I am a student teacher and the week before spring break is the longest, especially with all of the things that happen just before the break. Last week, I administered the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Examination) and finished implementing and filming my lesson plans for the EdTPA (a lengthy assessment that I must pass to become a real, live high school teacher). Today was busy too--in addition to teaching, I had an official observation (when an administrator or former teacher rates your teaching), tutored after school, and sat through a night class. So when I biked up to my home this evening and found a package waiting for me, I instantly became re-energized!

Opening up the package, I could tell my Santa put a lot of thought in personalizing my gift. Since I'm in the process of becoming a credentialed teacher, she got me a TEACH pin and something any teacher can never have enough of--a writing implement. These were included with a brochure for a candy shop called Kehr's that's been around since the 1930s in her hometown of Milwaukee. I appreciated that she selected snacks from local shops that I would not be able to find in my area--excellent! Even the note was written on a Milwaukee postcard. It was a really thoughtful note and I enjoyed reading it. I was especially excited to learn that my Santa teaches math. Awesome!

When I opened up the box from Kehr's, I squealed with delight to find chocolate bunnies riding on bicycles. From my user name, you can guess that I love to ride my bike. In fact, I ride my bike anywhere I go--my husband takes the car and I prefer it that way. I also found peanut butter chocolate eggs--yum! Santa observed my love for this perfect combination. I ate one of these immediately after I took photos. My husband, on the other hand, gobbled up one of the poor bunnies' heads before I even had a chance to grab my phone for pictures.

Also included in my package were dried cranberries and two different types of popcorn. I absolutely love trying different kinds of popcorn so I'm pretty excited about that. I'm thinking of mixing the cranberries in with the popcorn for a fun treat.