Thursday, January 22, 2009

A Bit of Irony

Here's my newest piece of jewelry, which was technically my Christmas present from D this year. However, in light of recent events I've decided it can instead be considered a gift from me, to me. I mean, I went to the Winterfest art show before Christmas knowing that I was going to buy something from friend and local metalsmith Tammy Kirks' collection, Red Bee Designs. I picked it out, paid for it, brought it home and then wrapped it (necklace and earrings) to put under the tree. So, isn't it pretty much technically from me? Yep, that's what I thought. Anyway, it is a gorgeous piece, I've received many compliments on it.




Now, here's some bad news, and a bit of irony besides, so just thought I'd post about it. One of my very favorite pieces (a one-of-a-kind necklace Tammy made for an Asian-themed women's event we had a few years ago; I won it in the silent auction), has been misplaced. Here's a picture of it -- fabulous, isn't it?


It has been missing for at least a couple of months, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what I've done with it! I change purses very regularly, and so I've went through each of them, thinking that maybe in our trips the lake or out of town that I tucked it in the pocket of one of them while we were traveling.

I was thinking about it last night, as I picked out clothes to wear today, and thought that perhaps this weekend I will go through my entire closet and look for it, and start spreading my wardrobe out again, to the closet in our third bedroom. As I was thinking about it, the irony struck me -- I've lost this Asian necklace, and then a month later, I've lost the Asian (half Asian) husband. Ok, it is probably only ironic to me, but hey - when you're in the middle of something like this, everything can seem like "karma" at times and strike you the wrong way. Part of me is almost (not quite) ok if I don't find the necklace, because it will remind me of him. But I guess I should think positive, and know that if I can wear the necklace that was supposed to be from him for Christmas, then surely I can wear and enjoy an Asian piece that a friend made as well.

On a more positive (less cynical) note, things are going pretty well. D and I have been on friendly terms, and have been touching base with each other on bills and other things. I'm in the process of refinancing my home and car, so looks like I will be okay financially. Jace is doing okay with things; I think he will really miss D, but D wants him to go over to his apartment when Neil is there to hang out and play Wii, so there will still be some contact at least for awhile.

I have another friend who is going through a divorce right now as well, and one thing we've talked about a few times is that God doesn't give you more than you can handle. Some days it is hard to remember that, but I keep trying! And believe it or not, most days I am doing just fine. Each day is a little better. Looking forward to bowling with Jace and a friend/her son tomorrow night, it will be a fun evening.

6 comments:

Rob said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rob said...

That's funny, I was just trying to edit my post and now it says I deleted it. Anyway... Take 2:

The phrase that “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle” came up at our church this past Sunday. In fact, it was the overall topic of the entire sermon. And it’s the opposite of what you’d think, so I’ll briefly summarize our pastor’s thoughts. Here goes:

The phrase that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle is not Biblical. The Bible says that we will not be tempted beyond what we can handle. And somewhere along the line, that has been twisted into saying that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. But temptation is an entirely different topic.

God never says that He won’t give us more than we can handle. We’re using that phrase to try to make ourselves feel better and convince ourselves that we can handle any situation.

How incredibly arrogant of us to think that we can handle it all. If that’s true, then why did Jesus come to die for our sins? It’s OK to admit that we’re overwhelmed.

Sometimes we do get more than we can handle. And perhaps the reason is so we’re forced rely on God.

Again, that’s a condensed version of a 45 minute sermon. Re-reading what I just typed, it sounds harsher than our pastor said it. But it’s made me re-think a very commonly used phrase.

Anonymous said...

Bummer about the necklace! I'd make you a new one, but I didn't save the pattern and I can't remember what the symbol means. I think it means "good health" or "long life" but I'm not sure. Thanks for the plug too! Maybe I should hire you as my marketing person!

I'm amazed at how well you're doing in light of all the crap going on in your life. I think of you often and send good thoughts your way. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to. Perhaps you, me and my mom should plan a little happy hour sometime - just for fun!

Lucas said...

Nance,
I love your new necklace. I think its important to still see the beauty in things that remind you of D even though there is lots of pain there. You are doing such a great job and I'm proud of you. Granted I don't see you everyday, but given the kinds of posts you've been putting up, I think you are doing great. :) Love you too! And keep on hanging in there.

Anonymous said...

Nance,

I just wanted to tell you that I laughed out loud when I read the part about losing your Asian husband. I know you probably didn't write it with the intent of being humorous but I certainly thought your take on losing the necklace was funny.

I also wanted to tell you that I so admire your strength through all of this. You are doing so great and I am so proud of you!!

I love you Nance!!

Love,
Tara

Anonymous said...

Rob- I don't think anyone claimed that phrase to be biblical. I believe it is credited to Mother Theresa.