I wasn't expecting my SS gift until Tuesday afternoon, but I got home on Monday evening to a lovely surprise... It was here! Yay! My Secret Santa, Dustin, really paid attention to detail because he fucking nailed it. One of the things I had mentioned in my interests is that I love reading... I had actually purchased The Alchemist by Paul Coelho in an airport bookshop a few summers ago. I remember being really excited to lay on a tropical beach and read this exact book.... Except I never got to because I left it in the back of the chair of the seat in front of me on the airplane. I never got around to buying another copy and sort of forgot about it over the years, so it's pretty amazing that my SS gave me a second chance with this book. What an awesome coincidence and I'm so excited to finally get to read it!

I had also mentioned that I have an obsession with school supplies. My Secret Santa included a 12 pack of mini shuffle pens (the kind that change colors when you push down on the corresponding color knob... fun!) and this was probably the best present of them all because now I have something to use and share with the kids I teach! I recently graduated with my Master's and just started my career as a Speech-Language Pathologist about 3 weeks ago. I work at a low income public charter school and we don't have a lot of resources/supplies. Many of the supplies that I use every day in therapy, I've had to pay out of my own pocket and I wish I could afford to give them more, so these pens are just what I needed and will also be a great motivator for the kids! I also was in DESPERATE need of a new binder/trapper keeper for all of my worksheets and materials... All of these loose papers were getting out of control and now I can finally organize my mountain of paperwork! I'm so happy! This is definitely such a HUGE help to a brand new Speech Therapist and my kids are gonna love their new pens!!! You are a life saver :)

Dustin, thank you for making my first Reddit Secret Santa so memorable and for kicking major ass. I will forever cherish my new school supplies and my second chance with The Alchemist. From the bottom of my heart, this gift was much appreciated. You're the best! Happy Holidays, my friend!

Oh yeah, and everyone please check out Dustin's company, Cool World Visual Creations, for all of your high quality video content needs! http://www.coolworldvc.com