Silver Lining?

I often try to see the bright side of things. I'm a master at playing the cards I'm dealt. I can make something out of nothing. I used to be referred to as wildly optimistic, so I toned it down. I'm a realist at heart, but I get really excited about reality!! My life is great and I have very few complaints.

I'm still human though. When we were burglarized I bitched and whined in extraordinary fashion. I was hurt, infuriated and felt a massive loss.

Having to replace the stolen jewels was less than enjoyable. In fact it was completely void of pleasure, at least initially. Then my silver lining kicked in. I decided that instead of "replacing" what was stolen or attempting to recapture memories and sentimental value I'd watch and wait. I'd watch the displays and counters and wait for it to find me. I couldn't replace my Nanny's 4 carat ruby; no point in trying. I needed new memories...new sentimental value.

My grad ring from Jostens had a lifetime warranty and I still had the receipt!! However, Jostens didn't seem to appreciate having to abide within their warranty. They were EXTREMELY uncooperative and downright rude. Sure, they'll sell you a great ring with a great warranty, but if you have to collect on that warranty don't do it in your true time of need. They are less than compassionate.

It's all ok now though! I found a great website that does fantastic grad rings. I never really like the Jostens rings because from about 40 feet away you can tell it's a grad ring. This website has some fantastic options that don't look like grad rings. I'm kind of giddy about getting that ring because I can wear it everywhere.

I love pearls, 100% my absolute favorite mineral. I find diamonds to be quite boring; I prefer my jewelry to have zero diamonds. The man I love bought me a nice white pearl set. The whole she-bang. Ring, earrings, necklace and bracelet. It was awesome and I loved it. It too was stolen. Now, the exact same set is still available at the large chain store....but I didn't want the same one, the goal is new memories. Well, lo and behold! They have the same set in BLACK!! Mmmmhmmm. Oh yeah, back in black baby!! I got the black set.

My engagement ring was simple and perfect. It was a slightly pink pearl with a diamond on each side. When he asked me to be his wife it was Christmas of 2007 it felt like he was asking me and both my lil' diamonds in the rough to be his family. It meant the world to me and to have it taken from me was heartbreaking. I always wanted a pearl solitaire, just like a diamond solitaire but better! When I looked at the solitaires they seemed lacking though. They all seemed to be waiting, wanting.....kind of anticipatory. You know, waiting for the wedding band. Anyone who knows me knows my feelings regarding brides/weddings. If I get a solitaire it will always be a solitaire, there will never be an accompanying band. My choice. I have no issue being a wife! LOVE IT!! I happen to know that I don't have to get married to be a wife though. Which left me with a dilemma. Get a solitaire and leave it wanting or get the mother lode. The problem with the mother lode is the diamonds that accompany it. I had some decisions to make and this is what I went with! 44 diamonds totaling .333 carats surrounding a 10mm SOUTH SEA white pearl!! Second best quality in the whole wide world too! I know it has diamonds....but it's pretty hard to find a ring that isn't "waiting" and doesn't have diamonds. I accepted the diamonds and the ring is epic.

Lastly, the 4 carat ruby from my Nanny who passed away in August. I found my new ring in a local mall. The stone is my favorite colour set in my favorite colour of gold. It's wickedly weird too. The stone looks twisted and squashed with only two prongs holding it. It's vicious and makes no sense....until you look at it closely.....then it all makes sense. It's me.

I know my Nanny probably loved that ruby. It was her sister's and I'm sure it had some serious sentimental value to my Nanny. That value was between her and her sister though. Not between Nanny and I. I also know that if my Nanny could, she'd buy me a ring. Something that had sentimental value between her and I. She'd want me to have something that was fun and something that made me smile. I've spent months being upset that I lost her ring, Nanny would tell me to let it go. So I'm trying to do just that.

Oh, and because I have a new engagement ring he made sure I'd have a new memory to go with it. He picked me up at work, with our girls and got down on bended knee right in the lobby. He proposed all over again.

The burglary was horrid, but there is a silver lining.