Readers, today is a very important day. Not because it is Friday the 13th (although that is awesome and should be celebrated by all with horrifying and ridiculously overthetop movies). Not because it is exactly 6 months to the day that Javs and I get to say our 'I do's (although that is awesome as well and should also be celebrated with horrifying and ridiculously overthetop movies). No, no. Today, my friends, is Mr. Jefferson's bday.One. I did not realize that Javs and I were getting married on TJ's half birthday until about 30 seconds ago. I had realized today was our 6 month mark! And as a devoted wahoo alum knew that it was TJ's day of birth. But for whatever odd reason, I never put two and two together. Now that I have, I think it is awesome.
Two. TJ was awesome if for no other reason than his foundation of a University that I love more than I ever imaged that I would. There are so many amazing stories about good ole TJ and I could easily nerd out for a fairly decent amount of time talking about the genius of his architecture and design of the Rotunda and Lawn. I'm not sure why I hold TJ to the level of reverence that I do. Maybe its that he was a red-head and I've always had a soft spot for the gingers. Maybe its his slight odd and sometimes obsessive tendencies (not that I could relate or anything since I am rarely odd and never obsessive). But either way, I'm fan.
So let me get geeky here for just a second and take some of the stuff I know about TJ and the University and relate them (or attempt to anyway) to weddings and/or marriage.
Form v. Function - A lot of folks would say the same thing after viewing the Lawn and Rotunda for the first time, 'Wow! Its beautiful!' - and indeed they both are beautiful. But Teej knew that in addition to building a beautiful University, he needed to build functional space for learning and studying. His little tricks of the trade can be found all over the pavilions and scattered throughout the Rotunda where he made functional space also appear quite appealing to the eye. 
The dome room, for example, was built as a library of the University, but stand in the center of the room and do a full 360 and I guarantee you'll see no bookshelves. It's TJ's genius two column design that blocks the shelves from view when you're in the center of the room - which is where he knew the University would host distinguished guests and formal dinners.
The dome room, for example, was built as a library of the University, but stand in the center of the room and do a full 360 and I guarantee you'll see no bookshelves. It's TJ's genius two column design that blocks the shelves from view when you're in the center of the room - which is where he knew the University would host distinguished guests and formal dinners. A wedding, in a way, also has to balance both form and function. In reality its the function that's the most important part. One true goal of a wedding = end up with two people legally married. I'll totally admit that I have had my moments where I forgot about the functional aspect and focused 100% on the pretty stuff. I should take a clue from Mr. Jefferson and remember that regardless of how beautiful I want the dome room to be, it still needs shelves, it is the library after all. Thank goodness I have an understanding fiance that reminds me from time to time (like last night when I was freaking out about the beauty) that at the end of the day, the 'big day' is really about us joining our lives together.
Change- I ended my historical tours at Lawn room 43 west because one of the things that gripped me most about UVA and its history was the change (and lack there of) that took place within the University. This was the room where Leroy Willis, the first African American student selected to live on the Lawn, resided during his fourth year in the College of Arts and Sciences. So many of TJ's original plans and hopes for the University are still alive and thriving on grounds; student self governance, students and professors still live and learn among each other on the lawn, and, of course, the pursuit of knowledge separated from religious affiliation. But the university has also grown. Its diversified and expanded in ways that TJ probably never dreamed of and I was always struck by this paradox that existed so peaceful. The University provides a unique avenue for values and ideals, even living structures from another time to persevere with modern priorities and passions. Very cool.
Change- I ended my historical tours at Lawn room 43 west because one of the things that gripped me most about UVA and its history was the change (and lack there of) that took place within the University. This was the room where Leroy Willis, the first African American student selected to live on the Lawn, resided during his fourth year in the College of Arts and Sciences. So many of TJ's original plans and hopes for the University are still alive and thriving on grounds; student self governance, students and professors still live and learn among each other on the lawn, and, of course, the pursuit of knowledge separated from religious affiliation. But the university has also grown. Its diversified and expanded in ways that TJ probably never dreamed of and I was always struck by this paradox that existed so peaceful. The University provides a unique avenue for values and ideals, even living structures from another time to persevere with modern priorities and passions. Very cool.
I think this might be a good way to approach a marriage too. We're starting off with some deep seeded ideas, emotions and plans. And some of them are good, strong; worth building a foundation on. Some, like the love, we'll hold on to. But change is inevitable. And if we find a way to balance the old, with the new - then we'll probably be stronger because of it.
Happy Birthday Mr. Jefferson!
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