Dinner at the Brown Hotel

 Dinner at the Chef's Table - The Brown Hotel

Every once in a while my job comes with some edible perks. On Monday night, I hosted Dinner at the Brown Hotel for Customers of ours. After a long Monday who really wants to have to work some more. Come to find out, I was in store for a wonderful experience. I hate at the Chef's Table in the Brown Hotel's Kitchen - not only did I get a live cooking demo and gained some new tips; I had a 5 course meal give to me. I could barely eat all of it. The pictures are just an attempt at reinterpreting my meal for you. Are you Hungry?

A Supporter of A Good Thing

 

A Support of A Good Thing

Many have know me to be a music snob; I typically like finding a new artist and sharing them with everyone. And then when they become Main Stream I don't like them near as much; that's not always factual. On Good Friday I attended the Sojourn CD Release " The Water and the Blood: Hymns of Issac Watts" night at Louisville Memorial Auditorium. It was absolutely beautiful and I am a huge Supporter of a Good Thing. So go and buy your own copy on iTunes, you won't be dissatisfied.

Check out the Music Video/Trailer

Apple Dumplings (Kudos to Alex Casabella)

 Apple Dumplings - Alex Casabella

My Best Friend, Alex Casabella recently moved from Louisville, Kentucky to the Philadelphia area with her Husband Clint and little 6 Month Old Sawyer. It's really funny, because she and I literally found out that we were moving around the same time except it didn't overlap at all. She moved two from Louisville two weeks before I moved home to Louisville. I really miss being back and not having her here; but it really has been a joy to see the depth of our friendship because we are going on the 3rd year that we haven't live in the same place. True friendship that is centered in the Lord truly does transcend time and distance. Alex and her husband are helping Launch a Church in Philly and God has been preparing them and their families for this Journey for several years now; I am just glad that they are finally being able to be there and invest in the City. Now she gets to come Home to me vereses me coming Home to her. 

I went to a Small Dinner party last Sunday night and called Alex looking for a "quick and easy fruity recipe". I knew that she would have a perfect one in mind. She is an avid chef and baker like myself. She gave me the Recipe below and it was a Hit. Go ahead and try it yourself. You will never guess what the Secret Ingredient is... it's a famous Southern Delicacy no other than Mountain Dew. It's surprising but Trust me and Alex... everyone will love it. From Philly to Louisville to Dallas and from my Kitchen to yours. Enjoy. Oh and I will post pictures of sweet Sawyer and Alex soon - you won't believe how cute she is.

Ingredients

• 2 whole Granny Smith Apples
• 2 cans (8 Oz. Cans) Crescent Rolls
• 2 sticks Butter
• 1-½ cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• Cinnamon, To Taste
• 1 can (12 Oz.) Mountain Dew Soda

Preparation Instructions

Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.
Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.
WARNING: Prepare this dish at your own risk. It is beyond imaginable.

The Mysterious Cross

In lieu of Good Friday, I thought I would share a thought on the Cross and what Christ did for My Sins and For Yours. Glory to God for the great gift of His Son and the Grace bestowed upon us. Have a beautiful Day.

"There stands the mysterious cross—a rock against which the very waves of the curse break. He who so mercifully engaged to direct this judgment against Himself hangs yonder in profound darkness. Still He remains the Morning Star, announcing an eternal Sabbath to the world. Though rejected by Heaven and earth, yet He forms the connecting link between them both and the Mediator of their eternal and renewed amity.
Ah, see! His bleeding arms are extended wide; He stretches them out to every sinner. His hands point to the east and west; for He shall gather His children from the ends of the earth. The top of the cross is directed toward the sky; far above the world will its effects extend. Its foot is fixed in the earth; the cross becomes a wondrous tree, from which we reap the fruit of an eternal reconciliation" - F.W. Krummacher

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports

It's Derby Time is Kentucky. Oh how exciting it is to be Home for all the Festivies. Here is a little bit about the Traditions for those Reading from Texas. Be prepared I should have more Derdy information to come soon.

In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions play a large role in the Derby atmosphere. The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup is the traditional beverage of the race. The historic drink can be served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup but most Churchill Downs patrons sip theirs from souvenir glasses (first offered in 1939 and available in revised form each year since) printed with all previous Derby winners. Also, burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables, is a popular Kentucky dish served at the Derby.

 

The infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers general admission prices but little chance of seeing much of the race. Instead, revelers show up in the infield to party with abandon. By contrast, "Millionaire's Row" refers to the expensive box seats that attract the rich, the famous and the well-connected. Women appear in fine outfits lavishly accessorized with large, elaborate hats. As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, the University of Louisville Marching Band plays Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home".
The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a lush blanket of 554 red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition originated in 1883 when New York socialite E. Berry Wall presented roses to ladies at a post-Derby party that was attended by Churchill Downs founder and president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture is believed to have eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race's official flower. However, it was not until 1896 that any recorded account referred to roses being draped on the Derby winner. The Governor of Kentucky awards the garland and the trophy. The late pop vocalist Dan Fogelberg composed the song "Run for the Roses" for the 1980 running of the race.

A Month and a Week

It's official. I have been in Louisville, A Month and and a Week.There have been far more challenges with Contentment that have hit over the past three weeks, I rest secure and confident that being back in Kentucky is where the Lord wants me right now but there are days that I miss the Community I had in Dallas, my involvement at Watermark, the families I had the pleasure of being involved in their lives, and all the Fun. Oh I have also really missed the Texas Sunshine; Spring in Kentucky is full of Rain, Fluctuation in Temperature, Sunshine, Rain and then May hits with beautiful weather. One positive my allergies are better here than in Dallas the moment.

Here are the Current highlights:

·         “Derby Season” is here in Full Force. Have I ever mentioned that on the First Saturday in May the state of Kentucky celebrates its official holiday which is the Kentucky Derby. What characterizes the Derby well is Big Hats, Fast Horses, Mint Juleps, Seersucker Suits, Bow Ties, and a great day at the Track. This past weekend the Festival kicked off with “Thunder Over Louisville” which is the largest firework display in the America. It was cold and dreary so I didn’t venture down to the River Front to actually watch it live this year. The funny thing about Derby 2011 is that I will be returning to Dallas to Celebrate the Marriage of dear friends, Doug and Alexis. I can’t wait to for my Taste of Dallas on May 5^th to May 9^th. 

·         GE is Me – My first two weeks on the Job were such a gift from the Lord; a nice debrief from the Speed Move I made leaving Dallas and wrapping up all the loose ends. But it has ramped up since then. You should see my to do list, it consists of: Immediate Attention, To Do Next, and Idea Generators which are Project that should be started at some point. I really enjoy developing material to support the Field and help make their jobs easier. My brain  is stimulated so much throughout the day from all the High Level Meetings I am participating  in.

o   If you are curious what I am actually doing: I am the National Account Training Manager specifically supporting The Home Depot Team. I know that God has given me this Role to really equip me for whatever He has in store next.  I stay really busy and attend a lot of Meetings. Literally I am in Meeting about Meetings all the time.

o   I really feel valued by the Team, and my manager is amazing. He is really hands off but such an encourager at the same time.

o   I still have lot of flexibility but really do love going into an Office every day and being able to Leave Work at Work.

o   Please be praying for opportunities to share my Faith and to be a Light. It still is a very desolate place and I am continually reminded that God has Exiled me to GE for a Season to Serve Him and be used here to help GE Prosper (Jeremiah 29).

o   Oh and major changes are in store; We have a new Vice President in Place which has shaken a lot of people up. I see it as a good thing but surely see it has another reason why God wanted me at HQ.

·         My little sister Alyssa is getting married July 17^th. I am so glad to not have the Stress of trying to commute to be a part of this special season in her life. It was and is one of the main reasons I feel like God called me back to Louisville. Our relationship at times has been misunderstood and Satan has really used our Sin to put up walls between the two of us. Most of her life she has felt like she was in my Shadow and that I didn’t care about her; so now is a nice opportunity to really Serve and Support her as she prepares to be united in marriage.

o   Two major answers to Prayers – Derrick (Alyssa’s Fiancé) just got a yearlong internship at Southeast Christian Church with the Sports and Activities Department. This is a huge praise and Alyssa just got a Summer internship with Bella Bridesmaids in Louisville which will be nice for he to be near her support system instead of doing her Internship two hours away.

o   Prayers for them: An affordable place to live for them and a full time position for Alyssa post completion of her internship.

·         I am still living at home and really am feeling peace with the provision God has made. It has been so fun to spend quality time with my parents. And FREE is the key word. I am thinking I will sit put until at least August or September and then we will see where I go from there. I have a possibility for a potential roommate around then.

o   Huge praise – I found a girl to sublease my room in Dallas which seemed perfect. But then God softened my landlords heart and is allowing my roommates Rachael and Renee to move out two months before the leave is over. God has provided someone who wants to move in. Yeah God. What this all means is that I am Free from having to have two months for a place I am not living? P

o   Please Pray that Rachael and Renee find a place with ease. And that Lauren whom was possibly subleasing from me finds a great home for the summer.

·         Community!!! It has been a struggle because I miss my Community in Dallas a bunch. It has been interesting coming home because most my close friends are married, with or without babies, and all busy. It’s been fun reconnecting with them. But I have been connecting with people and building a relationship with friends I couldn’t balance trying to be all in Dallas.

o   This past weekend I spent both Friday and Saturday with a New group of friends that are more like “ME”. Louisville can be a lot like Austin, in being granola crunchy or just working at Starbucks. I hung out with a solid group of girls and guys who just invited me in. The girls are sharp, love the Lord and are in a very similar season. It’s refreshing.

o   Some of the guys were good friends of mine from high school and college – so that was very comforting. Especially when Jason kept referring to me by my old nickname as “Kat the Planner”. They both just called me “Kat” a lot. It kind of felt like the movie sweet home Alabama when she goes Home and things have changed but not really.

·         I am still praying about which Community Group to Commit to. Please pray about which one to be fully committed. 

·         I am not as busy as I was in Dallas and have a lot more time to Rest which is a good thing. My plate is not over loaded which allows for a lot more time with family. I have reconnected with the Family I nannyed for while in college. The kids are now 18, 16, and 12 which is crazy. The oldest two are going to start attending church with me, I would say theirs parents Faith is Dead at the moment, but I am excited to really be a Big Sister to these wonderful kids that are so close to my heart. 

·         Okay on a small side not – Guys. That’s the juicy stuff right. I have had to play a little bit of damage control with my ex-boyfriend friends. Needless to say he didn’t really tell anyone. It has made me more confident that we really were not right for each other.

o   On the other hand, I am keeping things loosely and more private at the moment. But I think there may be a “Possibility” and the whole situation is really funny. I have been in communication with a wonderful Godly man for about 2 weeks now; and I am just really enjoying getting to know him. We both laughed yesterday because literally God has had our circles so close to each other for years now and we just now have been connected to one other through a funny means. Picture this; we go to college for two years within 40 minutes from each other, and I spend a lot of time in Nashville. God moves us both to the same city around the same time and we attend the same church are both real involved and never meet. We attend the same parties and have similar friends and still don’t meet but eventually God crosses our paths.

o   All in all I am really encouraged by this unnamed fellow’s faith and am enjoying getting to know him. He is a rock star.

Lots of Love and thanks for your continued prayers.

1st Kentucky Update (Posted a Little Behind)

After two weeks in Kentucky, I thought I would bless Ya’ll with an Update from “My Old Kentucky Home”. It has been an adventure and journey thus far with mixed emotions and overarching smiles along the process. Obviously, I posted this a little late being the fact I have officially been in Kentucky almost a month now, needless to say I am trying to get caught up on being a Blogger.

Here are a few bullet points & highlights so far:

·         March Madness in “Big Blue Nation” is the talk of the Town, Not to mention that the Kentucky Wild Cats are Headed to the Final Four (C-A-T-S…CATS CATS CATS). Oh and I didn’t even realize that March Madness was abounding until I stepped off the Plane in Kentucky on March 12^th. My first week on the job we left work early to have team building over Basketball, which is an adjustment after acclimating to Texas Football.

·         My Office is Decorated which makes things feel more like Home. At Appliance Park, the red carpet is not rolled out with Fancy Offices; one must search to acquire anything decent. I know have matching brown leather chairs and brought in personal Art Work – so I have room to entertain many individuals. But all in all nothing Fancy.

·         My New Job is going be really enjoyable. After a hard first week – the Lord revealed a couple of others believers on the Merchandising Team. I felt like I was in Babylon without anyone on this adventure with me. I found out this weekend there is also a guy on Staff that is up for Eldership Candidacy at the Church I am attending. Yeah GOD.

·         My New Roommates aka Jeff & Sallye Smith aka my parents are so Fun. After almost 3 years of seeing them maybe 4 to 6 times a year for brief visits, I am really enjoying my time with them. I definitely feel a little loss of independence in not having my Own Place but it makes up for free dinners and a free place. I have still looking for someone to sublease my house in Dallas until July 31^st. If you know of anyone looking that would be great? $500 bucks a Month – is cheap for Dallas.

·         Community Community Community – The Lord has abundantly provided. I have tried out two groups thus far. One consisted of friends from High School and College which made it really easy. The other one consisted of more mere acquaintances. I think I am going with the 2^nd – there are a few girls that have lived in Dallas and we have several mutual friends in common. And funny thing there is  Fellow in the Group from my College a years -  He stepped around the corner last week with the phrase,” I thought I recognized that Voice”. I may try another group before making a decision where to Commit, but as we say at Watermark in Dallas – “God doesn’t cease to SHOW UP”

·         Sojourn Community Church will be my New Church Home. The church I grew up in Southeast Christian Church helped fund this Church 10 years ago, and it’s beautiful to see how its grown within the Community to reach the desolate and forgotten about areas of the City. They just added their 4^th Campus in New Albany, IN and God just provided 2 Million for the Building Campaign of the New Main Campus. God is making it Home, I am praying about where to serve at the moment. The whole church during Lent’s goal is to memorize Romans 8.

·         Connecting – #1 Priority; Imagine that. I attended a Women’s Retreat with 187 Ladies from Church. It was such a treat and a great time to Reconnect to Friends in Louisville. The Lord continues to reveal why he has brought me Home after His Equipping in Dallas. It’s been fun to reconnect with Girls from College and High School and the Lord continues to surprise me with the Ways he is shaping it. I met some new girls this weekend as well..

My Old Kentucky Home

March 12, 2011 - Path's Lead Back "Home"

After spending 2 1/2 years in Dallas, God has led be back to Home in Louisville, Kentucky. It has been a journey filled with adventure, growth, suffering and abundant joy. To place an all encompassing theme to Dallas and the exiting of my early 20s - Dallas was "Sancitifying": but isn't everything.