Appreciating a local business

I don't think I've ever mentioned the jeweler that Jeremy bought my engagement ring from (and our wedding rings). They are fantastic! Very professional, but personable and they are a local establishment. Plus, Kelly, our preferred salesperson worked with Jeremy when he was picking out the most exquisitely perfect diamond ring. I've never seen a ring I liked more! And she helped us as we chose our wedding bands.
Last week I noticed that my engagement ring was catching on my clothes. A closer inspection revealed that the diamond had slipped down a bit from one of the prongs. I stopped wearing it until we could go in to the jewelers. Yesterday we popped in and Kelly was there. She took the ring back, resituated the diamond, tightened the prongs and polished the ring. It came back sparkling. We were talking to her about white gold rings needing re-plated, which is something I learned about only recently. She said usually every 6 months or so. I'm not sure if I would have chosen white gold if I'd known that, but I do prefer the silver finish. Regardless, that's what my wedding band is made of. Kelly took one look at my ring and said, "Can I have that please. Usually replating is $20, but I know you bought these recently and you're newly married." And she replated the ring at no charge. I left with two shiny rings at no cost to me. How nice is that?

Fact: Elvis had a ring designed by these jewelers for Priscilla. (The things you can learn from TV.)

Quick update

Mr. Flower was very gracious about my abrupt departure from his shop. I'll stay through next week. I still feel badly, but he too acknowledged that it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

I mentioned at my school job that I'd gotten this library job and one of my co-workers said, "Which library?" I told her and she exclaimed, "I interviewed for that job! I wondered why I never got a call back." A little later she said something about how competition is healthy for everyone. Can we say, a little awkward? And also, we weren't in any sort of competition because everything happened before we ever even knew we both interviewed?

God's timing confuses and fascinates me.

I was very excited to receive a job offer today to be a part-time circulation assistant at a local library. I really wanted this job! It's far from prestigious, but it fits more into my interests than say, the flower shop I've been working at. I sent in my application for this job on Christmas Eve. I got a call for an interview later on the very day I "interviewed" at the flower shop and accepted a position there. I interviewed the day before I started at the flower shop and then I heard nothing. For several weeks now, I've waited. I'd hoped I might hear something by the time my trial period at the shop lasted. But I didn't. So, I stayed on. And now, this. I accepted this new job for several reasons, but I must admit I'm feeling a bit guilty about leaving the flower job. I'm kind of dreading going into work tomorrow morning and talking to Mr. Flower. How do I break it to him gently and not make it seem like I was deceiving him?

Sweetheart Day

This is Jeremy and I's first Valentine's that we've celebrated. Although we were dating last year, unexpected circumstances took him out of the city and we just never celebrated the holiday. We aren't doing anything too big this year, but he did take me out for a lovely meal at the restaurant we went to the night we got engaged. With my work schedule taking me away from home more, I've missed him (I know, I get to see him more than many women get to see they're husbands...but we've only been married 5 months) and it was so pleasant to spend the evening together.
Tonight he works until 6, but I'm hoping to have a romantic meal ready for him when he arrives him. Our apartment's a bit of a disaster, so I've got a lot of work to do in the next few hours.

A city comes alive.

Since just a month ago we were shivering in sub-zero temperatures, it's pretty amazing we are enjoying a balmy 60-degree day in mid-February. As I drove home from work I saw guys carrying fishing poles down to the river, people our playing basketball and walking, a green balloon dancing in the wind. It's startling how quickly a city comes to life when the sun shines and the temperatures rise. A little glimpse that spring is on its way.

Should I be disturbed?

As you know from previous posts, in my afternoons I work with 2nd-4th graders. Today, two of them (of their own accord and totally separately) asked me if I was pregnant! I've kind of let it roll of me because these were 3rd graders. But seriously, I'm in decent shape. I work out fairly regularly. I've lost a little weight since getting married and I'm probably 20 lbs lighter than I was a couple years ago. I know I have a little tummy, but come on, most women do--it's just part of our build. What do you think, should I take offense? Or should I just laugh it off and blame it on the sweater I was wearing today?

Do not despair my few readers...

I have not dropped off the planet. I'm still here in my snowy part of the United States (it is indeed snowing again today!). I haven't been home as much and certain things seem to be falling by the wayside.
My job is going pretty well. Our groups of kids were switched up this week. I'll be teaching three kids. Only one showed up yesterday, so she got some very one-on-one tutoring. Seems like she may be a little less moody than many of the kids I had in my other group, which suits me just fine.
Starting tomorrow morning, I'm going to be working a few hours at a flower shop through Valentine's Day. At that point, I have the say as to whether I stay or go. I won't be doing any flower designing, just taking orders. It's not a dream job, but it's a job. I truly don't know what I'll decide after my 8 days of work are completed.
I have all morning and most of the afternoon to work on my laundry and ironing and bathroom cleaning and cooking supper. After today, my time becomes even more precious, so I need to use my hours today.
Bear with me during yet another bout of transition. I do plan to try to keep up here, but I imagine it will be sporadic for the next couple weeks.