After a little wait, I received my Hometown Exchange yesterday! I stalked my package relentlessly on UPS. I got a little annoyed with UPS since I got this message: "An exception in the sorting process has occurred. UPS has taken corrective action." which delayed my package by a whole day! What does "an exception" mean anyway?

But everything got there in one fantastic piece! My match sent a lovely note which explained her hometown of Gadsen, AL. She tailored her gift to meet my likes as well as a way to show off her hometown. She noticed that my favorite book and movie are "To Kill a Mockingbird." She told me that Phillip Alford who played Jem in the movie was also from her hometown. I dropped the not-so-subtle hint that I had lost my copy of the book in a move, and she sent me a copy! So happy to have a copy again.

I am also looking forward to reading "God & Football" by Chad Gibbs, a local author. I am, in fact a football fan. Go Ravens! I think I shall read, enjoy some Alabama-shaped cookies, and a beer.

Many thanks for a thoughtful gift!