The Ring (and I don't mean the movie)

Most people who get engaged have a fabulous story on how they picked out a ring. This morning, I remembered how my brother went about picking one out for my sister-in-law. When I turned seventeen, I made a pilgrimage back to the homeland of sand and camels to see my grandmothers, aunts and cousins - plus a few family friends. Flying isn't my forte, but I survived a puke-filled flight of 14 hours to arrive in the place that I lived for the first 5.5 years of my life. Before this journey ever started, my brother asked me to accept a very important task; to find his future wife a ring. He handed me a wad of a money that only a 24-year old could come up with on a college TA salary, and sent me on my way.

There I was, on a plane by myself for the first time ever flying to another country with only one suitcase (stuffed like an olive with what I thought were my most awesomest outfits - it was the 90s so you can use your imagination), a backpack (which held the cash) and my snow-white teddy bear (I needed a companion for this trip). Once I landed, kissed the ground and made my way through customs, I enjoyed my time looking for a ring that would be presented to my future family member.

I hate to admit it, but the trip was a bust. My aunt and I spent time going all over town looking for the right ring. To tell the the truth, years later, I am glad my brother picked out the ring he wanted to present. I remember getting my ring and all the memories that are tied to the diamond and silver band. I will never forget the moment and how it felt to know the man I would eventually call my husband would pick out something so special and from his heart (well, that and the store that sold it to him). And when my sister-in-law pulled out her engagement band, this past year, (which was replaced on their 10-year anniversary with another band and bigger diamonds), you could see the love she still held on to the little piece of jewelry given to her years ago. I knew then it meant more to her than anything I could have ever picked out.

What else would I do on a Saturday?

A friend/co-worker who I happened to meet in my prior postion, is getting married this year. Being a veteran, she asked me for help or suggestions. This made me laugh on the inside, while feeling a bit of pride that the anti-bride that I was, would be asked to assist. I pulled up all my saved Internet wedding sites (this gal doesn't scrapbook); from invites, to local bridal shops to reception ideas. She grinned from ear to ear and gobbled up all the information. And before I knew it, I was sitting in a bridal shop, helping pick out her wedding gown.

If you back track to my dress shopping experience, it brings up memories of a boring, pain in the you know what and also down-right costly adventure. I ended up running into a place at the mall, picked up what could be a bridesmaid dress and called it a day. But to have a part in her wedding plans, was a nice excuse to see what I missed out on.

I will say it was like playing dress up, but without me getting sweaty hopping into and out of huge ball gowns. I loved it! And the scary part of it all, so did she; even found two gowns - one modern and one elegant yet classy. The other fun part of the day was watching all the other brides pick out their dresses. We got to see all walks of life and I mean all kinds of brides prance behind close doors, put on the dress of their dreams and then come out to model it in front of family and well strangers like me.

Overall, I'd rate last Saturday as a 8 out of 10 stars in amusement. Even in a crappy economy, at least one industry will never fail nor go belly up. To the brides.