Tuesday, January 4, 2011

New Season

Ecclesiastes 3: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." New chapters always come with excitement and a little bit of grief. Did I ever think I would be sad to leave my single years? No. Did I ever think I would actually get married someday? No. Do I know the sting and grief involved with not having dreams realized in a time frame I envisioned? ABSOLUTELY. Do I feel guilty that I am getting married sometimes? Yes. Haha- TMI for a blog?

So here I find myself, 11 days from getting hitched. So before I fully embrace the excitement, joy, and blessing of joining my life with Paul's, indulge me in some memories of the last 11 years:

1. Roommates- I have had 54 roommates. I think I am the luckiest lady on earth because I always had fabulous roommates! And many became dear friends that I hope I keep in touch with forever and ever. Too bad digital pictures don't go that far back but here's a roommate sampling:

2. College: I LOVED college. I always played more than I studied. And I'm so glad I did! BYU will always have a special place in my heart. Go Cougars!

























3. Traveling- I've been a lot of places in the last 10 years! Seeing the world is so fun, and some of my trips have really forced me out of my comfort zone, and I've had to grow and expand. Ireland, Mexico, England, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, Prince Edward Island, Kenya, and lots of places in the states: Washington state, New York, Washington DC, Florida, SoCal, Arizona, Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Nevada, Colorado, and Idaho.



















































































































4. Center For Change- Since I had a break between undergraduate and graduate school, I got to work full time for several years. Now, I'm not sure if something is wrong with me, but I get teary-eyed every time I think about how much I loved working at CFC. This job was so fulfilling and meant the world to me. I LOVED the women with my whole heart. I loved the recovery process and I loved fighting eating disorders. I believe this job healed many of my wounds.

5. Dating- This was a large part of my last 10 years! I must say I didn't enjoy dating. I think every once in a while you find someone that enjoys first dates. I think those people are rare and I was NOT one of them haha! And I must admit that a big breakup put me in a tailspin for about two years. I am grateful that time and a new relationship have helped heal that! So let's talk about the dating that I have enjoyed:

Paul treated me well, WANTED to date me (??), got me flowers sometimes, and took the INITIATIVE! This was oh-so-exciting and still is!



















Then, we fell in love with each other and wanted to marry each other?! Still doesn't feel real.

All I have ever prayed for is to find someone good to marry. I told God- I don't care if he's ugly, doesn't make much money, drives a crappy car etc. I just want him to be good! Paul happened to come with other perks such as handsomeness, but I had to date him long enough to love his testimony and to know that he is good and has such good desires. So, with both tears and smiles, dear new chapter of my life, here I come!


17 comments:

  1. Awwww Tessa this is the sweetest blog every, I think it almost made me cry (may be pregnancy hormones, but STILL.....)! I am so happy for you and so glad you found a good man to be with. :-) Congratulations and I hope you enjoy every minute of the next 11 days and that your wedding day is perfect.

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  2. I'm so excited and happy for you, I'm glad that you've found someone wonderful that you can share the next stage of life with.
    I'm so glad we got to know you a bit in Utah, Avery still talks about you and the other girls.
    Good luck not going crazy with anticipation the next week and a half, congratulations and if you ever make it to Missouri let us know!

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  3. I am so happy for you! You deserve every bit of love and happiness in the world. Try to enjoy the next few days and not let the anxious moments overshadow the joy! Looking back I think those years of single life really make me appreciate the blessing of love and marriage so much more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, they really touch my heart:)

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  4. Fun review, Tessa! Your wedding is coming so fast. We seriously thought about coming, but Nashville is farther than we had thought. I wanted to see you--and Tennessee through your eyes. I miss you! Live it up!

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  5. This is a great post. I can relate to many of your feelings, including sometimes feeling guilty for being married when so many great people aren't. I am so happy for you though, and I hope you have a beautiful wedding! congrats!

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  6. Tessa! I really enjoyed reading that! I am so excited for you guys!!

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  7. Tessa,
    I love you. So happy for you!!! Great review. It was honest, fun and wonderful.

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  8. Loved that post! Beautiful. You're amazing.

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  9. Love this. Love you.

    I get to see you so soon!!!!!!!

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  10. We love you, Tessa, and are looking forward to meeting Paul. Let the party begin!!

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  11. what a beautiful post in honor of your bachelorette years! loved it! marriage and parenthood are ahead and even though they are harder than those single years they also bring sooo much joy! I didn't know the true meaning of joy until I became a mother but I also didn't know how priceless silence really is :) I'm so happy for you and Paul. Good Luck. See ya in a couple of days!!!

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  12. This post gave me chills. AHH! I am so excited for you and to partake in you amazing day sooooooo soon!!!!!

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  13. Wonderful post! Well said and felt. Happy Day coming up!
    Patricia

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  14. Great idea for a post. I'm so happy for you. Congratulations, and I hope your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of.

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  15. This is a wonderful post, Tessa!! I love you and can't wait to see you soon!!

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  16. Ah, you made me cry :) I love you, Tessa! And you're in the beginning of your new chapter... SO excited and happy.... I love you!!

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  17. Dear Tessa! You are married! CONGRATS!! I want to see pictures and hear all about your lovely day! hint hint;)

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