After a grueling weekend without power during record highs in Virginia, I was a bit of a stressful wreck Monday morning when our management office alerted me that our power had been restored. I rushed home, anxious to get back to routine—and air conditioning—and found a package on my doorstep. Thinking it was emergency supplies I knew my family had sent, I brought it indoors and ripped it open—and found something way better than batteries and electric lamps. My arbitrary gift had arrived! My day was instantly better. The timing couldn't be more perfect.

And neither could the gifts! I felt really well stalked when I found three books that catered to a few of my passions: Ireland, travel, U2, and photography. My santa had let me know he was an Irishman abroad in New Zealand, and I'm not sure he knew about my obsession with my Irish roots beforehand (if he did, seriously, good stalking!), so I was excited to see a book full of Irish wit about traveling the Emerald Isle. I haven't been to Ireland in more than a decade, but I've been anxious to go back. This book will only enhance that desire, methinks.

Continuing on an Irish bent, I was very surprised to find "U2 by U2" in the box. I didn't think I'd ever mentioned my favorite band on Reddit, so I was impressed! But each gift came with a little note, and this one mentioned hanging on to fond memories with my father (with whom I've attended several U2 concerts). My santa had to do some serious digging in my history to find that, and I was thrilled he did.

He also catered to my specific interest in travel photography and portraiture, sending me a book that encompassed both by National Geographic photographer and photojournalist Steve McCurry. The photos are stunning and inspiring, and I will eagerly absorb each one with delight.

Lastly, in case I ever mistakenly thought Arbitrary Day was all about me, he included a catnip toy for my kitties. Sketch has been hogging it a bit (see the video), and he loves it. It's certainly been entertaining for the both of us.

Thank you, Andrew! You've been so wonderfully generous, and I love everything. The power here is still a bit spotty, but armed with these great reads and an electric lantern, life will be much more bearable during the down times.

Go raibh ma agat!