Default screen changed

When I used to login, I always got a screen letting me choose between docs, mail, and apps. Suddenly, that changed, and all I get now is an icon for docs. To get to mail, the service I use almost exclusively, I have to choose it from a drop down menu--a real pain in the ass, especially since I check my mail several times a day. Is there any way I can set it so that I just get mail when I login? I don't see any way using preferences, etc.