buried treasure

Several years ago, my mom bequeathed to me my old baby book. It actually isn't just a book, but a box filled with the baby book, old pictures, birthday cards, and various memorabilia of my earlier years. There were several precious (and hysterical treasures) in it. Walk with me, if you will, down memory lane.

Exhibit A: Diploma

Not just any diploma, but my diploma from Santa's Land. What's Santa's Land you ask? Well, Santa's Land is the home of Santa and his helpers. Isn't that in the North Pole? Well, no. Its actually in Cherokee, NC...duh. The certificate I have certifies and I quote:

"Caroline has visited Santa's Land and completed in a satisfactory manner the good conduct standards Santa requires to make his next Christmas visit and is therefore awarded this diploma."

Santa himself signed on the line as a witness.

About those good conduct standards...

There would happen to be photographic evidence to the contrary. All the polaroids we have of this glorious trip to Santa's mothership document either Sarah (my sis) or I in tears. One in particular (I wish I had it in my possession) was of Sarah and me (ages 4 and 2 respectively) standing basically in the crotch region of this gi-normous Santa (I keep typing Satan accidentally). In the picture, I am crying and trying to run away and Sarah is sweetly waiting for the Kodak moment to end.

Apparently Santa's back was turned during our visit.

Exhibit B: Self-Portrait

Now this I really wish was small enough to put on the scanner. I'll do my best to describe it to you. The date on this masterpiece is April 1982 - I was 5 years old. This "Piece" was painted, with actual paints (probably that powder paint you add water to - remember that?). I guess I live in the land of perpetual sunburn as my face is RED. I have big bug eyes and long blonde hair reminiscent of the Rapunzel braids. Just for the record, I have never had hair past my shoulders. My neck is basically a square painted yellow. Underneath my neck is my body (reminiscent of a semi-circle), painted blue. The legs are brown stick legs and to finish it off, my shoes are black circles. So, to sum up my self-portrait, I am a sunburned Rapunzel on wheels who happens to be wearing a blue "dress". Lovely.

Exhibit C: Dear Diary

My old journal entries! This will have to be a whole other post. This post is getting too long and I don't want to lose you as the best is yet to come!

Exhibit D: Senior Class Rank

For some reason, I still have the index card indicating my class rank in high school. I think they put this one out during our senior year. I was pleasantly surprised at my academic prowess. I was 43rd in a class of 456. Top 10%! I remember being a little disappointed when I saw this at first, but time has a way of putting things into perspective. There were only 42 people smarter than me at school! WOW. I didn't think I was that smart compared to all those people who took a billion AP courses per semester. I impressed myself!

Exhibit E: Youth Basketball

In 7th grade , I took a gigantic risk and tried out for a basketball team. It was a rec league and I don't think they cut anyone, otherwise I wouldn't have had to play. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing - clearly - I only scored a whopping 4 points all season (8 games)! In my defense, there were a couple girls who, as my dad would say, were "hot dogs". These girls liked to hog the ball and show how much game they had. Thus, the little people like me were ignored and never got the ball. Its quite humorous now that I think about it. Also humorous is our team picture.


That's me in all my 7th grade awkward glory, holding the ball (#13). Funny that Adam was always #13 in baseball. It must have been fate (Ha)! Anyway, I was reminded that one of my bloggy friends also played on this team. See if you can find her. If you do, you'll win the prize.

Just in case you were wondering, the "hot dogs" of the team were #20, #10, and Demi Moore on the back row.