Testing, testing, 1-2-3...

In my oh so brief bio I mention that I am "currently on a break from the working world". Before you think I am a total couch potato I should explain this a bit better.

I quit my job of sixteen years and made the giant move of selling my home and moving in with 'the Gal' this past July. A lot of change in that sentence, hmmh? This is all part of a plan that had its beginning over a year ago. I've wanted to go back to school for a while now and obtain professional credit. I was literally tired of the physical labour I did at the time. My hands were in the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome and I did not like where that was heading. When I would look at the elder faces of my coworkers, I made a deal with myself. 'I do not want to be doing what I'm doing now in ten years.' That would still put me fifteen years from retirement and a whole lot more bitter if I was still there doing the same old thing. 'the Gal' offered to support me if I wanted to go back to school. I could not ask for better support than that, but I did not want to be a sponge either. I sold my house for got a great price (unheard of now), and it will finance my schooling and expenses for the next two years.

After many discussions about what course I would take (this ranged from Radiological tech. to Chef), I decided that a communications course would suit me best. This is a course I wanted to take about ten years ago, but at the time work got in the way. 'The Gal's' family has been supportive as well which is important. They live next door to us. They are still under the impression that I am beginning my chef course in January. This should all change this weekend.

I've been working the past ten days on my entrance portfolio to the communications course at Red River College in Winnipeg. It should present very well (I hope) and I will know around the start of 2009 if I qualify. There are limited positions to this program so nothing is guaranteed. I wrote my General Knowledge exam last week and have reason to believe it went well.

Two qualities important to me are fairness and honesty. So it is with some pride and hope that I will show my completed portfolio to 'the Gal's' parents this weekend. For me, it makes sense to show them as they were happy for me at the time my initial plans were revealed.

In about a month even more of my intentions will be revealed.

Healthy at last, healthy at last, thank God almighty I am healthy at last!

To paraphrase Dr. King, I am feeling much better this week. 'Tis the season' and I know each year I am good for a least two bouts of either the flu or common cold. Luckily I had regained enough of my health to partake in some culture this previous Monday. I had purchased symphony tickets for myself, the Gal, and her mom as a treat. Neither of them had ever been to see the symphony so I thought it was about time. Due to the caliber of performers visiting Winnipeg, it made for a perfect opportunity.

The National Arts Centre Orchestra performed in Winnipeg as part of a cross-country tour. It was a brilliant performance played to perfection by Canada's foremost classically trained musicians. The conductor Pinchas Zukerman chose two pieces by Tchaikovsky and an original piece called 'Infinite Sky with Birds', by composer Alexina Louie. Pianist Jon Kimura Parker shined as he played the Pyotr Illyich's Piano Concerto No.1. He played with such grace and intensity it was transcendent. After a standing ovation, he played a romantic Rachmaninoff prelude to end his night.

Conductor Zukerman led his group of masterful musicians through Pytor Illyich's Symphony #5 to the benefit of all those who had come to listen. The sound was so pure it was almost hard for my mind to absorb what was happening. At certain points the hair on my arms would stand up and a tingling rush came over me (I know what your thinking and you're waaaayyyy off base). I can only imagine the chemical reactions going on in order for this to happen. It was such 'innocent pleasure' it is hard to describe. After receiving their ovations, we were treated to Elgar's, 'Nimrod' from Enigma Variations. A sweeping, romantic, and thoughtful piece I am enthralled by each time I hear it.

My guests enjoyed the concert very much and we had a lively discussion about music on the ride home. Topics turned to Gershwin and how the Gal's mom had seen a movie recently about the life of George and Ira as composers. The next day I found a really neat animation set to their famous composition, 'Rhapsody In Blue'. The piece was created by Disney as part of, 'Fantasia 2000'. Brilliantly done. Check out these links if you are interested in hearing more. ( Part1 : Part2 ) Their both a little over six minutes long. If you have a spare moment, sit back with your coffee and give them a whirl.

Anyway, gotta run for now. The 'Gal' will be home soon and I can't afford to get caught writing. Can't spoil the surprise!

I've got a bad code...

Let me clarify my title. I'm not having IT issues. Only health issues. I woke up the other morning with a runny nose and its blossomed into a bucketful of other symptoms. I'm achey, tired, congested, nasally, and I feel I'm approaching helplessness to that of a newborn kitten. (to all you 'dog people' out there, insert the word puppy) I have to blow my nose every fifteen minutes and I'm surprised, and at times concerned, with the colour spectrum I'm witnessing as a result. I'm hoping by Sunday to be as right as a MENSA member, at least physically. But enough about what ails me.

I've gone and done it, I have bought the ring. As per my last blog, I wanted to go back to one of the jewelry stores I had visited earlier to see their selection. It was a good decision as I found the ring that meets my requirements and will hopefully please, 'the Gal'. Yes, I've decided I will refer to my lady love as 'the Gal' from here on in. All names are with-held at this point to preserve anonymity. The likelihood of anyone alerting 'the Gal' to my intentions are slim ,considering the size of the blogosphere, but I do not wish to take chances.

I found the ring to which I will make my proposal at W.K. Chan Jewelers. The saleslady from the store remembered me and appreciated the fact that I had returned once again to view rings in a different price range. The ring has a beautiful yellow gold band in a white gold setting. The diamond is a round solitaire and .57 carats of bluish brilliance. It is a Polar Bear Diamond extracted in the NorthWest Territories, cut and polished in Canada. The lighting in these stores is focused to highlight the jewelry to their advantage, and it does so to great effect. Without a word from myself, the saleslady made a phone call to discuss the selling price with her manager. It felt like Deal or No Deal when Howie Mandel makes his call to 'the guy upstairs'. She negotiated a price where I was able to buy the ring for a couple of hundred dollars less than the asking, including taxes. I appreciated that very much. Excellent customer service.

My anticipation of Christmas is very high this year. As someone once said, "It is better to give, than to receive."

the Ring

So before any of you get worried, the title to this post has nothing to do with the thriller movie of the same name. (it is the eve of Halloween after all) No, in keeping with the spirit of my theme, this post will involve my search for a diamond solitaire engagement ring. (not to be confused with Gollum or anything "preshuuuusss" either)

Earlier this summer when I began to feel the way I continue to now, I considered buying a ring via the internet. I ultimately did not feel comfortable about this transaction as I would only see the ring once it was mailed to me (even though the maker was only a few hours away by car). The person did have a great site to their credit and I did learn a lot as I looked at the inventory and custom rings that he sold. If you are interested in this style of transaction, their site was found at herdreamdiamond.com. A great place to do research if you are chicken like me and still don't purchase.

About a week ago I travelled to one of the local malls where several jewelry shops are located. I was not too surprised about prices as I had a clear idea from the investigating I had done on-line. I may have found a ring in one of these shops and it meets my only criteria. It must be a Canadian diamond. I like to buy Canadian wherever possible. I love my country. I stopped buying Roots apparel years ago when I saw they had outsourced some of their products. Now I'm sure they are all made overseas.

In the mall, there was one other jewelry store I visited that I wish I hadn't. Even though I told them I was still shopping around, the salesperson became rude when he saw he would not make a sale. Should I return, I asked him to write information about the ring on the back of a business card. He would not do it. Only when I asked him for the pen so that I could write the information down did he comply. What he wrote was nearly illegible. This salesman did not understand simple tact. Buying a ring for someone is a big step. It's not a good strategy to make someone feel uncomfortable while doing it. Besides, they had their logo embossed on the inside of the band so large that it looked gaudy. Thanks, but no thanks PEOPLE'S Jeweler's. The other stores I have seen so far have their logo and identification printed on by laser (only for identification purposes), and it is so small it is practically non-existent. That's more like it. The two stores that will likely be one of my choices is W.K. Chan or Birks. One is a locally owned business and the other has a storied history. Both have beautiful rings. I will likely go back to W.K. Chan as in fairness to this process, my mental spending limit was less when I visited there. I would like to see what they have in the price range I am now comfortable spending.

I never believed in the nonsense I heard years ago, 'a man should spend two months salary on an engagement ring'. You think it might be a jeweler who invented this idea? I dislike that a guy has to feel compelled to spend a prescribed amount of money on a ring to convey his emotions for the woman he loves. The idea that should carry the most weight is maybe making sure that this is the right person to make this commitment to. Sounds old-fashioned? Well, a large part of me is that particular way. I digress. I've found a ring that will honour her and something she will hopefully like. I'm probably over budget, but this will be the only ring I will ever purchase. I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. Everything feels right.

While My Heart Gently Beats

I feel lucky that I can say this, but I do believe I've met the best woman I could ever find. We have been by each others side for two years. I believe in us so much that I am at the stage of choosing a ring for her hand. When I began this blog I did not know what it would contain. This one decision could be the most important decision of my life. So be it! My first posts will deal with the events leading up to the day I ask for my true love's hand.

I will keep those of you interested to all events leading up to this day. So that you have a clear idea as to when I will convey my intentions, I will tell you all now. Barring some unforseen circumstance I will ask for her hand in marriage this upcoming Christmas day. Certain things are already in motion and they shall be revealed in the weeks to come.

Of course all this will have to remain a secret to protect the innocent, most of all my potential future fiance. I may choose to use pseudonyms, I have yet to decide. I may just use 'Dude' and 'Gal' though I am not yet sure.

May you enjoy reading this as much as I do living it.