It's been a while

I haven't posted for a while, and even though it's getting late and I should be in bed because I have a full day of work tomorrow, I can't seem to help being on my laptop. I'm not tired yet, and I should be reading and increasing my intellect. Oh well, here I am.

Speaking of reading, I'm almost finished with the Scarlet Letter. I've never read it before, and I decided when I went to the library last week that I should add some classics to my reading list. It's quite the fascinating book, and I'm curious to see how it all ends. Was there truly a world where adultery was treated with such harshness? No grace extended for this particular sin. At least not to the woman. The man is fine, with the exception of his own guilt. Again, I haven't finished yet, so who knows. But to walk around in isolation with the letter "A" embroidered on your clothes... not my idea of fun.

In other news, I finally made it to the beach!! I was so excited! Brett, Anthony, and I went to Silver Beach on Lake Michigan this past Saturday. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Sunny with just enough breeze to take the intensity off the heat. I dozed in the sun, went exploring, and took some walks along the shore line (if you can call it that when it's not an ocean). I was happy.

Our invitations arrived on Monday! Yay! They look great... no typos or anything. So now the massive box is sitting in my room, and some day I will attempt to start assembling them. But we have plenty of time for that.

The other night a group of us watched the movie You've Got Mail. It's one of the better chick flicks, in my humble opinion, but this particular night I couldn't help but judge it a little. It's not You've Got Mail's fault, it was simply the catalyst. I've noticed more recently in chick flicks or romantic books or even TV shows that everything is about the sexual tension leading up to a couple getting together. It's all about the pursuit. Don't get me wrong, this is exciting and important, but there is nothing in the media that focuses on marriage. It's as though the message is being sent out that once you get to the point of marriage, life is boring. The exciting stuff happens before- that's why movies always end with the wedding. Or with the first kiss. But is that true?? I don't think so. At least I hope not... Since when does marriage equal boring. Love doesn't stop at the altar- if anything it begins more deeply than before.

But then again, maybe it does become more boring. I mean, the chase is over, right? Flowers are given less frequently. Dates become relaxing on the couch watching a rented movie. I was reading a book the other day that reported that couple who live together/sleep together before marriage experience a sudden drop off of sex after they get married. It's as if it's lost the excitement. Before it was dangerous or at least more forbidden and adventurous. Now it's legal, and where's the fun in that? Of course, this illustration leads into a whole other realm of the dangers of living together/sleeping together before marriage, and that's not my point here. My point is why do things have to get boring... or why are told, whether explicitly or implicitly, to expect this? Don't get me wrong... there is something to a level of comfort that comes with marriage or engagement that makes it wonderful not to feel like you have to perform. But I still think there should be an even higher standard in marriage. I think it's important to still go on dates- frequently. I think it's important to keep things spontaneous and fun. I think it should be movie worthy, referring to the beginning of this rant. I guess I'm not even sure where I'm going with this other than to say that I think society has the wrong impression and idea of marriage. It's beautiful, and it's sacred, and it's an adventure. Not that I have any experience. I'll let you all know more when I'm actually married.

Ok, not sure where that all came from. Sorry guys. This has suddenly become much longer than expected. I guess I will leave you all with those thoughts. If you think about it, be praying for Anthony this weekend as he embarks on a retreat at a monastery in Three Rivers. He's going just to get away from it all and to spend some time with Jesus. I'm really glad he's going. Life sometimes goes non-stop, and sometimes complete breaks are really needed.

Tis all for tonight!

Em