Pretty great Secret Santa this year. She messaged me nearly instantly after matching was done, asking for specific details. International shipping to Japan is a drag, but she even accounted for that:

Part 1 - Dec. 21, the card arrives just so that I wasn't shut out before Xmas. She took the time to write a brief message in Japanese. Very thoughtful.

Part 2 - Jan. 20, part 2 arrives - lots of Xmas candy and chocolate from the motherland (Canada). Canada socks and some tree ornaments. And Thrills gum - I remember when it came out nearly 30 years ago. It was only 25 cents/box and tasted like soap. they're still making it and they've added "It still tastes like soap" to the packaging. Nostalgia... And an extra degree of toughtfulness: the festive packing paper had glitter embedded in the paper. TAKE NOTE! Embedded in the paper means that that herpes of the craft world didn't get all over everything inside and later everything outside when it was opened. (thanks, manalillie)

Interlude - while I wait, she provides updates and let the secret out of the "secret santa". Due to international customs requirements, her real name would be included on the next installment and I wasn't to be confused when a package showed up with that name. For anyone who is curious, that name rhymes with Mun Ubyar Bidnuss.

Part 3 - May 20, part 3 arrives in my mail slot - An expansion for a game I've had on my wishlist for a long time. Just in time for the weekend.

Thanks again for this long journey, manalille. You're aces!