Who are The Arners Having These Adventures?
Hey there! We are The Arners: Gerry and Shannon, and of course, our furbaby, Betty White. Our last name is Arner, hence “Arner Adventures”. Anything that we go through in life, good or bad, we call an Arner Adventure. Just so you are aware, we also have alter-egos, where we often call ourselves, “Hanley and Fritz”…that’s for another time.
Gerry, the Hanley to Fritz, was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Cary, North Carolina. He went to Cary High School, then UNC-Wilmington, and while working as a bartender at an Italian restaurant in Raleigh, met the Fritz to his Hanley, Shannon. Gerry is the mellow-yellow part of Arner Adventures. He sort of floats along, pretty much open to whatever comes his way. He is always open to taking hikes on a nature trail, hitting the streets of a bustling city, or picnicking in a park- as long as the end result is testing out the local craft beer!
Shannon was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, a rarity these days, since Raleigh is mostly made up of transplants. Shannon attended East Wake High School, UNC Wilmington, then transferred to Meredith College. Shannon is the planner, often the neurotic part of Arner Adventures, but is always open to something new! Being a Meredith Angel, tradition is held as a cherished value, however, taking the path less traveled and making new traditions ranks highest! Shannon is the Fritz to Hanley. 🙂
Shannon and Gerry met in 2002, had a few adventures, got married April 30, 2005 in the Meredith College Chapel, and decided life was going to be one BIG adventure!
We love to travel, and search for the next #arneradventure. Sometimes getting lost while trying to find a destination can turn into an adventure of its own. As mentioned above, crazy situations in life are adventures, as well as the not so happy moments- also adventures. The best adventures- those in which are unplanned. We are people who actually get excited about getting lost, or going off the normal path. We look at each other and yell in this cheesy voice, “hey! This is an ARNER ADVENTURE!!!”
Last but not least, and our ride or die girl, is Betty White. She is our pibble-love, our rock, our travel buddy, and love muffin. Betty White is a beach pup, loves biting ocean waves, likes people better than other pups, and would do anything for a car ride to her own next adventure. Betty has been through a lot on her own from being found as an emaciated, abused little girl, to being rescued and adopted into our home where she wants for nothing. She is resilient and demonstrates that to us each day as we are reminded at just how strong we are as a family. She has been a support for us through some tough times- you can learn more about that here.
Together, we are The Arners, creating Arner Adventures!