I was so excited and nervous yesterday when I saw the envelope from Pitt, I ripped its contents as I tore into it. It was so thin, and don't they always tell you that's a bad sign? I didn't have the patience to dwell on that point. I think it took me a minute or two to understand the letter I held in my hand. I wasn't reading it in a linear fashion but jumping around from top to bottom, side to side, to find a word like "accepted" or "regret". I could have simply read the first sentence, of course: "Welcome. You have been accepted as a member of the MLIS class beginning in Fall Term 2005, with provisional status."

Of course, that "provisional status" bit gave my stomach a bit of a lurch. But it's all contingent upon my actual graduation from Marietta. That one technicality. So — I'm in! They want me! I have been accepted to a graduate program.

Aside from the obvious, I'm not sure I can articulate how important this news is for me. Pitt is, all things considered, my first choice. I would have to receive no financing whatsoever to decline. And at this point, I'm prepared to take out whatever loan I need to. Pitt's the one. I'm fairly certain.

Now all the nervous anticipation (which I had been ignoring, best I could) is gone. The ball is back in my court. The choice is mine. Even without hearing back from Kent or even submitting my application to Maryland, I feel like everything is settled. And I have all the power. I imagine, of course, that the Pitt admissions staff is waiting on pins and needles for my reply, as I had been for theirs. That's not the case, they don't need me as I need them, but I like to think so.

It's all so official. I've already been assigned an advisor, "whose teaching and research interests complement [my] career interests." I'll hear from him soon! Ooh, it's like I'm already a student. Suddenly I feel like a graduate student, an information professional-in-training.

And you know? It all feels so right. I feel no apprehension. I know there are million things about this I don't understand yet, and roadblocks in the process I can't begin to anticipate. But I'm on the path, not wandering in the wilderness. And I think it's the right one, I really do.

But I must get back to the holiday festivities, such as they are. For the first time since I've been back for break I'll be able to spend a day with my mother. I have a new "moviegoer's journal" to get started (oh, it's lovely; my moogie knows me so well!). I've got my special vegetarian chili to make. And later, the family and my precious little Emma.

Hope you all enjoy your holiday festivities as well. Such as they are. :)