is public and blogging about work has been known to get people in hot water. I find out tomorrow if I can take my job home with me to Orlando or if I have to turn in a resignation. Wish me luck. I'd love nothing more than to work from home, work out @ the home gym, and cook dinner for Romeo every night. Sigh. Sounds too good to be true. It probably is.

((Side note...if this guy behind his Mac doesn't stop giving me the eye, I'm going to scream!!))

I was talking to a friend the other day about how things can never just...be. If your love life is going awesomely well, your job is failing. If your finances are in the plus, your car decides it needs a new transmission. Right now, everything is making me swimmingly happy with exception to my job uncertainty. It's always something.

For some reason though, I have an overwhelmingly calming sense of peace about my job situation. I NEVER do. So hopefully that means God has something in store for me. I know He's got me taken care of, He always does, but I'm eager and hoping my instincts are right.

I was listening to iTunes yesterday (since I can't listen to Spotify) and Christmas music popped on. It instantly reminded me of how ECSTATIC I am about spending Christmas with a certain someone special this year. I can't wait to decorate a tree, wrap presents, and wake up in our PJ's in the morning and enjoy some delicious breakfast and hot tea....or something like that :)

Anyway, the electricity hogs are still hogging so I need to run. LAME. I hope everyone has been enjoying their holiday weekend.