diamond eyes in 2013-2014

I'm pretty sure I used this title on OD, but it's super pertinent today!

It's a really pretty day. Gorgeous. Brilliant blue sky and no rain, for once! And 55 degrees, not 15! I'm in my box fort playing Disney's Hercules on Netflix.

Yesterday, I slept from 2am to 2pm. I had been really tired all week, and wasn't surprised to crash. I am surprised that I slept through a thunderstorm (mostly), a severe thunderstorm, a tornado watch, 60mph winds, and almost 4 inches of rain. Holy crap, self. After it had been over for a bit, I went for a walk before the sun went down. It was 60 degrees and the humidity was 80%. I jogged across the street to be considerate to drivers, and it felt SO GOOD! I figured that 60 degrees was too cool, but it felt so good that I decided to just stop jogging when the air got to me and I started wheezing. The high humidity was perfect, though, and I never wheezed. I never got out of breath. I jogged merrily along, delighted, and only stopped when I got home. (All the more reason to move to Charleston, amirite?)

IT

FELT

AMAZING.

It's mild again today, but much lower humidity. I considered another walk, but I'm happy to be in my box fort with Hercules, a huge drink from Sonic, both animals asleep on the bed next to me, and an open window. The fresh air smells wonderful.

Church was truly excellent. I had my duckie back! He was originally put in a different room during the splitting into 3 classes. I had to go get him back and we had a tackle/cuddle chat about being a big boy for a week. But he was back! And there was hugging and quacking all around. I love that kid. He stammers when he's not sure what to say, and tends to hide his face, but once he's comfortable, he's a squirmy, hyper, chatterbox. Who quacks. We had one of our hyperactive regulars, too, who's very sweet and friendly, but has the energy of a pent up golden retriever. Turns out, if I sit at large group with Duckie in my lap and give the other boy my hand, he plays with the spinner ring on thumb. It's locked on by a smaller ring, so it's harmless. He spins the ring and then actually... sits still and mentally participates. It's magic.

After church, I took a nap. Then I changed my clothes, prettied up a bit (so that Zales would be inclined to cooperate), and took my grandmother's rings to Zales for their restyling event. Six or seven years ago, she got sick and dehydrated and ended up in the hospital. After she got home again, she gave me all of her meaningful jewelry: engagement and wedding rings (her husband had died 10+ years ago), a giant amethyst, and a giant opal. She told me to take them somewhere, get them cleaned up and appraised, and to use them. I just never knew where. She died from pancreatic cancer in 2010.

In conclusion, her one ring isn't a real diamond. It's either quartz or aquamarine, and it's close to 100 years old. The cut style is too old/archaic to be used in modern settings, so if I did something with it, it has to go in an open-mounted pendant or something.

Her other ring, the one with three diamonds, is nice. The two tiny diamonds are too small to be reused. The suggestion was to take out the center diamond, cut the ring in half, and turn the halves into earrings. The center diamond is estimated (since we didn't take it out) to be a third of a carat, SI, round brilliant, and maybe an H color. I looked it up online. It has about a $500 value, and I can do anything with it. No limitations.

Aaron gets custody of the ring next time I see him. To do whatever he sees fit. cough :)

After Zales, I went to Sonic. I got a 99-cent Route 44 supersized drink (suck it, New York) and a 99-cent chili cheese fry. I had to go through the drive-through and then to a stall, and basically break the spirit of the rules, but it was tasty and worth it. And if I do the survey on my receipt, I get a free Route 44 with my next food buy. Done.

I have Skyped Kristen, my old roommate from FSU. She got her gallbladder taken out and is on Percocet. That was... fun, haha. I've been meaning to talk to her. I'm glad she called me.

Next weekend is a three day weekend from both class and work. First thought is WHOO CHARLESTON HERE I COME, but wait: I have my fire dancing class on Saturday afternoon. So I might still go to Charleston, but it wouldn't be Friday night through Monday afternoon. It's up in the air. These last six months are going to be maddening as hell. So close! So far! Ahhh. It's only January and I kind of want to claw at the walls. Late April, before the game really goes into effect and Rockfest happens, is going to be rough.

Rabble, rabble. Singing along to Won't Say I'm in Love. Also, this:

Contralto woes.