What's Wrong With Stability ?

Asking her on a date.  Going on that first date.  A first kiss.  Contemplating a more "serious" relationship.  Picking, purchasing, and eventually paying off "the ring."  The proposal.  The wedding.  The honeymoon.  That first night together in your small apartment.  Decorating your first space together.  That first Sunday in your new ward.  That first positive pregnancy test.  That first pregnancy.  The first childbirth.  Holding your first newborn child.  Contemplating purchasing that first home.  Signing ALL those papers when you "buy" that first house.  That first night in your new home.

There are lots of firsts that may also be lasts if you think about it.  In fact, in many ways related to finding "the one" isn't your very hope that this could be the last first whatever-it-is?

When you are as fortunate as I am to have shared so many of life's firsts with your true love, gratitude for that person and all the blessings they have brought you in your amazing life is the only reasonable reaction.

I fear that in the world today, so many people of all ages are seeking for the new and the exciting.  The freshest experiences, the latest fads and trends, the recently created concoctions are all so important and perhaps, finally, happiness and joy will come with whatever it is.  But people ... you are totally missing it!  The real joy, the real peace, happiness, and contentment in this life comes from something so many people seem terrified of finding, even as they desperately seek after it: STABILITY.

Firsts are fun, but firsts are fleeting.  Euphoric energy quickly dissipates to neediness for the next high.  This is true for more than substances or beverages, as it can be applied to anything that anyone desires.  There is untold value and comfort in consistency, familiarity, and stability.  I hope everyone can learn this and find theirs.  I am forever grateful that I did!


Song Of The Day:
Today is the 16th anniversary of my wedding to the best blessing in my life.  I am so grateful that she agreed to be my eternal companion.  She is proof that it's "Not A Bad Thing" to fall in love.  This recent song by Justin Timberlake (presumably about his wife) feels perfect for today's post.  And here's a cover of that same song by the great a Capella artist Mike Tompkins.  The video is worth your 5 minutes of time too!

Karen, I love you so much!  Happy anniversary!  Thanks for everything!

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Why Does Wearing A Tuxedo Make You Feel ... ?

More mature.

 

Authoritative.

Manly.

Regal.

They say the clothes don't make the man, but as one of my fellow groomsmen so eloquently stated "the tuxedo can sure make the man feel more confident!"

Today my best friend from my 15 years at Progressive, Greg Lofthus, wedded his awesome wife, Erin Logan (now Erin Lofthus).  The wedding was held at The Briarhurst Manor and was equal parts spiritual, raucous, and just plain fun.
I wish these "kids" (I can say that even though Greg is technically older than me!) a lifetime of happiness together.

Being priviledged to be one of Greg's groomsmen, I had the opportunity to rent a tuxedo for the wedding.  This is the first time wearing a tux in almost 15 years.  I must say, it was quite nice!  :)

I have no idea why, but wearing the whole get-up for the whole day was not an annoyance or bother, but was rather enjoyable and made me feel all of the adjectives listed above.  I cannot even try to explain it, but there's just something about being decked out to the nines that changes your whole approach to any situation.  People treat you differently.  You act differently.  I liked that, a lot!

Song(s) Of The Day:
In honor of this special day, here is a two-fer song of the day.  Of course the classic default song here is "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top.  And jumping forward three decades, here is a small tip of the proverbial top hat to Justin Timberlake's "Suit And Tie"  Enjoy!  :)

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