I Am Certifiable

Here is my certificate that proves I crossed the Equator aboard Regina in Agugust 1978. That day the students were called on deck, where members of the crew, their bodies covered in oil and bits of rope, welcomed us with open arms to intiate us land lubbers into the solemn mysteries of the ancient order of the deep. We would from that day be known as shellbacks. I can't say that has frequently come up in conversation. A few weeks later I had my left ear pierced by Debbie, a deckhand at the time, in celebration of my crossing of the Equator aboard Regina. I wear an earring to this day. If you know Debbie, thank her for me.