Surprise: In The Mail.

I don't know about any one else but I think I would rather have a bunch of little surprises than 1 big surprise.

So, today brought a little surprise in the mail. I was not expecting anything other than bills or things trying to get me to spend more money. Instead there was a package. Wrapped in brown paper. Address from Portland, OR. I had picked up my mail on my way to teach at 5:00 PM, so I was driving. I immediately began to unwrap the brown paper. Hard to do when it is taped well and you are only using one hand.

I manage to open one end to reveal a Blood Pressure Measurement Kit box. First thought is, "Dang I hope that is not what is inside." Tearing away more of the brown paper I quickly realize that the box is older and what is inside is not the picture on top.

At this point I have pulled up to a stoplight, which helps because now I can use both hands to open the box. Upon opening I find newspaper stuffing and a note:

"Digital M,
I got this for you in Hawaii. Sorry it took me so long to mail it.
Love,
Mom"

Now I know it will be something cool, last time it was a pipe smoking monkey carved from coconut shells. I remove the newspaper stuffing to find something wrapped in tissue paper. The light has changed to green now and I am moving again, back to one hand. Upon examination of the tissue paper it has been taped around the object. So I have to wait until the next light, hoping that it is red when I usually hope for green.

The light changes as I approach, so I stop, and rip the taped tissue paper away to reveal a turtle. No, not a real turtle a ceramic turtle. There is a little piece of paper tied around its next that reads:

The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle From ancient times, the honu, or green sea turtle, was prized by fisherman in Hawaiian waters. Renowned for their beautiful shells and tender meat, the turtles were hunted to near extinction. Today they are kapu (protected) by federal and state law, and they are a common sight in every bay throughout the Islands. This weatherproof, high-quality ceramic honu reproduction is ideal as an exquisite adornment to any garden, pond, or pool.

I think, "Cool, now I just need a garden, pond, or pool." Until one of those comes in the mail, the honu will live in the potted plant on the kitchen table.

Hope that your days are filled with little surprises like mine.

Peace,

Digital M