So, I’ve just returned from the beach… aahhhhhhhhhhh… such a time of rest, relaxing, and good time with two of my best girlfriends. We had a fantastic time! The beach was perfect - no seaweed, great breeze, good weather (even though the week’s forecast was rain everyday), and fun conversations. The three of us continue to play “20 Questions” to continue learning about each other… goals, peeves, frustrations, dreams, embarrasing moments, hurts, fears, stupid comments, whatever might come to mind. Anything from what rock star you want to be most like to the most (and least) favorite thing about life right now. We ate at some really fabulous restaurants (thanks, Emily, for being a daring sushi eater!) as well. We definitely tried to steer clear of anything we could get at home and only experience things slightly out of the norm for us TN gals.

One night was dinner and a movie night (yes, even though we wanted to do different things, we’re still slightly boring) with another old friend from high school who met us for the evening. We went and saw Evan Almighty. I thought it was great. But before I was able to formulate an opinion about the movie, I quickly got one for those around us.  The theater slowly became packed and people kept filing in as the previews rolled on.  We all know how difficult it then becomes to find a seat for 2-6, or however many people, in an already crowed movie theater in the DARK with only flashes of lights as actors move and scenes change on the screen.  I noticed that row after row of people recognized those looking on the sides for places to sit and then quitely moved seats to make room for couples and groups of friends.  No one was promted to give up their seats, they simply noticed a need and made it happen.  I looked at Amanda and said how encouraging it is to see people be kind.  In a world where everyone just seems to be out for themselves (especially if they are able to arrive at a movie early and pick out that oh-so-perfect seat in just the right spot), I was surrounded by people who displayed a simple act of selflessness.  The movie began and went on to promote a moral of changing the world… one act of random kindness at a time.  Hmm.  How interesting.  It made me want to go out and do the same… and I was only a bystander (or sitter).

This is a guest post by Tony (with Mel’s premission of course)

I thought since Melanie is gone for an entire week without being able to post I would write something to keep you all entertained. I don’t really have anything planned to say other than I miss the heck out of her while she is enjoying her week vacation down in Destin, FL. She took two of her close friends Amanda and Emily to hangout at her Aunts condo next to the pool and beach. Which leaves us guys Daniel, Duke and I back at home. Originally us guys were going to join them but I guess those plans fell through. Here’s my theory: I think after X many years of being marrie,d a week vacation from the other spouse may sound nice everyonce in awhile. Unfortunately for me I have’nt had X years with Melanie were still working on X months So of course we don’t need this time apart. Especially being so close to our wedding.

I’m sure we all miss each other, but I think it’s tough on Mel and I since we are always apart from each other (and no I dont think you get used to it). I’m anxious for her to get back… though I will only get a few hours with her, then I’m off to my weeklong beach vacation in Santa Barba, CA. I haven’t tried the Florida beaches yet, but I’m a fan of California’s.

Well I guess that’s it.. Melanie is doing well (though she has some form of heat rash we think) and I’m sure she misses me and maybe some of you. Just be thankful that I decided to come over here and make a post because knowing her, if she was in town this week she still might not have written one

Cheers

I have fallen head over heels for someone that in several ways is much like myself, but in so many is the complete opposite. Here are some examples:

(1) I love food. It’s not just the taste, but the whole experience of it - the preparation, the presentation, the company of other people, and the discussion of what’s good and how to make it better next time. Tony… eats for survival. There are the days that I get caught up in tasks and errands, but most of the time I’m anticipating my next great meal. If he remembers, Tony lives on smoothies with a protein supplement, tuna helper, P.B.N.J., ice cream, and chocolate. We’ve worked up to having discussions about what we eat - why he likes it,what he would like next time, etc., but it’s a work in progress. I’ll often look over half way through the meal to see that he’s licked his plate and is ready to move on with life. We try to stay healthy, so stay tuned to see how we adapt to the first year of marriage. As I cook to please, and he eats in excited appreciation for some good home cooking.

(2) I’m social. Tony likes his space. I plan most moments of every day, and he loves to be at home. I like a little spotlight, and thinking of standing in the front of the church before a hundred or so people for the wedding gives him the hives. I forget to take time to rest, and he never neglects time to sit, do, and think of nothing.

(3) We’re both a little odd with germs and cleanliness, but in different ways. I don’t like to see dust on furniture, floors, or countertops, and he disinfects the doorknobs. For me, every little thing has a place, a home… and for him… Germ-X has made a home in his car, to be used after leaving any and every destination.  I can’t leave a used dish in front of me (like when eating ice cream, etc. while watching tv)… it must immediately be put in the dishwasher when finished, and he MUST shower at the gym immediately following a work out so as not to bring sweat and odor into his car.

(4) He loves to get his day started and not waste any time, enjoying his first cup of coffee and morning blog updates. Whereas I, on the other hand, take advantage of every second I can stay curled under the covers, pushing snooze at least 20 times before having to anxiously rush through my shower and getting ready. (This is known purely from discussions of morning routines, not yet waking and experiencing them together, mind you.)

(5)  I love color.  He loves white.

But, we both love to get lost in movies, play unending 20 questions, spend time with our families, hate washing dishes, need extra grace for complainers, find a room full of strangers completely intimidating, and hope to one day own a big screen tv.  We’re a good compliment and hope to continue making one another better (working through weird quirks and how to do life together).

Ok.  So, life has been a little nuts (my reason behind neglecting to blog).  I’ve now reached, experienced, and completed the biggist week of my year.  The last week of June each year holds my annual recital for the studio where I teach, and Camp Whatever.  On top of that, I was daily reminded (especially by calls from my mother) that my wedding is quickly approaching, and there is much to do.  Well, recital was good.  I’ve enjoyed my classes and growing as a teacher (teaching students not only technique, but how to move with all the passion and emotion that is inside them), but am definitely excited to have two months off from my evening classes.    Camp was “amazing” (in the word of Jennifer McCaman).  There is no other word to describe the week we had with our students.  It was hot, fun, exhausting… we laughed a lot, cried a little, and got a better glimpse of who God is and who He desires us to be.  It was very cool to watch our students worship and see them begin to grasp what it truly means to praise their Creator, Lover, Father, and Friend.  I could go on and on and on, but it’s not the point of this post.

So, moving past those two big events of my year totally lifted a weight off my shoulders.  Don’t get me wrong, I can never wait for them to get here, but there is just so much to do for each.  I have free evenings, weekends that don’t require so much work, slightly lighter work days in the office…

sure…

whatever…

My calendar is all too quickly filling up for the next few months.  I go on vacation in one week and it’s all I can do to keep myself from packing and daydreaming about the beach.  However, it’s also full week that I won’t be accomplishing tasks.  It’s less than three months and counting for the wedding… invitations are yet to be picked out and ordered, there’s no final decision on cake, still have to meet with the caterers…

and so my weight of stuff and appointments and lists lengthens once again.

All that said, I feel like I’m always waiting for the moments when I can stop, rest, think, and escape a little stress.  I was thinking today that I wish we could add another day to the week that was made specifically for just that - RESTING - and we couldn’t be allowed to work, do chores, run errands, anything.  But, then I thought that it would only be a matter of time before even that day was infected with little things to do and soon would become just as full as any other Monday through Sunday.  Oh yeah.  Sunday.  The Sabbath.  What God has set up since the beginning as our day of rest, reflection, and renewal for the upcoming week.  Hmmm…  I don’t need to add another day, I need to take advantage of the day that’s already been given.  How often does Sunday become a roll-over day for work, a catch-all for last minute appointments, a day for running around, and once again forgetting to bask in the presence of our Creator, Lover, Father, and Friend?

No, my to-do list won’t be getting any shorter any time soon.  But, if I take advantage of Sunday the way it was, I might find I have a little more energy and a better spirit to face all that is to come.  I’m going to work hard, play hard, and hopefully not forget to take my moments of rest and reflection for granted.  Thank you, God, for Sundays.  I’m excited to spend the day with you tomorrow.