Filed under: Gold Wedding Ring

Jewelry Through Security

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > ? > He was VERY proud of his find, and said something to the effect, > ? > "Aren’t you glad we could find something as small as this?"  I just > ? > GLARED at him, and said a firm "NO!". > ? > ? At that close range, the wand will report amazingly small amounts of > ? anything metallic.  I’d like to hear some experiences from those with body > ? piercings in strange places.  Interesting to hear what the TSA goobs do in a > ? case like that. > ? > ? > A gleeful strip search comes to mind. > Don’t you feel safer now, knowing our TSA boys are keeping the skies > free from terrorists :-)

TSA Does not supply Security.  TSA supplies the ILLUSION of Security.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Service > ? > He was VERY proud of his find, and said something to the effect, > ? > "Aren’t you glad we could find something as small as this?"  I just > ? > GLARED at him, and said a firm "NO!". > ? > ? At that close range, the wand will report amazingly small amounts of > ? anything metallic.  I’d like to hear some experiences from those with > body > ? piercings in strange places.  Interesting to hear what the TSA goobs do > in a > ? case like that. > ? > ? > A gleeful strip search comes to mind. > Don’t you feel safer now, knowing our TSA boys are keeping the skies > free from terrorists :-) > TSA Does not supply Security.  TSA supplies the ILLUSION of Security.

No, TSA doesn’t even supply the ILLUSION of security!  :-) They supply a BLATANT FARCE that fooled nobody, as an illusion tend to fool most folks. The Hong Kong TSA goons confiscated ANOTHER one of my finger-nail clippers!  If I had been carrying it in my carry-on, instead of my wife, I would have demonstrated to the TSA goon that my bare middle finger could do more damage to him than that finger-nail clipper can.m And then I may be jailed for a few days … but the news media would pick up the news … and everyone will be happy about the security.  ;-) — Bob.

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Bridal Jewelry and Wedding Bands – Custom and Ready-Made!!

Question:

SPAMMER Ron Ng Knows!

Response:

I offer custom-made fine bridal jewelry for the entire wedding party — coordinate your look with jewelry!  Necklaces, earrings, veil/hair pieces, bracelets, anklets, and more. Also a huge selection of fine jewelry and wedding rings (Sterling Silver, Gold, Titanium, Stainless and more!), most styles customizable and all styles discounted from high mall-store prices.  Satisfaction guaranteed! Geography is not a barrier — I can work remotely with you via internet, phone, and mail! Visit today and download my free Bridal Idea Book in PDF format. Karen Goeller kgoeller at nolimitations dot com No Limitations Designs http://www.nolimitations.com — —

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My Wedding Ring

Question:

Is it possible to buy a kit to enable me to melt down my wedding ring and re-mould it?

Response:

> Is it possible to buy a kit to enable me to melt down my wedding ring and > re-mould it?

In an All-Clad wedding gift pot????   ;-) Take it to a jeweler that specializes in custom made stuff and/or repairs. gp

Response:

> > Is it possible to buy a kit to enable me to melt down my wedding ring and > re-mould it?

Are you sure it’s solid gold? If it’s plated, you may be surprised how little gold you actually have when it melts and drips off the core metal. Edward

Response:

Just 9 carat

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Is it possible to buy a kit to enable me to melt down my wedding ring and > > re-mould it? > Are you sure it’s solid gold? If it’s plated, you may be surprised how > little gold you actually have when it melts and drips off the core metal. > Edward

Response:

lol you sound like you have tried this before Ed ;) CJ Yaeger Secret Agent Enterprises "You don’t need to be a detective to know we are the best at video!" www.secretagentent.com or check out our bridal software at ebay! Just look up secretagententerprises

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > Is it possible to buy a kit to enable me to melt down my wedding ring and > > re-mould it? > Are you sure it’s solid gold? If it’s plated, you may be surprised how > little gold you actually have when it melts and drips off the core metal. > Edward

Response:

>In an All-Clad wedding gift pot????

Can I use that for pewting? Ron Ng Knows!

Response:

ridiculous

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Just 9 carat > > > Is it possible to buy a kit to enable me to melt down my wedding ring > and > > > re-mould it? > Are you sure it’s solid gold? If it’s plated, you may be surprised how > little gold you actually have when it melts and drips off the core metal. > Edward

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If smoking was free…

Question:

Nope.  I don’t think so. With hope and heart, Kathleen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are > just going to rise!!! >     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that > "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned > there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh > my!!! >     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it? >     All it takes is one! > —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– > http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! > —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

>The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are >just going to rise!!! >    Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that >"free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned >there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh >my!!! >    Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… >– >If smoking was free, would you still do it? >    All it takes is one!

Why would I?  I’m a nonsmoker!  And I never want to be in chains again! — Dale http://www.motiration.com/ One week, two days, 20 hours, 7 minutes and 28 seconds as a nonsmoker. 245 cigarettes not smoked, saving $49.68. Life saved: 20 hours, 25 minutes.

Response:

> If smoking was free, would you still do it? > Not just no, hell no.  I don’t like being an addict.  I love my freedom :-) > epvof

That’s the part I like the best.  The freedom is awesome. Kim

Response:

Wise words.  I think that just about everything in quitting is a case where each person has to find there own way.  That’s why groups like this are so useful.  Between your input and my input and Edna, and Elle, and Ian, and… everybody… people get a chance to sort out what will work best for *them*.  :-) Diane M.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > That’s interesting.  I hope I can get to a place where I feel that I can do > that.  I don’t like being so harsh on myself.  It doesn’t really feel that > way to me.  I also took your advice about not feeling like I was missing > anything.  I think I’ve put them both together somehow.  As I don’t feel > badly about any of it anymore.  Maybe with my husband smoking it would be > dangerous for me to romanticize smoking.  I might fall into wanting to smoke > with him like we used to do.  It doesn’t feel like a trigger to me.  But > then I try not to think about it too hard when I’m outside with him while he > smokes.  I let it skim across my brain.  Acknowledging it and not really > giving it much space at the same time.  This is definately a case where each > person has to find their own way.  It’s not like a maze where there’s only > one right way.  I know that is what you are saying, also. > Kim

Response:

The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are just going to rise!!!     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh my!!!     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… — If smoking was free, would you still do it?     All it takes is one! —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Keven opened all of our eyes with this: > The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of > smoking are just going to rise!!! >     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where >     that > "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack > abandoned there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen > from the pack!  Oh my!!! >     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it? >     All it takes is one!

I don’t smoke.

Response:

No.  I didn’t quit for financial reasons, although I like the financial benefits.  I like not smoking, and if it was free, or even if someone offered to pay me to do it, I would not start again for money. Diane M.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are > just going to rise!!! >     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that > "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned > there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack! Oh > my!!! >     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it? >     All it takes is one! > —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– > http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! > —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

>     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it?

Doesn’t matter to me if smoking is "free".  I don’t smoke anymore. Joy

Response:

I work in a bar and the daily opportunities for "free" smokes are one of the perks (or so I used to think). Here I am. Kinda answers your question, doesn’t it? Chris f3as3 Off of smokes for  Three weeks, two days, 11 hours, 59 minutes and 31 seconds. 469 stinky cigarettes not smoked, saving $82.25. Life saved: 1 day, 15 hours, 5 minutes. It’s my meter and I’m sticking to it! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are >just going to rise!!! >    Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that >"free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned >there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh >my!!! >    Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… >– >If smoking was free, would you still do it? >    All it takes is one! >—–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– >http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! >—–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes.  But if smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up again, lol.

Response:

> I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes.  But if > smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up

again, lol. IMO: This is dangerous ground to go over.  I seem to remember reading a thread about this a few months after I first got here.  IF smoking was not addictive, and IF it didn’t contribute to any diseases, it would still be smelling your clothes/house/car/etc up, and would still be sucking money out of your pocket for an activity that was giving you no physiological pleasure and served only to promote an image of sociability where appropriate.  Seems to me that this is how the tobacco companies promoted their products for years.  I would not want to see anyone taking this lightly.  Call me a busybody if you like. Eddie

Response:

If smoking could be done without ANY of the effects – coughing, congestion, addiction, risk of disease… then I would consider smoking again.  But that is patently impossible, since the very act of "smoking" implies taking smoke into ones lungs, therefore the coughing and congestion would remain, even if the carcinogens and addictive substances could be removed. Diane M.

> I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes. But if > smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up again,

lol.

Response:

I was told something here when I first got here.  I don’t remember who told it to me or why but I hung on to it and it’s made a big difference.  Here it is: Don’t under *any* circumstances, romanticize smoking.  It’s dangerous thinking. I think it keeps me sane enough not to smoke much of the time. Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> If smoking could be done without ANY of the effects – coughing, congestion, > addiction, risk of disease… then I would consider smoking again.  But that > is patently impossible, since the very act of "smoking" implies taking smoke > into ones lungs, therefore the coughing and congestion would remain, even if > the carcinogens and addictive substances could be removed. > Diane M. > I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes. > But if > smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up again, > lol.

Response:

I have to admit that I do "romanticize" smoking, a bit.  I *liked* smoking. I enjoyed a lot of things about it.  But I LOVE *not* smoking.  There are a lot of things in my life that I once loved to do, and don’t do anymore because I don’t like the results.  I don’t really miss them, in the sense that I want to do them on a regular basis, because I know that if I do them I will feel bad.  It’s a simple choice, for me.  If you need to think of everything about smoking as bad, then so be it – but for me it’s easier to acknowledge what I miss, so that I can find replacements and not feel as if there is a hole in my life.  I decided when I first quit that I was not going to be a "sorry" smoker – one who constantly feels as if they are missing out on something.  And I’m not.  There are still a few bugs to be worked out, but for the most part I have moved past triggers and have a richer, fuller, life than when I smoke – and I know that smoking would diminish that life significantly.  :-) One example: Losing things was always a *major* trigger for me… whenever I lost my keys or a paper or a book I would want to smoke.  Yesterday, I misplaced my wedding ring (of all things), and had to search for it, and didn’t once have a crave, although I was quite stressed about losing it.  I did find it, btw.  Whew.  :-) Diane M.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was told something here when I first got here.  I don’t remember who told > it to me or why but I hung on to it and it’s made a big difference.  Here it > is: > Don’t under *any* circumstances, romanticize smoking.  It’s dangerous > thinking. > I think it keeps me sane enough not to smoke much of the time. > Kim

Response:

> If smoking was free, would you still do it?

Not just no, hell no.  I don’t like being an addict.  I love my freedom  :-) epvof

Response:

That’s interesting.  I hope I can get to a place where I feel that I can do that.  I don’t like being so harsh on myself.  It doesn’t really feel that way to me.  I also took your advice about not feeling like I was missing anything.  I think I’ve put them both together somehow.  As I don’t feel badly about any of it anymore.  Maybe with my husband smoking it would be dangerous for me to romanticize smoking.  I might fall into wanting to smoke with him like we used to do.  It doesn’t feel like a trigger to me.  But then I try not to think about it too hard when I’m outside with him while he smokes.  I let it skim across my brain.  Acknowledging it and not really giving it much space at the same time.  This is definately a case where each person has to find their own way.  It’s not like a maze where there’s only one right way.  I know that is what you are saying, also. Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have to admit that I do "romanticize" smoking, a bit.  I *liked* smoking. > I enjoyed a lot of things about it.  But I LOVE *not* smoking.  There are a > lot of things in my life that I once loved to do, and don’t do anymore > because I don’t like the results.  I don’t really miss them, in the sense > that I want to do them on a regular basis, because I know that if I do them > I will feel bad.  It’s a simple choice, for me.  If you need to think of > everything about smoking as bad, then so be it – but for me it’s easier to > acknowledge what I miss, so that I can find replacements and not feel as if > there is a hole in my life.  I decided when I first quit that I was not > going to be a "sorry" smoker – one who constantly feels as if they are > missing out on something.  And I’m not.  There are still a few bugs to be > worked out, but for the most part I have moved past triggers and have a > richer, fuller, life than when I smoke – and I know that smoking would > diminish that life significantly.  :-)

Response:

The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are just going to rise!!!     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh my!!!     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… — If smoking was free, would you still do it?     All it takes is one! —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Keven opened all of our eyes with this: > The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of > smoking are just going to rise!!! >     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where >     that > "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack > abandoned there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen > from the pack!  Oh my!!! >     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it? >     All it takes is one!

I don’t smoke.

Response:

No.  I didn’t quit for financial reasons, although I like the financial benefits.  I like not smoking, and if it was free, or even if someone offered to pay me to do it, I would not start again for money. Diane M.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are > just going to rise!!! >     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that > "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned > there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack! Oh > my!!! >     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it? >     All it takes is one! > —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– > http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! > —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

>     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it?

Doesn’t matter to me if smoking is "free".  I don’t smoke anymore. Joy

Response:

I work in a bar and the daily opportunities for "free" smokes are one of the perks (or so I used to think). Here I am. Kinda answers your question, doesn’t it? Chris f3as3 Off of smokes for  Three weeks, two days, 11 hours, 59 minutes and 31 seconds. 469 stinky cigarettes not smoked, saving $82.25. Life saved: 1 day, 15 hours, 5 minutes. It’s my meter and I’m sticking to it! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are >just going to rise!!! >    Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that >"free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned >there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh >my!!! >    Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… >– >If smoking was free, would you still do it? >    All it takes is one! >—–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– >http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! >—–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes.  But if smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up again, lol.

Response:

> I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes.  But if > smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up

again, lol. IMO: This is dangerous ground to go over.  I seem to remember reading a thread about this a few months after I first got here.  IF smoking was not addictive, and IF it didn’t contribute to any diseases, it would still be smelling your clothes/house/car/etc up, and would still be sucking money out of your pocket for an activity that was giving you no physiological pleasure and served only to promote an image of sociability where appropriate.  Seems to me that this is how the tobacco companies promoted their products for years.  I would not want to see anyone taking this lightly.  Call me a busybody if you like. Eddie

Response:

If smoking could be done without ANY of the effects – coughing, congestion, addiction, risk of disease… then I would consider smoking again.  But that is patently impossible, since the very act of "smoking" implies taking smoke into ones lungs, therefore the coughing and congestion would remain, even if the carcinogens and addictive substances could be removed. Diane M.

> I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes. But if > smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up again,

lol.

Response:

I was told something here when I first got here.  I don’t remember who told it to me or why but I hung on to it and it’s made a big difference.  Here it is: Don’t under *any* circumstances, romanticize smoking.  It’s dangerous thinking. I think it keeps me sane enough not to smoke much of the time. Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> If smoking could be done without ANY of the effects – coughing, congestion, > addiction, risk of disease… then I would consider smoking again.  But that > is patently impossible, since the very act of "smoking" implies taking smoke > into ones lungs, therefore the coughing and congestion would remain, even if > the carcinogens and addictive substances could be removed. > Diane M. > I would not smoke if smoking was free or if I was offered free smokes. > But if > smoking didn’t cause any health problems – I might just start up again, > lol.

Response:

I have to admit that I do "romanticize" smoking, a bit.  I *liked* smoking. I enjoyed a lot of things about it.  But I LOVE *not* smoking.  There are a lot of things in my life that I once loved to do, and don’t do anymore because I don’t like the results.  I don’t really miss them, in the sense that I want to do them on a regular basis, because I know that if I do them I will feel bad.  It’s a simple choice, for me.  If you need to think of everything about smoking as bad, then so be it – but for me it’s easier to acknowledge what I miss, so that I can find replacements and not feel as if there is a hole in my life.  I decided when I first quit that I was not going to be a "sorry" smoker – one who constantly feels as if they are missing out on something.  And I’m not.  There are still a few bugs to be worked out, but for the most part I have moved past triggers and have a richer, fuller, life than when I smoke – and I know that smoking would diminish that life significantly.  :-) One example: Losing things was always a *major* trigger for me… whenever I lost my keys or a paper or a book I would want to smoke.  Yesterday, I misplaced my wedding ring (of all things), and had to search for it, and didn’t once have a crave, although I was quite stressed about losing it.  I did find it, btw.  Whew.  :-) Diane M.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was told something here when I first got here.  I don’t remember who told > it to me or why but I hung on to it and it’s made a big difference.  Here it > is: > Don’t under *any* circumstances, romanticize smoking.  It’s dangerous > thinking. > I think it keeps me sane enough not to smoke much of the time. > Kim

Response:

> If smoking was free, would you still do it?

Not just no, hell no.  I don’t like being an addict.  I love my freedom  :-) epvof

Response:

That’s interesting.  I hope I can get to a place where I feel that I can do that.  I don’t like being so harsh on myself.  It doesn’t really feel that way to me.  I also took your advice about not feeling like I was missing anything.  I think I’ve put them both together somehow.  As I don’t feel badly about any of it anymore.  Maybe with my husband smoking it would be dangerous for me to romanticize smoking.  I might fall into wanting to smoke with him like we used to do.  It doesn’t feel like a trigger to me.  But then I try not to think about it too hard when I’m outside with him while he smokes.  I let it skim across my brain.  Acknowledging it and not really giving it much space at the same time.  This is definately a case where each person has to find their own way.  It’s not like a maze where there’s only one right way.  I know that is what you are saying, also. Kim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have to admit that I do "romanticize" smoking, a bit.  I *liked* smoking. > I enjoyed a lot of things about it.  But I LOVE *not* smoking.  There are a > lot of things in my life that I once loved to do, and don’t do anymore > because I don’t like the results.  I don’t really miss them, in the sense > that I want to do them on a regular basis, because I know that if I do them > I will feel bad.  It’s a simple choice, for me.  If you need to think of > everything about smoking as bad, then so be it – but for me it’s easier to > acknowledge what I miss, so that I can find replacements and not feel as if > there is a hole in my life.  I decided when I first quit that I was not > going to be a "sorry" smoker – one who constantly feels as if they are > missing out on something.  And I’m not.  There are still a few bugs to be > worked out, but for the most part I have moved past triggers and have a > richer, fuller, life than when I smoke – and I know that smoking would > diminish that life significantly.  :-)

Response:

> If smoking was free, would you still do it? > Not just no, hell no.  I don’t like being an addict.  I love my freedom :-) > epvof

That’s the part I like the best.  The freedom is awesome. Kim

Response:

Wise words.  I think that just about everything in quitting is a case where each person has to find there own way.  That’s why groups like this are so useful.  Between your input and my input and Edna, and Elle, and Ian, and… everybody… people get a chance to sort out what will work best for *them*.  :-) Diane M.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > That’s interesting.  I hope I can get to a place where I feel that I can do > that.  I don’t like being so harsh on myself.  It doesn’t really feel that > way to me.  I also took your advice about not feeling like I was missing > anything.  I think I’ve put them both together somehow.  As I don’t feel > badly about any of it anymore.  Maybe with my husband smoking it would be > dangerous for me to romanticize smoking.  I might fall into wanting to smoke > with him like we used to do.  It doesn’t feel like a trigger to me.  But > then I try not to think about it too hard when I’m outside with him while he > smokes.  I let it skim across my brain.  Acknowledging it and not really > giving it much space at the same time.  This is definately a case where each > person has to find their own way.  It’s not like a maze where there’s only > one right way.  I know that is what you are saying, also. > Kim

Response:

>The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are >just going to rise!!! >    Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that >"free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned >there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh >my!!! >    Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… >– >If smoking was free, would you still do it? >    All it takes is one!

Why would I?  I’m a nonsmoker!  And I never want to be in chains again! — Dale http://www.motiration.com/ One week, two days, 20 hours, 7 minutes and 28 seconds as a nonsmoker. 245 cigarettes not smoked, saving $49.68. Life saved: 20 hours, 25 minutes.

Response:

Nope.  I don’t think so. With hope and heart, Kathleen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The fact is, that smoking is not going to be free. The costs of smoking are > just going to rise!!! >     Where you (and me included) could possibly have a problem is where that > "free" smoke is offered. Offered one… ask for one… see a pack abandoned > there… even see one solitary cigarette that has fallen from the pack!  Oh > my!!! >     Can you tell, I’ve "been there"?  So, I’m asking you once again… > — > If smoking was free, would you still do it? >     All it takes is one! > —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– > http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! > —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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Lost and found

Question:

Has anyone had any experience with the RCI/Celebrity lost and found for items left on the ship’s public riooms? Inspector Gadget

Response:

Yes.  Left my wedding ring either at the pool bar or a lavatory near there on Explorer of the Seas.  Retrieved from lost and found 4 days later when I noticed it missing (long story).  They asked for identification and description.  I passed the test and they gave it to me.  I and my wife were quite surprised it showed up. Jerry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Has anyone had any experience with the RCI/Celebrity lost and found for > items left on the ship’s public riooms? > Inspector Gadget

Response:

My wife left a poncho-like cape in the show lounge on the Summit. I wasn’t found. I didn’t like it anyway. The same cruise she lost a herringbone gold necklace in the changing room bathroom at a beach bar at Playa del Carmen. Someone in the group said she found it & turned it into the bar (personnel). All of a sudden, no one spoke English (or Spanish even). Since then, I got her a new one for Christmas. No problem mon. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Yes.  Left my wedding ring either at the pool bar or a lavatory near there > on Explorer of the Seas.  Retrieved from lost and found 4 days later when I > noticed it missing (long story).  They asked for identification and > description.  I passed the test and they gave it to me.  I and my wife were > quite surprised it showed up. > Jerry > Has anyone had any experience with the RCI/Celebrity lost and found for > items left on the ship’s public riooms? > Inspector Gadget

Response:

Has anyone had any experience with the RCI/Celebrity lost and found for items left on the ship’s public riooms? Inspector Gadget

Response:

Yes.  Left my wedding ring either at the pool bar or a lavatory near there on Explorer of the Seas.  Retrieved from lost and found 4 days later when I noticed it missing (long story).  They asked for identification and description.  I passed the test and they gave it to me.  I and my wife were quite surprised it showed up. Jerry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Has anyone had any experience with the RCI/Celebrity lost and found for > items left on the ship’s public riooms? > Inspector Gadget

Response:

My wife left a poncho-like cape in the show lounge on the Summit. I wasn’t found. I didn’t like it anyway. The same cruise she lost a herringbone gold necklace in the changing room bathroom at a beach bar at Playa del Carmen. Someone in the group said she found it & turned it into the bar (personnel). All of a sudden, no one spoke English (or Spanish even). Since then, I got her a new one for Christmas. No problem mon. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Yes.  Left my wedding ring either at the pool bar or a lavatory near there > on Explorer of the Seas.  Retrieved from lost and found 4 days later when I > noticed it missing (long story).  They asked for identification and > description.  I passed the test and they gave it to me.  I and my wife were > quite surprised it showed up. > Jerry > Has anyone had any experience with the RCI/Celebrity lost and found for > items left on the ship’s public riooms? > Inspector Gadget

Response:

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How to honor Mother of Bride??

Question:

Would you please tell us more about this rose ceremony?  I was planning to give my mother and the mother of my FH a rose from my bouquet, and I’m interested in how others are handling/have handled this.  Thanks! Laurie & Ed March 17, 2001 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We’re honouring my mother by having her receive the rose from our rose > ceremony as we walk back down the aisle.  We’re also presenting her with an > engraved frame for use later, once we’ve developed pictures. > Cheryl (marrying the love of her life in 16 days!) > Okay, the Father gets to walk the bride down the aisle, give her away, > and get’s the Father/Daughter dance. > The Mother of the Groom get’s her Mother/Son dance. > How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception?  (aside from Unity > Candle and handing her my boquet instead of traditional boquet toss) > Any ideas? > I’m getting married NEXT WEEKEND!!  And I’m STILL STUMPED!! > HELP!! > Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

<< >How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception?   >> At a few of my weddings I have seen the BG cut their cake and then cut extra pieces and walk over together and present them to their parents and/or grandparents.  It was a lovely sentiment. Best regards, Rick Rosen Newport Beach, CA www.rickrosen.com

Response:

> I don’t know if it’s done in other parts of the world, but nowadays (in New > Zealand) it’s increasingly common for both of your parents to walk you down > the aisle.

In a traditional Jewish ceremony that’s how you do it too.  I’ve read in several magazines and in one of the Emily Post books that this is being done more and more at non-Jewish weddings too.  I’m looking forward to walking down the isle with both of my parents escorting me (or holding me up depending on how crazed I am at that point). — Melissa [The big day is March 18, 2001]

Response:

How about toward the end of the dance with your dad you both walk over to her and have her join you in a group hug and sway together a moment? She can also walk you down the aisle with your dad. Glo

Response:

The rose ceremony (at least the one we’re using) goes something like what’s been outlined below.  It will immediately precede the closing remarks, the kiss and the processional. Rose Ceremony (First Gift Ceremony) [OFFICIANT]  "Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings – which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other. You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman – the title of "husband" and "wife." In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing – it meant the words "I love you." So it is appropriate that for your first gift – as husband and wife – that gift would be a single rose. Ian and Cheryl exchange roses. [OFFICIANT]  In some ways it would seem as if you have done nothing at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose – and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life – one I hope you always remember – the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage. Cheryl and Ian, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure." Ian and Cheryl give roses to Mothers. Cheryl (marrying the love of my life in 16 days!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Would you please tell us more about this rose ceremony?  I was planning > to give my mother and the mother of my FH a rose from my bouquet, and > I’m interested in how others are handling/have handled this.  Thanks! > Laurie & Ed > March 17, 2001 > We’re honouring my mother by having her receive the rose from our rose > ceremony as we walk back down the aisle.  We’re also presenting her > with an > engraved frame for use later, once we’ve developed pictures. > Cheryl (marrying the love of her life in 16 days!) > > Okay, the Father gets to walk the bride down the aisle, give her > away, > > and get’s the Father/Daughter dance. > > The Mother of the Groom get’s her Mother/Son dance. > > How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception?  (aside from > Unity > > Candle and handing her my boquet instead of traditional boquet toss) > > Any ideas? > > I’m getting married NEXT WEEKEND!!  And I’m STILL STUMPED!! > > HELP!! > > Before you buy. > Before you buy.

Response:

or right before the father "drops you off" at the altar, stop and hand your mother a rose. Yingnyangs Oct 21, 2000

Response:

 >How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception? Have both your parents escort you down the aisle. Did they not both raise you?

Response:

Hi, i don’t know if you’ll get this in time, but during our reception when people were toasting, i presented my bouquet to my mother with thanks for all the wonderful work she did on the wedding (as well as for just being a generally fabulous mommy)…she was surprised, we both got all teary, it was really nice! – Lissie (married over two months!!  :) * Sent from Novell Discussion Forums http://novell.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

> How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception?  (aside from Unity > Candle and handing her my boquet instead of traditional boquet toss) > Any ideas?

Believe me, being mother of the bride is normally honour enough.  She gets almost as much attention as the happy couple themselves. -Elena

Response:

Thank you ALL SOOOOO very much!  I do appreciate all of the ideas, suggestions and reassuring words.  I am definately going to follow the below suggestion.  I’m getting married in *gulp* 5 days now!!  Thank you all and the best to all of you!! > Hi, i don’t know if you’ll get this in time, but during our reception > when people were toasting, i presented my bouquet to my mother with > thanks for all the wonderful work she did on the wedding (as well as > for just being a generally fabulous mommy)…she was surprised, we both > got all teary, it was really nice! > – Lissie (married over two months!!  :) > * Sent from Novell Discussion Forums http://novell.remarq.com The

Internet’s Discussion Network * > The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Before you buy.

Response:

> Okay, the Father gets to walk the bride down the aisle, give her away, > and get’s the Father/Daughter dance. > The Mother of the Groom get’s her Mother/Son dance. > How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception?  (aside from Unity > Candle and handing her my boquet instead of traditional boquet toss) > Any ideas?

        Don’t worry about putting on a show of honoring her.  First off, your behavior throughout this entire process of planning the wedding is your first opportunity to honor her.  Then, you could take some time right before the wedding to spend just with her to tell her how much you appreciate all she’s done for you all your life, and what a special woman she is.  If you want it to be really special, put it in writing.  If there’s a perfect gift that would really express your feelings, you might consider that.  Then, you have the entire wedding day during which it will be obvious how much you appreciate your mother and all her help.  You might even propose a toast to her during the reception to let everyone else know how special she is. And if your fiance were to have a few kind words to her (in private or in a toast), well, I’m sure she’d be tickled with that too.  I think any mother would be most honored by private expressions of deep feeling and by being included and appreciated on your special day.  The trappings won’t mean a thing without all that, and if you do those things, the trappings won’t do anything but gild the lily because her heart will already be full. Best wishes, Ericka

Response:

>Okay, the Father gets to walk the bride down the aisle, give her away, >and get’s the Father/Daughter dance.

Instead of Dad giving the bride away try this: once he deposits you at the altar, he steps back and joins Mom. When the officiant asks, "Who gives/presents this woman?", both Mom and Dad say "we do.’ >The Mother of the Groom get’s her Mother/Son dance.

After the first two dances, you dance with Father of the Groom and he dances with Mother of the Bride (at the same time so the guests don’t get bored with a zillion special dances). >How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception?  

By being a loving and sweet daughter. That’s really all any mother wants and it is high honor indeed when *other* people tell her "What a wonderful daughter you have!"   Hope this helps, Noe

Response:

We’re honouring my mother by having her receive the rose from our rose ceremony as we walk back down the aisle.  We’re also presenting her with an engraved frame for use later, once we’ve developed pictures. Cheryl (marrying the love of her life in 16 days!)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Okay, the Father gets to walk the bride down the aisle, give her away, > and get’s the Father/Daughter dance. > The Mother of the Groom get’s her Mother/Son dance. > How can I honor my mother at my wedding/reception?  (aside from Unity > Candle and handing her my boquet instead of traditional boquet toss) > Any ideas? > I’m getting married NEXT WEEKEND!!  And I’m STILL STUMPED!! > HELP!! > Before you buy.

Response:

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Rings ordered!

Question:

Excitement! We ordered our rings yesterday. These will probably be the single most expensive thing about our wedding and a bit of a splurge, but we figured that if we were going to splurge on something, might as well make it the thing that we’re each going to see every day for the rest of our lives! They’re mokume gane – a japanese style of metal-working that swirls different kinds of gold and silver together in a wood grain pattern. (See http://www.mokume-gane.com for pictures!) Happy happy! -heather (& jarrett, 5/26/00)

Response:

Wow, they are really neat looking!  Wish I’d known about them myself. Congratulations on getting your beautiful rings! Kyra – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Excitement! >We ordered our rings yesterday. These will probably be the single most >expensive thing about our wedding and a bit of a splurge, but we >figured that if we were going to splurge on something, might as well >make it the thing that we’re each going to see every day for the rest >of our lives! >They’re mokume gane – a japanese style of metal-working that swirls >different kinds of gold and silver together in a wood grain >pattern. (See http://www.mokume-gane.com for pictures!) >Happy happy! >-heather (& jarrett, 5/26/00)

Response:

yay heather, that’s great!  i just got to the office after nik and i ordered our wedding rings!  yours are really beautiful – real art.  ours are going to be plain comfort fit platinum bands…mine will be 3mm and his will be 6mm… what do you all think about matching vs. non-matching bands?  ours ended up being the same, though it didn’t matter all that much to me either way!   – lissie : > : > Excitement! : > : > We ordered our rings yesterday. These will probably be the single most : > expensive thing about our wedding and a bit of a splurge, but we : > figured that if we were going to splurge on something, might as well : > make it the thing that we’re each going to see every day for the rest : > of our lives! : > : > They’re mokume gane – a japanese style of metal-working that swirls : > different kinds of gold and silver together in a wood grain : > pattern. (See http://www.mokume-gane.com for pictures!) : > : > Happy happy! : > : > -heather (& jarrett, 5/26/00) : > : > : Before you buy.

Response:

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Weddingrings

Question:

Hello readers, Does anyone know where the trasdition of weddingrings comes from, what meaning do weddingrings have? Thanks allready, Maarten

Response:

my understanding is… the ring  symbolizes the never ending love..a circle..with out ends. Kass – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello readers, > Does anyone know where the trasdition of weddingrings comes from, what > meaning do weddingrings have? > Thanks allready, > Maarten

Response:

Jeffrey en Mirjam > Does anyone know where the trasdition of weddingrings comes from, what > meaning do weddingrings have?

Rings were a common token exchanged to seal a deal in both ancient Jewish and ancient Greek cultures. This makes sense — a ring is easily portable, and depending what it’s made of, it can be very valuable. You’ll find rings given as a token of trust or a symbol of a contract for *other* contracts at least through the Renaissance period in Europe. The most traditional Jewish and Christian ceremonies involved the groom giving the ring and the bride saying special words to accept it, though there were double-ring Christian ceremonies in medieval Spain. In the U.S., double-ring ceremonies became more popular after WWII but were not the standard until the mid-1970s. The traditional wedding ring is an unbroken band of gold, symbolizing eternal fidelity. Wende

Response:

Thanks for the info.. maarten – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Jeffrey en Mirjam > Does anyone know where the trasdition of weddingrings comes from, what > meaning do weddingrings have? > Rings were a common token exchanged to seal a deal in both ancient > Jewish and ancient Greek cultures. This makes sense — a ring is easily > portable, and depending what it’s made of, it can be very valuable. > You’ll find rings given as a token of trust or a symbol of a contract > for *other* contracts at least through the Renaissance period in Europe. > The most traditional Jewish and Christian ceremonies involved the groom > giving the ring and the bride saying special words to accept it, though > there were double-ring Christian ceremonies in medieval Spain. In the > U.S., double-ring ceremonies became more popular after WWII but were not > the standard until the mid-1970s. > The traditional wedding ring is an unbroken band of gold, symbolizing > eternal fidelity. > Wende

Response:

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Non-diamond ring?

Question:

I  have been enagaged for about 6 months and I don’t have a ring but we did go shoppin that’s the mystry bout it you don’t know when he is gunna propose again with the ring I really don’t think it should matter what kind of ring you get as long as it’s what you both deside to get and that’s what you both like .. your wearin it not someone else. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi David! > You most certainly can propose without a ring.  My fiance spent a very > long time finding the stone for my ring (a green diamond — yes there > are other colors than white!), then we designed the ring together.  It > was a realy fun process, and even though I knew exactly what the ring > looked like, he still managed to surprise me with his proposal!! > Incidently, my parents alos designed my mother’s engagement ring as > well. > Regarless of your decision, if you and your beloved want a stone ring, > make sure you consider the stone’s hardness.  Someone else mentioned > that opals are fragile.  Emeralds are quite brittle and easily broken, > and tanzanite, the beautiful blue-purple stone that is quite popular > now, is also too soft for everyday wear, according to my jeweler.  In my > opinion, rubies and saphires, which come a variety of colors, are very > good stone choices, being a 9 on the hardness scale.  (For reference, > diamonds are a 10.) > Godd luck with your decision!  And congratulations! > Mickey > Thanks very much for all your advice. > [Beth]… Wow.. green tourmaline… sounds very exotic and beautiful. > I think I’m going to have to look into lesser-known stones like that. > Which means more time… and I want to propose soon. I’m impatient! > [All] Can I propose before buying a ring and then go ring-hunting with > my intended? Not because I’m worried about choosing (I think I know > her taste), but because I think it would be fun. > What does anyone think? We know each other very well, but does anyone > think it’s unromantic? > David NYC > > You have to go with what you like. > > My wife and I both like rubies, so that’s what we got. > > Gav & Jo > > (24.04.99) > Before you buy.

Response:

Regardless, there are a few good web sites to check out stone color…green stones, brown stones, etc…each stone, including peridot, tourmaline, tsavorite, has a lot of different shades and it’s really a matter of personal preference, size, shape, budget, etc.  There are also sample prices for different sizes and shapes, although it’s obviously hard to distinguish quality.   www.gemstone.org and www.africagems.com are two good sites, and they also talk about properties, strengths, etc. (and I DON’T work in the industry)  One of the reasons that we chose tsavorite was that it was very strong and durable, unlike emeralds, or opals, which I also love.   We had fun looking at different stones, although the final ring (and stone) was a surprise :-) (Note:  of course, the shades on the screen do not translate exactly, but it can give an idea of what’s available)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> If its green you’re looking towards, yet another alternative is > peridot.  Tsavorite is inordinately expensive.  If you choose a nice > shade of peridot, it looks JUST like tsavorite. > * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * > The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

If its green you’re looking towards, yet another alternative is peridot.  Tsavorite is inordinately expensive.  If you choose a nice shade of peridot, it looks JUST like tsavorite. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

David – I have a tsavorite, which is a green garnet.  It’s stronger than an emerald. We also considered green tourmaline.  While the ring itself was a surprise, Jerry asked me for several months what I thought of this or that type of stone.  I love it!!!!  I’m not a diamond person either, although they can be lovely, it just wasn’t "us." = Jennifer (to Jerry, March 25, 2000)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks very much for all your advice. > [Beth]… Wow.. green tourmaline… sounds very exotic and beautiful. > I think I’m going to have to look into lesser-known stones like that. > Which means more time… and I want to propose soon. I’m impatient! > [All] Can I propose before buying a ring and then go ring-hunting with > my intended? Not because I’m worried about choosing (I think I know > her taste), but because I think it would be fun. > What does anyone think? We know each other very well, but does anyone > think it’s unromantic? > David NYC > You have to go with what you like. > My wife and I both like rubies, so that’s what we got. > Gav & Jo > (24.04.99) > Before you buy.

Response:

You have to go with what you like. My wife and I both like rubies, so that’s what we got. Gav & Jo (24.04.99)

Response:

Thanks very much for all your advice. [Beth]… Wow.. green tourmaline… sounds very exotic and beautiful. I think I’m going to have to look into lesser-known stones like that. Which means more time… and I want to propose soon. I’m impatient! [All] Can I propose before buying a ring and then go ring-hunting with my intended? Not because I’m worried about choosing (I think I know her taste), but because I think it would be fun. What does anyone think? We know each other very well, but does anyone think it’s unromantic? David NYC > You have to go with what you like. > My wife and I both like rubies, so that’s what we got. > Gav & Jo > (24.04.99)

Before you buy.

Response:

My intended (I bought the ring but haven’t proposed yet) and I have been "ring shopping" for months now.  Basically she loves looking so we always stop in jewelry stores.  You could do that now, before you propose, without giving away that you intend to do it soon. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks very much for all your advice. > [Beth]… Wow.. green tourmaline… sounds very exotic and beautiful. > I think I’m going to have to look into lesser-known stones like that. > Which means more time… and I want to propose soon. I’m impatient! > [All] Can I propose before buying a ring and then go ring-hunting with > my intended? Not because I’m worried about choosing (I think I know > her taste), but because I think it would be fun. > What does anyone think? We know each other very well, but does anyone > think it’s unromantic? > David NYC > You have to go with what you like. > My wife and I both like rubies, so that’s what we got. > Gav & Jo > (24.04.99) > Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

David, Two points on the giving-a-ring-at-the-moment-of-proposal – First Point: In my opinion, it’s o.k. not to. Ben and I got engaged in Ireland this summer and while he *did* give me a ring, it was the meaning behind the ring rather than the fact of the ring that made the difference. Let me explain briefly: Long ago, Ben had given me a traditional Irish friendship / engagement / wedding ring made of silver (called a Claddagh). When we were in Ireland, he proposed in the Claddagh village with a new Claddagh made of white gold. The fact that he had carried this ring from the States, specifically to propose to me there and that the jeweler (a friend of the family) had made it for me, made it a very special moment. My point is, you can make the moment special without a ring. Tell her that you would enjoy shopping with her and then you can start looking for your ring, too. (should you decide to wear one.) Note: After the wedding, I will wear the Claddagh on my right hand and not as a wedding ring. We are having my wedding ring designed with the tourmaline. Second Point: While you may think you know what your future bride likes….but don’t be too sure. I told Ben that there was only one wedding ring for me. I had seen it over a year before the proposal, when out shopping with a girlfriend for her wedding. We went to the store the day after we returned to the States and, lo and behold….didn’t like it on my hand! Had the same experience when shopping for my wedding dress. Beth

Response:

> Thanks very much for all your advice. > [Beth]… Wow.. green tourmaline… sounds very exotic and beautiful. > I think I’m going to have to look into lesser-known stones like that. > Which means more time… and I want to propose soon. I’m impatient! > [All] Can I propose before buying a ring and then go ring-hunting with > my intended? Not because I’m worried about choosing (I think I know > her taste), but because I think it would be fun. > What does anyone think? We know each other very well, but does anyone > think it’s unromantic?

Hi David – Yes, you can certainly propose before buying and then go ring-hunting. I wish that’s what we had done. Instead, my ‘intended’ (lovely expression) and I decided to shop beforehand….and got completely overwhelmed with  our choices. As a result, we’re ‘officially’ announcing our engagement a full year later than we wanted to!!! Liz

Response:

> I think I’m going to have to look into lesser-known stones like that. > Which means more time… and I want to propose soon. I’m impatient!

Not really… you should be able to buy a lovely ring in a less common stone in just about any jewellers.  If they don’t have it in stock, most can get it in only a couple of weeks.  Mine’s a blue topaz set in white gold.  I’ve never liked white diamonds particularly.  Pretty but boring, IMO. There are many less well-known stones out there that are lovely, but please consider that your bride-to-be will probably want to wear her ring every day so choose something hardwearing.  Sapphires are available in several colours, including some lovely shades of green. Peridots are lovely, and so are aquamarines – a good aquamarine is a uniquely beautiful stone. Just get out there and see what you like the look of!  And good luck! -Elena

Response:

Hi David! You most certainly can propose without a ring.  My fiance spent a very long time finding the stone for my ring (a green diamond — yes there are other colors than white!), then we designed the ring together.  It was a realy fun process, and even though I knew exactly what the ring looked like, he still managed to surprise me with his proposal!! Incidently, my parents alos designed my mother’s engagement ring as well. Regarless of your decision, if you and your beloved want a stone ring, make sure you consider the stone’s hardness.  Someone else mentioned that opals are fragile.  Emeralds are quite brittle and easily broken, and tanzanite, the beautiful blue-purple stone that is quite popular now, is also too soft for everyday wear, according to my jeweler.  In my opinion, rubies and saphires, which come a variety of colors, are very good stone choices, being a 9 on the hardness scale.  (For reference, diamonds are a 10.) Godd luck with your decision!  And congratulations! Mickey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Thanks very much for all your advice. > [Beth]… Wow.. green tourmaline… sounds very exotic and beautiful. > I think I’m going to have to look into lesser-known stones like that. > Which means more time… and I want to propose soon. I’m impatient! > [All] Can I propose before buying a ring and then go ring-hunting with > my intended? Not because I’m worried about choosing (I think I know > her taste), but because I think it would be fun. > What does anyone think? We know each other very well, but does anyone > think it’s unromantic? > David NYC > You have to go with what you like. > My wife and I both like rubies, so that’s what we got. > Gav & Jo > (24.04.99) > Before you buy.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I want to get my fiancee an engagement ring that has a gem other than a > diamond. (Diamond trade is often a dirty business in Africa–don’t want > to support it). > Any ideas? > Are there any gems that are a traditional alternative to diamonds? > Ruby, sapphire? > The *most* traditional alternative is a ring with the bride’s birth > stone. Before diamonds became the standard (which, despite the diamond > industry’s claims that this happened in the 15th century, actually > occurred at the beginning of the 20th century), there was no one > traditional stone for engagement rings. Sapphires became popular when > Lady Di had a sapphire engagement ring in the early 1980s. > My engagement ring is an amethyst; my husband chose that stone because > he thought (correctly) that I like purple, and he knew that I don’t like > diamonds. I’m not on a crusade against them or anything, but I don’t > want to wear one, any more than I want to wear pink with ruffles. > Wende

A Ruby or a Sapphire are both nice but there are plenty of others, such as emeralds, garnets, amethysts, tanzanite, peridot….the list goes on and on. It’s true that there really wasn’t an established "traditional" stone before De Beers started their oh-so-successful marketing on diamond in this century. I say find out what stone your intended likes or go with her birthstone.  We are having a ring designed with a green tourmaline as the center stone because I have always liked them. Note: Some fun historical gemstone info for the not-so-superstitious: Emeralds are supposed to be a "jealous green" for an engagement ring and therefore bad luck. Opals are bad luck because they change color (for any time, not just at engagement) and pearls are supposed be oyster’s tears and a weepy ring foretells a weepy marriage. Oddly enough, all unluckiness is supposed to be nixed if the gem is the bride’s birthstone….folk wisdom or jeweler’s tales….you decide. Beth

Response:

I want to get my fiancee an engagement ring that has a gem other than a diamond. (Diamond trade is often a dirty business in Africa–don’t want to support it). Any ideas? Are there any gems that are a traditional alternative to diamonds? Ruby, sapphire? david Before you buy.

Response:

> I want to get my fiancee an engagement ring that has a gem other than a > diamond. (Diamond trade is often a dirty business in Africa–don’t want > to support it). > Any ideas? > Are there any gems that are a traditional alternative to diamonds? > Ruby, sapphire?

The *most* traditional alternative is a ring with the bride’s birth stone. Before diamonds became the standard (which, despite the diamond industry’s claims that this happened in the 15th century, actually occurred at the beginning of the 20th century), there was no one traditional stone for engagement rings. Sapphires became popular when Lady Di had a sapphire engagement ring in the early 1980s. My engagement ring is an amethyst; my husband chose that stone because he thought (correctly) that I like purple, and he knew that I don’t like diamonds. I’m not on a crusade against them or anything, but I don’t want to wear one, any more than I want to wear pink with ruffles. Wende

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Not sure where do I start to plan my wedding (HELP)

Question:

About organizers and planners – you really don’t need to buy one of the official planners (although checking out the timelines and checklists is helpful).  What I found incredibly useful was one of those expandable sectional envelope/binder things – I labeled each section ("Guest Lists," "Ceremony," etc.) and as I accumulate lists and information, everything goes in the appropriate section and I’m less likely to lose stuff!  (It also seems to impress vendors – they all think I’m incredibly organized when they see me whip this thing out!)  You can find these things at Target, office supply places, etc, and they are definitely cheaper than most "wedding planners"! Good luck! Irene

Response:

GO to a bookstore and buy a weddign planner.  It will help you plan out a timeline up to your wedding.  I would start by booking the church and reception site.  Then, you can start looking for your dress and booking other vendors.  Once all the vendors are booked and the dresses are taken care of, then you can worry about the details.  A wedding planner will really helpe you.  They cost about $20, and there are many to choose from. I like "Planning a Wedding to Remember" by Beverly Clark, but you can look through them and decide which one is best for you.  They will have budget planners, places to take notes, and ideas.  I woudl also recommend starting up a sprial notebook where you take notes on everything.  Make sections so you don’t forget anything.  Write down names of vendors, phone numbers, descriptions, etc…  This will help in decision-making and keeping everything straight.  To do lists for each week or each month really help. Good Luck. Kelli – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello, > I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding > and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I > start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me > any suggestions. > Thanks > CR > — > Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com > Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

> I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding > and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I > start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me > any suggestions.

The very, very first thing you should do (IMO, of course!) is prioritize what you feel is important for your wedding. You & your fiance should sit down & talk candidly about what your dreams & fantasies of your wedding are, and then start listing what’s most important and what’s least important.  Do you want a very formal wedding? Is a sentimental location important?  Are fancy clothes important?  Do you want to have tons of people there?  Is great dance music really important?  Do you want to emphasize your family history/ethnicity/religion?  Are a good meal & fine wines important?  Do you want a very casual wedding?  Is having fun the most important thing? Think about it together for a while.  Don’t buy anything at this point — you’ve got plenty of time for dress shopping!  In fact, you don’t want to buy a dress until you & your finace (& possibly your families) decide on what time of day & what setting the wedding will be in (a casual picnic wedding in a garden or park would call for a very different dress than an evening dinner & dancing wedding at a swanky hotel).  Once you have some ideas about what’s most important for your wedding, you can start budgeting & then looking for sites, dresses, etc. Setting clear priorities at the outset will keep your planning on track, & it makes it easier to budget. For example, if a specific style of location is the most important thing for you, then spend your money there & eliminate everything that’s not as critical to your wedding-view.  If you hate big foofy dresses or limos or wedding bands, skip ‘em all & put your money into what really floats your own boat.  Remember, you *don’t* have to have all the nonesense the magazines & books (& websites & newsgroups) say are "essential" for a happy wedding.  Just stick with what you personally love, & ditch all the rest. –T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a.g.f.faq.chick                   gothic martha stewart sales at http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/toreadorbat/

Response:

First of all-Congratulations! I suggest you start with the church (if you are religious).  That is where we started.  Finding out what time of day your church has weddings is important because you can base everything else on that time.  For example, our church only has weddings on Saturdays from 10-3 (every hour).  With that in mind we were able to figure out what kind of a wedding we wanted (we decided on informal daytime wedding). I just ordered my gown two weeks ago, don’t let the dress store owners scare you, you do have *a little* time to play with.  My dress is *expected* in sometime in March to allow for a few months to alter. Be careful with the date you have chosen.  That date was our first choice also, we had to reschedule because it is also Prom night for many of our local high schools and reception sites were hard to come by.  It is also a big holiday weekend, so some vendors may be hard to snag (florist-photographer-dj for example). Good luck! Kerry (and David) May 13, 2000 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding > and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I > start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me > any suggestions. > Thanks > CR > — > Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com > Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

>Hello, >I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding >and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I >start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me >any suggestions.

First of all, congratulations on your engagement! Our wedding is scheduled for December 18. The first thing my fiance and I did after we got engaged last December was sit down together and come up with a budget for the wedding. We’re paying for most of it ourselves and my parents are helping out with some of it. So,we figured out just how much we were willing to spend on each item. Armed with that, the next thing we did was look for a place to have the wedding. We knew we didn’t want a church wedding, so we scouted out hotel ballrooms, historical mansions, etc. It took us a good two and a half months of searching, calling, getting price quotes and learning about site restrictions before we found a place we loved. We booked the site 10 months in advance and yes, we did have to change the date. (we wanted to get married the weekend before, on Dec.11th, but they were already booked for that day.) Once that was taken care of, the rest was pretty easy and we’ve just been doing things one at a time – finding an officant and a photographer, finding bridesmaid’s dresses and groomsmen and groom’s tuxedos, finding a wedding cake, etc. I think the most important things are to make sure you set a budget and stick to it, find a site early and, most importantly, have fun and work together on this! Amy

Response:

Actually, I should probably explain more about my dress.  I found it at a local shop and then found it for $200 cheaper online at www.netbride.com.  I decided I was going to order it from netbride since I was very unhappy with the local shop (who by the way wouldn’t tell me the designers name).  Anyhow, when I decided I was going to buy it over the internet I became concerned with y2k issues so I figured I would get it now.  I am very happy I did!  Netbride no longer carries Mon Cheri gowns. :)  My dress is being stored between two 100% white cotton sheets on my friends bed in a room with no light and no traffic. Anyhow, I am glad I got my dress early.  BUT, I didn’t mean to imply that you should.  Just thought it was funny how different people are when planning a wedding.  To each his own, but like I said before…The sooner you get things out of the way, the less you have to worry about as the months close in. BTW-our local paper recently published an article about how reception sites are being booked for 2000.  A lot of really nice sites have booked all their Saturday dates and most places have Fridays and Sundays partially booked.  I think this depends a LOT on where you live. So I wouldn’t worry until you find out what its like by you… Best wishes, Jen (and Mark) September 16, 2000 Wisconsin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->LOL…My wedding is September 16, 2000.  I’ve had my dress since August >1999.  I would start looking now.  Why not get as much done in advance as >possible? > Ok, my date is only one week after Jen (see above) and I haven’t even booked > the venue yet.  Every venue that we have visited (8 different ones) have my > date available.  I don’t plan on even starting to look at dresses until after > the 1st of the year.  I am the most anal-retentive person you might ever meet, > but purchasing a dress over a year in advance strikes me as odd, especially > since you have two more seasons of possible dress lines to see.  But to each > his own.  I am sure having the dress purchased is a huge relief! > Rule of thumb I hear on dresses is you have to give them 6 months.  That means > you need to start looking now if you are going to wear a traditional gown.  The > venues must be booked first so you can make sure you find a place with your > desired date. > And no, I am not worried about the pace I am going at.  When you live in a big > city, there are plenty of good vendors.  Once the venue is booked (probably > next weekend), I think the photographer is next. > Melissa (to Paul) > 9-24-2000

Response:

>LOL…My wedding is September 16, 2000.  I’ve had my dress since August >1999.  I would start looking now.  Why not get as much done in advance as >possible?

Ok, my date is only one week after Jen (see above) and I haven’t even booked the venue yet.  Every venue that we have visited (8 different ones) have my date available.  I don’t plan on even starting to look at dresses until after the 1st of the year.  I am the most anal-retentive person you might ever meet, but purchasing a dress over a year in advance strikes me as odd, especially since you have two more seasons of possible dress lines to see.  But to each his own.  I am sure having the dress purchased is a huge relief! Rule of thumb I hear on dresses is you have to give them 6 months.  That means you need to start looking now if you are going to wear a traditional gown.  The venues must be booked first so you can make sure you find a place with your desired date. And no, I am not worried about the pace I am going at.  When you live in a big city, there are plenty of good vendors.  Once the venue is booked (probably next weekend), I think the photographer is next. Melissa (to Paul) 9-24-2000

Response:

LOL…My wedding is September 16, 2000.  I’ve had my dress since August 1999.  I would start looking now.  Why not get as much done in advance as possible? Jen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello, > I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding > and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I > start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me > any suggestions. > Thanks > CR > — > Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com > Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

What city do you live in?  Are there a lot of places you could hold your reception? Do you want an indoors or outdoors ceremony?  Are you religious?  Will it be a big event or small intimate ceremony?  How much do you have to work with? Are you parents helping pay? Jen (and Mark) September 16, 2000 Wisconsin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello, > I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding > and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I > start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me > any suggestions. > Thanks > CR > — > Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com > Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

> I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding > and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I > start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me > any suggestions.

First, make sure that you can find a ceremony and reception site for your chosen date. It’s very common for Happy Couples to try a couple of different dates before settling on one that will work. Popular sites often book up a year or more in advance. It’s not impossible to find a nice site for this coming May, but you may find that you have to go one week earlier or later. Unless you expect to lose or gain large amounts of weight, you might as well look for a dress now, while you’re feeling enthusiastic. There’s no harm in getting your dress early, but you can make a lot of stress for yourself by trying to find one at the last minute. A good place to start is by getting yourself a nice basic wedding planner — the free ones enclosed with some wedding magazines are enough to get you started. Ignore their timelines, as they’ll tell you that you’re already behind schedule. But look at the list of stuff that’s usually included in a wedding. You don’t have to have all that stuff — lots of couples don’t — but it helps to know what kinds of things couples often do. It’s also very helpful to use this list to brainstorm with your fiance so you know what parts of your wedding will really take work and thinking. For instance, when hubby and I got to "wedding rings," we both knew we wanted plain gold bands, so we didn’t have to discuss that any more, and we knew shopping for wedding rings would be very easy. "Flowers" was a more controversial topic, and we did some checking around at florists before deciding to do our own flowers. "Invitations" were an immensely controversial topic, leading to far too much agonizing, but at least we figured that out early and had time to find a solution. Wende

Response:

I agree.  Ceremony site and reception site are must haves. When you talk with other vendors, one of their very first questions will be "What’s the date of your wedding?"  Until you have a person to marry you and a place to get married locked in, you can’t answer that question… As for dresses, start  to look as soon as you want.  I started *way* before the time that you’re *supposed* to start looking for a dress.  It was one of my favorite parts of the wedding planning… Also, you might want to check out some books from the local library on weddings.  Most of them have very helpful lists.  In the post engagement excitement, I bought one, but in retrospect it was a waste of money.  You can get just about everything you need by photocopying a few pages…. good luck, meister – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m rather new at this also, but I’ll give some advice anyway.  You can > decide what it’s worth :) > First of all, if you want a religious ceremony, don’t decide on any date > until you call your church/house of worship/whatever applies.  Don’t > book ANYTHING until you do this.  The date you want may not be > available, and if you book the reception hall for a date that your > church (etc.) isn’t, you’re stuck. > Start talking to other newlyweds in your area.  Recommendations are the > best way to find a good reception hall.  Get going on this immediately. > Depending on your area, the halls may book up quickly.  Here in the > suburbs of NYC, the places are booked solid almost a full year in > advance. > Really, any other advice depends on what type of a wedding you want. > When we started planning, the first thing we did was sit down together > and discuss what type of a wedding we would want.  Big?  Small? > Lavish?  Intimate?  Describe your dream wedding, and have him do the > same.  Hopefully they will be somewhat alike.  If not, work together > until you’re both happy and agree on the big details.  Also, at the same > time decide how much you can afford to spend, and whether your parents > will help out.  Weddings can be as expensive or as modest as you like. > Reception halls/caterers vary greatly in price, so you can’t really go > looking at halls until you have a round figure of how much you can > afford.

Response:

Hello, I just got engaged this past weekend.  Know I need to plan my wedding and don’t know where to start.  We set the date for May 27,00. should I start looking for dresses know or should I wait.  Anyone can give me any suggestions. Thanks CR — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

> We set the date for May 27,00. should I start looking for dresses know or > should I wait.

The first thing I did was start looking for reception places.  Although seven months may seem like a long time, it’s really not.  And, at least in this area, places around that time are starting to fill up. Sit down with your FH (and families if appropriate) to talk about what everyone would like in a reception.  Is it going to be a full course meal or will cake and punch work for your tastes? This isn’t necessarily the only way to start but, depending on the size of your wedding, it might be a good place. Just my $.02 Meredith to Bill April 29, 2000

Response:

Thanks for your reply.  I am kind off new to all this so I am a bit confused.  I just called a reception hall today but haven’t heard from them yet. Are you married? sorry to be personal but maybe you can give me more advice regarding my preparation.   Thanks CR — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

I’m rather new at this also, but I’ll give some advice anyway.  You can decide what it’s worth :) First of all, if you want a religious ceremony, don’t decide on any date until you call your church/house of worship/whatever applies.  Don’t book ANYTHING until you do this.  The date you want may not be available, and if you book the reception hall for a date that your church (etc.) isn’t, you’re stuck. Start talking to other newlyweds in your area.  Recommendations are the best way to find a good reception hall.  Get going on this immediately. Depending on your area, the halls may book up quickly.  Here in the suburbs of NYC, the places are booked solid almost a full year in advance. Really, any other advice depends on what type of a wedding you want. When we started planning, the first thing we did was sit down together and discuss what type of a wedding we would want.  Big?  Small? Lavish?  Intimate?  Describe your dream wedding, and have him do the same.  Hopefully they will be somewhat alike.  If not, work together until you’re both happy and agree on the big details.  Also, at the same time decide how much you can afford to spend, and whether your parents will help out.  Weddings can be as expensive or as modest as you like. Reception halls/caterers vary greatly in price, so you can’t really go looking at halls until you have a round figure of how much you can afford.

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