Day 365 of 365: Last episode

This is it. The final day. The last episode. The ending entry.

Reflecting back, this wasn't a waste of time spent to log in what happened through the day. The past 365 days are not recorded memories of my last year of bachelorhood. i started this blog to record how my life progress to this day, this entry. The wisdom i gain from the whole engagement process was invaluable to my growth. With that, i can highlight some of what i gain.

First off, i learned that communication is always key in any relationship. Within the general idea of communication also lies the idea of listening carefully. Something that painfully bites me when i take first-hand information and turn it into an unreliable source of second-hand information. That is mainly because of the lack of listening and remember what was communicated to me.

Second, always remember the important dates. Guys, it may not be as important to you, but if you love your woman, i think that is more reason to make it an important thing to remember. Forgetting anniversaries and other key elements of what makes your relationship, in terms of activities, is like saying to your woman that everything that you do together isn't important.

Thirdly, sacrifice. If you're not ready to sacrifice, you're not ready period! Picture it this way: a husband is there to be the head of the household and the one that takes the bullet first for his wife. That is some crazy stuff and if women out there are thinking that men shouldn't be the head of the home, then i don't know what is up with that. To sacrifice isn't just to actually sacrifice yourself physically to your wife, but to also sacrifice the things in your life like hobbies or interests. Parable of the hidden treasure or the pearl (Matthew 13:44-46) is perfect in describing sacrifice. Are you willing to give up certain things for your wife?

These are just some of the lessons that i've learn from the past year. One of my goals through this engagement period was for me to learn what it might have felt like for Jesus to see the church as His bride and whether i can love Annie as Christ loved the church. i know i'm not perfect and i will make mistakes. Heck, i am definitely no where near the level of Jesus. That doesn't mean that i can strive for it.

As for today, it was relaxing. Feeling comfortable from the rehearsal, today was meant to relax and wind down before the crazy Saturday to come. It started with breakfast at Boulevard cafe with my parents and Amos. Kristy couldn't wake up in time for breakfast, so she missed out. It was okay, we got some thing for her to eat. Breakfast itself was a good time. Amos mentioned to us that breakfast is the most significant meal of the day, not because it's important, but because you have to wake up for it. So to have breakfast with someone means that that person is so important that you'll wake up early in the morning to meet them for a meal. i say that is insightful. i had a view on lunch and dinner, so i guess Amos filled in breakfast for me!

We then drove to Quiznos where we got that something for Kristy. Went home and found her still sleeping like a Snolax. We did our own thing, which for me was polishing up my vows. Thought i had it down until i proofread it and make some corrections. Also made a little prop out of my vows for the wedding to give it some comic relief. Hey, ceremonies can be boring, so why not stir some fun to it?

There was a little bit of a tense moment between me and Mom about the banquet, but Dad was wise to halt it. Took some reasoning and explanation to clear everything up, but the cool off time felt longer. Matters not. Dad was right that we shouldn't worry about the problem, but to avoid making another problem out of it. Everything worked out fine after.

Didn't do much after that because i was thinking about several things all at once. i was scheduled to have an interview for a full-time position at the clinic today, needed to pack for the honeymoon, prepared everything that needed to be moved for tomorrow and other miscellaneous items. Dad decided to take the time to fix an electrical problem in the bathroom and i helped him out. Dad is so smart! Even i would never have thought that the problem was a bad switch. We got one and replaced it and now, i don't have to shower in the dark anymore! Wait, you don't have to know that now, did you?

Parents and Kristy went shopping and i decided to drive to the clinic early. Sat in the car for a bit to pray and relax before i walked over. Took a short moment to ready a room for the interview, but the overall experience of it went well. i thought that i answered all the questions well and most of it was based on what i learn from God. i like one of the questions which would probably scare most people. The question goes as such: "What does customer service mean to you?" Immediately, i answered, "Never put your pride in yourself before others." Sum it up to this: Servant heart.

i came home after and waited for dinner to come around. i thought i finished my little vow prop, but Amos suggested it to be more extensive, so that was what i started to do a little before i decided to take a break. Why? Because i remember that Annie wanted me to tidy up the room before we all come over for the tea ceremony. Well, i did the best i can and next thing you know, Annie, Cindy and Katy were over to help Annie try her dress out. So i was kicked out of the room, but at least it was a neat and tidy room.

Fast forward to dinner time, i suggested Pisces on Judah for dinner as my last dinner as a bachelor and we spent quite some time there. Food was pretty good, although i felt like we ordered too much. It's okay though, it's the company that matters most. It was a good time spent with my family before i started a family of my own. i do look forward to my own kids and moments like these, though i don't expect the same.

Drove home and i chilled for a while. Finished all the wedding stuff that needed to be done and packed my bag for my first couple nights at the hotel. i still need to pack for the honeymoon, which isn't too far away, but i want to put my attention on the wedding first before i get distracted.

Anyway, this is the last entry. For those that were reading it, thanks for bearing with me. It has been a great time writing and i'm amazing at the amount of discipline i have for it. Well, today, Mr. Lee! Tomorrow! Mr....Lee?