18 December 2012

Merry Christmas From Alaska!



How has yet another year passed us by? It doesn’t even seem I’ve had time to accomplish anything and already it is gone.

The beginning of this year started off for me in Arkansas. I was working at a salon during the day and Sassy’s bar and grill at night. It felt I went from sleeping to work and then back to sleeping again with nothing in between, but I actually very much enjoyed being at work and getting to make some more amazing friends.

In June, I moved back again to Alaska, making this my 7th trip up here. It seems no matter what I do, I can’t stay away. There is definitely something special about this place that I love dearly. It was another summer of commercial fishing and fun. I’m not sure whether to say “fortunately” or “unfortunately”, but there was certainly more fun than fishing happening. Great memories, but no profit.

I started back at the same salon I worked in last year and was happy to see some of my clients from the prior year. I am so blessed to get to work with 4 of the greatest ladies; it feels more like a party than work. =]

In September, I flew down to Missouri where I had the privilege of being maid of honor in my best friend Jessica’s wedding. It was absolutely perfect!

In November, I decided to get dental work done in Mexico. I felt like I was taking a bit of a gamble, but thankfully it was a smart decision and I would definitely do it again. I stopped in Arizona to see my grandparents and my uncle Norman, and then my friend Matt and I took a quick trip to San Diego to get some surfing in. The water was freezing but it was totally worth it!

I turned 27 this year! That may not sound very old to most, but I feel I should still be 18. Last year for my birthday I was surfing my heart out in Hawaii, this year I was stoked to be able to take a trip up to Alyeska and give snowboarding a shot! Best day of the year! 

I have no idea what this next year will bring, but I’m really hoping it involves a backpack, a passport and a euro rail pass!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and that this next year brings you all the joy and peace in the world! I love each of you and continue to be overwhelmed by the incredible people I have in my life! How does one girl get to be so blessed!

Love always,

Danette

29 March 2012

Decisions Decisions



How is it the end of March already? I feel like I should be headed on some crazy adventure by now. I guess sometimes staying put can be just as big of an adventure. It definitely has it's challenges.

I've been living in Arkansas since January. My brother Luke was so amazing and moved out of his one bedroom apartment into a two bedroom just for me. Turns out we make amazing roommates. We're both a little OCD. =]

As I'm sure everyone knows, I have a little bit of a commitment issue. I like to keep my options open, just in case, you know. I didn't want to sign a year lease, because who could possible know what I would want to do in a couple months. And Luke only had six months left on his so I was basically just signing under his lease. We sat down to sign everything and were in a major hurry because Luke had to be to work in like 10 minutes. We were literally throwing papers across the table signing whatever. And the lady asked if we had any questions. Luke said no, and I just wanted to double check that I was only signing a six month lease. She informed me that we were signing a year lease... Ha ha! Wow, NO! I was seriously panicking just a little. A YEAR! That is so long to be in one spot. We did get it straightened out and I can leave in July if I want.

All of that to say, I still don't know what I'm doing with my life. =] I'm working at a salon here in Arkansas at the moment. We just opened about a month ago so it's been really slow going. I have started getting repeat clients so I know it could be really good. We're in a great spot and the salon is so beautiful! But it could be a year before I am booked with clients all day everyday. That is such a long time to invest if I'm not even sure I want to live in Arkansas... Oh the decisions.

It's so weird, I worked for Smart Style Salon in both Missouri and Alaska. And I made great money. But I hated that the salon was located inside Wal Mart. It drove me crazy. I wanted to be in a "real salon"... But now that I am, I also have to wait tables as night. So even though I'm at the salon 7 hours a day and at the restaurant 6 hours day, I spend more time at tables than I do behind my chair doing hair. =[

What should a person do? I want to go to Europe for two weeks in June. Also, I want to fish in Alaska this summer. But I also want to have roots somewhere.... And I can't keep bouncing around (for more than two weeks at a time) and have roots. How am I supposed to decide which is more important? And I want to live in California... But I don't want to miss Joey growing up. I feel like I can't make up my mind.