Comparing Changes

Hey guys...

Isn't it ironic that the pivotal points of life are so rushed that while there is much food for reflection the opportunities to reflect rarely arise?

And celebration is sometimes rushed too. For example, my mom recently told me that if I wasn't getting married a month afterwards, she would have thrown me a big party for my graduation. As it is, my graduation is going relatively unnoticed. I'm skipping both the UW and architecture school ceremonies to go to Dan McCurley's wedding in L.A. I think my family might go out to dinner together, but the reason my grandparents are coming to Seattle is for Cheryl's high school graduation.

My feelings are mixed-- I remember thinking that high school graduation was way overdone-- a week full of events (Prom, Baccaulaurete, Senior Recognition night, the last day of school assembly, the graduation itself and the party afterwards) where girls cried and people made out with people because they would never see them again. Honestly, Prom and Baccaulaurete were the only events I enjoyed-- Prom because I went with a good group of friends and Baccaulaurete because I was speaking. There was way too much fluff and misplaced emotion that week.

Again, I'm ready to leave school. I've got senioritis, and I still don't see the point of a formal ceremony with speakers I don't know and crying girls (aren't you glad to be done with the all-nighters and restrictiveness of always having homework?!) Change is good.

So I'm creating my own meaningful goodbyes. Last week I visited an internet cafe I used to hang out at my first year here, and I went on a successful quest to find the four Grecian columns from the original school. I'm inviting my fellow architecture students to my wedding. And maybe I'll think of something fun to do with my family other than going to dinner.

On the other hand, my wedding is:

*A huge photo-shoot
*A chance to get dressed-up all fancy with girl-friends
*My first (and last?) party that is catered and has live music
*A church service in which Ben and I get to stand up front and choose all the music
*A gathering of both sides of my family, Ben's family, high school, college and church friends, and parent's friends-- never before and never again...:)
*My mom's chance to use her organizational skills to the fullest
*A day lead up to by five pre-parties (2 bridal showers, respective bachelor and bachelorette deals and the rehersal dinner)
*And various after-parties, most of which are thrown by our family and we will miss
*A day commemorating new sexual freedoms
*The only day these two years in which Ben is allowed to drink by SPU rules (we'll see if he makes use of it or not... he's not a big fan of alcohol!)
*The most presents Ben and I have ever received
*A day to give honor to God, family and friends
*My chance to widely publish something graphically designed by me! Ditto for Ben!
*A day of wonderful cake
*The day when Ben and I will be legally, emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually joined in the covenant of marriage
*Thus, the aquisition of a new roommate
*The day I change my name
*The day I gain a new family
*The day Ben's pursuits are rewarded:)
*The first day of a great vacation and a new life

And you wonder why girls get excited about weddings! Seriously, folks!

Yeah, there's enough stuff here to make up for little graduation celebration.

And it's much better too:) Praise God!