Marriage

I'm getting married on December 29th. To my first girlfriend from high school. A full twenty years after we dated. Imagine that.

Got to thinking about efficiency today while driving around, alone in the car, doing errands. We leave tomorrow for a bed & breakfast, and we had a long list to accomplish in a short amount of time. Often we work together to accomplish tasks. The work goes more quickly, and it's more fun when there's someone to do it with. "Many hands make light work," my grandmother used to say.

Today was different. I realized this morning that if we were to meet our collective goals, that the most efficient way to get our work done was to split up and work separately. I think of old Scooby Doo cartoons, where the gang splits up--"You go that way, we'll go this way." Like that.

Splitting up today, for a while, was the only viable way for us to get our work done. More than that, it gave us both some alone time. Her to talk with a close girlfriend or two, about whatever close girlfriends talk about. And me to turn inward, think deeply, reflect on the changes taking place in my life. I never thought I'd get married. Not the type. Don't believe in the institution of marriage. Anything that fails around 50% of the time is in need of an overhaul anyway. It's hell to come face-to-face with something I don't believe in. A bit humbling, too.

We completed our chores, and now we're making the last few preparations. Ceremony and vows are written. Immediate family have maps and directions and know what is expected of them. Cousins on-board to house-sit and feed the dogs. Officiant is coming early on Saturday. Bed and breakfast owner has a CD player we can use. Marriage license is packed in our bags.

It feels to me like the start of a grand adventure. Happy New Year.