Evolution of gina: What I Got In My Mailbox

What I Got In My Mailbox

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Life without idealism is empty indeed.
-----
Pearl S. Buck

So, I was mulling around doing not much of anything when I decided to check my mail. I received an envelope with a ‘do not bend’ sticker on it. I’m not that special, so when I looked at the return address from my—ahem—alma mater, I got tickled. The last piece of the puzzle was in my hands.

I took my mail with me and decided to flip the envelope and bend up the metal butterfly clasp that held down the flap. I took a peek as if my mail should be a secret to me. Yet, it was a present; a present that I never thought I would receive. I was surprised when I saw a piece of plain white paper. Along with an additional envelope, the piece of paper was slick with a piece of lamination.

I went into the house, took a seat, and slid the paper from the envelope. Under the laminated slice of plastic and the piece of paper, I found my diploma. Would you believe that I have not gotten used to knowing that I got this? That I accomplished this goal? The one thing I never thought I could ever accomplish? I took it in my hands and looked at it. I examined the size of it, the fine writing, my name, the number of people who signed it, the honors sticker, the emblem… I really looked at it.

It may settle in my head eventually. I've got an Associate's of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. I’m just not sure when.

I can tell you that a part of me deep down inside is doing the Snoopy dance.

Labels: My Writing, Thoughts