After a lackluster first Secret Santa in 2013, a similar pattern of a single information pull and no contact left me with a bit of trepidation. But hey, the "your gift has shipped" message came before the final day! And there's a tracking number! No, wait...there's TWO tracking numbers!

I've been watching the incoming packages moving slowly across the US with great anticipation and today, they finally arrived! Of course, I had family obligations that meant I didn't get a chance to open the boxes until 9 pm, so the anticipation kept building.

Opening Box #1, I was thrilled by the address on the shipping label. "The Charcoal Company" - clearly some homework had been done here. Obligatory shout out to /r/smoking , /r/bbq, and /r/charcoal - a great series of subreddits for everything cooked low and slow in the smoke. The card read as follows: "First of two gifts. I thought about going the geek route (your dog's name is amazing!), but I like to support the hobbies that set folks apart from all the other nerds on reddit. Hope you enjoy!" The dog's name is Zoe Elayne Washburn, pug of awesome, for those curious as to what inspired the declaration. Opening the wrapping paper, I was greeted by the wondrous sight of a 5# box of bourbon barrel smoking chunks - pork butt is on sale this week at the local supermarket, definitely pulled pork sandwich time!

Box #2 was opened to reveal an amazing gyotaku print of a rainbow trout, leaping in pursuit of an airborne dragonfly. It's a gorgeous piece, and I've already picked out the mat and frame colors that will set it off perfectly. It's destined for our computer room/office, right next to another gyotaku print that already resides there.

Thanks, /u/nodogno - you're a kick-ass Secret Santa and a gentleman to boot.