Danae In the Kitchen!!!

I decided to start a new blog entitled, "Danae in the Kitchen." It will include some of my kitchen stories, experiences, and recipes. Check out the cake photos I've posted!!!

http://danaeinthekitchen.blogspot.com

Updates!

Since I live in Nashville and have family and friends around the country, I thought I'd elaborate on the happenings in my life. 

My job...

I am still working for my friend/mentor, Vince Wilcox. I really enjoy working from home and spending time with my puppy! This week I am also checking in on 2 other pups, a lab and crazy jack russell pup. 

On another note, I have interviewed with a company I am basically in love with and it went very well. I hesitate to say much more at this point until I have more information. The interview process is a little crazy in that I have to go through 6 interviews. Please pray that I hear back about my 2nd interview soon! (I am on to the next step. I filled out a personality test,...)

My friends...

I go through phases where I think I have the best friends ever and then those relationships sort of fizzle. Right now I see my true friends, old and new and I can't wait to see where those friendships go. 

My church...

We just found out that the church that owns our church building/property is going to sell it for 1.2 million, way out of our budget. So we're looking at this as a positive and praying for God's leading and direction. I'm excited to see where God takes us next! I will also play an important part in the women's bible study which will be awesome as well.

My hubby...

Ben is doing okay. He is hoping to start terminal leave (basically, he'll be done with the army) on Monday. Meaning that when he comes up next time, he won't have to leave again! YAY! Just pray for him as it has been challenging to get all his paperwork and such so he can get out. 

When he gets here, he's planning on taking a security job, looking for a school, and joining the National Guard (for various reasons that make sense, but I won't get into right now). I think he is definitely ready for a new adventure and to live with me full time. (Or maybe not... hehe)

Our wedding...

We're still planning for May, maybe the 9th... We need to check on availability and such. I'm very excited! I've finally picked my colors! That being said, now everything else will hopefully fall into place!

So there it is, the new the old and the ... ? I don't know... 

Being content but not complacent

Content (from dictionary.com) - "satisfied with what one has; not wanting more or anything else"

Complacent (from dictionary.com) - "contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned"

There is a distinct difference between being content and being complacent. Being content is being happy with the way things are while being complacent is more settling for the way things are going. I make this distinction to say that I am wholly content with where I am right now. I am happy with my job, although it is temporary. I'm satisfied with my apartment. I'm excited to see what is going to happen in my church. (I will elaborate on these at a later time.) I have a couple really great friends and that's all I need. 

If you know me, you know I stress and worry but right now that's not me at all. I can honestly say I am truly happy and content. I love it. It's like nothing I've ever felt or experienced. What a relief! 

My love - "First they met"

Today was a fabulous day. It was one of those days where although nothing really makes sense, you realize that it will in due time. (Does that make sense?) I am just learning that God is in control and His plan is so much better than mine. Funny how that works...

I was also thinking about my husband as I often, okay pretty much always, do. I can't help but get the day I first met him out of my head. It was on the steps of my dorm hall where he came walking up with Shawn, my big bro (figuratively). My heart skipped a few beats as I saw this handsome man walking towards me. He was very tall and very quiet. 

In fact, I got him to dance for the 

first time EVER that weekend. We quickly became best friends and helped each other through some really rough, life changing years. Once he returned from his first tour to Iraq, he pursued me. I'm not talking subtle... He actually told me "I will have you." If anyone else would have said that to me, I would have probably punched them or stormed off, but it worked for him. After nearly a month of pursuing, I finally gave in and let him hold my hand and such. 

(The picture on the left is one of our first dates where we celebrated Valentine's Day. Boy we look young!)

I am bound to share more about us later, because this man is my love, my soulmate, and my life but that is a start! 

Great weekend

I had a fabulous weekend with my hubby. We didn't really do anything incredibly special, just hung out. I cooked/baked A LOT and found some pretty incredible recipes. I will share some of them, I'm just debating on whether I should start a separate blog or just put them in here. Any suggestions? 

I love a good weekend, because it often sets the tone for the week. I'm completely relaxed and rejuvenated. So ready for a hot bubble bath, a glass of wine, and a good nap. Or a cup of coffee and a good movie. We'll see...

Language Barriers

It's late and I am exhausted but something inside me is telling me I need to blog. Don't ask me why. Somehow it has become a ritual. Usually these types of blogs, the random ones, are the most entertaining... for me. ;) 

I had a really great night with some of my dearest friends. I met one of them at the mall for pedicures and whatnot, had dinner with some others who are basically my family, and then went over to another friend's house to watch a movie, but we ended up talking for a couple hours instead. I love good friends and good conversations. When you open up to someone you are close to, you show them that you trust them with something that is special to you. That means a lot to me. 

So I have to comment on pedicures for a moment. 

Today, the lady working on my feet wore gloves. She didn't speak but 2 words of English and didn't understand anything I said to her. As I observed the dynamics between her and her co-workers, I noticed some things. I did not know what they were saying to her, but I know she was working really hard and going "the extra mile" to do a good job. She took her time. The gentleman working next to her would constantly look over and say things. Anytime he would say something she would stop doing what she was doing and move on to the next step. Then a lady came over and spoke to her in a harsh tone. 

There is something to be said about language barriers. Although we may not have any idea what someone is actually saying, we all still feel. We feel laughter, pain, and boredom. Not only that, but we all express it through the way we walk, our posture, and our overall body language. The young lady that did a fabulous job on my pedicure was very shy and reserved, but kindhearted. I wanted to get to know her, to converse with her. I wish that I could have. 

Lethargic

I keep finding myself in this dark and scary place today. I have NO energy. No motivation. No stamina. I feel like a fish that is not in the water. You know, flapping on dry ground except I'm not really flapping. Okay strange analogy but seriously this is getting on my last nerve.

I've been going through my daily grind of work and applying for jobs, but I have not been my normal, overly productive self. I don't even think I've been a below average worker today.

Any pointers on how to get out of this funk?