On The Other Side

Have you ever felt so entrenched in a season of your life that you think it will never end?

That is how I have felt for the last 2.5 years of my life.

My life has been CRAZY... well when it comes to being busy.

I have finally made it through my master's degree in order to become a Nurse Practitioner! I thought I would never be able to say those words, but now I have!

So many things have changed since I began this journey. All for the better. And some for the best.

1.) I no longer work night shift.

Wow! This is a total life changer! I was a night shift worker for over 2 years before getting to lead the life of a normal person. It put a lot of strain on me as a person, on my family, and friends. Just everything. After starting school, I worked on days for about 8 months before going back to nights for several months. It wasn't the worst thing in my life since I was only working 2 shifts a week, but it was still nights. The reason I am not longer working nights is because....

2.) I work at a different place.

I LOVE MY JOB. I will not disclose where it is that I work, but I LOVE MY JOB. I have had this job for about 1.5 years now (crazy), and I am so glad God has brought me right where I am. I was working part time while in school, but now I only work 2 days per week because....

3.) I have a BABY!

Everyone! Meet Baby Judah!

 Photo Cred: Blythe Parker

                                                                        
This is my sweet, sweet baby boy. He no longer looks like this, because he is almost EIGHT months old! WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?!
Anyways, this little guy is really why life has been turned upside down. And my life has been changed... for the best! No one can describe the joy brought to a parent by a child. Although the last 8 months have been extremely challenging, I would never take them back for one second. I have gone through having a baby, trying to figure out the whole breastfeeding thing (not a piece of cake by the way), up all hours of the night, trying to get school work done, going back to finish my clinical hours for school full time when he was only 5 weeks old, working on some days that I was not at clinicals, etc.
It has been HARD but so REWARDING!

So now that I am on the other side I will have some time to do things that I want to do (alleluia!), and not be so bogged down by my schoolwork. So you might actually see some posts on this old blog now and again. I am not going to make any promises, since the last time I did that was September and you have had lots of silence since, but I will do my best.

Cheers to making it through seasons of life and looking back and thinking "how in the world did I just do that?!"

Too Long

Welp, this post is long overdue. So overdue in fact, that I have been struggling for weeks now as to what I was going to say in this post. I still haven't decided, so I am just going to word vomit for a minute and then go to bed.

In my last post, I announced that my husband and I were pregnant and were expecting in May. Our little boy did arrive in May, and life has been abundant ever since.

I am still schooling like crazy, but good news is that I will be D-O-N-E in December. Mantra at the moment - "I can do ANYTHING for three months!"

SO many thoughts have been swirling around in my little brain about this blog for the last, well, almost year. I have so many things that I have been dying to plaster onto the inter webs, but just have not had time. I have also been brainstorming about how I want to share all of the baby info that I have collected in the last little while. This post is step #1. More will be coming, I promise.

So before I seriously explode into this text box, I am going to leave it sweet, short, and simple for now. I will be back. Next post = intro to my new addition! :)

Alert the Media

Well... it's been awhile...

I have been wanting to come and write for so long, but life has been a whirlwind. More than usual. Let's just get it over with. I have some news. BIG news. Alert the media!!

We are expecting. :)

Sorry. You are the last to know if you just found out. We have been telling people VERY slowly (since neither of us have Facebook), and it has been quite a project to try to call everyone we know and tell them. Especially since my hubby isn't big on being on the phone and I am terrible about picking up my phone for any reason.

But YES! We are having a BABY, folks! 

Our bundle of joy is arriving in May, well maybe. You know how babies are. However, according to modern medicine little Baby B is expected to arrive at the end of May! 

Boy or girl, you ask?

We find out in TWO days!! 

So I will get back to you about that. 

And we are STOKED! We cannot wait to see if little baby is a boy or girl. It has been so hard to think about putting together a nursery or any of that without knowing if the baby is male or female. So maybe I will become super inspired once we know for sure. Or mostly for sure. I know mistakes can be made.

I know what you are going to want next... belly pics! I know, I know. I have been terrible about taking these (especially internet appropriate ones)! My best friend last commented "why are all your belly pictures in your underwear in a dressing room at a store?!?!" My answer is that dressing rooms are the best places to take body photos, period. AND you seem to always be close to being naked while you are in them, right? So yeah, I will have to take a good belly bump photo and post it soon. And yes, there is definitely a belly there! 

I just wanted to clue you in on why I have been so absent. I will post soon about the boy versus girl dilemma occurring on Wednesday. :)

Allegiant

Wow. This week has made my eyes really tired. I have read 3 different books since Saturday. This girl probably needs to go get her eyes checked.

I know what you are thinking.... since when did Juju Eat Cake become a crappy book blog?!

Yeah, I am kind of thinking the same thing, but for once in my life I am actually reading. Something that I find so much happiness in yet never seem to find time to actually do it.

It has been so lovely to read....

Is anyone else out there on the Divergent wagon?!! This week has been an exciting/disappointing/emotional week for those of us who have been following Veronica Roth. According to the Amazon reviews for her newest installment Allegiant, you are all a bunch of raging lunatics ready to burn her at the stake. However, I had a slightly (more than slightly, actually) different view than the majority of the readers thus far.

*(IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK I WOULD NOT ADVISE YOU TO READ AHEAD. THERE ARE NOT OUT RIGHT SPOILERS EXCEPT WHAT IS IN SMALL FONT, BUT YOU CAN INFER A LOT OF THINGS THAT HAPPENED BY WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!)*

Am I shocked? No

Am I sad? Yes

I feel like the book stands. Perfect. Unblemished.

Why you may ask?

The decisions and actions of everyone involved was true to each person's true character. To a tee. I don't quite understand how everyone is so flabbergasted. I understand that it was gut-wrenching, but it was also beautiful beyond belief.

Did I ball my eyes out? HA of course!

But all in all, it was the perfect sacrifice and the perfect ending to an amazing trilogy. My hat TRULY goes off to Veronica Roth on this one. You have taught us (well, some of us) that life isn't perfect. Because guess what, folks? It just isn't. Period. Especially when there is so much war and violence involved.

Tris was truly a hero through and through in this series. I know it is hard for some of us to wrap our minds around what happened, but the choices she made were COMPLETELY in character for her! I cannot say that enough. I think you have to know someone with an Abnegation personality in real life to truly realize this. Don't read the next line if you haven't read the book, ***SPOILERS*** but only the good die young. Only stars that shine that bright can only burn for so long. That is life. Period.

Favorite scene in the book? When Four goes to his home and shaves his head...etc.,etc.,etc....
You know what I am talking about! O.M.G. Such an amazing scene, Ms. Roth! I think a little part of my heart died during that scene.

I did think the book was a little slow, yes. However, I am not sure if it was because it was actually slow, or because I was agonizing over the possibilities of how the book was going to end.

I also thought the POV switches were confusing for the most part. I would be talking with Tris' voice in my head and realize it was Four's perspective. Talk about confusing.

So, although there are flaws in this book just like every other book in the world, over all this book will go on my shelf next to all my favorite series. Sorry Suzanne Collins, but Veronica Roth blew your series out of the water. Whomp whomp.

If you haven't read the series I HIGHLY advise that you do. It has everything from violence, to romance, to betrayal, to forgiveness, to hatred, to love, to tragedy, to comedy, to most importantly amazing characters that will make an impact on your life. Gotta love it! :)

Also I am going to go ahead and advertise for Veronica Roth here and say that if you haven't already, check out her Divergent series novellas!! Probably my MOST favorite piece of the trilogy... Free Four. This little tiny piece of gold makes my heart melt into rushing waters. I truly love this scene from Four's perspective. This part of Four was never exposed throughout the entire series until the last book, but it was such a breath of fresh air before the last book came out.

Also from Four's perspective, check out The Transfer. Not as good as Free Four, but still brings so much light onto Four's past, present, and future. Ms. Roth is going to continue to release these novellas until next year. There will be 3 more.


Alright so I have some projects in the works and some posts that are LONG overdue, so I am going to promise that the next few posts are NOT about books! Maybe.... :)

It's Here!

I am so excited to announce that the wait it finally over! Allegiant is HERE!

Image via http://www.hypable.com/2013/05/09/divergent-book-3-allegiant-cover/

I don't know if you guys remember, but I did a post on Veronica Roth's two previous books in the trilogy Divergent and Insurgent after I read them awhile back. To say the least, I have been waiting with baited breath for this last installment. Although I always HATE to read a finale (I hate it that good things always have to come to an end), I cannot wait to pick up my Kindle and read this book!

If you read The Hunger Games trilogy and liked it, this trilogy will NOT disappoint! I actually personally like this trilogy better. 

Veronica Roth is a FANTASTIC writer! Not only is she a new author, but she is currently 24 years old! CRAZY when young people can do extraordinary things! Love it! :)

Also, you need to read this series because in March it will hit the big screen.

Here is a look at the TRAILER!

Alright, well I hope I have talked you into picking up these books and reading them. I am sorry I haven't posted in so long. I have a lot waiting in the archives for you!

Oh yeah, and I will let you know how the book is! Happy reading! :)

Taste of Game

Is anyone else starting to feel the cool breeze of fall blowing in the air?

I definitely don't, but I am just pretending that it is there.

I love fall. Plain and simple. To me it is the best time of the year. Reasons why?

Orange. It's my favorite color.
Food. The food is sooo good! Pumpkin anything please!
Beer. Ohhhh the beer! The bestest beer!
Football. 'nuff said!
Cool breezes. Best day of the year is in jeans and a long sleeve shirt with the sleeves pushed up.
Boots. Show me those ridin' boots, ladies (love 'em!)!!
Fires. Love to build me some good, real, one match kind of fires.
Camping. Who doesn't love to go camping?!
The leaves. Not much that is more beautiful than fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves.

This year, we hope to add a new favorite thing to this list. What is it, you ask?

Hunting.

We are virgin deer hunters this season. Now that we have our bows and a fake deer staked out in the backyard, we are going to try to put our practice into reality starting this weekend. I am not going to hunt initially. My hubby wants to be the first to kill. I cannot blame him. It's a man thing, I understand. However, I am going to be there every step of the way. Camo and all!

In honor of Georgia's first week of bow hunting season I have a real special treat for you all. My father-in-law went dove hunting last weekend and shot a whole bag of doves. Not knowing what to do with them, he of course brought them over to his favorite food buddy's house. Yep. We definitely agree on food!

I came up with this recipe thinking of a delicious appetizer you could snack on while watching your favorite team play on Saturdays this fall. However, my favorite food tester thought they were more of a delicacy - an hor d'oeuvre eaten by the high class of the early south after a day of hunting. I halfway think he thought they were fancy because I served them on my china, which I NEVER get out. I just thought they would look pretty on a delicate white plate. Anyways, you will definitely enjoy these!

Juju's Paleo Bacon-Wrapped Dove 

Ingredients:

Dove breasts (skinless, featherless, boneless... just the boob)

Bacon, strips cut in half

3 Tbsp worcestershire

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1-2 tsp pure raspberry jam

Cayenne pepper to taste

Salt and pepper to taste (keep in mind, this is what brings out your flavors)

PINCH of nutmeg (do NOT overload, I mean just a tiny pinch!)

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Wrap each breast with your half strips of bacon. Secure with toothpick.

Place on baking sheet. I used my stone so I didn't use non-stick spray, but if you are using aluminum you might want to consider it.

Mix the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl. 

Put in microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk while warm.

Brush sauce over your bacon-wrapped doves. You will still have sauce left over.

Put in oven for 7 minutes. Brush again with sauce.

Keep in oven another 7 minutes. If bacon is still not crispy, brush with sauce again and put back into the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the bacon is nice and cooked/crispy.

After taking them out of the oven, drizzle with any leftover sauce.

Serve fresh out of the oven. 

Hope you guys enjoy these, Paleo eaters or not! They are definitely delicious and gorgeous!

Oh yeah, and they are SUPER easy! :)

Happy early fall y'all (I definitely don't say this but it rhymed)!!!

Steampunk?

OKAY! After this one, I will not post about another book until I do something else with my life! Trust me! I hear you screaming!

I just have to tell you, I am SUPER pumped about doing a review for this(ese) particular book(s). 

In May, I stumbled upon this book on Amazon (best way to find a book these days, right?) with a no-name author, with decent reviews, and a more than decent price (99 cent, baby!).

I thought, "what the hay, I will try that for close to free!" In hindsight, I am so glad I put my faith in the reviewers on Amazon!

I read the first novel to be published by a girl who I am now very fond of. 

Introducing... A.R. Ivanovich.

Weird name, right? Partially why I was intrigued to read this highly acclaimed (per Amazon reviewers) book. 

First book... Haven.

Genre... Steampunk.   <----------- google'd it for ya!

What tha hell?

Yep. Steampunk. I had to google it too. And read the Wikipedia page.

Essentially, I would summarize so-called "steampunk" genre as modern-day Sherlock Holmes meets Bellatrix Lestrange.

No matter how you look at it, who wouldn't love a genre where the Victorian era meets Wild, Wild West? Give me leather, metal, big hair, and steam. Lots and lots of steam.

Now that you get the genre, let's get back to the book.

So, yes! Haven is the story of a young girl named Katelyn Kestrel, who is a citizen of a small place called Haven. Haven is basically a utopia. The weather is perfect, the people are perfect, life is perfect. Born on the idea of a teacher, Katelyn goes on a quest to find a way out of Haven (no one ever leaves or visits). No spoilers here, but I will tell you, Ivanovich's made-up world is fantastic! Her descriptions are beautifully prosed. I have not read a better book with those kinds of brilliantly described places in a looooong time! I will say that her dialogue could use some work (it is a bit corny at times and sometimes robotic), but her imagination is brilliant! The characters are lovable, even those that deceive the readers (plot twists!). I really enjoyed reading this book. 

The best part about finishing Haven was that I didn't have to wait too terribly long before I could read the sequel.

The sequel... Dragoon.

Once again, Ivanovich delivered! I would say it had the same pros and cons as the first book, but maybe by the end of the series her dialogue will have improved. 

As for Ivanovich, I would say she has started off nicely, with a great career of writing ahead of her. Check her out sometime! You will not be upset you did!

Images above via http://heatherlovedit.blogspot.com/2011/11/loved-it-rachel-mcadams-in-sherlock.html and http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Bellatrix_Lestrange.