Top Four Cringeworthy Things People Say to A Bride-to-be

I have been engaged for exactly three days shy of one year. By the time Ryan and I get married, we will have been engaged for over 14 months. We chose a long engagement to give ourselves a head-start on finding a house and to be able to enjoy the months before we signed away our lives to each other on legalized documentation. It has been an enjoyable time for me especially, since I have been actually been planning this wedding for about 5 years now through the wonderful world of Pinterest and television shows such as Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings. I have found that a planner and The Knot have also been my besties this past year in keeping me in line of the fancy shmancy wedding etiquette of the modern day. Along side my said besties, my mother and a handful of others have put countless amounts of time, effort, and money into helping me with my needs and wants to make this wedding the most beautiful day of my life; however, there have been a few advice-givers along this journey of love-planning that have not been so much helpful as they have been, to be nicely put, a little off-putting. Out of many things that I have heard, a few stick out like a sore thumb in my mind, and I know others feel the same who have been in down the same path as I:

1. The "Relax and Enjoy" Speech; This, I have heard all too often and every time I hear someone utter the words I want to scream. These would be helpful words of wisdom if they weren't painfully obvious. As children we can't wait to be adults and do the things that adults do. Well, I know what I am signing up for to an extent, and I don't need someone to tell me that I don't need to "rush this time". It might be a little different if I were 18 or 19 years old and rushing through a 6 month engagement- but I'm 23 years old now and will be on the verge of 24 when our wedding day arrives. So I know a little bit about being single. Not to mention, etiquette and prices have changed since these women had their weddings 20+ years ago. It is expensive and very time consuming.. Not saying that it wasn't before- but I am fairly sure that standards have risen higher than ever for the modern day bride and the pressure is on. So think before you give any woman who is tying to knot some cliche advice.

2. "That will be Awkward" Guests; This is a comment that realllly gets under my skin. It is a comment made when someone you have invited to your wedding dislikes someone else you have invited. I get hot under the collar when someone says "oh, you're inviting (so-and-so)? That is going to be so awkward! I mean, it is your wedding though, I guess..." SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! You didn't just say that to me. I'm dreaming right? Many things are wrong with that statement. Basically, you are giving me permission in a passive-aggressive manner. "Well, it's your wedding so you can do what you want." Can I just say, duhhh. Weddings are parties, not high school lunch period. They are about sharing the most important, happiest day of your lives with your family and friends. So what if you have qualms with someone that I happen to be fond of? That is your business and I want no part of it. If you don't like someone, stay clear of them. The church is plenty big for the two of you and no one is forcing you to speak to one another. The bride and the groom have too much on the brain as it is and your personal vendetta against a friend of either party is irrelevant. Basically #getreal and #getoverit.

3. Pushy Aquaintances; Those people who you aren't really that close to who tell you every time they see you "I better get an invite!" You know what I know about these people? They say they want an invitation, but they really just want to be invited, they don't actually care about going, and if they do go, it's for the food and entertainment. They don't care about being there for you. It's a free party! They want to be seen, heard, stuffed full of the food you paid for, and entertained. Note to my brides: the nicest and easiest way to let these moochers down easily is to tell them that your venue is full or your budget can't handle any extra guests, but that you are sowwy.

4. The Budgeteer Says So; Okay, so my mom is paying for my wedding, and I am so very thankful for that because if I tried to pay for it myself, we'd be in the courthouse with a couple of witnesses and Vegas-worthy outfits to match. Afterwards we'd split a bottle of cheap wine and delicious hot pockets (had to throw that in because that is all Ryan eats. lol)! The thing that sucks about someone else paying for your wedding, is that they have more say-so than you do... especially when it comes to the guest list. I love my crazy family, even the ones I don't like to admit that I'm related to... but when the person helping you out suggests people as guests that you don't really care to invite, you really feel the pressure. The loud, obnoxious people you usually just see at family reunions suddenly haunt your dreams as you think of the embarrassment they will bring to your happy day or the outrage you will feel if they are too loud or too crazy. All you can do then is just pray that they will take their meds the morning before and maybe a tranq. before the ceremony. *fingers crossed*

62 of the Best Things/Feelings Ever

1. Feeling loved/appreciated.
2. Being around your favorite people (especially your significant other). 
3. Peeing after you've held it in for forever.
4. Laying down in a nice, comfy bed (with crisp sheets) when you're extremely sleepy.
5. The results of being productive.
6. That first sip of water you take after working out so hard you felt like you were gonna puke. 
7. Petting soft animals.
8. The relief you feel after a good cry.
9. Compliments.
10. Smiling and Laughing.
11. Finding money you completely forgot you had.
12. A hot shower early in the mornings.
13. Feeling pretty. 
14. Doing the thing you love to do most.
15. Listening to your favorite music.
16. Finally getting that thing you've been wanting for the longest time.
17. Unwrapping presents. 
18. Eating awesome food.
19. Winning. 
20. Clean laundry smell. 
21. Pulling clothes/sheets straight from the dryer and laying on top of/underneath them to stay warm. 
22. Laying around in your underwear.
23. Watching your favorite movie.
24. When it feels just right outside.
25. Singing in the shower/car/bedroom/whilest cooking or cleaning, etc.
26. Opening up a bag of your favorite candy/little debbies and not seeing the bottom of the bag.
27. Scratching an itch.
28. The way babies smell (except when they poop)
29. When your someone says they are proud of you. 
30. Those really good drugs doctors give you after surgery.
31. Getting a back massage.
32. When people are actually able to go through with plans that you made.
33. White Christmases. 
34. Getting to sleep in.
35. The way you feel right after you get better from being sick.
36. Reading or hearing good quotes/sayings/speeches, etc. 
37. Not being broke. 
38. How clean your hair feels the day you wash it. 
39. Eating ice cream/smoothie during the summertime. 
40. Rolling down the windows in your car when you're driving.
41. Hugging someone when you need a hug/when they need a hug.
42. Knowing the answers to questions, especially when you're taking a test. 
43. Reading good books/watching good movies. 
44. The new car smell.
45. Seeing gas prices drop.
46. Getting more money on your paycheck than you expected.
47. Running around barefoot in the summertime.
48. When you finally get to sit down after a long day at work.
49. When you're practicing something and you finally get it right.
50. The way your legs feel after you shave.
51. Right after you clock out for the day at work.
52. When you're right on the edge of falling asleep.
53. Knowing you have nothing that has to be done for the day.
54. Laying out by the lake/pool and feeling the heat waves roll over your body.
55. When you see the waiter walking toward your table with your food and drinks.
56. Being noticed for hard work that you have done.
57. Good hair days.
58. That accomplished feeling after working out.
59. When you first see your boyfriend/girlfriend that day.
60. Remembering some good memories.
61. Freshly painted nails.
62. The first day of vacation.

To me, these are some of the best things in the world. They aren't in any particular order really, but most of the ones toward the beginning of the list are the things I love most. I may add to the list as time goes on if i think of more stuff though. (:

With Love,
Britt.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

A couple of months ago, I watched a late night documentary about 9/11. I was pushed to tears as I watched in horror, as if the event had just happened. I kept thinking "how could anyone be so evil and take lives like it's nothing?" This subject deserves more than just a wall post on Facebook or a banner on an electronic sign outside of a business, or even a blog on some social networking website. On this very day exactly one decade ago, I was a 5th grader at Code Elementary School sitting in my first class at the same time that unbelievable amounts of people were dying. Our teacher turned the TV onto the news. At that moment, I think that I actually remember watching as the second tower was penetrated and then collapsed. Mothers and Fathers lost their sons, daughters. Wives and Husbands became widowed. Children lost parents and siblings. Friends, family, strangers... We were all victims, some more than others. Since then, many documentaries have been created. Some have just been for the simple purpose of information while others have claimed that the entire tragedy was a scandal created by our own government. Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. What happened cannot be reversed. Those families will never get to see their loved ones alive again- conspiracy or not. But this day, we REMEMBER those who were caught up in a disaster that took their lives with little or no warning. It's a weakening reminder that any of our lives could be snatched from us in a fraction of a second; however, it is also a moment in history that has strengthened us, as a whole and individuals. We all shared in a loss, but gained some as well. We were angered, frightened, hurt, but above all, united. On that day, we became what everyone has called this nation since we gained our independence- The United States of America, and I say that we have never been so united as we were on September 11, 2001. So we go on living our lives, many of us remembering what happened daily. Time waits for no one, so we learn the importance of making our lives worth something, that in return our deaths will mean something too.


One Nation, Under God, Indivisible.

Your Skin Is An Empty Canvas

Wow, so I never thought that I would be blogging on the subject of tattoos, but I've been thinking about getting one for a while now and need some feedback on which tattoo design people think would best fit me. There are a few reasons I haven't gotten any ink done yet, one being that my boyfriend of over two years does not like them. Of course I want to be respectful of his wishes, while being able to do what I would like to. Another reason is finance; I just haven't had the money to have one done. And finally, there is the fact that I just cannot decide what I would like to have permanently branded into my skin! I mean... it is permanent, as in forever. I've had plenty of ideas for a tattoo floating around in my brain, and I've thought them through very carefully.

Below are sketches that I have drawn out in a small notebook that have turned my mental blueprints into concrete visuals. Although some of these tattoo designs may be common, each one has a meaning which is significant to myself and has not been forged or plagiarized from anyone else.


Sketch 1: A dying tree with stars growing from its branches and flying off of and away from the tree.

Sketch 2: An open bird cage with a bird flying away from its open door.

Sketch 3: A bible verse that has always stuck with me, very symbolic in my life.

Sketch 4: An anchor with a small heart attached to it by a rope.

Now, I need help! I can't decide which one to get done. The placement of any of these will be dependent on which one I choose. I'd really appreciate opinions and comments on the ideas I have. I've definitely thought this through, and I know what I'm getting myself into if I decide to go through with it. Which means negative responses are unnecessary. Thanks! (:

With Love,
                  Britt.

An Apology Worth Reading

I think that it’s about time for someone to step up and say something on this issue. This letter is for the people who hate the Christian faith because of its people. On behalf of these hypocrites that are also self-proclaimed “Christians”, I am so very sorry. I would like to explain to whoever might be reading this the differences in a true Christ follower and a wishy-washy so-called Christian.

                In this day and age, you can’t be too careful about the people you trust or the people you look to as an example in your life. How do you know who you can rely on? Well, I will tell you one thing- you can’t rely on some two-faced, judgmental, self-righteous jerk whose Facebook religious status says “Christian”. The truth of the matter is that he or she is NO such thing. And the people who are looking at us on a daily basis can’t really identify who is and who is not true in their faith; however, other Christians can smell an imposter from a mile away. Their stench is so fowl among our fellowship that it is like a corpse that has been rotting in the heat of the Sun for weeks. They bring a bad name to the church family, and they cannot be trusted.

                I’m not saying that I’m perfect by any means. I have judged others and hurt people close to me. I’ve said things that I shouldn’t have and acted ugly toward people that got on my bad side. But I did it without even thinking at times, and I felt horrible afterward. I apologize when I know that I am wrong or have done wrong to someone, even if I do not really like that person. As a Christian, you make mistakes just like everyone else. We’re human too. We strive to be perfect even though it is not possible on this earth. But we were made in God’s image and worth so much more than the world believes us to be. I’ve heard people say, “I HATE Christians. They are such hypocritical, closed-minded fools. They think they’re better than everyone else.” It hurts when I hear others say that. I am Baptist. I’ve seen people of the Baptist segment of the church look at newcomers of their sanctuary as if they were dirt under their feet… but I want to let you know that they’ll get theirs because the same God that they publically proclaim to worship will put them in their places. They will be punished for their foolishness, whether it be karma that gets them or God Himself that decides their soul’s fate. They are the reason you are so confused and dissatisfied with the faith of a Christ follower.

Sin is sin, and God’s second greatest commandment is to love your fellow man. That means that you are commanded to love every person on this earth- people of different colors, people of different beliefs, people of various cultures or backgrounds. People who have been abused and the abuser alike, addicts and former, prostitutes and pimps. We are all journeying through life together. There is no such thing as being better than another person. If you want me to get real with you, no one’s crap smells like roses. And if you’re reading this, and you are the person I’m talking about thinking you’re better than someone else, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You are the reason my God has been given a bad name. You are the reason people are dying, not knowing that someone so divine loves us all, even though none of us in this world are even close to deserving of it. Christianity is a peaceful relationship with your maker. It isn’t a religion where people should be damned by their community because they made a mistake or don’t go to church on Sundays.

Forgiveness is key in following Christ because we have been forgiven. The difference in my God and someone else’s god is that mine was crucified and rose again 3 days later- He is still alive! Don’t believe me? 500 hundred witnesses were reported seeing Jesus after 3 days of being deceased. He was alive and had no scarring or marks from his horrible death. He appeared to two women before the 500 saw Him, and His shrouds lay just as they had when they were wrapped around his body. You couldn’t even try to convince me that my God is a God of wrath and only wrath. He loves us, which means that we should love each other. That man in the cubical next to yours at work whispers lies and rumors to you about your boss, then turns around and goes to church on Sundays praising God.  And he is a Christian!? I don’t think so, and I would like to apologize for his kind of person’s behavior. People like him are a scary thing. In my faith, I believe that being a good example to others is extremely significant, especially for those who do not have a relationship with God. As long as you are still breathing, you are always welcome to start loving the Lord. But overall, I do want every one of you out there to know and recognize that not everyone that says they are a Christian really is one. The world is becoming more evil by the day. We have to start watching our backs and picking our friends more wisely. Thank you for reading this. I felt that it needed to be said.

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                          B. Hartman

Death As We Don't Know It

                The definition of the word death according to dictionary.com is the end of a life; the total and permanent cessation of all the vital functions of an organism. It is a pretty intense term. Some people are afraid to die; others welcome it…

When I die, I don’t care how I go; I just want to feel the warmth of a calm, light-driven abyss wrap itself around me. Death will be my liberation from a world of grief and hopelessness, pain and cruelty. I’ll welcome it with open arms and embrace the temporary darkness that will wash over me like the crashing waves on an empty beach. I will not be afraid, for I know that my riches await me when I take my last terrestrial breath. If anything, I will pity those who are left behind to disperse my ashes; for my deceased bones will see more freedom than flesh of the living.

When I die, I pray to be remembered. They’ll remember me as a hopeful romantic.
They’ll say that I was a lover, a fighter, and a friend because, well, that’s exactly what I am. Hopefully, they’ll remember me for other things too like how I loved my family and my fellow man, and how I loved to show compassion and empathy to those who needed it most.
If those are the things people do not reminisce about when they think of me, then I have failed.

When I die, I will hear a tender voice caressing my ears as if a lover were whispering sweet nothings to me. I hear it say to me awaken, dreamer, you are home. My eyes will open for the first time. I will see things I have never seen before. Maybe I’ll even see things I have seen previously, only in a different light. Whatever my eyes see, I will gaze upon it in prodigious curiosity and wonder, just like I always have. When my soul moves onto its next journey, it will gratefully travel onward with hope, for the soul that inhabits me now is one of good intentions and undying faith.

When I die, I will be whisked away on a star. Certainly, it will carry me to a place that even the most genius of human minds could not conceive. In this implausible dwelling, I’ll fall in love with the physical embodiment of pure faith and love and live like a maiden in a fairytale; only my soul will live happily with no ending. I will forgive the world I left behind for being so unkind to me, but I’ll never forget it when I leave. Maybe I’ll become a guardian to the souls of my loved ones trapped in their earthly flesh when my time comes to depart from my own. I’ll pray for them and see them through life as best I can.

When I die, I will leave this earth knowing that I did my best to live.

A Blog Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor

In memory of the legendary Elizabeth Taylor, this blog is dedicated to a short biography of her life. May she rest in peace.

Elizabeth Taylor, born February 27, 1932, was born in London. Even though she was born in England, both of her parents were American. Following in the footsteps of her mother, she ultimately became an infamous figure in Hollywood as an actress. She was became a star as a child and bloomed into a fierce, beautiful actress in the spotlight. She played in over 60 films in her career. To name a few: A Letter To True, These Old Broads, Malice In Wonderland, Cleopatra, and The Last Time I saw Paris. She was married eight times total and the bride to seven different men, marrying Richard Burton twice. When she wasn't on the acting scene or in the tabloid papers, she was out informing people as the spokesperson of HIV AIDS when a majority of the world saw this disease's victims as a social disgrace. She was the first actress to earn $1 million for a single film (1963's Cleopatra) and never failed to mesmerize her fans in every one of her films. She died on March 23,  2011 at the age of 79 as her close friends and family sat around her. It was concluded that she passed away from congestive heart failure.