It isn't really a long story, but I'm sure I can make it entry worthy! 
I am allergic to pretty much every metal there is with the exception of Titanium & 24K Gold. They won't make engagement rings out of 24K Gold as it's too soft. And while it's nice to know I can have a titanium ring so that no matter what, I know I won't end up with a plastic wedding ring - I really wanted something shiny - I am a female ya know.
So last Sunday I went to The Shane Company & purchased the cheapest Platinum band ($400) so I could try it out. They sized it and John & I went to pick it up on Wednesday afternoon. After I put it on, we met up with the guy that helped me on Wednesday and looked at some rubies. Apparently the country (some where in Burhma?) that Tom Shane hand picks his Rubies from because they are the BEST that he has found, has recently been put on trade restrictions with the US due to possible sponsorship of terrorism & other things. That said, he hasnt' found an adequate substitute yet, so rubies will be going up in price or the selection will greatly diminish. (the salesperson said "unless Tom lowers his standards to the perfect ruby, which I'm doubting' Guess we'll see.)
The plan for the engagement ring is an emerald cut ruby. We had thought about hurrying up and purchasing a ruby now so that we can have what I want - but the more I've thought about it over the weekend, the more I think not. What good is a $1500-$2500 ruby going to do me in 3-4 years if I can't get one to match for placement in John's wedding band? Yes, I would really like a real ruby, but I think the plan right now is to sit down with our guy at Shane company and discuss if:
1) If they can sell us a fake ruby for now & mount the crown, setting the stone.
2) If they will mount a stone on the band they sold me that we didn't purchase from them.
3) If they will still provide the metal care guaranteed on my band if I end up buying a fake stone from some where else
4) Maybe look at other stones and determine if something else catches my eye at this time.
This needs to be accomplished in the next month - answering those questions. I have 53 days to return the ring if they won't continue metal care if I have to purchase a stone some where else.
That said, I really like The Shane Company. I feel like they have a great reputation - their guarantee with free maintenance is wonderful. If I do buy a ruby there, and keep up my maintenance (every 6 months & free) and some how the stone gets loose & I lose it, they will replace it, no cost. Also, my over all vibe from them is that they truly have integrity and aren't just out there to take your money. The jeweler we spoke with is a younger guy - and super informative. It was just a really fun time (though it was also really scary cost wise.)
And I'm happy to say that even though I haven't had this ring on for a whole week yet - I'm quite sure I'm not allergic to Platinum! 
They figured I wouldn't be, but I'm definitely not willing to wait & find out until after I have a rock!
*** Probably most importantly, Step One does not mean I am engaged. Just making it a possibility in the near future. ***
We should be engaged by the middle-last quarter of the year. Honestly, at this point it's just a symbol for me. I feel like I'm already engaged. I've made up my mind that this is a life time commitment, everything else is just details now. I've (we've) essentially been planning our wedding in bits in and pieces due to the various weddings we've attended this year and other randomness that just pops into our conversations. It's fun stuff.
Next up on the agenda is setting up a time to meet with my family friend Shirley & see about renting her basement with John next year. Not sure if it's going to be big enough. That's kind of disappointing because it would financially be amazing for us & actually let us get ahead. At the same time, I do miss having room to have people over. I wonder though, if I wanted to have a dinner party with ya know, maybe four people over, if she would let us use the dining room? We have to share a kitchen anyway... PLUS my mom could stay in her "Auntie Shirley's" guest room when she wants to visit me. This would also be good because she rarely sees her as it is.
Work has been busy. I must have put in like 60 hours last week alone, but all the year end reports are finished. I just have to clean up the mess now. Maybe I'll do that later today. Maybe I'll stay away the whole weekend. We'll see.
Hope you're all doing well. And for those that are having health issues - you're in my thoughts & prayers for a healthy recovery.
that it is good they are ruling out something less likely, instead of going with the easier diagnosis. And I really do appreciate the comments. It's not the worst thing that could happen in the world, though it threw my world for a little spin, and it's good to know I have you guys for those out of control thoughts. 
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