The Great Ring Fiasco HAS BEEN FIXED!

Hey guys!

So some of you might remember The Great Ring Fiasco of 2015, so I'm writing to tell you all about how it's been fixed! Here's the rundown of how the events took place:

February 2014: Patrick orders my engagement ring (which I picked out) and proposes.

November 2014: After already having gotten married in Las Vegas, Patrick orders the wedding band that goes with my engagement ring and gives it to me for Christmas.

February 2015 (Take 1): We send my rings in to have them soldered together.

February 2015 (Take 2): My rings come back from the jeweler and they are soldered together incorrectly (and very sloppily). They are sent back out.

February 2015 (Take 3): My rings come back from the jeweler soldered together incorrectly (just in a different way this time) and the jeweler has made unauthorized changes to my wedding band by chopping it to pieces and re-soldering it together in the shape that he feels it should be in (which I did not realize at the time). There are gaps in my ring where you can tell the jeweler cut it (which I didn't understand because I didn't realize that the ring was re-shaped). Distraught, I ask for a new wedding band. My request is denied. My rings are sent back out again.

February 2015 (Final Take): The rings come back and the wedding band is still misshapen and looks nothing like the photo that I based my decision on purchasing the rings off of, but at least the gaps are filled in. At this point, I'm beyond frustrated and I've been without my rings for over a month so I begrudgingly place the rings on my finger and they stay there until January 2016.

December 2015: We go out to dinner with some friends and one of them reminds me of something that she told me before-- she worked for Kay Jeweler's for a while and she urges me to contact customer service about my rings. I email them that night.

The Final Solution (January 2016): While I was in Michigan, a new engagement ring and band were sent to my local store. When they arrived, the rings were sent out to be re-sized and soldered together. The customer service rep. took it upon herself to make all of this happen behind-the-scenes with brand new rings so that I wouldn't have to go without my own rings while the process was happening. They happened to be finished just a few days after we returned home from Michigan, at which point I went up to the store and checked them out. I wasn't happy with the rings (which the Kay's girls and the jeweler himself predicted) because apparently the photo that I based my purchase off of is not accurate to the specifications of how the rings are supposed to be soldered together, however they did not want to make any unauthorized modifications to my rings because that is exactly what caused the problems last time. I was confident that they finally understood what I was talking about so I gave my approval to have them sent back out so the band could be slightly re-shaped. When they came back a week later, they were absolutely perfect and all I had to do was give them my rings in exchange for the brand-new ones!

This is the photo that I based my purchase off of, which shows the engagement ring and the band that was specially made for it (the band doesn't go with any other rings that Kay's offers). Photo credit to Kay's.

This was my ring after the modifications that I was really displeased with. As you can see, the band curves right around the engagement ring but there is actually supposed to be some space between the point of the band and the "notch" that it "fits" in. 

My new, bright and shiny rings, made just the way I always expected them to be! 

I'm super thrilled and I can't thank Kay's Customer Service rep. Kassandra for being so attentive!

Lucky Friday the 13th! (Phone Trouble and The Great Ring Fiasco of 2015)

Hey guys! I got some really great news today and I thought it would share it with you all. Normally most people consider Friday the 13th to me extremely unlucky, but I have always had nothing but great luck on Friday the 13th, especially since high school and beyond. Today was no different, and how cool is it that we got to have two Friday the 13th's in a row? Gotta love a 28 day month!

Today, Patrick and I went on an early, mid-day date to go see the new Cinderella (it was really great and is definitely worth seeing-- the costumes are to die for!). Since the movie theater is in the mall and I was expecting my wedding rings to come back in today, this was super convenient. When we got out of the movie, we headed to Kay Jewelers just down the corridor to go pick up my rings.

After over a month of struggling with Kay Jewelers to get my engagement ring and wedding band soldered together correctly, everything is finally perfect!

Patrick and I had not been planning on getting married before May, so we were not prepared with my wedding band when we got married in October and ended up ordering it for Christmas. Because my rings are so specifically shaped, the engagement ring and the wedding band have to sit a certain way together in order for them to look correct. Anytime someone would ask to see my ring, I had to adjust and turn them before I could hold out my hand and let them look. I was really looking forward to the day I would have them soldered together, and because of the every-six-months maintenance package we have on my rings, I wanted to wait until February until I got the two rings soldered together because that was when I would have needed to have them sent in anyways to have the rhodium plating re-done.

My engagement ring on the day Patrick proposed, February 15, 2014.

Let me tell you, it was a disaster from the beginning.

When you spend weeks picking out a ring, lots of money on it, and get very emotionally attached to it because of its significance, you always want and expect for it to be perfect. A bride has this mental picture of the perfect ring and never expects it to be anything less than exactly what they wanted, especially when you are dealing with a company like Kay Jewelers who have jewelers who deal with similar jewelry every day and know how it is supposed to look and know that the job is to be done flawlessly (or so you would think).

A screenshot from the Kay Jewelers website of how my rings are supposed to fit together. I would show you a current picture, but it's dark outside and the lighting in our house is not great for photos... Plus my nails look like crap. Maybe I'll insert a photo later.

I sent my rings out on my birthday, February 7th, and they were expected to be back in two weeks. Luckily they came back a little bit early, so I went to pick them up while Patrick was out of town... Only to find that they had been soldered together wrong. Like I said before, the rings have to sit a very specific way for them to look correct (as you can see from the photo), but that doesn't mean they don't fit together in other ways. In addition, they originally did a pretty cruddy job at re-sizing my engagement ring when I had that done in August (the back of the ring was "wavy" or crooked) but I had planned on having them fix that the next time I sent it in because I didn't want to send it back again and be without it for longer. So not only were they soldered together the wrong way, but they also made no effort to fix the crooked part of the ring, and so there was a gap between the two of them on the palm side of the rings and uneven soldering. So I calmly had them send it back again with a photo of how the rings are supposed to look together and I patiently waited another two weeks.

When I got my rings back, they looked even worse.

At first I didn't even notice it very much, but it looked like they had literally clipped a piece of my ring off and then soldered it back on. It was especially noticeable from the bottom, but you could definitely see the shoddy job they did from the visible chips on the side... And AGAIN they didn't bother to fix the crooked part of my engagement ring, so there was still a huge, uneven gap between the rings on the palm side. I barely noticed these things at first, but when we got home I definitely saw them and I was so upset that I started to cry out of frustration, anger, sadness, and definitely fear. My ring looked so far gone that I was afraid they would never be able to make it look like new (and like it was supposed to).

Patrick took us straight back to the store and handled the entire situation beautifully. The woman we had been dealing with was wonderful. She was always so kind and had been in the store every time we had gone in, so she knew the situation and knew exactly what the problems were and could even spot the flaws in the jewelry herself.

This time, she wrote a very detailed note to the jeweler about exactly what needed to be fixed, expressed that this was a top priority since there had been so many issues and it had taken such a long time already, and and she put a rush on it to have it back within seven days.

Today we got it back and it is finally perfect. The wedding band that was so butchered looks brand new, there is no uneven gap between my rings, and there is a small, very even spot where they soldered them together. They look exactly how I would expect from a job done by a professional jeweler. After all of our trouble, we've decided to name this ordeal The Great Ring Fiasco of 2015.

I had been without my rings for over a month for a job that should have taken two weeks, and as much as I adore my grandmother's vintage wedding rings that she gave me for my 21st birthday (which I wear in situations like this when I need to send my rings in for maintenance... No one ever notices that they're different, but they're a little big so I worry about losing them), I was really bummed to be without them for so long.

After we left the mall, we did a bit of shopping for a few groceries and a new cat tent for Marble because the washing machine ate her last one. We ran a couple of other quick errands and then headed back home to relax.

Here's the part where you learn about the other great thing that happened to me today, other than having an overall good day and getting my rings back. A few months ago I rooted my phone. For those of you don't know, this basically means you download a software onto your phone that "opens up" all of the things that you weren't previously able to have access to. Do you have a pre-loaded application on your phone that drives you nuts but you can't delete it? When you root your phone, you are able to delete the things that bother you, change the things you don't like, and load on software that you would like on your phone (plus a whole lot more, but this does void any warranty on your phone and sometimes does end up ruining your phone, so this must be done with caution by someone who knows what they're doing). However, recently Samsung came out with a software update for the phone and I could not find a way to turn off the notification for the update, plus with a rooted phone you are unable to update the software. This meant that I was getting a notification (I kid you not) every time I left my fingers off of my screen for more than five seconds while the screen was awake, plus it would pop up any time I would unlock the phone to use it. I cannot remember the last time I was so annoyed by something so trivial, but I use my phone so frequently (like a tablet or a laptop) that it was something I was dealing with constantly.

So last month (silly me) I thought that factory resetting my phone would fix the problem. I backed up all of my files and reset it, and then painstakingly had to re-download all of my apps, change all of my settings, and adjust my phone to the way it was previously. This, apparently, did not do the trick. I so was worried that I would have to reset it again when I finally un-rooted it that I dealt with the problem until I really couldn't take it anymore because I didn't feel like re-doing everything again. Last night, I actually looked up how to un-root it, downloaded the software to do so, and waited for over an hour for the processes to be over. Thankfully I didn't have to factory reset my phone again. When it was done, my phone tried to update again... and it FAILED. All day I was dealing with that stupid notification again, and I told myself that maybe I did need to factory reset my phone and that I would do it when we got home from running errands today. When I actually sat down to do it, I decided to try to update the phone one last time before I reset it once again...

AND IT FINALLY UPDATED.

Thank goodness, because I was truly ready to chuck the phone out of a moving vehicle. My phone is now finally back to normal, and my annoyances are at a much lower level.

Maybe this was a long, rambling post that no one cares about, and maybe I sound like an absolute brat about my rings, but when you spend that much money on something and it means that much to you, you expect it to be excellent. Plus, dealing with the phone thing was much like dealing with a pop up advertisement on your laptop or phone, and I go to great lengths to get rid of those little buggers.

Regardless, I'm finally happy with my rings and the most constant irritation in my life has finally gone away. Rejoice with me, friends. I don't have to throw a temper tantrum any time soon.



**Another quick update on how I'm feeling: Today was not so great. I dealt with a migraine all day. The headache itself wasn't so terrible after I took Excedrin, but the other symptoms (dizziness, inability to focus or form thoughts, exhaustion, nausea after eating) were very present all day and I felt very out of it-- you should have seen me trying to navigate through the store. I definitely feel that this has to do with our travelling this past week finally catching up with me, so I hope I can kick it with a hot bath and a good night's sleep tonight! Thank you all for all of your kind thoughts and good vibes <3

Birthday Weekend & General Life Update!

"Pardon me while I burst 
A decade ago, I never thought I would be. 
A twenty three on the verge of spontaneous combustion. Woe-is-me."

- Incubus, "Pardon Me"

Hey everyone! I had a FANTASTIC birthday weekend and I thought I would share it with all of you! I know I've posted quite a few "issue" related posts lately (more article-like than blog posts), so I thought you all could use a life update!

Patrick didn't have to travel for work for all of January and is just now going on his first business trip of the year to Austin Texas, so we've been able to spend a lot of time together! He really needed to get out of the house, though. I kid you not, he rearranged his office four times and the living room five times. He gets stir crazy after a while of strictly working from home!

Friday was February 6th, the day before my birthday, and I got to have a really great birthday dinner! Last month, I told Patrick that I wanted to "have a birthday dinner with our close friends at a sushi place" and let him run with the idea. He began inviting our friends to go out with us... until we found out that our chosen restaurant would be closed for the month of my birthday! Boo! He had already began inviting people and because we ended up having to switch restaurants, the guest list had to be cut off where it was (we had actually over-invited guests!). Even though I wish everyone had been able to come, especially the ones we got to invite, some people ended up not being able to make it so we did end up fitting in the space we reserved, which was a relief but definitely a bummer because it meant people weren't able to make it.

Regardless, I ended up having an AMAZING birthday dinner! We reserved two tatami rooms with the divider between them removed at a Japanese restaurant in San Carlos called Kaigan Sushi, where we've eaten several times before, but it was my first time in a tatami room!

For those who don't know (because I sure didn't until I moved here), a tatami room can be many different things depending on what context you're using it in, but in our case it was a small room with a raised floor and a step to get into. You take off your shoes and place them below the step, and then walk up into the room and sit at a sunken table. I could try my hand at describing it, which would likely turn out really poorly, or I could show you this nice image, courtesy of Google.

Example of our tatami room, courtesy of Google Images.

As you can see, the table is sunken in and the seating is one long, continuous bench around the table. Though our seats did not have chair bases, we did have some nice chair cushions to sit on! Our tables were smaller than the one in the image, though. 

Patrick and I headed out several hours early to account for traffic, and even though we had had an entire week of clear, beautiful weather, it started raining on Friday morning and really hasn't stopped much since, and now it's Sunday! We overshot the traffic a little bit, so to kill time Patrick and I did a little bit of various shopping (specifically searching for one item-- I'll explain later), and he ended up with a new coat and I got a new pair of Captain America PJ pants! Yay Target! 

When it got closer to the reservation time and we finally got to San Carlos and found parking, we trudged through the rain and eventually got to sit down to dinner. We all ordered various dishes, and I had an appetizer of shrimp tempura and gomae (steamed spinach in a sesame sauce) and then a chicken teriyaki bento box, which included grilled chicken in a teriyaki sauce, a small salad with a sweet, creamy dressing, sticky rice, California rolls, fried dumplings, and miso soup. I'm a little picky, so I gave away my fried dumplings and I only ate the crab out of my California rolls (is that disrespectful? I think it is but it was my birthday so I think I get a pass), but everything else was DELICIOUS!

For dessert, we had my traditional assorted variety birthday cheesecake (my slice was chocolate cheesecake with chocolate drizzle and chocolate chips-- YUM). It just wouldn't be my birthday without an assorted variety cheesecake!

*Fun fact, I was talking to my mother on Saturday and she told me about a random craving for cheesecake that she had. She ended up purchasing an assorted variety cheesecake and eating only one slice, which was the same exact type that I did-- not even knowing that that was what I'd eaten 18 hours before. How's that for ESP? 

After dinner was over, some people decided to head home while the rest of us headed over to our favorite Hawaiian restaurant down the street, Noelani's! They have the BEST french fries (I don't even normally like french fries!) and drinks for those who like alcohol (I still can't get a taste for it) and so we sat outside on their heated patio by a nice fire while it rained all around us. It was so cozy and beautiful!

On Saturday, the actual day of my birthday, we had a Rocky show to do! However, Patrick had to leave for Texas on Sunday morning, so we worked it out with our friend Delfino that we would drive to his house, he would drive us to the show, then we would drop Patrick off at the airport directly from the show, then we would drive back to Delfino's house, and then I would drive home from there. I ended up going to bed at 5:30am, but it as worth it to have been able to go to the show!

Our show this weekend was one of our special theme shows, so instead of the normal characters, each character dressed up as a different cartoon character! We had examples like Tina and Louise Belcher (Bob's Burgers), Scar (Lion King), Betty Boop, Jessica Rabbit and Roger Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit), and a set of Minions (Despicable Me)! The show was fantastic and the most fun I've had at a show since probably October. I'm so proud to be a part of such an awesome cast!

And now for the part we've all been waiting for... PRESENTS! I had a bunch of fantastic, thoughtful presents this year, but there are some that I really want to give mention to!

On Friday, Patrick gave me my early birthday present of...

An Instax Mini Instant Camera! 

Do you know how hard it is to find film for this thing in stores (which is what we were searching for before dinner on Friday)? I'll tell you: It's next to impossible! We didn't find ANY! It's going to have to come from Amazon!

(Most of) The gang's all here! Thank you all so much for coming out to my birthday dinner, it meant so much to me! 

:) I love this guy!

On Friday I also got a random, unexpected package in the mail! It was...

A pair of Bluetooth headphones from my dad! 

My dad and I have always been able to connect through music and it was so cool that he sent me these. They're so awesome! I've been wanting a pair since Patrick got himself a pair for Christmas, and out of the blue I get a pair on my doorstep from my dad! He didn't even know I wanted them!

On Saturday, my actual birthday, I woke up and Patrick was gone. When he got back, he had me open my already wrapped presents, and I got... 

A new water bottle (and two extra ice sticks)! 

This might seem silly, but I was so stoked about this water bottle! I'm really picky about stuff, so when I find something I like, I usually try to stock up (and if you follow me on Twitter you know my struggle of trying to find a good pair of slippers... And how when I found a good replacement pair for my ones that are tearing, I bought five pairs...). During my trip to Michigan in December, I kind of "adopted" one of my grandparents' water bottles and ended up taking it home with me because I loved it so much, and it has been attached to my hand ever since! I never go anywhere without it, but I wanted a backup for when I need to wash it so I don't have to go without a water bottle. Lucky for me, even though the original bottle was probably 5+ years old, the same company still makes the same exact bottle, so Patrick ordered another one for me! I'm probably irrationally excited about my water bottle. I know I'm a crazy person. It's okay. He also ordered an extra two pack of ice sticks (since I lost the one to my original bottle) so now I have a nice rotation of three sticks so I can always have a nice cold drink :)

Then Patrick pulled a box out of his pocket. Apparently he had been out shopping that morning for a last minute gift. He bought me...

A diamond tennis bracelet!

We had just gotten an advertisement book from Kay Jewelers the other day in the mail and I had dog-eared a couple of bracelets that I really liked, and Patrick wanted me to have something shiny for my birthday, so he went out that morning and purchased the tennis bracelet I picked out. It is beautiful and I was blown away. I never expected it!

However, when I mentioned that I was worried that he would think I didn't like it because I wouldn't wear it just anywhere (I would be too afraid I would lose it, and I definitely wouldn't wear it to Wal Mart with my yoga pants and hoodie!), he took me back to the mall...

And got me the second bracelet that I had dog-eared in the advertisement! I think maybe Patrick has started taking crazy pills, but I'm not complaining!

I, of course, got several other awesome gifts, including flowers, balloons, and books, all from people I love very much! I had an amazing birthday! Thank you so much to everyone who was a part of it! You all sure know how to make a girl feel special :)