Filed under: Stacy

One Month

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Photo: The first photo of Stacy and me together. Snapped on Dec. 21, 2005 - one week after our first date. 

With 31 days of singlehood left, I find myself thinking about weird things. Not about bachelor-party-ish things, but about obscure things like jazz music and photographer organization memberships. When I'm not in my cubicle, I'm still playing Wii and taking pictures. I'm not morphing into an obsessed groomzilla. I'm just John.

Call me naive or ostentatious, but I honestly feel like I'm half-ways ready for marriage. I've done my homework (12 hours of marriage counseling and additional hours of reading articles like this one) - and becoming one with my other half doesn't scare me. It quite literally completes me. Pardon the flowery language, but my forthcoming unity with Stacy gives me certitude and confidence in my life's purpose. It feels right. 

I rode the real emotional roller coaster back when I proposed to her. In those days, I was still waiting for the fog to lift. I didn't know exactly what I was getting into, but that's part of the rush. To put it in practical terms, I just knew that I had to move things along. It was quite obvious that we were meant to be together. God put it right in front of me and I liked it, so I put a ring on it. I was ready to commit myself to this girl and this future. 

Now that most of the wedding plans are in place, I'm feeling very well. We've got a great list of vendors lined up to serve us and our guests. Although we've got a couple phone calls to make, the plans are all done. Things are falling in place, but these 'things' are only temporary, largely ceremonious things. August 14 is going to be a great day, but it's the subsequent lifetime with Stacy that I anticipate the most.

For those of you who will take the time to join us on our wedding day, I want to thank you in advance. No matter how many thousands of dollars we may drop on photographers, catering, dresses, tux rentals, cake, booze and music, your kindness and support are really what will make the day special for us. 

See you in one month!

John

Where I'm Going

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I've lived in Brookings since Sept. 3, 2004. 

For those of you who are as bad at math as I am - that's five years and 9 months. A total of 2,115 days. Two dorm rooms, two town homes and one apartment. 

On that first day, I hugged my teary-eyed parents in an SDSU parking lot and opened a new chapter in my life. 

While living in "B-Town," I've:
  • Met some of my best friends and colleagues
  • Spent time and bonded with my family in the area
  • Discovered my future with photography
  • Set up my biz
  • Graduated college
  • Dove into a career in marketing
  • Went to many places: Mexico (x2), Arkansas, Texas, California (x2), Las Vegas, Arizona, Canada (x5) and Minnesota (x463*)
  • Most importantly - I found the best thing I will ever find - Stacy. 
This town means a lot to me. In fact, I promised my life to my woman on the steps of the most recognizable edifice in this city. (By the way - she said "yes.")

In two months, that chapter will end as I marry my best friend and move on to bigger and better things in Sioux Falls. It's a step that several of my friends have made in the past few years, and one that I anticipate with faith. There's a lot to worry about (including an unfamiliar, super-saturated photography market and a 50-minute commute on three days every week), but I'll make the jump with my head up and with my thoughts on good things. 

My checklist for moving to Sioux Falls:
  • Pack stuff
  • Unpack stuff
  • Set up shop 
  • Chill with friends and family
  • Meet people
  • Take photos
  • Share photos
  • Sustain the good stuff

Photo: The southward lane of 22nd Avenue as seen from 6th Street in Brookings, S.D. (c)John Nelson 2006