Today, I realize how thankful I am for USPS, the mailman (or woman). I have always been sort of a mail nut; I consider bringing in the mail pure joy. When thinking back, I have fond childhood memories related to mail, so I guess that is where my mail fetish stems from.
For instance, my family lived in a very remote part of Maui, Hawaii when I was a kid. We did not have a mailbox in front of our house. Each day, it was our after-school ritual with mom to drive to the one and only post office and pick up our mail. Life was simple, and it was a very small town, so we were easily entertained.
Being the oldest of 4 girls, and the tallest, I usually got to open the P.O. Box with a special combination and retrieve the mail for mom. When my sisters got taller, we would fight over whose turn it was to open the box. A few years went by, and they replaced the old-fashioned combo box with fancy key-boxes (wow, the technology!) and my family got to keep the faceplate to the old box. P.O. Box 292 still stands displayed in my mother’s home.
Then in the 9th grade, I left Hawaii to live with my Grandmother in Southern California. My family stayed behind. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I missed my family more than I ever thought possible, but I could always count on the mailman.
Each week, sometimes twice a week, a special card or note from my Mom or sisters would faithfully arrive. I would eagerly check the mail for Grandma each day, always anticipating something just for me. I still have all of those cards and notes that meant so much. The following year, my family joined me in California.
In 2006, I moved to Texas and once again left my family behind. My Mom still sends special cards or packages, except now they are usually for her granddaughters. The mail has not lost it’s appeal on me, even with all the technology of today. There is nothing like a hand written letter to brighten your day.
Another reason I am thankful for mail is actually rather new to me. I always request freebies and samples on my favorite blogs (usually to give away), and get so excited when they arrive. Today was a very good mail day, so I thought I would share what was delivered:
This is my first-ever Walgreens rebate gift card from last month! I practically jumped up and down when I opened it today. Next week, I’ll hit Walgreens and use my gift card for more Free-After-Rebate products. (If you are not familiar with this system go here).
This also arrived today, a coupon book I requested with $29 in savings on P&G products. Gotta love more coupons, and they are already organized for me!
A free sample from WalMart of Garnier Nutritioniste anti-wrinkle serum.
A free sample of Greenies Dog Treats (already eaten, my dogs loved it!)
A welcome card from Ebates, which I signed up for last month. I am so loving Ebates! I have already accumulated $24.02 in my account which they will send me in a Big Fat Check. More good mail to come!
And finally, this piece of mail gave me a really good laugh. It is an invitation to join AARP, complete with a card. Hello, I am not even 30 yet!!
What are you thankful for today?
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