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Post by Casual Reader on Mar 7, 2007 21:23:52 GMT -5
Dudes and Dudettes -- Casual is in a crisis about the diamond ring he has to buy his girlfriend.
I have been wandering the streets since I left Ballew's a few hours ago and he told me what its going to cost to get engaged. $4,000 to $5,000 big ones. I felt like getting drunk but then every cent I make has to go to this ring.
Help me out Calliope -- does a woman have to get a diamond? Can I get away with an Opal or a Pearl? Will she notice if it isn't a diamond? How about if its a small diamond surrounded by other stuff? How about that fake Zirconia stuff? I bet it will take years for her to figure it out and by then we will be married and we can laugh together about it.
Ballew is a shrewd one -- my eyes glazed over when he told me about the three Cs of Diamonds.
Carat
Clarity
Cut
I think the only C Ballew cares about is CASH. I thought $1,500 was going to cover it. This is worse than dating that Dominican girl and having to pay for the three movie tickets.
I think I am going to start hanging out at the muster zone. I work sometimes as a bartender and I am already cheating the federal government out of every penny I can. It just isn't enough.
Underground economy here I come.
Casual in Crisis
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Post by LS on Mar 8, 2007 9:49:36 GMT -5
Yes, it is an expensive world. This is just the first large expense that a "traditional" contemporary wedding entails. Get used to it.
$1500 will probably buy a small but nice rock, try going to those diamond outlets and do some walking around - don't let one guy corner you.
As to other types, I know several people that did not go the diamond route. It depends on your, a-hem, "girl" (now that that sort of thing is legal - just kidding).
Since she has given you an ultimatum, it sounds like you can broach the topic of types of rings.
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Post by richardkelsey on Mar 8, 2007 11:15:56 GMT -5
Yes, it is an expensive world. This is just the first large expense that a "traditional" contemporary wedding entails. Get used to it. $1500 will probably buy a small but nice rock, try going to those diamond outlets and do some walking around - don't let one guy corner you. As to other types, I know several people that did not go the diamond route. It depends on your, a-hem, "girl" (now that that sort of thing is legal - just kidding). Since she has given you an ultimatum, it sounds like you can broach the topic of types of rings. The rule -- probably made up by the diamond industry -- is about 2.5-3 months of one's gross monthly salary. In the case of Casual -- I would not suggest using his idea of hitting the muster zone. Applying that formula to those salaries might result in a different rock being thrown back his way by the future Mrs. Casual -- who then might become Ms. Uptight. |
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Post by Casual Reader on Mar 8, 2007 20:42:16 GMT -5
Thank you Calliope and LS -- you are true cyber friends.
Here is my plan -- in the next few days I will throw myself at her feet and show her my lowly passbook. This will pave the way for the fact that her rock may not exactly be a boulder.
Then I will bring her into the process -- somebody told me the Marlboro Diamond Mart (something like that) is a good place to go. Maybe we can hit a few places in the mall.
Man I am stressing. Maybe I can convince her that she doesn't really want a diamond but a cheap stone -- How about an amethyst?
How about a pair of earrings -- couldn't she say these are my engagement earrings? How about a toe ring? Who came up with this engagement ring stuff any way. Man this is worse than Christmas. These jewelers are evil they want to separate Casual from his cash.
Casually Desperate
PS -- I will keep you posted.
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Post by Casual Reader on Mar 8, 2007 20:43:11 GMT -5
I forgot to thank Mr. Kelso dude
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Post by Casual Reader on Apr 1, 2007 18:51:24 GMT -5
Hey Dudes and Dudettes: I know you have been missing me, but do not fear I will never abandon the borough I love. A lot going on with the Casual One. Let me answer the question you are all eager to ask -- What did I do about my diamond ring dilemma? Well as Calliope suggested I let my girl in on the deliberations. Good News and Bad News. She definitely wants a diamond. "My grandmother had a diamond engagement ring and my mother had a diamond engagement ring and I want a diamond engagement ring." But she said don't obsess on size -- "obviously I didn't," she said throwing a zinger at the Casual dude.  Now here is the good news -- As soon as I told her I was looking she melted. She came over and hugged me. She has really been sweet for the last few weeks and things are going great in the promiscuous department (a little Freehold Borough humor). I went to the Diamond Mart in Marlboro and I have taken my girl to the mall -- If I catch a break I maybe able to get away with between $2,000 and $2,500. Now the next question is when and how do I propose? Man this is a BS charade, but what am I going to do? She knows I am going to propose. I know she knows I am going to propose. Her parents are finally treating me with respect, so I bet they know too. My future brother-in-law is starting to call me "future brother-in-law." Why can't we just have Mayor Mike marry us at the muster zone? Get it over with and honeymoon in Mexico. It is the consumer beast that drives the lies in our society. Cynically Casual |
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Post by Freehold Resident on Apr 1, 2007 21:25:11 GMT -5
Just be happy you're allowed to GET married. Some of us aren't afforded the same rights as you.  But nonetheless, that's great. Congrats! FR |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 1, 2007 21:34:12 GMT -5
"I went to the Diamond Mart in Marlboro and I have taken my girl to the mall -- If I catch a break I maybe able to get away with between $2,000 and $2,500."
$2,500 for a ring at the Diamond Mart in Marlboro, they must be have a big hoot when you left the store, and they are spending more than 2 Min with you?
Hope your not buying Vintage Coal for the future Ms, Cas.
Make sure it cuts glass when you make your "investment in love".
Congrad's oh frugal dude.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 1, 2007 21:37:42 GMT -5
Just be happy you're allowed to GET married. Some of us aren't afforded the same rights as you. But nonetheless, that's great. Congrats! FR Be careful what you wish for!  |
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Post by Casual Reader on Apr 2, 2007 8:28:46 GMT -5
Mr. Figgy dude:
They seem to have items for all prices. They clearly have high end stuff, but they seem to have more reasonable (cheap) stuff.
How much did you spend on Mrs. Figgy? What advice would you give on how to handle my delicate situation?
Would you be willing to loan me a few pesos?
Casually Cheap
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 2, 2007 9:23:57 GMT -5
Mr. Figgy dude: They seem to have items for all prices. They clearly have high end stuff, but they seem to have more reasonable (cheap) stuff. How much did you spend on Mrs. Figgy? What advice would you give on how to handle my delicate situation? Would you be willing to loan me a few pesos? Casually Cheap You pegged it! SEEMED!!! About Mrs. F's ring..None of your business! The fact that you care to share your boring personal Telenovela with us here is brings me a ringing headache, and even typing a response to you makes be what to bath in Trichlorophenylmethyliodosalicyl for hours, (if I can stand the smell)! Cheers CAS-DUDE, and now I must disinfect! |
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Post by Casual Reader on Apr 2, 2007 9:38:46 GMT -5
Mr. Figgy Dude: We must stop hurting each other  Let us start fresh -- sure I think you are fascinated with your intellect and wit -- but I am willing to overlook that. Let us take our relationship to new levels -- Let us take the next step... Casually Reaching Out |
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Post by Casual Reader on Apr 2, 2007 9:44:39 GMT -5
Hi Calliope,
Where would you like a man to propose to you? Any pointers?
I have heard everything from putting it on a scoreboard to putting it at the bottom of a champagne glass.
Any ideas on this?
Casually Inquisitive
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Post by Casual Reader on Apr 2, 2007 9:50:13 GMT -5
Freehold Resident Dude:
I personally have no problem with gay marriage. I don't care who sleeps with who. From what I have read and heard the Civil Union stuff is pretty close, but not yet there.
There is a student in one of my classes -- she feels like you do. She has been with another woman for more than 10 years -- they have two adopted children -- and yet they don't have the same right to marry.
I think it will happen in the next 20 years. -- at least in NJ.
Casually Open-Minded
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 2, 2007 10:09:39 GMT -5
Mr. Figgy Dude: We must stop hurting each other Let us start fresh -- sure I think you are fascinated with your intellect and wit -- but I am willing to overlook that. Let us take our relationship to new levels -- Let us take the next step... Casually Reaching Out Ohhhh... We are stuck with you great to have you here all week....thats right, it is Spring Break. So instead of Cancun or Punta Allen or Isla Mujeres...your staying right here at Playa Spring Terrace Apts for the week. Great to see your head is in the right place, greasing the local economy. I hope you have the future Ms. Cas with you, and to share the exotic pleasures!  Sorry, this is not taking my usual high road, lets just ignore each other! Casually basking in the sunshine! |
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 2, 2007 10:30:23 GMT -5
Well, Casual, I'm a little different than most women. I don't need drama or fanfare. I am very romantic, and also very private. I would be happy if it is a private place, maybe walking on the beach, or even at home in front of the fireplace and him asking me to spend the rest of my life with him. Another scenario I'd love would be a romantic hideway restaurant, tucked in the corner -- him slipping the ring in my champagne glass (after I drank the bubbly) -- and asking me. That would be fun and sweet, too. I would suggest -- take your future Mrs. Casual to a place she loves, that is important to her and surprise her! Or, how about giving her a dozen red roses -- with a little surprise within -- ask her to find it. It's the ring! Then, she can save a rose by pressing it. I personally do not like a bended knee -- I don't want to be symbolically above my future husband -- we are on equal ground. I don't want to look down upon him. But, again, that's me. I hope I have been of help to you. OK how about ..... after a casual bike ride along the shore, (maybe Island Beach State Park), find a nice and secluded spot, a dune maybe. Sitting on a dune, with the sun to your back, you both gaze out upon the great vast triadic harmony of the land, that slopes down to the ocean, and the Ocean that meets the INFINATE SKY far out on the horizon. You point out that this very simple view is our essential universe (you can throw some GOD stuff in if your into that too). This can turn into a very deep philosophical conversation too is you chose, you know...about how life was created, the essential air we breath, and the ocean that sustains us..... Its just you, the future Ms. Cas and these three primeval elements when you tell her..... that your in your hart is her hart (or somthing like that) and that your two unique harts, together as one, are as infinite and esential for eachother as the triad of the land, sea and sky.... OK, NOW GO FOR IT... and bring klenex and the Rock (Dont drop it in the dune)!!! Casualy being Fiber FABIO! |
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Post by admin on Apr 3, 2007 4:19:29 GMT -5
Casual Reader,
Congats on taking the steps toward marriage. Now I have some trivia. There are three rings that you will get during this process. As you have discussed, there is the engagement ring. Next you will get the wedding ring. There is one more ring and it is the most expensive. Do you know what it is?
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Post by admin on Apr 6, 2007 7:57:54 GMT -5
I know, I know! SUFFER-ring! Am I right? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D You got it, Just don't tell my wife I wrote this, or I will be wearing that ring. |
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Post by admin on Apr 6, 2007 8:16:45 GMT -5
Since we are on the topic of diamonds, I have to make all the male readers jealous.
My wife is a geology major. To her, a diamond is just a rock. With that in mind, she did not allow me to buy a diamond for our engagement. ;D
I got lucky on that one!
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Apr 6, 2007 8:38:19 GMT -5
Moral is, marry a geology major? d**n, what is wrong with me!!! (Rhetorical question, next Casual will start a new Thread, physco analyze whats wrong with Fiber...  ) Have a good Friday all, ... In fact why not have a GREAT Friday all! |
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Post by admin on Apr 7, 2007 7:28:57 GMT -5
Moral is, marry a geology major? d**n, what is wrong with me!!! (Rhetorical question, next Casual will start a new Thread, physco analyze whats wrong with Fiber... ) Have a good Friday all, ... In fact why not have a GREAT Friday all! I would bet that casual is phyco analizing all of us nuts on this board. He is probably writing his thesis on us. |
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