Highlight of the Week (so far): My Name in Print.

As most of you know, I work for a newspaper. And for those of you that don't know what I do there, I'm still figuring that out as well. Just kidding. I am a sales representative, or what some might call an account executive. I sell advertising and work with clients on building their advertising programs.

The newsroom is right next to my desk. I'm within sight and ear shot of all that is happening on that side of the office. We work independently from each other for the most part, but both strive to meet the same goal every day: get tomorrow's paper ready for print.

I never thought my love for writing would carry me over to their world. Nor did they, I'm sure. But I'm not all too surprised since I rarely pay attention to boundaries and rules anyway. Recently I nominated myself to write an article for an upcoming special section that needed a little more content. With my last piece of writing that was "published" being something that ran in my high school newsletter, I was a little (or a lot) nervous about my submission.

I've grown up writing. Yet it has always been something for myself, my parents, or my teachers, and sometimes my peers. This blog was a huge step in making my writing and thoughts public knowledge. Not that I hold much back anyway. But writing an article to be published for the company that I work for....EEK!

That freak out lasted about 30 seconds. Then my writing mode took over. Sometimes I feel like a zombie, without the flesh-eating habit, of course. All of a sudden an idea hits me and I stare at my screen and hammer away at my keyboard. When I snap out of my writing zone, I have what is usually a pretty good story. But what could have been 20 minutes of "zombie-writing" felt more like five minutes. I'm not sure I could actually sit down and write something every day for a deadline. Which is one of the reasons why I've never pursued writing as a career. I love writing. But if I had to do it everyday by a certain time and in a certain way I may not love it so much anymore. I sound like a man with commitment issues. Ladies, you know what I'm talkin' about, right? Amen.

Back to my highlight of the week. The newspaper I work for, the Moscow-Pullman Daily News, produces a wedding guide a few times a year. This guide, called I Do, includes local advertisers, "wedding snapshots" which are submitted by couples that got married on the Palouse and used local vendors, and a few articles. We were a little low on wedding snapshots this issue and needed some more "guts" to the section. This is where I came in with my bright idea. And apparently it wasn't too bad since they listened to me and then actually let me do it. What were they thinking???

After the initial zombie-writing session I pretty much had it done. Once an idea hits me, I just don't stop. And for once, I had a reason to write while at work! For a brief moment I thought, hey, I could get used to this.

So what was it that I chose to write about? Instead of tell you...why not see for yourself. Ladies and gents, friends and fam, I give you my very first, and possibly last, published article.

Blogs Can Provide Brides Need Inspiration.

You're engaged. You've got the ring on your finger to prove it. And you can't stop staring at it or showing it off. You're definitely engaged. Or quite possibly you're like me and staring at the blinding sparkle of your friend's princess cut rock, or the eye-catching three stone dazzler on the girl that handed you your double skinny vanilla latte, or the platinum jaw-dropper on the finger of your hair stylist, the one you saw glinting in the mirror while she cut your hair. Either way, there is a diamond engagement ring on your mind and its sparkle and shine are causing you to think of one thing: the wedding.

Weddings are beautiful, memorable events that mark the beginning of the rest of your life with the one you love. Your family and friends gather at a carefully chosen venue where it's not only the love between you and your hubby-to-be on display, but also your taste in wedding fashion and trends. Before I paint a picture of doves and roses, let's take a reality check. If you have ever been a bride-to-be, known a bride-to-be, or seen a movie about a bride-to-be, you know it's not all sunshine and puppies. There is a lot of work to be done when planning a wedding. And a lot of decisions to be made. Even the simplest of weddings require a plan of attack. And one that doesn't leave you, or anyone else in the bridal party, feeling attacked.

These days a bride can get a lot of useful information from the internet, especially from a blog. For those of you that are less familiar with the concept of a blog, it's a website run by one or more individuals that is consistently updated with opinions and information. Wedding blogs have become increasingly popular and are great sources of wedding ideas, trends, and inspiration. And they can cater to many different styles, budgets, regions, or themes.

A short and sweet list of some that are worth checking out:

rusticweddingchic.com

Because rustic weddings are so “in” right now. Whether it's old mason jars, chandeliers hanging from the beams of an old barn, or worn-in cowboy boots peeking beneath the lace of your gown, you'll be right on trend with any of these vintage touches.

rocknrollbride.com

For the brides (and grooms) that walk to the beat of a different drum. You and your wedding don't fit the traditional, cookie cutter ceremony. And that's okay. Rock N' Roll Bride just might inspire your one-of-a-kind nuptials and get your happily ever after off to a rockin' start.

greenweddingshoes.com

Southern California inspiration for the modern bride. You can find photos of real weddings, from vineyard to vintage, from beach to barn themed. This is a must-see for those of you about to tie the knot. They've got great DIY (do it yourself) ideas and a list of vendors pertaining to the area you live. Did I mention beautiful photos of real weddings? There is a reason why this made it into my top faves.

thebrokeassbride.com

The name speaks for itself. And many of you, myself included, may relate to the title of this blog. If you are trying to stick within a budget or cut costs where you can, this is a great site to check out. Take advantage of Bride$hare, a social networking site that brings together brides on a budget and helps them share the cost of wedding-related resources and goods. Whether you are in the same area or are using the same theme, there is sure to be a bride with your vision, your budget, and your sense for saving money.

ecoandelsie.com

For the bride that cares about the environment. And wants her wedding to reflect that. This blog caters to the eco-friendly bride, supplying her with plenty of inspiration on all things wedding, with taking care of the environment in mind. Get ideas on planning your eco-friendly honeymoon, too!

weddingbee.com

Don't just read the blog, participate in it! The Wedding Bee is by real brides and is updated over 25 times a day. Get your wedding inspiration from user uploaded photos, blogs, boards, classifieds, and DIY ideas.

Whether you're a bride on a budget, an eco-friendly bride, a modern bride, a cowboy-boot wearin' bride, or a bride without a clue, you are not alone. Your wedding is something truly special and should be uniquely you. Look to the advice and inspiration of the thousands of wedding bloggers that share your vision for your big day.

Now stop staring at that diamond, or checking out the one on the hand of the girl next to you, and hop online for some wedding blog heaven. It's your first step to the wedding of your dreams.

 

 And there you have it. I have to be honest, as I always am, I have been pretty excited about this. Not merely to have my name featured in print, my picture next to my article (although that is pretty cool)...I love the feeling of putting my heart into something and seeing the final product turn out so well. Hard work, in any form, is something I truly value and respect. You just have to feel good about something that you put honest, hard work and heart into. Whether you are building something with your hands or writing a story with the click of your fingertips on a keyboard, good, hard work surely is a good feeling. 

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant" -anonymous