Found

I made a lovely discovery today.  I haven't worn my engagement ring for years and years (three kids later it no longer fits) and it had been sitting abandoned on the key rack for several months.  I decided a few months ago that I'd really like to get it resized, and after suggesting it as a Christmas pressie idea to The Queen of Clean (for me of course, not him!), I went to retrieve it from the key rack and take it to our local jeweller for a quote.

Well could I find it?  It had been right in front of me for months every time I went to grab my keys, taunting me that I couldn't wear it anymore.  But it had vanished.  My first thought (and I am embarrassed to admit this now) was that it had been stolen - we'd had plumbers and window fitters in the house this summer and I couldn't recall seeing it since then.  Somehow though it just didn't seem possible that those guys would take it, surely I would have noticed? Also months had passed, what could I do?

So, I tried to forget about it, and push it to the back of my mind.  After all it wasn't an expensive ring (we were busy saving for a cot when we got engaged!), and not worth claiming on the home insurance for, but it was so sad to lose something that means so much to me, particularly when I'd just resolved to get it resized.

And yes, I know the key rack wasn't a great storage place for something so precious.

Well you know how this story ends.  Clue in the title and all that.  I was following 365 Less Things (great blog, check it out for decluttering inspiration) 'mini missions' where each day you are given a small decluttering task.  The day's task was to sort out your jewellery box.  Well mine was awful - old buttons for clothes I no longer own, corsages from bridesmaid dresses, tangled necklaces and.................tucked in a corner and truly hidden my engagement ring!  I had looked in there on my original search, but obviously didn’t see past the nonsense that had taken residence in there.  I don't know how it got there, or when, or who put it safely back where it belongs.  I guess it was me on some late night unconscious tidying session.  So it is back now on the key rack, just until I can get it to the jewellers on Friday.

So a simple act of decluttering bought so much more than I expected.  Wonder what I’ll uncover on my next mission?