Goodbye 2009...

WOW! I still can't believe that it's almost 2010...where in the world did 2009 go??

If I had to give a title that summed up 2009, it would definitely be called CHANGE. I made some pretty tough decisions this year but I know they were the right decisions. I went from the West back to the South. I let go of some people in my life, but new ones have entered. I experienced the first death in my generation in my family, but that has brought us all much closer. I cried hard but I laughed harder. But the crazy thing is, with all of the change that happened, I feel as though I'm in the exact same place. I just got stuck in the routine of things and lost focused on my purpose.

I must admit, 2009 was hard for me...but I just look at it as preperation for 2010! I refuse to take the baggage of 2009 into 2010. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me--I want everything that He has for me.

So I guess the golden rule for 2010 is: NO MORE MISSED OPPORTUNITIES! If I learned anything this year it's that life is much shorter than you think...all you have is today. You've got this one life and that's it. So it's time to be focused and remember what your purpose is. Complacency is no longer an option! I can't wait to see what everyone accomplishes in 2010!

Love you, Mean it

Briana

Taking Risks

New job, new location, new apartment, new relationships...New is different, it's scary. New means you took the RISK of letting go of the old. Aahhh, taking risks--it's something that we all have to do (or need to do) but things like fear, pressure or uncertainty stop us. If you're lucky enough, you get past the uncertainty and you make a goal. If you're strong enough, you push through the pressure and see your goal. But if you're bold enough, a real bad ass, you go for your goal...full throttle, laughing at fear behind you.

So here is my question...What is stopping you? If there was only one rule of a southern belle it would be to TAKE RISKS! Risk getting hurt so you can fall in love, risk feeling betrayed so you know how to trust, risk falling so you can be at the top. As scary as failure may seem, not going for your dreams and living a life full of regrets is petrifying.

So make a goal...one that makes you sick, that keeps you dreaming during the day and wakes you up at night. See your goal...You can't look at where you are now but where you want to be. Go for your goal...because complacency is not an option for a charming Southern Belle!

"I have failed over and over again- that is why I succeed" Michael Jordan

Love you Mean it,

Briana

You're Worth the Work!

When I was creating my blog, I thought the title was going to be "Love Rules of a Southern Belle," because let's face it, a belle's biggest concern is finding Mr. Right without going through too many Mr. Wrongs. But I figured it's 2009, almost 2010 (I can't believe it's almost 2010!) and belles have other goals than just getting a new last name. However, I've been having some dating difficulties and so have many of my friends. I don't know if it's in the air or something but why do guys think they can date you without taking you on actual dates?! It seems like men aren't willing to put in the effort and time anymore. And no, asking HER to drive 20 minutes to YOUR place after 10pm does not count! What ever happened to dinner and a movie? Heck, at least rent a movie out of that big red box at a grocery store and pop some popcorn (I understand we're in a recession).

Look now, I'm not one to complain without giving a suggestion and we all know guys aren't going to change, so here are a few suggestions (and by suggestions I mean rules, which means FOLLOW THEM).

-Three date rule: He needs to formally ask you out on three dates before you start getting cozy at his house. This will set the foundation down for the relationship, letting him know that it takes WORK to get you!

-Delete his number! If you can't control yourself from calling him or sending him random texts than delete his number. It may sound old school but he needs to be calling you and sending you cute texts during the day. He's not able to do that if you are always blowin' up his phone. My friends used to make fun of me for deleting a guy's number but there is something very powerful and freeing about it.

-Say no: Don't be afraid to turn the guy down every once and awhile. Now, I'm not one to play games but you can't be available ALL the time. He needs to work around your schedule and feel privileged to spend time with you---trust me, YOU'RE WORTH THE WORK!

I hope every one's dating status turns around.

Love you, Mean it

Briana

You Know You're a Southern Belle When...

Hello everyone! My name is Briana Darensburg and I am finally blogging! That's right, one day I'm learning how to turn on my computer, the next I have my own blog. So get excited because I'm going to let ya'll in on all of the secrets of a Southern Belle...the do's and don'ts, the words to live by, the risks you have to take and of course that irresistible southern charm!

So you've seen them. They stand out in the crowd and you can't help but to look. Their hair is usually blocking your view and it's rare to see them without a smile. Don't worry if you're not from the south; you might still be a belle to. Here's when you know you're a Southern Belle:

-Your life plan includes getting married before you're 25
-Big hair is a must
-You wear pink as much as possible
-You compete in pageants
-You've taken lessons to perfect your make-up
-You wear jewelry to go work-out
-You're a small town girl with big city dreams
-You can cry on demand
-Becoming a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader was/is a lifelong dream

These are just a few signs of a Southern Belle...feel free to add more!!

Love you Mean it,

Briana