Wow! This was my first exchange ever, and I was a little apprehensive signing up, because I've heard so many horror stories of people getting ripped off, but I am SO GLAD that I signed up!

My santa came through 110%. It's like she knew me! She'd asked about what books I like (I love to read) and what my favorite marine animals are (I am frighteningly passionate about the ocean.)

She painted an INCREDIBLE painting of a whale and a squid (my two favorite animals), as well as gave me two books by an author that I'd never read. I'm so excited to read them, too, because I needed stuff to do over winter break! The painting is breathtaking. I actually said "Oh my god" out loud possibly more times than was needed, but I was not expecting something so thoughtful and beautiful.

AND THEN, as if that wasn't enough, she got me an adorable shirt, in my favorite color, with my favorite animal, that says "vegetarian," which I am. She also got me a bunch of cute pins and stickers, which is perfect because I love pins, and I needed some new stickers to decorate my laptop with.

AND THEN, she also got (or made? I'm not sure, either way it's awesome) me a hand-sewn neck warmer. I live somewhere that gets about a metric fuckton of snow every year, so this is helpful AND stylish.

Thank you SO much, Caitlin. This was an incredible experience and I had fun every step of the way. The gifts were above and beyond anything I was hoping for and I can't wait to rock my new stuff out and about.