Just ONE of Those Days

I guess today is just one of those days. I feel like I am reflecting on my last 4 years of life and checking if I did everything RIGHT...

I am trying to figure out, if I could change anything, what would I have changed?
I am trying to figure out where did some of my friendships go wrong--is it because of me?

I miss France, I miss feeling so uninhibited and just HAPPY. So happy I would cry myself to sleep, while smiling HAPPY. Happiness I could feel from my toes to the top f my head. I MISS THAT HAPPINESS. I miss the friendships I created...true bonds that only some get the chance to experience.

I question myself today, November 8, 2010, "AM I HAPPY?” I have so much awesome things going on in my life---a great internship (which I happen to be at now ha), about the graduate from college, possible AMAZING job in the near future, a man that loves me, good friends and a great family.

Although all those things above sound nice, there is another side to every happiness. Nevertheless, isn’t that life? I am about to graduate (yay!) but I am scared and I do not know my next steps. There is a possible AMAZING job, but who knows what will happen, AND if I do get it, will I be all that EVERYONE else says I am?? Will I meet my parents, my mentors, and MY expectations?? It's just a lot to take in...

And then there is my family. A perfect family a few years ago, but then again, there is no "perfect family.” Everyone has problems, but I guess I just never thought it would happen with mine... I will leave it at that because I prefer not to disclose my family business to world. Just know every time I think of it, it hurts.

Though mentally I have a THOUSAND thoughts running through my head, I have not been praying as I used too...I feel like I am straying and putting the weights of the world on my shoulders, without reaching out for help or guidance. I do not know how people get through life without God. I feel like I have been living without him "in" my life for months....Maybe that is why I feel this way. I am trying to handle everything on my own. Analyzing, evaluating, thinking, thinking and thinking some more about why things happen the way they do and if I am making the right choices.

Sometimes I think I am tripping and just a tad anal. My life cannot be perfect, like I wish it to be.

Deep down inside I know what the problem is... I know why I get sad every now and then, even with my life that is filled with so much happiness.

I miss having a best friend...that feeling I had when I was abroad, when someone needed me, just as much as a needed them. Someone who came to me for advice, someone who was right in line with me but completely different at the same time. I MISS THAT BOND.

Yes, I have my love and my wonderful wonderful mother and other amazing women I have grown very close with...but something is missing...

I do not have a sister---I wish I did
and
I do not have that best best friend---that I thought I had years ago...

But hey, I'm only 23 years old, I have a long life ahead of me and a future that looks bright...

I'm developing and working to become a better, more compassionate, giving person, but I must say it’s hard if you haven’t been that way most of your life...

*Thoughts of just ONE OF THOSE DAYS*

Peace and Love and Happiness....ALWAYS

Danni <3

Ciao Bella!!

So I know it’s been a long time since the last time I wrote a blog. But, it seems I never really took the time to just write. To remain in my room and reflect on my life and everything that’s going on in it. Today I had that time. I had been busy with school and socializing. But today I took the time to get some business done. Business involving my internship for this summer, some homework due next week, writing to do lists and having a time of reflection. I have two and half months left here in France. Time is just flying by so fast. I don’t want to leave here feeling like I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted to accomplish. I want to feel fulfilled. So far, I haven't had that "complete" feeling. Yes, I am happy and loving my life and truly bless. But, I feel there is still more I can do to improve myself and get all I can out of this experience. So before we get into that I will talk about ITALY!


Italy...there is so much to say about Italy. Italy was a gamble. I went with two girls I didn’t know very well to four uniquely different cities. I was blessed enough to end of having a wonderful and fulfilling time in Italy. The country is so different then France. The people are alive! Italians are loud and jolly. I love that aspect of their personalities. The food is delicious! Pizza and pasta and more pizza with a little bit of salad here and there aha. I had never eaten so much in my life! Speaking of food, the Italians have a new tradition called appertivo. One of the greatest concepts alive. It needs to be brought back to the states. But any who, it’s kind of like an appetizer before dinner. You go to a lounge/ restaurant. They usually have a DJ (playing ALL types of great music). You simply pay 7 euro and you get an alcoholic beverage and all you can eat delicious Italian appetizers! You socialize and relax while eating your delicious foods. I was happy I could experience this Italian tradition and be a part of their culture!

Besides the food, I visited 4 cities in 10 days. First Milan--the city of fashion, the Duomo (which was absolutely BEEEEEAUTIFUL), men and great night life! Milano was great fun! The fashion wasn’t all I thought it would be, but it was still a great alive and friendly city where they just couldn’t get enough of Danni lol. Next we went to Venice for "Carnivale". .
A huge festival in Venice, with different events every hour of the day over 2 weeks. People dress up in costumes and wear masks. It is like a big classy party! Venice has a sense of antiqueness to it. Original architecture, a city stuck in time--beautiful, romantic and priceless. There is no place like Venice. The next stop was Florence. Home of the appertivo, The David by Michael Angelo <3, great night life and AMAZING SHOPPING. As you know, Italy is known for their leathers. Florence has one of the largest leather markets in the world. Quality and genuine leathers! A wonderful, true Italian city. From the architecture, to the people and just the feel of the city. I loved it and would go back in second! The last stop was the icing on the cake. Cinque Terre, Italy. The Italian Rivera. A combination of mountains and ocean, if you can imagine--you can't! You go to Cinque Terre and think to yourself, "how the hell does this place exist!” It’s absolutely beautiful. Quaint and tucked away in the mountains along the coast. If you’re not a local you CANNOT drive in Cinque Terre. But must take the train into the city. They are known for the seafood as well. Freshly caught in the morning—delish!

Trust I know! I had the privilege to tasting Cinque Terre seafood, YUM! Italy in a nutshell is amazing. From the people, to the culture, food, fashion, and “vibe"--I loved every moment of it and will never forget this adventure or the girls I was lucky to experience it with! Each city had different flavor. Every one uniquely delicious

Now, as far as improvements. I am lost and still looking. Is it dance? Is it cooking? Is it having a job? What should I do? I'm unsure, but I need to do something before time runs out. As for now, I think I've written enough for the day. I got a little sidetracked from writing so much about Italy—it’ll continue my reflections of my purpose another time :). Next stop in April is Spain, Portugal and London as well as the South of France famous WINERIES! I can't wait to see and learn and just experience something NEW. A bientot!!

-Danni

Paris: Home of my Heart

PARIS....once again where do I begin! As soon as I laid my eyes on the streets of Paris, I knew this would be everything I dreamed of and more. The fast paced city streets, with Parisians of every race and the old architecture that could be seen as far as the eye could see. I dreamed of Paris, yes, but now Danni was in Paris and it was about to be AHMAZING! But first let me back up...lol

I took a 9am train from Lyon to Paris. I was actually quite excited to get out the city-like atmosphere of Lyon and see the country-side of France--and oh was I in for a treat! The country-side, or as the French call it " the province", was beautiful! The sun rose as my train headed towards Paris and hit the rolling hills filled with Tuscan cottages. It was simply beautiful! I thought to myself, "dang--I bet they have GOOD FOOD in these small towns" ha-ha! My fat butt! (sike) And the fact that, this is France! I’m definitely not in the US anymore lol. Cut a 2 hour ride short, I reached my destination and the entire station was outside (nothing was enclosed)! Let me tell you...it was FREEZING! My two girlfriends wouldn't be in Paris until 1:20pm and it was only 11am...FML! Thank God I brought my "New Moon" book ha-ha. I bundled up in a nearby cafe ordered a pain au chocolat and chocolat au lait--DELISH and was in another world in no time...

Turns out my girls got lost and ended up at a DIFFERENT station, so it took about an hour and half to finally unite in Paris Gare Lyon. Let me tell you, when I saw their faces, I ran like a crazy person about 100 feet, luggage speeding behind me, into their arms lol! We all just laughed and got moving to our next destination--the hostel.

After the complications of the oh so confusing PARIS METRO, we got to our Hostel, to only be sent about 5 city blocks to the partner hostel--with our luggage. What do you do in these situations--LAUGH! Lol sooo I did, unlike Olivia who had to pee and was running like a race horse ha-ha! Finally we got there, pleased with the setting and the room and happy to rest a bit. It was now 5:30ish pm--we were supposed to there by 2pm :) Oh well....we take our showers, get dressed and head out immediately for what else??!!! The freakin' Eiffel Tower--what every tourist does! lol And let me tell you it was AHMAZING--down to Makeia saying, "oh, I wish it would glitter like it does on New Year’s..." and guess what....IT DID!!! We all were in awe, by it massiveness and the fact that after seeing this Paris landmark in pictures for the past 21-22 years, we were actually seeing it with our own eyes!

In between being harassed by the vendors, and the many pictures we took, we grabbed food and caught a cab back to the hostel to figure out our next moves and to bundle up...(cold as **** there). By the time we got out the hostel, it was 1:45am and we were running down 3 city blocks to reach the corner store by 2am---for what else??? LIQ and JUICE ha-ha and three cups that the clerk charged us 20 euro cent for...I swear! Lol

As we attempted to "sip" on our juice mixture we were once again harassed by loads of French men, some older--some not ;)--by the way, the Frend, or at least Parisians, drink wine right out of the bottle, just strolling down the sidewalk! So, since we WERE in Paris for the night, we were Parisians for the night! Ha-ha After about 8 minutes of trying to catch cab, turns out our special clerk from the corner store flagged one down FOR US! Sweeeeeeet! Too bad the cab driver turned out to be a CREEP, taking us in circles around the gorgeous breathtaking Arc de Triomphe, where every car I swear was driving about 70 miles per hour around that circle (no speed limit)!! Just imagine...me hanging out the window--trying to take picture of this madness---RUSH!!!

We realized this crazed cab driver was taking us away from our destination, we jump out, paid him 10 euro's and hailed down cab! Hahahaah. By the time we were done with that craziness it was 3am but clubs closed at 6am there!!!! :(Slightly heated we finally found our savior, our light in our dark knight ha-ha, our Club 67—3 for 40 euro's baby (good price)! And boy did we party, in more ways than one! Night successful, mission accomplished! <3

The next day we ate, reflected on our first day and that through it all, it could not have been better! It helped us grow up, wake up, and build more confidence in our abilities to succeed! We can do anything we put our minds too! We smiled across the lunch table realizing that were all are going to end up doing wonderful things—and the fact that Paris has NOT seen the last of us. And what I better way to end this trip---SHOPPING at Galleries Lafayette....SOLDES!!! Aka SALES!!

As I say in my blog "About Me", I do dream of Paris. I have experienced Paris only for 2 days and one night and know that one day I want to reside in that beautiful city. The two dynamic, gorgeous, independent women that I experience this adventure with (Makeia and Olivia), I wouldn’t have traded them for the world! This trip, though short, is to be remembered forever. For us, three American’s, from Rhode Island, Alabama and Washington, DC metro, “came,saw, and conquered”.

Paris, the city where anything can happen. For us—IT REALLY DID.

BISOOOOUS <3
Danni

France: Just the Beginning

So, I know I am starting about three weeks, almost a month late, but better late than never right?? Haha let's see here, France...where to begin. France, in particular Lyon, more central France along the Rhone Alps has been a JOURNEY with trials and tribulations. BUT one of the best times in my 22 years of life and it’s only the beginning! A brief description:

I left in tears from Dulles Airport with the support of my family and Brandon. I never thought I would cry. Honestly I didn't have the time! I was too busy hanging with friends, packing and trying to get my "ish" together before I left. Before I knew it, it was January 1, 2010 and I was about to walk through the gate with my dad--depart from family and never see them again... No, it wasn't "a never again" situation, but 5 months seemed like a lifetime at the time! My emotions consumed me as my strong, always poised mother started tearing--it was downhill from there... lol. Anyway, to cut a loooong story short, we left (THANK YOU DAD) to fly thousands of miles away, to a foreign land. Oh, I can't forget to mention, "Club style"--as in better than 1st class baby! (was surprisingly bumped up) <3 So, let’s just say it was VERY comfortable haha. But, flying thousands of miles away is when I really realized that I am scared of planes! Luxury or not, I was terrified for the 1st hour....

Once we got there, my dad and I were quite overwhelmed...period! From the language barriers to getting around the city, to setting up my apartment! It was crazy, but I honestly I wouldn't have traded those tribulations for the world. It helps you grow. Thank God to my father for coming and helping me settle--I cried when he left (big baby :/) lol. I know I could have done it on my own, but it was good to have the support and I guess you could call "Danni's first three days in Lyon" as a bonding experience...lol

Orientation (2 weeks prioir classes beginning--French culture immersion, French class, PARTAY <3): haha--let’s just say LONG HOURS!! But I'm glad to had gone through those 10am-5pm classes daily because that is when I met some of the most interesting people from all over the world--one of the objects of studying abroad--Experiencing new cultures! And can you say PARTAAY! First week was nothing but class---Party--class---PARTY AGAIN! I listened and danced to music I never thought was "me" and had the time of my life. When you go abroad you want to open yourself to different things...and as much as I love my R&B--Trey, Maxwell, Robin Thicke, Drake and so on--I grew beyond that and listened to TECHNO and others, yes I know! But let me tell you, if you just "let go"...you can have such a ball!!

I have only been here 3 weeks, going on a month, and I already see myself changing as well as my life goals altering for the best. Traveling abroad is like a drug, you don’t want to STOP! You want to experience everything you can--especially when you’re young and vibrant!---and NO I don’t do drugs! Lol, you realize when you get to your destination, that no matter where you come from--you are ALL so much alike in so many ways--you all have the desire to explore, to meet new people, experience new cultures, learn and have a great time! Once I realized that...everything became that much better!

So... I just came back from Paris this past weekend, the city of love and adventure, that seemed to feel like home...with two great friends from home, Makeia and Olivia <3--but I'll share those adventures for my next blog, coming soon... <3

Au revoir <3

Danni

Noël!!!!! :)

Ma nourriture préférée de Noël devrait être les biscuits faits maison de Noël ! C'est devenu une tradition pour faire cuire beaucoup de différents types de biscuits. Moi et ma mère feraient cuire, des biscuits de sucre, des biscuits de morceau de chocolat, beurre d'arachide, des biscuits de noix de coco, des biscuits de farine d'avoine et plus ! J'aime faire cuire au four et toutes les fois que Noël vient autour j'attends avec intérêt le temps de dépense avec mes un bon nombre de mère, de cuisson et naturellement de traitement au four de biscuits de Noël !

Thanksgiving Dîner

Pour le thanksgiving mon famille a:
pris la dinde,
le bourrage,
la cocotte en terre d'haricot,
le pudding de maïs,
les patates douces,
le jambon,
la sauce au jus,
les verts et le pain chaud

Pour le dessert nous avons:
un grand gâteau de chocolat,
un pâté en croûte de crème de noix de coco
un gâteau de carotte énormes.

Le dîner de thanksgiving était très et très amusement parce que j'ai passé le temps avec mon famille affectueux.

Tradition Française de Consommation

Bonjour!

L'étiquette est importante pour le Français. Les deux mains doivent demeurer au-dessus de la table à tout moment. Un homme peut reposer ses poignets et les femmes peuvent reposer ses avant-bras. Les Français mangent avec la fourchette dans la main gauche et le couteau dans la main droite. Les déjeuners et les dîners formels peuvent durer 2 heures, avec l'autant d'en tant que 12 cours. Un repas typique de famille a 2-4 cours. Les repas avec le famille étendu peuvent durer 4 heures. En mangeant dehors, la personne qui invite paye le repas. Le vin est a bu avec la plupart des repas, à moins que le déjeuner, mais le vin ne devrait pas être donné comme cadeau.

La cuisine française est considèrent un art. La plupart des personnes de fench mangent un déjeuner de ligh et un grand déjeuner. Les petits cafés offrent des crossiants et des sandwichs à croque-monsieurs. Personnes françaises habituellement n'aiment pas beaucoup d'Américains différents d'aliments de préparation rapide.