what really matters

This has been a rather trying week for me. I was sick through the holiday weekend, and that threw a wrench in alot of plans.

Holly and I were going to head down to her sister's place for the weekend to hang out, and on the way down, stop by the jewelry store and pick up her engagement ring.

I know, tradition says that I'm supposed to buy it without her knowing, so that I can surprise her with it.

you know what Tradition...up yours.

When we found The Ring back in March, I knew what I was up against. I now had a price tag as my goal. The main thing I have going against me is my credit....it is, shall we say, less than exemplary. Holly, however, had credit enough, but not enough job to back it up. So, with my job and her credit, we can do this.

Well, since I couldn't go along Saturday, The Ring was put on hold. I talked with the sales rep at the store, and I had to at least put something down so that The Ring didn't disappear.

Tuesday, I get off work at 4:30, run to a local branch of my bank, take out some funds, and head down to Schaumburg, IL. I'm there before 7, make my down payment to put The Ring, then head back to Milwaukee.

Holly had called me during the day, and asked if I would find her a laptop for school, so I had a couple of leads I wanted to discuss with her and her folks. I was back in Milwaukee at 8:45pm, and we talked about what her system needs were, and I had a lead on a great laptop for that. Holly and I were talking and the subject of The Ring, and how soon to acquire it. I explained my plan, and to be honest, she wasn't thrilled with what I had in mind. The conversation ended quickly, as she had to get back to her homework, and I was tired and needed to head home.

I was upset. I had let Holly down, again; she was upset with me, that I could see; I was mad at myself for not having better discipline with my money. She called me a little later on and I didn't answer, so she shot me a text basically saying "You're mad at me, aren't you" I replied that I was mad, I just wasn't sure at who.

I had a hard time sleeping Tuesday night. Holly and I were planning to meet someone about a laptop, and I wasn't about to let hurt feelings get in the way. Holly was still upset as well.

The plan was to meet up with the laptop guy at 6:30 Wednesday night, so I was going to pick Holly up at 6 to go meet the guy. When I got there, I took her in my arms and told her that I loved her, and that my love for her hadn't wavered in spite of what had been said. I mean that. I do some pretty stupid stuff, and she stands by my side, helping me up off the ground, so why wouldn't I love her?

We get her the laptop, and I get it all set up. Love covers a multitude of sins, and when I left for home last night, we'd moved on past Tuesday night's conversation.

Bottom line: I love Holly, and would go to the ends of the earth for her. That's what really matters to me.