This wasn't quite the scene in my office this afternoon, but it was in spirit:
I don't know when or how I discovered Ablogtoread, the watch website run by Ariel Adams, but I have followed it for a while. For those who are aware of it, the site gives a watch each month or so to a blog follower who offers some brief response to a general interest question. Once or twice I considered entering the contest but thinking about another screen name, password, all of that, and sometimes the software likes to direct you to all sorts of places, so I passed. At least I think so--I tried about a year ago and don't think I registered properly.
Anyway, as previously posted, this is the fourth of five years in which some domestic calamity (fire, flood (Really, I'm not kidding), financial help for a parent, major dental makeover) has managed to dent the family fortunes, pretty sizeably too. That, with college and a couple of cars for the youngsters, has made watch collecting a bit of a challenge. As part of the latest unplanned event, I decided, painfully, to sell my Navitimer Fighters (though to a very good home). At about that time, the reminder popped up on my phone for Ablogtoread's latest watch contest. I looked at the watch, thought this is the sort of watch I might be challenged to buy but might really like for a change of pace, and thought "I need a lift right now, just maybe..." I registered on the site, entered the contest, ultimately got rid of the multi-reminders that someone else just posted on the site, sighed, and went on my way.
Last Monday, I received and email from Ariel Adams. I WON. I WON I WON I WON! Please understand, I've been lost in the world of mold removal, sheetrock, floor tile, drywall, endless dust, home evacuation for a few days and using the kids' bathroom for several weeks, but I became overwhelmed with the sort of simple joy that reminded me of Ralphie's dad in A Christmas Story when he sent in a crossword puzzle or something and won a Major Award. I waited, impatiently, even though I knew what I won, but I was so ready for this. Today it came, my Major Award:
It is indeed, nothing special in a place where we sport Pateks, APs, Breguets, IWCs, JLCs, Breitlings, Rolexes and Omegas, but maybe because it is not so serious a piece, and of course it is free, there is a simple joy about it. Decent quality, nice workmanship, a few details not that great but overall, a fun piece to have. I have to get it sized or try it myself but on the wrist it feels very comfortable for its size. A different style, too, than anything I have owned and right now my only chronograph. Time will tell, but I hope to have some fun and enjoyment with my Major Award. Look, I love a leg lamp as much as the next guy, but I think I did much better than Ralphie's dad. Thanks to Ablogtoread and the monolith that is the Swatch Group.
