I got a package today from my best friend Jana sent all the way from Mississississippi (I could never spell that state correctly :P). For those of you who don't know her, i.e. all three people that read this weblog, Jana has been the sole inspiration behind my photography business from day one. My engineering job has made it possible for me to buy all the expensive cameras and the Clippers photo internship helped me learn a lot about taking photos, but it was Jana that really encouraged me to take pictures and keep posting them for people to see. I remember her writing this to me in an e-mail just about a year ago (December 11th, 2006 to be exact):

Hmm...about your pictures...amazing. I'm not lying when I tell you that looking at them is really one of the highlights of my day. They are beautiful, and you have some amazing talent. I don’t know, but every time I look at one, it seems like I get to see a little more into your soul...like, being hundreds and hundreds of miles apart really isn’t the case. I don’t know, I’m crazy...haha...I love how you can find beauty in anything, that is a real gift. And I will always look at your pictures, every chance I get...just to see if I can discover a little bit more about my wonderful friend in California.

A lot has happened in 2007, but the constant throughout it all has been Jana's friendship to me, and that is something I wouldn't give up or trade for the world. Now onto the goodies that she sent me for Christmas :).

Here's the box I picked up from the post office, after hours of fighting the angry mob in line with pitchforks and shovels:

I couldn't wait until X-mas to open the box!

Two wrapped gifts, a reindeer doll with chocolate, and a letter!

I'm going to put this right next to the cow Jana got me when she went to Spain this past summer. I wonder if she's sending animals that resemble me, hmmm...

Yum, um...what is this? It looks all shiny and expensive, thanks! Wait, are you saying I stink?

I wonder if the cologne is supposed to benefit me or someone else :P.

And of course, nothing quite like The Super Dooper Reindeer Pooper!

I somehow got the nickname "chicken butt" from Jana (Bananana, hey hey hey, goodbye!) I wonder why...

Thanks JB! You're totally awesome, but that won't stop me from continuing to make fun of you. I'll always cherish everything you give me, including your lame insults ;). Merry Christmas, and yes, I APPRECIATE your gifts :). "Have a good one..."