FutureMrsLewis

Who leaves heroin out in the open near kids? I doubt a second grader walked up to a dealer and bought it, it was obviously a parent or caregiver that left it lying around. I know what you mean about not wanting to watch the news. It deeply saddens me to see what is happenning. FI just called me a few minutes ago, he saw a gentleman using a plug-in in a mall entrance and simply said "Sir, that outlet is not for public use, it is for mall employees only" and the guy threatened to kill him. Are you serious? You're going to kill a man because your phone battery is dead? He definitely has rage issues, or a severe phone addiction lol

This is scary. I would be appalled if my employer didn't trust me enough to switch from job site to job site on time. I can see how similar technologies help pet owners when their pets run away, but this is something that would DEFINITELY get abused. Possessive husbands keeping track of their wives, possessive wives keeping track of their husbands, employers keeping track of employees after hours when it's frankly none of their damn business where employees are, and so on and so forth. I think it's a dumb idea to let this get into public hands...

I'd just say something along the lines of "We are just having a private ceremony with our immediate family." And just let him know that he's not getting his nose cut out, it's just that it's only immediate family, and the more people you invite, the more people you will have to pay for at the reception. I have lots of relatives like that, and I wouldn't let any of mine show up either lol

lol I'm PMSing too, hence the big rant yesterday lol Even little kids now are getting arrested for shoplifting and assaults, it's scary. They're even finding guns and knives and killing their parents O_O The world is becoming a very scary place

You always used to hear that the world is going to hell in a handbasket. Well I think the handbasket has been delivered, right on hell's doorstep. Here's my warning: Before you read any further, I just read a headline where a 16 year old girl in Russia was brutally murdered. This completely enrages me, and I have to rant. I don't mean to offend anyone, I just have to get this off my chest. If you're squeamish, don't read any further. If you're wondering what happened to this poor girl and want to read the article I just did, click here: Prosecutors claim Russian girl's killers ate her body parts - Yahoo! Canada News A few years ago, you'd hear about people being shot or killed in an airplane crash or something tragic, but not something that would keep you from sleeping at night. Now, nobody commits murder by shooting or strangling someone. They've got to decapitate them, chop them up in little pieces, and eat the leftovers. Honestly? You are a VERY sick individual to even think about doing something like that, let alone actually DOING it. Shooting someone, yes it's terrible, but cops shoot criminals every day when they get out of hand and they're left with no choice. You don't have to be a sick individual to fire a trigger, sick if it's killing someone for the sake of killing them, but hunters and police pull the trigger all the time, they're not sick. But decapitation? Cannibalism? Honestly people. You need therapy. Now. And even robberies. Nobody gets held up with a gun (real or toy) or a knife. They're coming after you with needles contaminated with HIV or Hepatitis C. Sure, you'll survive initially, but you'll die a horrible, painful, dragged out death. Honestly, if you're going to rob me with the intention of hurting me either way, I'd rather you shot me or stabbed me, at least if I died it would be fairly quickly, and there was a chance I could survive and lead a normal life. If you intentionally stab someone with a needle that you KNOW is contaminated with something like AIDS or Hep C, it should be considered murder. You will be responsible for that person's death, they just won't die immediately. FI puts himself at risk for getting stabbed with a needle every time he goes to work, and it worries me to no end. If someone stabbed him with a knife or shot him, at least he might recover. If someone stabs him with a needle that has Hep C or HIV, he's done. Sure, he may live for many years, but we would never be able to have children or I'd be infected, and the child would likely be infected too, and he'd be on medication for whatever days he has left. What happened to the times when the world was terrible, and the only time we saw or heard of horrors like this was in a Halloween or Friday the 13th movie? I don't get it... But at least I feel better now that I got that off my chest! lol

This is something I've been wondering too, thanks for bringing it up meghanmbm

Their reasoning for the $2 items is that they will apparently be of "higher quality". I haven't been to Dollarama since the price increase, so I have no idea, but I really hope they keep the items that are currently $1 the same price. If they up ALL the prices, I will be very sad

I'm assuming that they don't live that far, so there's no reason why they couldn't at least call, or better yet bring the baby over so you could see it. And you clearly told the other cousin that you didn't know where they live, that's why they had to deliver the present for you, so they KNOW why you haven't come to visit. I think your cousin is being a douche and doesn't deserve any more presents or any more attention. I'd tell her to buzz off

I was thinking about a pave band, or even a thin band similar to what you chose LilPaisley, I'm just not sure what to do. I'd definitely need to get it shaped to fit the curve of the ring (I'd put it around the top of the heart, not the bottom) I'm just not sure if maybe it's too much? I don't want to pay to have a band specially made and then not like how it looks, kwim?

So, after FINALLY finding a replacement e-ring (to read about my e-ring drama, click here:http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t34788) I'm wondering if I should get a wedding band or not. I was thinking I would pick a ring that would fit well with another band, but after seeing this beauty, I don't care that a band may not fit, because I WANT it lol FI is buying it very soon, he might give it to me for Valentine's Day I think So now the question is, should I try to get a wedding band? If so, what do you think it should look like? Everyone here where I live is pretty traditional, they think you "need" a wedding band to show that you're not just engaged but you're now married. I think that's a load of bs and it's up to you if you want to wear one or not. What do you ladies think? I love this ring, so FI is buying it regardless lol I just don't really know how I feel about a wedding band. I don't want to take away from the look of the ring, and it has a gable (That's what the lady in the store called it?) kinda underneath the stone, so a band won't slide underneath it, but I'm willing to get one custom made... I can't make up my mind on this one, I need help! lol PS: This is (kinda/maybe/notreally) what the ring looks like from the side: The little scroll part underneath the stone is what I was told was a "gable". I have no idea so I'm taking that lady's word for it lol

Long engagements DO suck! lol Although we live together already (and have for over two and a half years) we got engaged on December 24th, 2006 and are getting married February 10, 2012. Yep, 2012. Engaged for a little over 5 years. I'm going to tear my hair out waiting. I have ALL these ideas and all this stuff I want to buy, and FI keeps saying "Why waste money on that now, we have over 3 years before the wedding." and I just want to go to City Hall and get it done and over with! But I do agree with Jennifer, it does give you lots of time to save (which is why we're waiting until 2012, I graduate in October 2010, so February 2012 will give us a little over a year to save ) So even though I already live with FI, I hear ya honey! lol (I just re-read Cattie's post, Engaged for 8 and a half years? I need your secret for staying sane, because I'm about to tear my hair out! lol)

As long as you're getting the job done, I don't see how or why it matters. In my opinion, being too "chatty" (not too friendly) would make you LESS productive. If you're stopping for 5 minute conversations with everyone you pass in the hall, that's 5 minutes taken away from your work time AND theirs, kwim? Now like Rachel said, if it's a "She's not approachable" issue, then that's different. FI had a similar issue because he's a security guard and is 6'8", 350 lbs, and of native descent, so he looks somewhat intimidating, but he just smiles and makes small talk with the employees and now they all know he's a teddy bear. I say just nicely ask your boss why he wants you to be more social, and explain that you feel like you are already socializing at an acceptable level. It's not like you're the loner stuffed in the corner who doesn't talk or say Hi to anyone, you've actually befriended a few co-workers. What more does he want?

Quote: Originally Posted by townie princess Sin Jawn's - now that's EXACTLY how you pronouce it! LMAO And it's New-found-LAAAND, anyone else from da Rock find that mainlanders get this wrong most of the time?? Oh my GOD yes! lol It's always New-FOUND-lind. It's more like New-fin-LAND people, get it right lol And I said how Newfoundland gets left off most maps, well apparently the call centre for XBOX issues can't fix anything for people living in Newfoundland because it doesn't exist, their excuse: Their computer system is old. Must be older than 1949 then lol

And THIS is why I like cats lol FI wants a boxer, so I agreed we can adopt one that's over 3 years old, because they'll HOPEFULLY be over the "I want to destroy everything in sight" phase lol I've seen Turner & Hooch too many times to get excited about a big dog lol

If I had a quarter for every time I wanted to smack FI over the head, I'd be a rich woman! lol I seriously believe that sometimes their brain just switches itself off and forgets to turn itself back on. I can tell FI a million times "Don't let your mother/father know that we bought such-and-such, it's going to be a surprise!" and sure enough, that night while he's on the phone "So we were out today and picked up this..." and then it clicks... "Oh shit, you weren't supposed to know that" lol

When I was younger my parents would get invited to a LOT of weddings, and 95% of them were adults only, so I could never go. But of that 95%, about 50% of them actually allowed other children, and my parents would always be rotted with the couple because they'd have five year olds running around causing a scene and screaming their heads off and their 12/13 year old daughter wasn't allowed to go. So I agree with everyone else, it's all or nothing, because if you only invite some, there's definitely someone who's going to be very upset, especially if they had to pay for a babysitter for their well-behaved 10 year old while so-and-so's 4 year old runs around like a maniac and tears the hall apart. Just my .02

I've heard a rumour that in the near future iPods will only play music from iTunes... Scary thought, but for right now, iPods can play any music, any mp3 file, as long as it is loaded into the iTunes library

Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege Ok, according to our “Gemologist†here is the official response: Lab created stones DO have the same properties, and would not fade. The only stones that would fade would be either Kunzite (which can fade under any light), and Pink Topaz. The pink topaz is just “coated†with a substance, and if you clean it, or take it to a jeweler and don’t tell them and they steam or ultrasonic it, the coating may come off. SO I CAN HAVE MY LAB-CREATED STONE AND NOT WORRY ABOUT FADING?!? ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS?!? Sorry, deep breath.. Aah, much better. This makes me so happy!!! I wanted a lab-created stone, not just for the price, but for the colour, so this makes me abso-freakin-lutely ecstatic! Aah! I could kiss you right now! lol But instead, here's a hug: Thank you so much!!

Quote: Originally Posted by vgirl17 I have a lab created Pink Sapphire e-ring and I LOVE it! I'm having it reset in a halo setting with a split shank and can't wait until it's done! It's SO me and my fiance couldn't have picked a more perfect stone It has a nice deep pink color and since he knows my favorite color is fuschia he tried to get as close to it is possible. That's what I want, a nice, bright, fuschia stone I like pink, but not pale pink, I like bright, bold pink How long have you had your ring? Has it faded at all?

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason So even though it's a sucky situation (getting laid off) it may turn out to be one of the best things that ever happened for you both (aside from meeting eachother and getting married of course )

Sigh... I just did some more looking into Diamond Nexus Labs, and even though they LOOK gorgeous, apparently they're selling CZ and passing it off as lab-created diamonds... I knew it was too easy lol Well, at least now I've seen a heart-shaped diamond

Quote: Originally Posted by jamk32179 Yay for you! I have a lot of clients that will pair a band with a colored gemstone. Just a thought. Heart shaped diamonds are very pretty, actually one of the hardest cuts of diamonds! I wouldn't recommend purchasing a stone sight unseen. I had a friend recently do that and the diamond he thought he was getting was not the one he got. Sapphires that are deeper in color will be more pricey and rare, that is why you do not see alot of them I wouldn't normally purchase a stone without seeing it first, but I've been told that this company is very reputable, and they have a 30-day 100% refund policy, so if it looks like crap at least I can get my money back, even if I get it engraved Quote: Originally Posted by aimeeyonke this is a fun thread! especially since i'm a lady with a non-diamond e-ring. DH got me a padparadscha sapphire that is a beautiful shade of pink. i can be pretty tough on it (oops) and it is holding up like a charm. it is absolutely gorgeous, and most importantly i LOVE it. i think they are definitely worth looking into. Good Luck. Padparadscha, I'm definitely going to have to write that one down, because I wouldn't be able to spell it on my own, and I probably wouldn't even pronounce it right! lol I'm going to mention that to the jeweller, maybe he can hook me up lol

Quote: Originally Posted by jamk32179 I work for a high end jewelry store and I agree with NJ bride that it sounds as if your stones were color treated. Many times companies color treat a stone to enhance the color, hide imperfections, etc. Every company is going to have their own standards on what type of enhancements they allow. For example the process of heating a gemstone to improve its color or clarity can be acceptable depending on the company. It sounds like your stones were either dyed or infused. Infusion uses colored oils that can dry out or be removed due to ultrasonic cleaning. I would recommend educating yourself on the various jewelry companies, various enhancements and whether or not they enhance their stones. I was in Mexico a few months ago looking at a Tanzanite. I asked the sales person if their stones were enhanced, he said absolutely not. Tanzanites receive their color by heat treatments, otherwise they would not be as vibrant in color. At that point I knew I could not trust what he was trying to sell to me. Keep in mind the toughness of the stone as well. Although tourmalines and topaz's are higher on the hardness scale, they are considered to be fair when it comes to toughness. Probably not a great choice for something you will be wearing on a daily basis. If you love pink I would look into pink sapphire. It is a hard stone (ranks a 9) and excellent when it comes to toughness as well. Sapphires should be cleaned with warm soapy water, steamer or ultrasonic cleaner. Acceptable enhancements would be heat treatment or infusion of colorless oils which is used for durability. Keep in mind (and it sounds like you have some time) this will eventually turn into an investment. Stones of excellent quality are rare and will probably appreciate. If the deal sounds too good to be true it probably is. This is something you will have forever. Hope this info helps! Wow, you're very knowledgeable, thanks so much for the info! I'm going to have a look at what the jeweller has to offer when he comes, and I'm really leaning toward pink sapphire. BUT, I found a great alternative in case I don't find something I LOVE I still want pink, but if I can't get the shade of pink that I want, then I'm going to go with this: I LOVE it!! It's not pink , but it's guaranteed not to lose its colour at least! lol I hate the price of diamonds, I think it's crazy to spend $2000+ on one piece of jewelry, I have other things I'd rather spend that money on lol So I found Diamond Nexus Labs, and this is GORGEOUS, comes with a lifetime guarantee, and if anything happens, they'll replace it, no questions I don't like regular diamond engagement rings because I feel like they've all been done before and I've seen it before, but this is exactly what I pictured in my head, classic, yet different enough to be remembered So I'm still giving pink sapphires one more chance, but if I dont' see anything I like, then this is what I'm ordering! I thought about ordering a pink sapphire online, but you can never tell the true shade from a photo, at least if the stone is colourless {certified F and D (flawless and colourless)} then you don't have to worry about the pictures being wrong, plus the stone is certified, comes with the AIG certificate So thanks for all the advice!! I still have my heart set on pink, but if I can't find any nice pinks from the jeweller, then I found my ring! Yay! I'm too excited about this lol

My initials are DK, and I've been called "Donkey Kong" for WAY too long to keep my last name lol Now my other choice isn't the greatest either, DSL, but at least if I just use first name and last name, DL doesn't sound as bad lol Plus, you can tell by my username that I can't wait to change it

Quote: Originally Posted by shellb Forgot to mention mine was bought through Charm which is who I think you are going with. From my experience they are really good to work with to get what you are looking for. I was lucky enough to have the store manager as my sales person (sounds like you might be dealing with the manager as well) who knew you can get stones brought in if you are a serious buyer. When the Diamond / Jeweller guy comes to your store, he has tons of different color diamonds. He tried to sell us an orange one. He brings some really gorgeous stones. You are going to love it. Hope they have the stone you are looking for. That makes me super excited, because Charm/Crescent, Peoples (who ruined my current ring) and Bogart's are the only jewelry stores here, so I'm glad to hear that Charm are great because I've had great customer service there. Quote: Originally Posted by Mishi I worked in jewelry for a few years and let me tell you there is a huge difference between lab created and genuine...with one exception... moissanite. This started getting big about ten years ago because people were getting scammed by having the diamonds swapped for moissanite. You can't tell the difference... even a jeweler has a hard time. It is as hard as a diamond, will scratch glass like a diamond, and to the naked eye, touch and stand of time you will never know the difference. It is not as inexpensive as a lab created but it is way cheaper than genuine diamond. They have them in pink, yellow, blue, you name it. If this is something you are wanting to keep forever, I would either go with genuine or moissanite. There is a reason the labs are cheaper and you get what you pay for. They won't last forever and many will even scratch on the surface over time and will definitely fade. Good luck and we want pics when you finally do get it!!!! I've never heard of moissanite, I will definitely have to look into that! All I've seen is topaz and sapphire, I haven't even seen tourmaline, I have to wait for the jeweller to even see that one, so I'm going to ask him about moissanite Thanks so much!! Quote: Originally Posted by NJ_bride My Hubby was a jeweler and I think the reason your stone faded was not b/c it was lab created but b/c it was treated. I have several pieces of Caribbean Topaz. When I got them they come with a card that explains that while the stone is a genuine topaz, the beautiful dark blue-green color comes from a treatment they do to the stone. Over time this color can change or fade from chemicals, ect. They said not to use jewelry cleaner on them. I have many other lab created stones and they are fine b/c like you said they are the same make up as the genuine ones. If you like the lab created be sure to ask if they are natural color or treated stones. As for alternative choices I highly recommend the Pink Tourmaline. I bought the ring at Peoples, and only God knows what was done to those stones. It is possible that they were treated, but I know for SURE they were washed in ammonia by the staff themselves. I know nothing about jewelery, so I expected them to know when I asked if they could clean my ring, they cleaned it and ruined it I'm definitely getting some professional input on the stone I choose because I dont' want it to fade again and be in this same boat. If they can't give me something in writing that says it won't fade (or scratch easily), I'm not buying it. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... I deserved it lol