What's the Rush???

Something I have noticed is the Millennial Generation’s need to be in a constant rush.  We often rush into things just to fulfill a milestone, we often don’t take time to evaluate our options or even take a hard look at what we are about to do. Sometimes we rush into good things: like college, or jobs. Other times we rush into things that could be reevaluated, or jus taken slower: relationships, marriage, and children. We sometimes take the first opportunity given, even if it isn’t the one we need long term.

I myself, not to brag, took my time in my relationship and spent three years getting to know my significant other before we got engaged, and we took another whole year to get married. As far as I am concerned this was a great amount of time to get to know one another and learn what is necessary before jumping into the commitment of marriage. Some wait longer and that’s just fine, but there are some who rush into this milestone of life and it quickly becomes something that “was,” it doesn’t continue on as their “forever.”

Facebook has this funny ability to share people’s life choices, and I have been privilege to many versions of this reality for others and their relationships. It is one thing to get engaged and realize that it was a poor choice, then back out before marriage becomes the outcome. Sometimes that engagement is the “rush” of reality to show a couple that maybe things aren’t what they are supposed to be for their relationship.

I have seen too many people on my timeline getting married and within a year/year and a half that is no longer the status. Most people I’ve seen do not overly broadcast their divorce, but it is quite evident when they once had wedding photos then later you see those pictures deleted and new significant others pictured on their timelines. I have seen this with four different “friends” on my Facebook.

I absolutely do NOT know the seriousness of their situations. There could have been abuse, or infidelity that occurred behind the computer screen. Regardless, all of the instances I’ve witnessed seemed as though the wedding happened just as quickly as the divorce. We all saw the 45-day marriage of Kim Kardasian and how that stumped our countries’ accepted media. The popular 45-day marriage is a great example of those I’ve described, it was a quick marriage that ended just as quickly as it began.

I have a hard time trying to understand how you could possibly rush into something so serious as marriage. To take the time to plan a wedding, vow your love in front of your loved ones, and then decide that was a mistake a few months later..? I’m not judging these people who have been in this situation, but I find it interesting that this mistake is so common around me.  The only common idea is that people are rushing into life; they feel this is what must happen for them to be accepted, or seen as a successful adult.

Regardless of the situations, or reasons, it’s unfortunate that we feel the need to race the clock on life's journeys and end up wasting special moments, like weddings, on something that wasn’t fit for our forever. I just hope that anyone reading this knows they shouldn’t be in a hurry to complete life, it’s not a race.

The Magic of Disney!

Hey all! Remember me??? It has been quite some time since I posted on here. No excuses are valid, but I have been working two jobs and being a wife for the past few months… Anyhoooo this Friday we are celebrating two things (well three) the obvious is veterans day, then my baby Leo is turning 4 years old, and lastly Matthew and I are beginning our honeymoon and heading down to Walt Disney World!

My first experience with Disney was when I was 2 years old, and although I don’t remember it on my own, I have tons of home videos that remind me of the fun and the magic! At 24 years old you wouldn’t think Disney can be fun, but I still find so much excitement as we get closer to our visit. We were lucky enough to spend a Spring break there my Junior year of college when my friend Derek worked in the college program and HOOKED me up with cheap deals, and free admission to the parks. This time we are going to celebrate our marriage.

We have booked our hotel at the POP Century Resort, and are spending four days with park hoppers in lovely Orlando on the WDW property. Even though we want to have fun and be relaxed I have already taken time to book fast passes and dinner reservations for the duration of our stay.

There is something about entering the parks, even as an adult, that is so exciting: the magical music, enticing smells, and laughter of children and families. Getting older you get to experience things differently. As a child I loved meeting the characters, getting their autographs and taking photos with them. Now we get to enjoy doing the bigger rides, experiencing the shows, and really seeing the cast members at work to make everyone’s day exhilarating.

Disney pulls out all the stops to ensure everyone enjoys their visit, and that is one of the best parts! They go to great lengths to ensure you never see a cowboy in futureworld or a character in their uniform eating lunch by the castle. The various Mickey heads in the fixtures, vivid scenery, and chipper cast members add to the experience.

Although I have yet to begin this next vacation I can guarantee it will be amazing, rain or shine. One major benefit of going as an adult is heading over to Epcot and “drinking around the world.” You can have Margaritas in Mexico, Sake in Japan, Wine in France, and Beer in Germany. Fun story. When we went a few years back we got margaritas in Mexico and then headed over to what is now the Frozen ride, basically a boat ride through Norway, and I had to chug my drink because the line was going SUPER fast and knew I wouldn’t be allowed to have it on the ride… Lets just say boat rides and alcohol do not mix…No vom, but it was pretty interesting.

As I wrap up on my excitement I would like to mention something pretty cool. In the last few years Disney has release a popular set of toys called TSUM TSUMs. They are miniature plush stuffed animals that come in VARIOUS characters that appear in the movies. THEY HAVE EVERY CHARACTER YOU COULD IMAGINE. I only have one of these dolls, but my cousin has almost every single one ever made, even some duplicates with minor differences. She was even featured on one of Disney’s websites showing off her AMAZING collection. Take time and see for yourself. InstagramPage OHMYDisney Article

It really goes to show that no matter your age you can find all the magic Disney has to offer!

All Blame Matters

In times like these it seems nearly impossible to find the light at the end of all the madness. I’m not going to write about recent tragedies and my stance on them. To be honest I purposely don’t take time to read into the details of these instances because it gets beyond depressing. I keep myself closeted to the pain and sadness. It may make me seem unintelligent, but it keeps me from being miserable.

I think about a time that would be more suitable for living. Go back to the 50s? Spend my evenings in the soda shop drinking a milkshake, or going to the drive in with my best guy. No cell phones to read the constant updates of the world, never having to get burned by the bullying on the Internet.

In theory it sounds fun. Then I put it into perspective that those days had their problems as well.  Women were still struggling for equality, racism was even worse, and recovering from WWII was stressful. In a sad reality all eras had their downfalls.

We are just another generation to see tragedies and sadness; the only difference is it streams constantly on our timelines and newsfeeds. Our media is much more advanced these days, which makes things seem close to home. Our presidential candidates use twitter, and our opinions flood our Facebook’s quicker than a newspaper can print a copy of the front page. 

I see many posts saying “Don’t Spread hate!” or “All lives matter” does this sound familiar??? “Make love not war” and “Integration not Segregation.” In a way History is repeating itself. The stories and situations may differ, but the idea is the same. Our acceptance and understanding is lacking as a nation. People post the blame where they see fit, but the problem does not source from one type of person or profession, it’s an issue with society as a whole.

We need to quit pushing the blame where it’s easiest or where we find the most offence, rather, we need to take responsibility and quit assigning responsibly to specific communities. Understanding all parties duties and responsibilities to the issues at hand will go a lot further than screaming racism or defiance of the law. Be mindful that articles we repost, and statements we make will continue the thoughts and feelings depending on the stances we choose to take.

I’m by no means saying we can’t have feelings or be upset by events, but we have to realize we are continuing their massive existence in our news and expanding the ideas that are construed because of them. Opinions are going to continue, and we will continue to hate, but that’s life, we should never place blame unless we understand we must take some of it on ourselves.

LOVE for ALL

Yesterday I spent the day celebrating love in the heart of Indianapolis, Indy Pride. I have attended the parade and festival every year for the past four years. I go because I love the culture and support the LGBT community as an Ally. The night before the parade I went to the local Gay bar Greggs: Our Place, in downtown Indianapolis. This is a club I attend quite frequently with friends. I enjoy going for more reasons that dancing and having a few drinks with friends. Before I turned 21 I would often travel with friends two hours away to Club Masque in Dayton Ohio. These are just a few fun places I have attended and every night I have spent at these bars I have been welcome even though I am

straight.

Those who accept one another is something we have found to be uncommon quite too frequently. I cried this morning as I listened to the news of those who lost their lives at Pulse Night Club in Orlando Florida. I have become enraged since Donald Trump took this as a time to blame Islamic Terrorism for such behavior. Those who spread hate are the ones to blame. Just because an Islamic man committed these heinous crimes does not speak for all Islamic people.

I do not hate the man who committed these crimes, I feel bad for him. He was another person in our society who has been victim to hate and lack of understanding. His heritage is unrelated to his felonies. We cannot change these people by continuing to spread negative thoughts and ideas about other humans. People preach and spew words from the bible and use it against those who they choose to not take the time to understand. We often forget important ideas like loving our neighbor and accepting those for who they are.

I am a firm believer that God loves everyone, regardless of his or her gender, sexual preference, or race. He created everyone in his own image and will continue to love us, regardless if we cannot love each other. We can blame races, political parties, religions, and communities all we want. In the end we are continuing these awful stereotypes and keeping hate alive. We need to quit blaming others and start educating them. Our world cannot continue this way, and we must make an example of these events. As tragic as they are we must begin to abolish hate and spread love. Love for those who are unlike us, those who are misunderstood, and those who are uneducated on the topic.

I pray for the families affected by this terrible act of HATE, and I pray that we can grow stronger as a community of humans rather than individuals clinging to our beliefs that everyone must be a certain way. I urge people to start learning acceptance and take time to understand one another before these events become more frequent.  

Photo I took from my first INDY Pride!

Bags for Bridesmaids!

Getting married is full of preparations, things to plan, purchase, and so on. It is beyond important to remember all those who are going to be there for you on your special day! I put together some great bags for the girls who were gracious enough to put up with me as I get ready to walk down the aisle. Although I would spare no expense for these ladies, there are six of them, and I put together what I think is a great gift for relatively cheap!

(I found everything that went inside the bags at The Christmas Tree Shops)

The Lot (kitten not included)

Step one: Some useful and fun items to get them though the big day! 

I purchased most of the items in the travel section of the CTS. Hair ties, Chap Stick, Hair Pins, and a Q-tip container to put it all in. I have six bridesmaids, 3 Blondes, and 3 Brunettes. I was able to divi up the hair ties, and the pins tend to be okay in a mid color for both hair colors. 

I put in two shades of hair ties, and one chapstick per container. (If you wanna splurge you could also get EOS lip balms, but they wouldn't fit in the containers so I passed). I also added Cotton swabs for makeup removal (or ear cleaning) WHICHEVER!!! 

I just tied a small elastic around the hair pins to keep them from being messy in the container. 

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Step Two: FUN CUPS

Like a majority of weddings these days we are having ours in a barn, and nothing says barn wedding like MASON JARS. (I LIKE BALL Brand BEST. Ball State (CHIRP CHIRP))

And nothing says "fun girly cup" like a tumbler! 

SO I merged the two! 

I was able to find a set of two floral screw on tops with straws, so I bought three packs of those, and 6 Ball Jars to complete my drinkage! (Make sure when purchasing these lids that you buy the same type of jars. These jars come in wide mouth, the ones above are standard.)

The finished tumbler with a little pink bow added!
Perfect for Sweet Tea, Pink Lemonade, or a Long Island! 

Some other useful items included are WET brushes which I personally swear by! These are great additions because who doesn't need a hair brush! Also I put in a travel package of tissues for those tears that are bound to be shed when they realize I'm married and tied down for the rest of forever!

I Purchased these personalized canvas bags online at Weddingbags.com for roughly 15$ a piece and free shipping on 100$ orders.



                                            

              The finished bags!