Tuesday, June 29, 2010

One Month

Can you believe it? One more month. One. At times Bryan and I have felt like time was inching it's way towards the wedding and other times it was flying towards it. We have gotten a lot done and a lot more to do.

We've been asked a lot about what we are going to be doing post-wedding. And after our honeymoon in Cabo (thanks to Bryan's parents), we have decided to stay in Davis. I still have school and a job here that works really well for my crazy schedule and Bryan wants to find a job that involves teaching, ag, and/or mechanics. Unfortunately, Davis is super expensive so we are trying to find a place on the outskirts. We are hoping to live on a farm doing something like maintenance or care taking. A dream come true is what it would be because we hope to one day own our own farm (more about that later on when I have time). It would be the perfect way to start a marriage--living simply, close to the land, developing community. All things that we truly believe in.

Speaking of community, I've realized how blessed I have been being a part of the Davis community and a beautiful church community--getting to know so many people from all walks of life. I really am starting to fall in love with Davis. I use to want to get out and travel travel travel, but now I just want to be a part of something bigger. Bryan and I are in love with the idea of community and want so badly to strive to make a place where every need is met. It's idealistic, but it can be done. If it's done with love. It starts with being content (maybe a better word is thankful) with where you are at in life. Even if right now your life isn't looking good. It is only until I am thankful for where I am, that I am able to give to those around me. Community is something Bryan and I can talk about for days and we hope that our wedding will reflect just that.

So with that
Turn off your TV. Leave your house. Know your neighbors, Look up when you are walking; Greet people; Sit on your stoop; Plant flowers; Use your library; Play together; Buy from local merchants; Share what you have; Help a lost dog; Take children to the park; Garden together; Support neighborhood schools; Fix it even if you didn't break it; Have pot lucks; Honor elders; Pick up litter; Read storeis aloud; Dance in the street; Talk to the mail carrier; Listen to the birds; Put up a swing; Help carry something heavy; Barter for your goods; Start a tradition; Ask a question; Hire young people for odd jobs; Organize a block party; Bake extra and share; Ask for help when you need it; Open your shades; Sing together; Share your skills; Take back the night; Turn up the music; Turn down the music; Listen before you react to anger; Mediate a conflict; Seek to understand; Learn from new and uncomfortable angles; Know that no one is silent athough many are not heard. Work to change this.