Bittersweet

So, yesterday I handed in my completely formatted, beautifully printed on 25% cotton acid-free recycled paper thesis, complete with abstract and no typesize larger than 12 point (my previous book publishing experience bit me a little on that one, since thesis formatting guidelines are still stuck in the age of the typewriter). If I hadn't checked in on the web one more time before leaving the house, it would have been a completely uncomplicated, joyous moment.

Instead, I found out that one of my online heroes, Leslie Harpold, died unexpectedly over the weekend. We'd only ever exchanged a couple of emails, but I loved her anyway. I spent most of yesterday afternoon and evening doing a virtual wake, looking at every memorial and reading every published word of hers I could find.

This morning, I'm drinking coffee from the honorary mug which I received upon turning in the thesis. It's very thoughtfully designed: on the facing side, it's got the school's emblem, and on the side facing away from me, it states "I just turned in my thesis - time to relax!" So, the mug reminds everyone who sits across from me that I did something cool, while reminding me of my dear old alma mater, just in case I might like to give some money someday. 

In honor of Leslie, I'll be giving a little money to Modest Needs, instead.

posted by: schoolsmelt at 05:30 | link | comments (2) |

Comments:

#1  16 December 2006 - 12:47

 

Congratulations on the accomplishment!

-Skye

Mo'nonymous

#2  16 December 2006 - 16:06

 

dude, you got a mug? cool.

nc

Mo'nonymous

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