Who’s crazy?!!

Some people think that I’m obsessed with things like Starbucks coffee, big fantasy novels, the X-files, peanut butter M&Ms, et al…

And the people who think this about me are 100% correct!

Christmas (i.e. the material side of it) came a little bit later this year than usual, but OH BOY, DID IT COME! In spades, as they say. I don’t even know where to begin to share my gratitude… I’m salivating…

Before Christmas we got two BIG tubs from our "home club" at SCF (i.e. super cool family) and I was blown away by the generosity shown to us. We’ve been sleeping in comfort on new flannel sheets; I take whatever opportunity I can create to whip out my new Swiss Army knife (Oh, so you need me to cut that string off your shirt…); I’m currently swigging a hot cup of Seattle’s Best Hazelnut Creme coffee; and our kitchen now has functional tools like cheese graters, can openers, and measuring cups that add to the overall sanity of our lives. And that is only a portion of all the goodies given to my wife, daughters, and home! (Hey, there was a lot of stuff…) A blog is no way to properly thank someone, but I have to give some credit here anyway:

Thank you, thank you, thank you, SCF!  We love and miss you guys!  Thanks for "warming" our home…

Then there was a package lull…we knew more were coming because we were informed. The slow boat to China lives up to its reputation it seems…

And then…suddenly, this week we were caught up in a tidal wave of care packages!

First, we got a package from my brother-in-law. What a guy! He sent the girls the warm (and stylish) winter garments you saw in the pictures I posted this week, and he sent me (what else?) COFFEE!!! One of those nice Starbucks’ coffee and chocolate medleys.

Thanks to you, Peter.  I owe you a nice mango drink on the beaches of Thailand…

Then, yesterday we got 4 quite large packages. Three were from my in-laws and one was from my friends, Bobby & Laura. Some of these packages were sent as early as November 9th!!! I told you the boat was slow.

My in-laws really spoiled us. You can see some of the items in the picture below. The girls got more kitchen utensils and toys, toys, toys; Christa got all the bath-and-body-work type stuff that the ladies like; and I got BOOKS, GLORIOUS BOOKS! coffee, candy, and other treats (And Christa bought me the X-files Series 1 for Christmas…what a good wife!) It was just ovewhelming. I felt like Jimmy Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life watching everyone pour into my living room and dump money on my lap.

Marie and Glenn, you know me too well!  Thanks for keeping me literate (and awake) over here in the wild West (of China)!

My friends Bobby & Laura decided that we needed COSTCO for Christmas! So they bought and sent it… Like I said, I’m salivating. They sent the box you see pictured below. Fish crackers, M&Ms, popcorn, cereal, coffee (did I say COFFEE!) Teddy grahams, and other goodies, plus another TV series (Firefly) for our entertainment. And that’s not to mention the new "furry" friends they sent for the girls. So thoughtful. I’ll probably gain a few pounds before we make it to Thailand.

It’s enough to persuade anyone to move to another country!  So who’s ready to move over here with us??

Bobby and Laura, thanks again for keeping our dentist gainfully employed. We hope you’ll come over and visit after you have that baby boy… We appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.

And then another call came in from our office today. "You have another parcel to pick up, Mr. Johnson." I think my mom can breathe a sigh of relief… She was worried she’s addressed it wrong! We haven’t picked the latest package up because we can’t imagine getting EVEN more stuff. It’s incomprehensible.

I have probably still failed to give credit where credit is due. My apologies if that is the case. WE ARE VERY, VERY BLESSED. Thanks for keeping us so well-stocked over here!

Now I’ve gotta go read…bye