Christmas has trickled in!

I believe in giving one's self a reward after a good deed or after achieving something. My room in my parents' house and my nook in the apartment are "cluttered" with stuff I have rewarded myself through the months and years. It may be a small thing like a new tube of lipgloss, a book or DVD, or something a little bit more expensive like a new dress or a new pair of shoes. The point is, I am all for giving myself gifts. There's just something inherently satisfying when you practice your purchasing power and get something you don't really need need (as it's not really one of the basic necessities of life), don't you agree?

But when other people give me gifts, now that's something that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. It just goes to show that they took the time to figure out what they think I would like, or basically give me something they know I would appreciate. And I think I may be one of the best recipients for gifts ever because I appreciate everything! It just makes me feel special, knowing that they thought of me. :)

A week ago, Marj (who is one of the kindest and sweetest persons I have ever met in the blogosphere) e-mailed me to ask for my mailing address. She sent me this:

with a sweet note from her and her daughter Nia :)

Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

I appreciated the fact that this is actually her own copy. I felt so honored that she has given me something that belonged to her. I mean, I cannot part with my own books, even those which were not really my favorites, but here she is, giving me her copy of one of her favorite books! She is so sweet! That, and the fact that she was seatmates(!) with my biggest local celebrity crush-ever Chito Miranda back in college makes her sooo amazing! :D

On to the next story. Last Sunday our team had our Christmas party at Mich's house. Everyone was there! Even MO Meydy came. :) It was an awesome day filled with food, festivities, laughter, songs, and good cheer. I love my teammates and I couldn't have asked for better people to share my first job with. :)

Asther, our direct supervisor TL Jimmy, me, and Mich

me in my F21 dress, Asther, Sasha

Frank, me, Watcher

So, we had our Secret Santa right? I picked Frank's name from the lot and I gave him a pair of boxer shorts and a bottle of Body Spray. :) And who picked my name?

It was Dane. :) (Read our story here if you haven't yet.) I was actually sweetly asking badgering him to tell me who he picked (since I already told him who I picked and I even asked for his help to pick out a gift for Frank) but the guy was tough and did not budge! Come to think of it, he told me once he picked my name but I didn't know whether to believe him or not because two other people are telling me the same thing. :D

So, what did he give me?

Ü

A very pretty white bag from Marithe Francois Girbaud :)

This is big enough to house all my essentials, and can even fit Lady Fabrize, my white netbook!

I must admit, I was very pleasantly surprised because I didn't know he picked my name, and besides he told me that he will give me a DVD of Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. More so, the budget for our Secret Santa was only 300php! I do not know the exact cost of this, but it is nowhere near that price limit :D Now, guess what, all our other teammates are lobbying for another Secret Santa and this time, they want their names to be picked by Dane! What a funny bunch! :D

And last but not the least, today I got my package from Tiara! She was assigned by Mel to give me a present for our Blogger Gifts Exchange Program. :)

 This came all the way from Indonesia!

 Girl, you've got my favorite color down pat! :D

The package contains 2 pretty scarves, with one having a detachable floral clip and two beaded necklaces I can also wind around my wrist. Thank you so much, Tiara! :)

I was assigned to send a present to the girl in stiletto, Arlizan, and she has already received my package as well. :) Such a shame they did not let me include the facial masks and the bottle of nail polish (it was a very lovely blue shade, very much like your banner) because creams and liquids were apparently not allowed. The goodies travelled from the Philippines all the way to Dublin, Ireland. Technology is such a wonderful thing, don't you think so? I am so thankful to the blog gods for letting me meet all these wonderful, awesome people I wouldn't have met otherwise. :)

I have also done my part, making like one of Santa's elves and preparing gifts for my friends and family. And, I have already mailed these out last week

Christmas cheer from Krissy!

My friends here in the Philippines have already received them, great! :D I hope they do not get too caught up in the holiday rush... If they do, I guess that's fine anyway so people who requested for them will have something to look forward to even after Christmas :D

So, that's all for now I guess. Thank you for thinking of me this holiday season. :) I hope you all celebrate a wonderful and meaningful Christmas, and may we not forget the reason why we celebrate it. :)