My $140,000 sheet of paper

A recent trip to the post office is a fine example of what the magical "Number 11 bus" can do, as my family jokingly calls it. The 11 is formed by the two stilts called legs. There are so many benefits--some obvious, some not.

My very expensive piece of paper arrived in the mail a couple of days ago. I had to go to the post office to pick it up because it was too big to fit into the mailbox. Being mindful that I've already paid a lot for this sheet of paper, and will have to spend many many more years paying it off, I decided to save money by walking to the post office instead of driving. I need the exercise anyway, since I spend each day sitting in front of the computer (looking for jobs) or making things for my store.

When I got to the post office, I finally saw how huge it was. At least it looks like I got what I paid for.

The supermarket was nearby, so I walked there with my big envelop under my arm. I had a hard time fitting it into the grocery basket...silly me, probably should have gotten the groceries first.

Walking is such a great way to save money, and when I don't have time to hit the gym, it keeps me healthy. It's an environmentally-friendly way of travelling. It's also a time and sanity saver, especially during gridlock time. It's a great way to see the sights of a town we usually hurriedly travel through; there are so many details I miss while zooming by at 35 MPH. Finally, there was an unexpected additional benefit for this particular case. I went to the market to buy cream cheese to make another cheese cake (much smaller this time), and I was hoping that the heat and all the time spent walking would get the cheese to be nice and soft when I got home. It didn't get all mushy (which is good), but it did help soften a little.

Given how frugal I try to be all the time, why would I be so extravagant with a piece of paper? I call it a good investment. To protect my investment, I'll work hard for years to come, and I'll get a stylish frame not from the place that sent me that piece of paper (the prices are absolutely ridiculous for a single embellishment at the bottom), not from a customized place, but from an affordable and stylish outlet such as Target, Marshall's, or Ross (which, despite of the daily chaos, has a very decent home goods department...more on that on another day). I've spent enough money already on this piece of paper, so I really don't need anything expensive and grand. No one is going to go up close to look at the frame anyway, and all a frame does is hold a piece of paper--a pane of glass, a frame, and some sturdy backing is good enough.

In case you were wondering, that piece of paper happens to be my spankin' new law degree =).