A Very Amanda Fairy Tale

Once upon a time, about a year ago I re-found my First State Quarters of the United States Collector's Map, which I had received for Christmas in 1999. It only had one quarter in it (Delaware), although some of the slots had been stretched out like they had once held quarters, but said quarters had apparently been removed for more important purposes (ex. buying candy.)

So if nothing else 2011 can be remembered as the year I re-started collecting state quarters. We aren't exactly cash/change people around here so my days as a curator weren't exactly bustling, but exciting none-the-less.  And it's true what they say- if you put your mind to it something, eventually you will have collected 21 state quarters after 11 years and 10 months of trying.

I once told Nic (totally seriously) "I would rather have all of the state quarters than a diamond ring."
To which he replied "You'd rather have twelve-dollars over a diamond ring?"
Forget that I could sell my diamond ring and buy a number of First State Quarters of the United States Collector's Maps, I just really wanted my collection completed at all costs (or for $12.50 to be exact.)
I just like silly things I guess. Nobody ever said I was high maintenance.

Nic was both supportive and incredulous when it came to my quarter collecting- I mean he would occasionally look through his stash of car coins for me. But needless to say, he thought it was kind of weird that an adult woman actually pined after a collection of novelty quarters.

Like I said after 11 years and 10 months of collecting I was holding frustratingly steady at 21 state quarters.

But here is where things get sweet...

I've often shared my general distaste for cliche romantic gestures (like buying your adult significant other a stuffed animal???) And Nic isn't really a romantic gestures kind-of husband. Which is good, because generally speaking I like to pick out my own stuff anyway (seriously.) Like I said I'm low maintenance.

So when Nic returned home with my First State Quarters of the United State Collectors's Map 47/50ths full (that's all the bank had in the vault)  I was happier than a girl whose husband surprised her with a surprise diamond ring (seriously.) Or something else as equally exciting and thoughtful.

It was amazing. Nic had won 47/50ths of my heart.

And they lived happily ever after.

The End.

Epilogue.
When Nic was at the bank he was too embarrassed to say the quarters were for his wife's collection and told them was doing it for his daughter's upcoming Birthday

Today I spotted a National Park Quarters Collector's Map, I think I know what I want for Valentine's Day...