Where do I begin? Okay so I was sitting in the movie theater when I get a text from USPS (because I'm cool and signed up for text alerts) telling me that the package was delivered. The movie just started and all I wanted to do was get out!...2 hours later after the movie ended, I ended up having a discussion (a persuasive argument to be more exact) to convince my parents to go home instead of spending the rest of day out (they didn't know I had ulterior motives).

I get home, find the package, take it and run. At that moment they knew why I wanted to go home.

I open the box and the first thing I notice is Pocky....I mean seriously, what's life without some Pocky? My parents pretend to not eat them behind my back so I had to stash these in a secret place. I just hope my mom doesn't find them...because somehow mothers always find out all secrets.

Next up, I see a note. A special note for me?!? I honestly have friends who don't even take the time to write things so I truly appreciate this more than anything. I think many people overlook this aspect, but whenever someone sits down to write you something, it tells you so much. It shows that they care, that they're kind, that of all the things they could've spent their time doing - they spent it thinking of you. I felt incredibly special and honored. The note not only made me laugh but it also touched my heart. My Santa did this exchange on her mom's behalf - showing and sharing the kindness and generosity that her mom gives and I truly believe she nailed it!

Okay so there were 10 presents in the box (not including the Pocky - nom nom), I opened them all order as requested, and each one had a small note attached (which I'm also going to hold on to).

1 - Mug with pictures of 30 different animals - in JAPANESE! (fyi I'm learning Japanese) WHERE DO YOU EVEN FIND SUCH A MUG!?! I LOVE IT. I'm using this everyday and although secret santa is about giving and thinking of others, I can solemnly promise you that I will never share this and I will treasure it forever.

2 - Book: To A God Unknown by John Steinbeck. First of all, giving books for a present will make me the happiest person in the world. Words cannot explain my love for books. I also like when people recommend books because it almost feels like they're giving me a piece of themselves that they want to share. (Or they just want to recommend a good book - I sometimes look too deeply into things). So this one of my Santa's favorite books and I will be reading it first! From the looks of it, there is certainly a lot to learn from.

3 - Manga: Death Note vol.1. I've heard of how popular this series is, and this just also happens to be my Santa's favorite. She knew I'm new to manga and made the perfect recommendation!

4 - Manga: Death Note vol.2. This manga is entirely in Japanese! WHAT! Where did you even find that?! Clearly Santa wanted to challenge my Japanese language learning. Challenge accepted :)

5 - Book: Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card. Yay more books!! :D Ender's Game is both one of mine and my Santa's favorite books, and she got me one of the sequals!! Considering the fact that it is both a Hugo and Nebula winner, I can tell this will also be a great read.

6 - Book: Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card. I really didn't even know this book existed and it makes me incredibly curious because it is the same story but from a different point of view. I love to see things from different perspectives and Santa got me the perfect book for that!

7 - Book: Dune by Frank Herbert. So this is where Santa showed off her detective skills! I made a request on a giveaway in Reddit for Dune and I completely forgot about it. But my request did not go in vain because Santa heard me and sent it to me!! This the illustrated version too which is awesome.

8 - Book: Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert. The sequel to Dune! How great is this santa?! Each book she gives me, she gives the sequel, continuing each story for me - I will certainly not be bored for a very long time.

9 - Graphic Novel: Watchmen: From Santa's own bookshelf! I've seen the movie but never read the graphic novel - which my Santa tells me, is a whole lot better than the movie. I actually already started reading it, and I'm suckered into the story! Looks like I'll be reading it first along side Steinbeck :D

10 - Ring. I will admit when I first saw it, I got teary eyed and tried to hold it in. There is a quote engraved on it "The Best Is Yet To Come." I don't know how you know, or if it is just sheer coincidence, but this quote is my all time favorite quote. Whenever life is hard (because it certainly likes to be) I try to always remind myself of this saying. And you have given me a physical reminder to have with me everywhere I go. This is the greatest piece of accessory I have and will ever have. Nothing can top it. Thank you soooo much!

Santa, you have effectively restored my faith in humanity. I was really blown away by your gifts, and words cannot express how grateful I am to have had you as my Santa. You have made this exchange truly a special and unforgettable one. THANK YOU SANTA, YOU ARE THE BEST!