Piper's 1st Trip to the City!

Ever since moving back to DC was an option, I've been longing for the day I'd introduce Miss Piper Annabelle to the city I love so much.

We've had an incredible streak of comfy, cozy weather so last Saturday, I decided to brave the horrendous DC parking situation and meander around the city with my girl.

Yay! Finally made it to 15th & Madison!

I packed my bag with something to lay on, my TD Jakes book, and lots of water.

One of my most favorite, most soothing things to do is just lay in the grass in the city, among all of the incredible buildings and monuments, and just soak up the sights and sounds.

It felt truly amazing to do this for the first time since moving back and Piper loved it.

World War II Memorial on the left, Lincoln Memorial on the right.

Pretty common sight to see, the Presidential helicopters flying over.

When the President is on board, they normally fly in threes and leave in twos.

Daughters of the American Revolution building.

American Red Cross Headquarters

Organization of American States

Albert Einstein Memorial

So blessed to live in this city.

Absent Apology

Truth.

Every bit.

The truth.

Surround Me In Prayer

I have a favor.

A big one.

Many of you know the calling of my heart.

Where I feel lead to serve.

What I truly believe is my purpose.

I have been struggling lately with overwhelming frustration.

Frustration that I'm not working in the industry I long to be.

Frustrated that it seems I've tried almost everything to get there and nothing has worked.

Frustrated that it feels like I'm not doing what God desires me to.

Frustrated that my bad isn't currently being used for good, in the way I want it to.

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, I found a position that would be my dream.

It's for a non-profit I feel I'd be insanely proud to work for.

Every requirement or preference they had, was me.

Literally, this position has my name on it.

I'm anxious.

I'm hopeful.

I'm exhausted of getting my hopes up.

If I can ask one thing, it would be to pray.

Pray for me.

Please pray that if it's God's will, it be done.

Like, really, truly, sincerely be done.

It would mean the world.

Not Like the Movies

Virginia Wine Festival

Oh man.

Last weekend, the lovely Chelsea from Life is a Sunset graced me with her presence at the Virginia Wine Festival. Not just that, but an all day drinking fest. We started at 9am and ended the next morning at 1am! INSANITY!

There were a zillion wineries there with wines like "Chocolate Covered Strawberry" (oh yes, it was amazing), elite reserve wines, and others that tasted like things you could never dream of. One in particular was a Thanksgiving/Christmas-y wine with the most incredible spice kick to it. Ugh! Like nothing I had ever tasted before.

After the pre-party, we jumped on the party bus and headed to the festival...STARVING!

Lucky for us, they had a great little crepe truck there. Yummo!

Spinach, Feta, & Paprika Crepe!

I absolutely LOVE living in Virginia.

The countryside is so beautiful and just a stones throw away.

The polo fields were such a great place to have this event.

My personal assistant for the day with all of our wine tasting notes ;)

Mmm. Wine slush!

In case you were wondering...

My heart stopped when I saw this booth.

I loooooove me some pralines!

Liquored up ones? Even better!

Trump was by far the winery with the longest line.

I had to try it, just since I read about it, met him forever ago, and adore almost everything about the man. I was so tipsy at this point, I couldn't even tell you if it was worth it or not.

Drunky faces!!!

Back on the bus home :(

Okay, wait. Let's be serious for a second and try to get a good shot.

Why is everything spinning?

This was SUCH a good time and a weekend I so needed.

To top it off, we got to watch the Gators take another W over the Vols at our personal after party at World of Beer in Arlington.

(where the UF alumni meetup)

I have no idea how I survived, but I did.

Yay for wine, friends, and football!

It's Been TWO Years

It's completely unreal to me that it's been two years since I made the decision to leave my husband.

TWO. YEARS.

It feels like it's been so much longer and it's strange.

I feel like I've finally gone over that hump.

The hump of knowing how long it's been, it feeling longer, yet not at the same time.

That's how it was for quite a while.

I've changed SO MUCH in the past couple years.

I've gone through some of the most trying, difficult experiences of my life.

All in the past 2-3 years.

Now, I'm back in a place I had always dreamed of being, even before I left.

Every single day I wake up completely grateful, even if it's not all perfect.

I've spoken from my heart before about making the decision to leave my husband, and I know it's had a lot of impact on other women stumbling upon my blog in a similar situation.

It was heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and without a doubt, the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

I hope I never have to make one like that again.

With the good and the bad, it's made me grow.

Even just opening my heart up a teensy, tiny bit in order to start dating has helped me immensely.

I think it's made all the difference in reminding me what is possible and that your past doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your future.

In my group meeting last Sunday, a member was lost and struggling with who she was.

She was in a relationship with a NPD and her life became her partner.

I could totally relate to what she was saying.

I reminded her, that even if she just woke up and said to herself, "I have been through SO MUCH and I'm still standing," that's a positive step in the right direction.

I reminded her she needed to be proud of herself for standing strong, making a really tough decision, and just plain surviving.

At Bible study Thursday night, we were given tags in which we were to describe some of the emotions we have felt or are currently feeling after moving in and starting the process of moving on.

Here's mine.

While it's true I'm not where I thought I would be, God has me in this place, in this time for a reason. 

He's polishing me and molding me.

From a hard, dark piece of coal into a beautiful diamond.

In the process of writing this entry and sitting on it overnight, I realized it's also been one year since I left Charlotte with an excited, full heart to pursue a relationship back home.

Amazing how certain things in life line up with one another on the calendar.

While that didn't end as I had hoped, it ended just how God wanted it to.

How He knew I needed it to.

I'm looking forward to where God is going to take me in the next 2 years.

Not Feelin' It

Holy cow.

It's been exactly a week since I've blogged.

This has to be a record for me.

I've finally had that moment a lot of you have had lately.

I've just not been feelin' it.

I honestly thought that would never happen, but it's a combination of things.

For one, I've been out of control, insanely busy with work.

Spending all day on the computer at home (and sometimes into the night), the last thing I want to do is spend more time staring at my computer screen.

I've had hardly any time to think about anything, thus making it difficult to actually put into words what's on my mind.

Ugh!

I need out of this rut.

I'm going to do everything in my power to get something out for tomorrow.

Miss y'all!

Believing Again

I'm confused. I'm jaded. I'm nervously hopeful. I want nothing more than to still believe in incredible, undying, unconditional, supportive, unfailing, forever love. I know I'm not alone as I've seen several of you bloggie girls feeling the same way lately. Whether it's separation, divorce, or just a string of failed dates...I see it.

The easiest thing to do is to throw in the towel after loss and defend a damaged heart. While the notion of loving again and giving myself unconditionally is frightening, I have full faith in God's plan for my life. I have full faith that He'll provide me with someone someday who has the best of intentions for my heart. Who knows when I'll find him, where he'll be, or how I'll know...but if there's one thing I know, it's that God has it all under control.

Not only does my faith in God's promises help me believe but stories like these, courtesy of The Heart Bandits, really allow me to see it.

I stumbled across this breathtaking pin on Pinterest and had to know the story. You can read about it here.

The Heart Bandits specialize in bringing incredible proposals to life. Back when I had my wedding and event planning business at home, I considered someday adding an extension to include proposals. Such a great idea and an important step in a couples life. How much do we LOVE hearing every juicy detail of our friends' proposal stories?

I'm a crazy romantic at heart, so seeing the emotion and love in these pictures is pretty incredible.

And how fun is this proposal?



Okay, so now that I've made all you fellow singletons want to curl up with a pint of Ben & Jerry's and crawl under the covers...this kind of stuff gives me hope.

I want to believe in my heart that guys like this still exist. Guys who have a strong sense of self, who respect women, and who know how to love. Who aren't afraid of something good. The stories above are real, they're true, they aren't fairy tale or Hollywood. It's easy, as a romantic, to get swept up in things you see on the big screen and cause your eyes to become blurry and your heart to become wobbly. That always leads to certain heartbreak and unmet expectations in real life, but this is real life. How amazing and what lucky girls to have such thoughtful guys.

I've spent much of my life dreaming about the man I would spend all of eternity with. I'm confident in the kind of man he is. I hold steadfast to the truths God has planted on my heart and will continue to pray for my heart to be softened and for God to guide me to the one I'm meant to be with forever. In the mean time, I'll rejoice with friends who have found their soul mates, take stories like the ones above to heart, and pray for my fellow single sisters out there who are longing for the man God has just for them.

Oh, and continue to play songs like these from Matthew West over, and over, and over...
(grab your tissues!)





Ain't love grand?

All pictures courtesy of The Heart Bandits <3 i="i">

Eleven Years

What can be said about this day? It's taking everything inside of me to not use the "h word" to explain my feelings. After all, that word is what caused this day to begin with. Eleven years later and it truly feels like no time has passed at all.

I'm a proud American, who loves my country like there is no other. You need not be anything more than that to understand the gravity of this day and to feel the pain.

Today, I am haunted by the memories of that day, just as a watchful fifteen year old in history class. I had no idea how much that day would mean to me, eight years later as a military spouse.

My heart aches for the wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, and friends who have had to carry on without someone they loved and lost that day. Their grief is something I cannot begin to fathom. I am thinking of the babies who never knew their fathers and the children who had to grow up without a parent. I am thinking of the heroes who were made that day, running into a burning building while everyone else was running out. Heroes who stood with crying, frightened, and injured on the floors of the WTC that climbed into the sky. The heroes of flight 93 who jumped into action to save thousands more. As a frequent traveler, I simply cannot imagine knowing my end was coming. I just can't.

Today, I am proud to know so many who have answered the call to serve. Incredibly proud. In my time as a military spouse turned military advocate, I've encountered some truly amazing men and women. Those who have served with honor and selfless sacrifice. I am better for having met them and for having them in my life, regardless of how brief the meeting. They've each left an impression on my heart.

I am thankful to be an American. I am proud to be an American.

God Bless America.

For last years blog entry on 9-11, click here.

Where were you on September 11th, 2001?

Preppy Planners

With my new job and trying to stay on top of my social life, I'm finding it necessary to introduce a planner into my world again. There are so many adorable ones to choose from. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with y'all.

2013 Large Agenda in Azalea Pink See You Later

$26 from Lilly Pulitzer

2012/2013 Planner from Plum Paper Designs on Etsy for $30

Custom Handmade Planner from PumpkinLoves on Etsy for $25

Fully customizable agendas from May Books, starting at $20

What do you use to keep yourself organized and fabulous?

Sunday Song

I absolutely love the voices of Philips, Craig, and Dean. We sang this in Church a few Sunday's ago and I was in Heaven. So wonderful.

On a side note, I'm loving that my Church here is offering a "Just Moved" 13 week, women's Bible Study, focusing on starting over and moving forward after re-locating. Could that sound any more made for me? I'll be starting it this week and will totally share what's revealed to me with you guys. It's got a lot of emphasis on military wives, so if you belong to that community and find yourself always packing, unpacking, and trying to settle, check it out and see if there is a group near you.

What are you guys up to this Sunday?

Another Chapter in the Book

What a whirlwind I've been on for the last week and a half. 

WOW.

You know those times when you legit have no idea what day it is?

That's been me for the past couple days.

On Wednesday at 4am, my cheerful self woke up, packed a backpack, and jetted off to Asheville, North Carolina for training for my new contract. I adore Asheville, as it was the place my family vacationed frequently while I was young. Living in Charlotte last year, I made it a point to travel there on several occasions when I needed a break from reality. If you haven't been, it's the perfect little town.

Anyway, training went well. I'm working in an industry that's just been my home for a majority of the past 8 years. The position I have now is virtually the same in every way as the one I had in Charlotte. I feel blessed to have had the experience previously to prepare me for the tasks that lie ahead. I had so much fun getting to know my co-workers in our Asheville office, going out for lunch, and grabbing a glass (or two) of wine after work. Working from home will be wonderful, but it was nice to have a little office camaraderie for a few days.

Yesterday, I boarded a flight back to DC. As I looked out my window upon approach, I caught a glimpse of Arlington at night. Completely in the dark. When we landed, I saw the illuminated Washington Monument. Happiness rushed through my body to know I was back home. Truly home, in the city I love so much.

Add another chapter to the ever evolving story of my life.

New job, here I come.

Truly Successful

"Truly successful, powerful people want other people to be empowered." ~ Oprah

Can I get an Amen?

One can pretend and tell themselves they are the epitome of success and have made themselves a successful life. If they aren't encouraging others, empowering those around them, and giving others the tools they need to be successful, they are not truly successes.

Section 60

Grab your tissues.

It has long been a "mission" of mine to make it to Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. I've visited ANC many, many times but never made it to this hallowed section of ground. On 9-11 last year, I was determined to find it and ended up absolutely lost in the acres and acres of rolling graves. When my family recently visited ANC, I decided to venture here myself and spend some moments in private.

The walk through Arlington is a tough one for many reason. Not only is is emotionally exhausting to see rows and rows for what seems like miles, it's physically exhausting too. I don't complain, because I know the heroes buried in the ground walked many more difficult, treacherous, and painful steps before me. 

When I took the Metro from my house to ANC, I noticed a middle aged woman carrying bunches of store bought flowers. I presumed she was heading to Arlington, and I was right. After making the trek to the back of the cemetery, I was confronted with a marker that told me this was Section 60. For those who are unfamiliar, it is the section of ANC where the veterans of Iraq & Afghanistan, including those killed in action, lay to rest. It's the section where you see infants in car seats laying on their father's graves while their mommy clutches dog tags and reflects back on memories of more peaceful times. It's where you see mothers proudly nurture the graves of their sons, as if it's the only thing they can do now that they are gone. This day was no different, as I silently watched the mother on the Metro tend to her sons grave and make the most perfect bouquet of flowers for his headstone.

The back of the above headstone of SSG Christopher Jones.

Pictures like this were taped to the back of many headstones, painting a very real picture of the heroes buried within the ground. Faces, families, memories.

New ground always being dug for new graves.

Perhaps the beret of a friend who served with PFC Michael Joseph Metcalf.

I read later that he was 22 and KIA while serving in Afghanistan.

Mementos hung from trees surrounding Section 60, including this mobile of seashells with handwritten messages for someone fallen.

Aaron's wife Kimberly has been at the forefront of keeping her husbands memory alive as well as those who went down that day with him. To show your support for his family and friends, you can visit the Facebook page set-up for them here.

Family Takeover!

This past weekend, my family converged on the District of Columbia for my Uncle's 50th birthday celebration. Sixteen of us, trotted and meandered around the area, visiting monuments, museums, and everything in between. It was a blast to have them all here in the city where I'm making my new life and it went by way too fast.

Today, I'm sharing some highlights with y'all of our first day or two around town. Tomorrow, I'll share some incredibly emotional pictures and stories from my visit to Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery.

Daddy & I!

Visiting Ben's Chili Bowl for the first time.

My cousin enjoying some of Ben's chili fries!

Some of the fam partaking in the deliciousness.

My 2nd cousin & I :)

Outside the Lincoln Memorial

Daddy and I inside.

National Mall in the background.

Some of the fam.

My uncle's partner made these for all of us for my uncle's birthday celebration. We munched on fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rice and beans, and other comfort foods.

The awesome Boston Cream Pie cake for the birthday boy.

Happy 50th Uncle Scott!

Hanging out and reading cards.

Taking it easy.

Our last day we spent at Mount Vernon. I got a year pass, so I can come back with Piper and walk the trails around the property.

Love these colors!

Seriously incredible views of the Potomac.

George Washington's original burial site.

Where he lies now.

The house George & Martha loved so much.

One last pic with Daddy and I! :)