If I had gone shopping for myself, I don't think I would have done as well as my secret santa. From the moment I got the box, I realized that I was about to open something special. Even though the postage was mostly covering it up, a Nicolas cage meme was poking out, making me wish I had brought scissors to the mailbox so I could rip it open then.

Then I opened the box (with some help from my cat, Kovu). I may have started laughing out loud when I saw all the Nic Cage memes staring back at me. I took some pictures and texted one of my friends, because they had just given me bad Nic Cage pillowcases for my birthday last month.

I started pulling wrapped packages out of the box to open. The first one I opened had Cage letting me know t was going to be somewhere to store my treasures. I'm a teacher of 7th grade Language Arts, so I can't afford a lot of treasures, but I got a tote back with the word "read." on it. It's perfect. I already put a bunch of papers in it I need to grade during my winter break so that I can easily take them to the coffee shop with me.

Speaking of coffee, the next package hinted that it included something to do with coffee inside! I opened it to find a package of whole beans from Intelligentsia, a roastery I've always wanted to try but have never wanted to fork over to get it shipped to me. I'm super excited to brew the beans in my french press!

At this point Kovu was getting really jealous, so I opened the package with his name on it next. I am so grateful that my santa got treats for him. He loved them too! He can be really picky about treats but he ate these immediately, as shown in the picture.

The next few packages all said something about running on them. It's been way too cold lately, so I decided to open the one that said it would keep me warm! Inside was a handmade rice neck warmer and hand warmers! Im trying to get up to running a 10k, and this is going to be so helpful both during and after my runs this winter.

Then there was a smaller package that had a nerdy accessory in it - a Stranger Things necklace! I absolutely adored that show and I don't think I even mentioned it on my profile. (Another reason why I think my santa knows me better than I know myself!) I'm excited to wear it to work - a lot of my students really liked that show as well.

One package was remaining at the bottom of the box. Something nerdy for running in? I ripped the paper open (I'm not one for neatly tearing off tape) and pulled out a shirt. I may have freaked out. I may have immediately texted multiple other friends about how amazing my santa was. Inside the package was a tshirt from one of my favorite podcasts, "The Adventure Zone". It's a nerdy podcast about three brothers and their dad playing D&D and you should definitely watch it. I'm really excited to have this shirt and be able to recommend this show to everyone else!

The last thing opened was a letter from my santa, which I'm not posting pictures of, but let me tell you - this is one of the most amazing presents I have ever received. Thank you, Santa. Merry Christmas, and may you have an amazing 2017.