While I realize this post is long-overdue, I wanted to wait until I had plenty of time to do my Secret Santa justice with a solid write-up. Here goes.....

As I heard the ever-familiar sound of the UPS truck backing into my driveway, every fiber in my being was immediately filled with excitement. Excitement for what I thought were gifts I had ordered for my family. Dashing down the stairs, I arrived at the door just in time to see that a small package had been left by the delivery guy. Before opening the door, I noted the "Amazon" logo on the package, and I couldn't help but break out into a huge smile. I hadn't ordered anything from Amazon recently, so I knew almost immediately that a package from my Secret Santa had arrived. And from Amazon! This is never a bad thing.

I snagged it from my doorstep and practically ran back to my bedroom. Just as I was about to tear it open, I realized that I needed to "pace myself"--which meant "taking pictures". Although it nearly killed me, I took several pictures during the process of extracting my gift from its cardboard prison. Once the flaps were opened, they gave way to a delightful sight: a robot!!! I could hardly believe it. As a kid, I always loved tinkering with chemistry sets, KNex, Lincoln Logs, Erector sets, and the like. Just the thought of returning to a favorite pastime was enough to turn my smile into a full-fledged, Cheshire-cat grin. I would've built it right away if it weren't for one pesky thing: tin can not included. No problem, though! I made sure to bring one home with me after a holiday party, so I'll be building this bad-boy and using it to scare my cats in no time.

Since I hadn't checked my Secret Santa's shipping status recently (shockingly), I wasn't aware that another gift was on its way. It also explained why I was so surprised about the first gift, my new frie-, er, robot.

The second package arrived a few days later. This time, I was anticipating it, and this time, I was fast enough to meet the UPS delivery guy and have it handed to me, personally. Much like with the first package, I shimmied up the stairs to my room faster than an Olympic sprinter. And boy was it a shame I didn't already have the second gift opened because then I could've actually proven this to you by clocking myself, because my second gift was...a Periodic Table of the Elements clock!!!

Amazingly enough, the Chemistry nerd in me has actually wanted a clock like this for a looooooong time (haha pardon the pun!). It's both awesome and practical. The star on top of the tree was that my sister was quite jealous; she's a Biochemist and apparently also wants a clock like this one. Maaaaaaaybe if she's nice to me this year I'll let her borrow it for a day, or something. Then again, I doubt I'll be able to part with it.

Thank you so much Secret Santa!!! You really hit the nail on the head with these gifts, and my favorite part about it all is that you managed to please the Chemist and Engineer in me; not an easy task. I'd love to have the opportunity to thank you directly, so feel free to reveal yourself at any point. Otherwise, I may send the robot to find you..... ;)