An Ode To Shannon

True Love. Since I was a little girl this notion has spun around in my head in the hopes that one day I would find just that, true love. The great news is I have found it with a man that can be paralleled by none. He is the love of my life, Mr. Shannon J. Crawford.

For anyone that knows me, the last few months have been some of the hardest for me in recent history. I have not been particularly pleasant to be around and yet this man, this incredible man, has stayed by my side being a constant support and my number 1 fan. I quit my job this week and am needless to say, already feeling better. However, such a major decision that carried its various pros and cons was wholeheartedly supported by Shannon. There was no pause in his support, all he merely asked was would this decision make me happy?! In the day and age of the all mighty dollar, to have a partner that cares more about my well-being and happiness, well words can’t express what he means to me. All I can say is I hope there is a day when I will be able to repay him with the same amazing outpouring of love and sustenance that he has given me.

Shannon, I LOVE YOU far more than mere words can or will ever be able to say. The love we share is indefinable from the outside and indescribable from the inside. Thank you for all you have given me, especially your love over the past few months.

And, I just have to say it once more, THANK YOU & I LOVE YOU!

Home Sweet Home

Hello out there!!
Well, it finally happened ... WE SIGNED A LEASE!!! It has taken looking at 20 apartments, dealing with some interesting characters, had 2 places fall through and a few mental breakdowns along the way but we found one amazing apartment and that is all that matters. Shannon and I have a lease with our names on it and I have never had so much satisfaction from merely signing my name, well maybe the first time I ever did it but this is satisfying in a far different way!This experience has allowed us to grow together and learn so much about how each of us operates. This seemed more like a sociology experiment than merely finding an apartment.

The apartment is in the theater district and there are amazing restaurants and shopping, some of my favorite things. Just wanted to announce it finally! If I were to recount the whole thing, no one would believe me haha but this is the story of Katie and Shannon, so it is pretty fitting. At least we have a treasure trove of entertaining tales. Hope 2012 is off to a great start for everyone, I know we could not be happier about the way it is beginning, we are truly blessed!

Best Always,
Kate

Here is a pic of us in front of our door, Apartment 3207!! That is pure elation/exhaustion but it wouldn't mean as much without having gone through all of this together!

Day 1 of 2012

Hello all!
I hope that everyone had an amazing New Year's Eve ... I know that we did! We did a family dinner at an Italian restaurant and then met David and Darran for First Night in Colonial Williamsburg! It was truly a perfect start to the new year.

Today was spent lounging and enjoying Downtown Abbey ... the women in this house may be slightly obsessed haha. We are preparing to go back to Chicago on Tuesday and I am sad to be leaving. Something about being home this past week has struck a cord and I realize more than ever just how blessed I am with amazing family and friends. But, our life in Chicago is finally ready to officially start and I feel like I can give it a real shot now that I am on the mend. Shannon and I should be in our new place more or less, this time next week. Having a place to call our own makes me so excited. So, here is to really starting our lives in Chicago!

As for resolutions for 2012, I think it is just working on getting our lives on track in Chicago (and some gym/yoga time). We are going to hit the ground running and I am going to try my hardest not to stress about it too much. Shannon and I have an amazing way of balancing each other so there is enough push for every pull. I may not know what 2012 has in store but I know I have the perfect person by my side and with that we can handle anything that comes our way!

To 2012, the best year yet!

Best Always,

Kate