T. Swift

Yes, I am making a post about Taylor Swift. Regardless of what you think about her, you have to admit that she is a legitimate musical artist in the pop/country genre (although her rap on SNL was pretty good as well).

First, she is an actual musician who plays actual instruments. Unlike Kesha, Usher, Katie Perry, or other popular artists now, she can actually read and write music and play it herself. She doesn't rely on new technology to mix every song for her- she makes every song. And that, my friends, takes talent.

Second, Taylor Swift is a lyricist. She writes her own songs and has a major say in what happens in her concerts. Now, Katie Perry obviously writes her own songs (as evidenced by "Have you ever felt like a plastic bag...), but that just does not compare to "This is me swallowing my pride standing here in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night...". Yes, they may both be catchy, but honestly- a plastic bag? Taylor Swift is much more poetic and honest, and therefore, infinitely better.

Third, T. Swift (or T. Swizzle if you will), is very business minded. As I mentioned before, she has a major say in what happens in her shows and is in complete control of the direction of her career. If you don't believe me, please check out the 60 Minutes clip/entire hour on her. She is smart and knows what she is doing (a lot like Lady Gaga, but I'll save that for another post). Because of this, I highly doubt that you will see her end up like other famous people: robbing stores (Lindsay Lohan), boozing her heart out (Britney Spears), or doing insane amounts of drugs (which artist do we being with here??).

Lastly, as far as country goes, she knows how to write really sad songs. Tears are the hallmark of a good country song, and Taylor Swift hit that nail on the head.

On a moral note, Taylor Swift is not trashy and she wears real clothes to cover her body. Yes, she may look like a praying mantis and be a serial dater, but she has her head on straight and I highly respect her for that.

You go, Taylor Swift.

Goodbye sweets, see you in 40 days!

As you all know (or should be aware), today is Mardi Gras/Fastnacht Day, which means tomorrow is the beginning of Lent. I'm not Catholic, Lutheran, or Episcopalian, but I think Lent is a great practice for everyone. And this year, I'm going big or I'm going home: I'm giving up sweets.

Yes, my friends, I'm saying goodbye to chocolate, candy, cookies, cake (including brownies), and ice cream until Easter. This is going to be extremely difficult for me. I have something sweet everyday, and chocolate is a staple food group in my diet (yes, even nutrition majors have their vices). And, as everything in life, there are multiple reasons, such as depending on God to meet my needs as opposed to immediate, material comforts and getting some direction in life (...and fitting into my wedding dress come June 4th).

Speaking of weddings, plans are coming along swimmingly :) I am so excited to get married... 88 days! Steven and I found our yesterday that we can use his family home in Ireland, so that is where we are going for our honeymoon. I have discovered my biggest pet peeve thus far in wedding planning: people treating me as if I have no idea what I am doing. Yes, I have a lot going on and I have not been married before, but TRUST me- I got this. Please do not relive your wedding through me.

Anyway, I hope you join me in this journey! I'm not asking you to give up sweets, but I ask you to consider giving up something until Easter. It can be a certain food, a certain type of music/movies, Facebook, etc. It could also be adding something to your life, like 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week, volunteering at a soup kitchen every Saturday, going to church every Sunday, etc. Regardless of what you do, I guarantee that you will grow by the end of it if you sacrifice wholeheartedly and take it seriously. And then let's get coffee- part of the journey is fellowship and support!