(43-52) WOOHOO!!! Part 2

I've got reason to SMILE!!
I assure you that "The Bumpy Ride" is not becoming an all gold selling, jewelry buying, blog.  BUT, it is the story of my life,( amongst other things;) and as I'm in constant pursuit of, (say it with me,) "The Greater Good," in these regards; I still have more to share.

In my blog, "Diamond Daze," I explained that Steve (at Capri Jewelers,) had offered me $100 for my old, engagement ring setting.  I thought that this was fair; but after seeing Phyllis at The Gold Guy yesterday, Luis suggested that we stop back in to see how much she could offer me for the setting.  I scoured my jewelry boxes since we were going to pay The Gold Guy a visit; and I found some broken pieces that I'd forgotten about, my college ring (which is already too small for my girls) and a silver ring, which was another one of Luis', Puerto Vallarta metal detector finds.  The silver ring was not in great shape, but it had 4 small "diamonds;" so we wanted to see if it was worth anything.

Upon walking through the door we were greeted, enthusiastically by Larry.  I asked if Phyllis was in, but she had the day off.  Larry assured us that he would take just as good care of us,as Phyllis had and asked how he could help.  I told Larry that I had sold some gold the day before.  I went on to tell him that I was in the process of getting my diamond re-set and I was curious to see how much he would buy my old setting for.  Larry asked me what I'd been offered, and I kindly said "I'd rather not say."  Larry offered us $50 and I politely declined; explaining that the jewelry store where I was buying my ring had offered me more.  We discussed the fact that Steve's offer was contingent on my purchase, and I assured him that I understood that and I though that it was fair; because after all, Capri is a business and I certainly expect them to make money on my sale. 

While we were talking, Christine came in to work.  Larry had gotten a phone call, so Christine proceeded to weigh our other gold.  When Larry got off the phone, Luis asked him about the silver, "diamond" ring and Larry confirmed that the "diamonds" were real and went on to say that he'd like to buy the ring.  Larry asked Luis how much he wanted for the ring, and I interjected.  I said "We really don't know how much the ring is worth, to be able to ask a certain price, so why don't you make us an offer?"  Larry nicely said "$250 - $300."  Luis said "I'll sell it for $300," and Larry said "OK."  When all was said and done, Christine wrote us a check for $460 and once again we were more than satisfied!!

We spoke with Larry and Christine for a while, and I told them that I had mentioned them in my "WOOHOO!!!" blog, because I was so impressed with their service and I wanted others to benefit from it as well; and they were truly grateful. 

In less than 24 hours we made $960 selling jewelry that was of no use to us; and I have to say that it feels MUCH better having the money in our wallets, than the jewelry in our boxes.  Tomorrow we will go to Capri for our appointment with Steve and my diamond will at last be back on my finger, serving as a shining example of the love and commitment that Luis and I share.  WOOHOO!!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-51) WOOHOO!!!

Tonight I am a happy girl, an overjoyed girl, an I CAN'T BELIEVE IT girl!!!  With the essay now behind me; I was able to focus on other matters today.  So this afternoon Kelsie and I went to The Gold Guy, to see how much they would pay for the stash that I wrote about in "Diamond Daze."  During that blog I mentioned that two stores in the mall had offered me $280 for the jewelry; and I wanted to see if I could make more than that.  Kelsie and I were warmly, greeted by Phyllis and I explained that I wanted to see how much she could offer me for my gold.  Phyllis asked if she was trying to beat a price, and I said yes; but I did not disclose what the price was.  Now typically I don't have a good poker face; but today I would have made Lady Gaga proud.

Phyllis weighed my jewelry and asked me if $485.00 would do it.   Oh Boy!  I contained myself on the outside, but inside I was doing the dance of joy.  And as composed as could be, I replied "That could do it, but could you make it $500?"  Oh yes I DID!!  Seriously, what did I have to lose; the worst that she could say was no, but as I wrote in "The Dirty Word;  even if she had said "NO," I'd be fine.  BUT, she didn't say no.  Instead she said, "let me call my boss."  Phyllis made the call and told him how much my gold weighed.  She asked if she could give me the dealer price and he said "It sounds like you already did.  But alright, if she wants $500, make her happy and give it to her."  Make me happy, indeed!!  I called Luis to see if he was OK with me accepting the $500 rather than shopping around, and he was just fine with it.
I told Phyllis that we had a deal and she wrote me a check for $500.  Phyllis told me that they do parties and I thought this was fantastic.  How nice would it be to invite friends over to a party that actually made them money rather than asking them to spend some; and all they'd have to do is sell a broken chain or an orphan earring.  She also said that they do fundraisers, and I immediately thought that this might be a super, soccer event.
Phyllis told me that I could deposit my check or go to the Wells Fargo in the Fry's down the street and they would cash it.  Kelsie and I promptly went to Fry's and walked out with 5 crisp, hundred dollar bills.  I was SO HAPPY!  The $500 is going to be enough money to mount my diamond in the new setting, get the ring appraised for my insurance,  AND get the extra ring sized.  Woohoo!!!!!  I told Phyllis that I was so pleased with her service that I was going to mention her in my blog.  So if your local and you're interested in selling gold; I highly recommend paying Phyllis a visit at THE GOLD GUY - 9827 W. Grand Ave. Suite A Sun City, AZ 85351 623-251-5664; and if you go please tell her that you read about her in Paige's blog.  Not becasue I'll get anything in return; just becasue I want her to know that I kept my word.

I am SO delighted that gold that was just sitting in my jewelry box doing nothing; has now helped to put my diamond back on my finger;  and in a setting that I will enjoy for years to come.  To quote Mike Myers as Dieter in Sprockets from "Saturday Night Live;" "Now's the time on Sprockets when we dance."  Enjoy my new fave tune!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-50) One Step At A Time

I considered a lot of different titles for this milestone post.  "One Foot In Front Of The Other,"  "Step by Step," "Small Victories," and "I'm On My Way," just to name a few.  I think that any of these titles would have been appropriate, because they all convey that ANY effort and EACH  accomplishment, will bring you that much closer to achieving your goal.  To quote Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Leo Marvin in "What About Bob," "Baby steps, baby steps;"  and even if you haven't seen that hysterical movie; I'm sure that you know what I mean. 

When I decided that I was going to write my blog, everyday during my 43rd year; I knew that it was going to be a huge undertaking; especially if I wanted to maintain "The Bumpy Ride" as a storytelling blog, an observational humor blog, an advice for the (say it with me,) "Greater Good" blog, and not just a journal of my daily activities.  Now surely  I know that some of my posts have been better than others, but in the long run, it's all about the journey.  In addition to this being writing practice for me; it's also on its way to becoming a book of memories.  A book that will tell my children and the world EXACTLY who I was and what I did during the year that possibly could have been my last.  So will I share music that I like; you betcha, because how else will my kids know what put a smile on my face and made me want to shake my groove thing.  I still remember songs that were my mom's faves; and every time that I hear one, I am happily reminded of her.  I think that it's important for me to write about the people in my life that make it special.  The triumphs and the failures, my hopes and my fears; my mistakes and my successes.   And speaking of, tonight I have 2 reasons to celebrate.   First, this post is now the fiftieth in my "43" endeavor.  It's hard to believe that I've already got 50 posts under my belt. Time is already flying by; and honestly, I'm looking forward to seeing what I create in the next 50 days.  When I break it down like that, 316 more doesn't sound quite as intimidating.

I am very happy to report that my second cause for celebration is my submission in the "Glamour magazine" essay contest.  At approximately 530 this afternoon; my fine tuned essay (thanks to the help of Michelle M and Lesa G,) was entered into the contest that could award me $5000 and an opportunity to meet with an agent; and I'll modestly say, that I believe that I submitted a fine piece of work.

I have set many goals for myself in the past 50 days, and I believe that I am ready for all of the challenges that I am presenting to myself this year; because to quote Gandhi, I am going to "be the change that I want to see in the world."
Change is most often accomplished "One Step At A Time."  Each step puts you closer to your goal, closer to the changes that you want to effect and although it can be scary; CHANGE can be a VERY good thing and each one, a cause for celebration.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING