In four weeks I'll be a married man (that sounded terrible). This brings about all sorts of feelings, ranging from love to anger. On the love side, I have a reasonably nice girl whom I'm marrying, and who's bringing a great group of people into my life along with her. I'm also going to be out on my own, finally. As far as anger is involved, I guess the confines of tradition sort of piss me off when I think about them. I'm one for independence of thought and expression, so getting all dressed up and running through an acceptable routine is not my thing. I've coped with this by making the wedding how we want, and not worrying about how old people are going to react if something isn't the way it's "supposed to be." This is my wedding—if you don't like Judas Priest or despise tri-cornered hats, then just don't come.

Most emotions are found on the positive side of the spectrum, so everything is going to be just peachy. Both Lindsey and I admit, however, that the night of May 20, 2006, when we drive away from the church, will be one of the very best times of our lives. The stress will burst out of us, allowing us to deflate back to our plain ol' selves.

The funny thing is that I don't feel any different. I see this is a good thing, I reckon. I think it means that I've established who I am and accepted my place in life and who I want to be. Lindsey is a part of me now, and has been for a long time, so marriage is just the official human stamp. Our love was consented a long while back by a power greater than tradition, buildings, or people can match. I should write greeting cards or something.

Perhaps the strongest emotion right now is excitement. I'm ready, I'm moving forward, it's time. My life needed this change, and God knows it's time. I'm satisfied with my life. I've found a peace about things, and I'm ready to do whatever it is that I need to do with my life. In time I'll find out more specifically what that is. This marriage is one step in my life—a big step, of course—but one of many. It doesn't define me. I won't let anything define me accept myself and God. I've been blessed with a person to share everything. Some never have that, or think they do but discover otherwise. I love you, Lindsey.

On a lighter note, I need money. Send cash.