(43-213) The Elusive 43

On February 3, I wrote "A Spirit Lift," and I told you that I was looking forward to the pre-Valentine's Day date day that Luis and I had planned for the 4th.  But as you may recall, from "All Around All-Star,"  Nicky got sent home from school sick, on the 4th; so Luis and I postponed our date until today.  As it had been a while since we went on a date; we decided to go to Talking Stick Casino.  Due to a conversation that Jackie and I had just had the night before; I texted her to let her know that we were at the casino; and she responded, "Find slot machine number 43 and put the full money in to play."  I typically don't play slot machines; but I was perfectly willing to follow her instruction because I thought that 43 was her lucky number.  After thinking about it for a few seconds; I realized that Jackie was telling me to play machine 43 because she wanted 43 to be a lucky number for me.  I told Luis about Jackie's text; and he said "let's do it!"

During our lovely lunch, we talked about our lucky numbers; because Luis thought that we should play those machines as well.  Luis said his lucky number was 7, and I told him that mine was 22.  I thought that Jackie's was 13; (but coincidentally I found out later this afternoon, that it's 22, just like mine.)  We agreed that we would look for machines 43, 22, 13 and 7; but I requested that we look for 43 first.

After lunch we started looking for the number 43 series of slot machines.  We scoured the entire casino, but there was no 43.  The numbers appeared to be completely random, and as we looked high and low, I felt like I was on "The Amazing Race."  Once we were completely, convinced that there was no 43 series, we decided to look for a slot machine that ended in the number 43; which was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.  After scrutinizing several slot machines, I finally found a number 43 in the penny slots; but there was an elderly, white haired, woman playing on it and she seemed very committed to this machine.  We expanded our search to the other side of the casino, and found three more machines with the number 43; but each was occupied by a patron who was engrossed in their gambling.

Luis and I laughed non-stop, because we couldn't believe how difficult it was to fine the elusive 43, let alone one that was available.  We returned to the machine that the white haired lady had been using; but there she sat.  Her pot was dwindling down to around $4 so we were hopeful that she might be done soon.  We knew that it could go either way, but when she reached into her purse and pulled another $20 from her wallet; we knew that we didn't stand a chance.

I excused myself to go to the restroom and while there, I thought "Maybe we should play machine 44;"  but I remembered why Jackie had told me to play 43; so I was uncertain.  As luck would have it; when I got back to Luis, he was sitting next to the WHL (white haired lady) on machine 43; as he sat playing on machine 44.  I couldn't believe that he was playing 44 after what I'd just been thinking in the restroom; and he told me that he had put in 25 cents and was up $5.  He then looked at me and said "Go ahead, make your maximum bet."  And with that, I pressed the button and 1,2,3, diamond after diamond dropped into the slots.  Each one was a different color; and I must have anticipated that this meant something good, because I started screaming.  Luis and I couldn't believe our eyes.  Even though we didn't know exactly what all of these beautiful, diamonds meant; we KNEW something good was going to happen.  The machine advised us that we'd triggered a bonus, but we didn't know how to proceed; and the WHL leaned over and told us to hit SPIN.  We did, and all of a sudden a screen appeared with 9 boxes, each containing a different number, and the possibility of three prizes - the biggest being $1068. and the smallest being $21.  We still weren't sure what to do, and again the WHL told us to hit SPIN.  We did and the machine told us that we could stop the spin whenever we wanted; but the WHL told us not to.  We listened to her and the first number that came up was a three, which was one of the three numbers in the thousand dollar prize.  With great exuberance, we spun again, and again, and again.  Only, I did stop the spin a couple of times.  After 5 spins, we were one number away from the thousand dollar prize; but the WHL then told us that we only got five spins.  WHAT??  Luis and I couldn't believe it.  We were both under the impression that we'd continue spinning until we won one of the prizes; but clearly we were mistaken.  We were shocked; and felt foolish for listening to the WHL. We should have stopped the spins ourselves, each and every time.  The machine then instructed us to spin one more time; so we did, and we got the number three.  This meant that we won three times the prize that we originally earned; so when all was said and done, we won about $35.00  We took a couple more spins, but we weren't coming close to that magical moment that we'd earned so effortlessly; so we decided to go visit one last 43 machine to see if it was available.

We found a vacant 43 machine, that happened to be a 2 cent Wizard of Oz progressive.  The jackpot was over $600,000.00 and we had no idea how much the maximum bet cost.  We put a $20 bill in the machine and did a test run with the minimum bet; which turned out to be 40 cents.   We deduced that the maximum bet was $3.20; so we decided to try our luck.  I spun the wheels, and was reminded of why I never personally play slot machines.  I simply had NO IDEA what was going on, or what it took to win; and it just didn't make any kind of sense to me.  After the wheels stopped spinning; I won $5 and Luis advised me that if I'd had one more of the progressive symbols, I would have won at least $1000.00, if not more.  OMG!  I have NEVER come that close to winning $1000 dollars; and now twice in one day, opportunity had knocked and I was unable to answer. Luis put it well.  He said it was like someone dangled $1000. in front of us, but we just couldn't grab it.  We cashed out of machine 43; and laughed all the way home.  It wasn't necessarily a happy laugh.  I think I might describe it like the laugh one has when they're in shock.  I told Luis that I felt nauseous; the way that you feel after going on an amusement park ride that didn't agree with you.  We kept reviewing the events of our afternoon; and the one thing that we couldn't get over was that not only did the WHL keep me from machine 43; she also sabotaged (although not intentionally) the perfect ending to this post.

All and all, I have to say that other than my first date with Luis; this just may be the best date that we ever had.  It would have been incredible to win a thousand dollars; but we know that we are rich in the way that matters the most. 
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-47) Diamond Daze

On February 14, 2010 I wrote "Lucky Me", and shared the details of losing the diamond from my engagement ring.  A few weeks after this occurred, Luis and I went to a couple of jewelry stores to look into re-setting my diamond or possibly purchasing a new setting and after gathering some quotes; we decided that we were going to hold off for a while.  I still have my wedding band, and truly that is the more important ring; but as time's passed, I've found that I miss my ring, more than I had anticipated.  WELL... maybe not my ring; but my diamond.  The fact that I miss seeing the brilliant stone on my finger is actually a little surprising to me; because there had been a number of times prior to the ring breaking, when I had considered selling the ring so that we could use the money for various expenses; however, when it comes right down to it, diamonds really are, (well, NOT a girl's best friend;) beautiful to behold.

When we went to Puerto Vallarta in May, I brought my ring and diamond with me, in the hopes that my sister-in-law might know a reputable jeweler who could re-set my ring.  We went to see a friend of hers, but he didn't set real diamonds and didn't feel confident in doing so; and again we decided to hold off for a while. 
So, last week I was in the mall and I noticed a jewelry repair shop.  I made a mental note of this and when Rachel and I were in the mall on Friday, we went in to see how much they would charge to re-mount my ring.  The jeweler quoted me $259 but offered me a $30 discount if I would bring it in before September 28.  I thanked him and we decided to inquire at some other stores.  We stopped in Capri Jewelers and met a stupendous, salesman named Steve.  We started by asking a question about Rachel's wedding ring and then moved on to my situation.  I explained that I wanted to know how much they would charge to re-mount my ring with my setting ($158) and also; how much it would be for me to purchase a new setting.  I informed Steve that I was ONLY interested in a plain yellow gold band; and I was pleasantly surprised that he still maintained the same level of professionalism, courtesy and care.  Steve had a simple setting that I fell in love with, ($450) and he said that he would give me $100 for my old setting; which I thought was very fair.  Understanding that I would need to speak to my husband, we agreed that I would come back the following Saturday.
When we got home, Rachel and I told Luis all about the ring and neither of us seemed to be able to get it off of our minds.  I told Luis that on Sunday I wanted to go to a few more jewelers, because even though I loved Steve's ring; I'm The Queen of COVERING ALL OF MY BASES and I wanted to make sure that the ring at Capri was definitely the one that I wanted, and that $100 was a reasonable exchange for my setting.  Fortunately Luis had a rare, Sunday off; since he had worked on Labor day, so he was going to be able to join me on my fact finding mission.

While I was in the shower last night, I was thinking about the ring; (I know, I know;) and I remembered that we had a number of gold pieces that we could sell, so that we could use the cash towards the price of it.  I had a name plate that was carved out of a chunk of gold, (SERIOUSLY;) a ring with my name on it; (what can I tell you; it WAS the 80's,) and a number of pieces of jewelry that Luis had found with his metal detector.  When I wrote "Ralph Lauren" and described several items that Luis had found; I believe that I failed to mention that Luis owns a metal detector,  and that he likes to use when we go to Puerto Vallarta and other beach destinations.   Well, a few years ago, Luis (using the metal detector,) found a couple of rings on the beach in Vallarta.  One of the rings appeared to be a vintage, engagement ring; but we had no idea if the diamond was real or not.  The ring is quite lovely and I myself would have worn it happily, except for the fact that the ring was ridiculously small.  So today I located the ring and put it with the other jewelry that I was prepared to sell. 
Off we drove in pursuit of cash for our gold; but we found that most of the stores were closed.  There was one store that was open (I won't say that name) and even though we got a quote on a ring, we could tell that the sales"lady" was not interested in assisting us because she wanted to spend her time on a bigger sale.  The "lady" quoted us $500 for a ring that she didn't even have in stock and explained that the ring was $350 and it would cost $150 to set it.  After we exited the store, I suggested that we go back to see Steve at Capri, to confirm that the $450 price included the setting and luckily Steve was in.  I introduced him to Luis and asked to see the ring again.  Luis agreed that the ring was perfect for me; simple and elegant.  Luis asked Steve if he could give us a ball park figure on how much money we might get for the gold that we had to sell.  Steve was happy to help us and so Luis went on to ask about the engagement ring that he'd found.  We showed Steve the ring and he was blown away.  He said that he thought the diamond was genuine and then he tested it for us, and concluded that it absolutely was a diamond.  Luis and I were tickled pink.  Steve offered to trade the vintage ring for the new ring and include the appraisal that I was interested in for the new ring as well.  We were flabbergasted.  We discussed the ring at great length and Steve advised us that he could size the ring to fit me, for just $45.  so we had even more to consider.  Now I have to tell you that as impressed as I was with Steve on our first visit; I was even more impressed today.  After discussing the matter at great length, we concluded (with Steve's help,) that we should hold onto the vintage ring (possibly pass it down to Nicky,) and then try to get as much money as possible for the other gold.  We agreed and tried to go to some stores to obtain a price for our collection.
The two stores that we stopped in, each offered us $280 for the gold and then one of them actually had a ring that was similar to the one at Capri.  The salesman quoted me $275 and when I informed him that Capri would give me $100 for my old setting, he got approval to do so as well.  Luis and I thought we were on a roll, because if the ring was only going to cost $175 after my old setting; and he gave us $280 for the gold, I'd get my ring and cash back; which I could use for an appraisal.  I noticed a slight difference in the two rings but I wasn't sure if it was enough of a difference to halt this transaction.  I asked Luis if we could go back to Steve one more time to see the Capri ring again, and he complied.  I apologized to Steve for returning so soon, and asked to see the ring again.  As soon as I put it on my finger, I KNEW that although  the rings appeared to be the same; there was a significant difference as I smile profusely as I look at the Capri ring on my finger, and the less expensive ring didn't emote the same reaction.  Steve attempted to call his boss to see if he could lower his price but his boss wouldn't let him as he felt confident tht he had a superior product.  Again we talked about it extensively and ultimately concluded that just because we 'd be getting the other ring for free, this WASN'T the reason to choose THAT ring.  This ring is a symbol of our love and commitment and it was originally purchased with money that I had earned from the sale of my mom's solitaire diamond and it deserved to reside in a setting worthy of its splendor; and even if that meant that we had to spend $70 and pay for the appraisal; it was the right thing to do.
Steve suggested that we try to sell our stash for more than $280 and he said that he thought we could do so at a shop that wasn't located in the mall.  Luis and I took leave of Steve and  planned to meet with him again next Saturday; so that I'd have a week to look around and raise some cash.

Whew!  I know this is quite the story; so let's head back down hill.  Luis and I  felt that today had been a  very productive one.  We were ecstatic to find out that the vintage ring was a 1/2 carat diamond of good quality and to learn that the jewelry that had been sitting in a drawer for years just gathering dust, would now be able to be used toward a ring that was going to give me great pleasure.  We were very pleased with our decision NOT to get the free ring, just because we could; as we felt that this was NOT an appropriate way to make such decisions.  So this week I have my work cut out for me, I want to go see a jeweler that Lesa G had told me about, and check the price of my gold in a few more stores. 

I am VERY HAPPY about all that transpired today.  I think it's time to change my ring and I enjoy the fact that I'd be getting back to basics with the ring that I chose.  I am gratified to have worked with Steve as his sales approach was very refreshing and I believe, fair; and I LOVE how Luis and I worked together on this endeavor.  With all of this being said; I want you to know that there is something in this for you; and that is my recommendation to work with Steve at Capri jewelers in the Arrowhead Mall.  Let me just say that if during my quest this week, I decide to do business at a shop other than Capri (and that could only occur if I found a ring that I liked more AND for less money;) I would still HIGHLY suggest that you go see Steve for all of your jewelry needs.  If you do, please tell him that you heard about him in Paige's blog;  because I did tell him that HE was blogworthy and that I was going to write about him.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Lucky Me!

We have a little tradition in our home, that we call "making a nest." Making a nest is when you pile a lot of blankets and pillows on the floor and you get comfortable. So on Tuesday night, the girls and I decided to make a nest and watch "American Idol." We were really enjoying ourselves. We were watching the show, snuggling, joking around, and laughing A LOT; and while we were doing so, I kept thinking to myself "I am SO lucky!" I was thankful for the time that we had to relax together and marvelled at the fact that the girls had gotten to an age where we could truly appreciate each other's company. I had put my arm around Kelsie and all of a sudden I felt something sharp on my finger. I pulled my hand away, looked down and saw that my diamond was no longer in my engagement ring. To say that I was SHOCKED would be an understatement, and I don't know how I managed it, but I did NOT cry. I tried to remain calm and I called Nicky into the room and I told all of the kids that my diamond wasn't in my ring and that we needed to look for it. We immediately pulled up all of the blankets and pillows to look on the floor. I rationalized to myself that if the ring felt this sharp, the diamond couldn't have been missing for that long, or I would have noticed it before. The bad news was, I had been all over the place that day, so if the diamond wasn't underneath the blankets, IT COULD HAVE BEEN ANYWHERE.

The diamond was NOT under the nest, and I still manged to remain calm; even with the knowledge that my ring was not currently insured. The kids continued to look around the family room, and don't ask me why; but I went out to my car and prayed along the way. I opened the minivan door and turned on the light, and there on the floor mat, I found my diamond. I couldn't believe it! I was overwhelmed by how blessed I felt to find my diamond as it was nothing short of a miracle. I went inside and told the kids that I had found my diamond (in record time I might add. It could not have been more than 5 minutes.) I told the kids that we needed to thank God, and we all made our own silent prayer; except for Kelsie who wanted to say hers out loud. She thanked God for her family and for helping her mommy to find her diamond, and we all said AMEN!

Once I caught my breath, I did the next natural thing... I posted my status on Facebook. I wrote "just may be the luckiest woman in the world." And of course my friends wanted to know why. I responded by saying that "Besides for my family and my AMAZING friends; here's the basis for this post. Last night I realized that the diamond from my engagement ring had fallen out; (and no the ring was not insured.) Anyway, miraculously I remained calm, I didn't cry, and I actually FOUND the diamond. Is that LUCKY or what?" I knew that when I posted my status, people would inquire as to why I was lucky and then I would explain. Of course first and foremost I had to mention my family and friends because without them in my life, I would be nothing; but the incredible LUCK to find the diamond, now that was EXTRAORDINARY. My friend Dawn was kind enough to make a comment that suggested that I found the diamond because of all of the good karma that I put out into the world; and I would LOVE to believe that she is right.

My diamond is a beautiful 3/4 carat princess cut; that Luis and I bought after selling my mother's stunning, round diamond that I inherited. Selling her diamond felt like the right thing to do at the time, because I preferred the princess cut to the round and to be frank, my mom's stone was very large and working as social worker, I didn't feel comfortable showing up to my clients homes in the projects of Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, sporting this humongous rock. Upon reflection, Luis and I probably would have been smarter to use the money from the diamond as a nest egg; because the ring was not / is not the definition of our love or commitment to each other; but nonetheless, we bought the ring and I have worn it proudly and happily for almost 16 years. As times have been tough for us financially I have often thought about selling my ring and though I have yet to make that decision, once I saw that my diamond was gone, I felt crippled. I wasn't upset that the diamond was missing because it was a symbol of our marriage, or our love or because it was MY DIAMOND RING. I was upset because I felt like my choice was gone. It was MY CHOICE to make, to have my diamond or not; and now my safety net was pulled out from under me. In the big scheme of things I find the ring so unimportant, that I could easily sacrifice it; if it meant that things would be easier for my family ~ but that's MY decision to make; and I'm so relieved that I have found the diamond and will again HAVE the opportunity to make that decision. Oh,the power of CHOICE is not anything that should be taken for granted and is something that we ALL need to be extremely aware of and grateful for.

If you would have asked me years ago, I would have told you that I was NOT the Queen of LUCK. I had never won a lottery, a big prize or even Bingo and given my life experiences prior to meeting Luis; I would have to say that I didn't consider myself a LUCKY person at all; but after this incident, I honestly believe that there is no one luckier than me!!

On this Valentines day, I hope that you all know how lucky you are to be loved by your family, and friends; whether you have a significant other, or not. Love is a blessing, and if Dawn is right; then perhaps WE MAKE our own luck; if we actually reap what we sow. I often write about the greater good and do all I can to facilitate it; and maybe just maybe, getting my diamond back will help me bring about the greater good for my family; in whichever way I CHOOSE.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING