chkadea

Let's all go visit Brian at the same time! VC Portland party.

Also, ended up buying my ticket for the Brooklyn show.  Thanks whiskey and watching a movie that takes place in NYC!  Not really sure if I'm going to front load my trip with the show or if that'll be the end, but I'll probably be spending at least 4 days there.

Give me that Tertia right now. 

It was me! Glad you enjoyed the records. That story about Charlie Brown brought a tear to my eye. I'm a little bummed you can't use the tickets but I'm happy they aren't going to waste. It was fun shopping for you, Connor!

This year I got an awesome package, courtesy of @scottheisel. I got records from Toe, The Felix Culpa, The Black Heart Procession, Sainthood Reps, and Helen Earth Band; all continuing the tradition of me getting records from bands I recognize the name of but never listened to. He wrote an awesome breakdown of each record, which I didn't include in the above picture, but it got me really excited to listen to each of them. I've only listened to Toe so far, but I really enjoyed it. I just so happen to also not already have the Color Spectrum DVD, so that was an awesome catch and it will be great to finally be able to watch.
 
The Steel Train promo photo is hilarious, and it just made me realize that if I had seen the band members before I listened to their music, there's no way I would have ever given it a chance because Jack looks absolutely ridiculous. The aughts were a rough time I guess.

Thanks, Scott. Getting a package from you feels like getting a package from a celebrity and I am very grateful. Happy new year!

Actually Jealous!
Sounds awesome!
 
Grabbed a Nikka Coffey Grain and a Willett Pot Still Reserve today. Next up...I have no idea! I'm torn between 4 scotches

Went to pick up my January whiskey today...ended up getting January and February.

Lauren is the absolute best

Ok. This is going to take up a lot of space, but holy shit.
For starters early last week Lauren messaged me saying that my package might be late. No big deal. She said I should open it immediately because there might be some perishable stuff at the top. Then Mike messages me to say its sitting at the post office. I have all my mail sent to my parents and they put their mail on hold while they were out of town for Christmas, so it got delivered to them on Tuesday or Wednesday. I had them open it to see if there was anything they needed to eat. Most everything else was wrapped, but they were like holy shit. This is so much! I had to explain the whole thing to them. The peeked around but were very confident the person knew me. Tonight was family Hannukkah dinner so I got the package and this is about how it went.
 
Also based on just talking to my parents I was pretty sure that the person was Lauren.
 
Opening up the package today the first things were homemade cookies and fudge and a lollipop 7-11 slurpee with sugar thing because I'm obsessed with slurpees. We don't have 7-11s in Georgia so whenever I'm out of town I get slurpees and make it a point to check in - so probably someone that I'm friends with on facebook - Lauren or Mike haha.

There were also some stickers/postcards. One of the stickers was from a NYC street artist and the postcard was a Fest postcard from a tattoo shop in Gainesville. I hung out with both Mike and Lauren at Fest, but Lauren is from NYC.  Also a MLIW sticker that I'm kind of stoked on. Had never really listened to this band, but ended up hanging out with Jeff at/after Wrecking Ball last year because they used to stay with good friends of mine when they were in town and he was one of the coolest dudes I've ever met.

Next I opened the non-record packages. 2 mix cds - one being a hockey mix. All songs about hockey although one of my favorites was left off! (The orange and the black by the Boils. Maybe this was left off on purpose since there were a bunch of Rangers songs. A couple of zines, a  slushcult tshirt (a brand for those who love frozen drinks), a book about touring with the Bouncing Souls (favorite band), and 2 cat toys - a taco and a krylon spray can. I'm freaking out of these toys. I dont even want to give the cats the spray can one because its too cool and its been 15 minutes and they've already destroyed the taco. By now you probably know the Hannukkah Harry was Lauren and we facebook videoed so she could watch my kittens destroy these things. Also the spray can because I help out a bunch of artists paint murals and happened to work on one at Fest when a friend from Baltimore was painting a few blocks from my hotel on Friday afternoon.

Lastly the records. 2 Up For Nothing records - NYC band that I think just played their last show opening for the Souls a few weeks ago (more hints towards Lauren). A Have Nots record - her recommendation, the Vandals, Oi to the World, a random flexi, and the Silent World comp (Misfits Tribute) with a Souls song on it. One of the few souls comps that I didn't already own. I think she said she bought this from Japan. 

Lastly there was a 7" package labeled open this last. This was the dead giveaway (if it wasn't given away already). The Scandals/Plow United split and a Scandals flexi. I had bought tickets to go the Souls shows in NYC and ended up not being able to go so I gave her the ticket and she grabbed these for me at the show.

Finally my dad was like I knew it was her too and peeled off the mailing label on the package because she had reused the box.
 
A small caveat. Lauren and I met last December through Victimofadriveby at a Queers/BigWig show in NY. We also hung out at Fest and went record shopping when I was in NY for Thanksgiving so she probably knows me a bit better than most of the people on this board. Nonetheless she fucking killed it and I'm super stoked as was everyone watching me open these packages. Thanks again!
 
Pictures are being a bitch to upload so I'll get to that tomorrow. Enjoy the book I just wrote for those of you that like to read without pictures.
 

Thank you so much, everything was great!

I got you, good sir Ian.
 
Glad you enjoyed everything!!!

MOAR PICTURES
 
Need to see these babies in order to hold me over until mine shows up!

Just finished up my left arm.  Took about a year and I'm very glad to have it done.  Now to move on to 'ol righty.

That one Imogen Heap song tho

OMG I NEED ONE OF THOSE DIABOLICAL RECORDS SHIRTS!!!!

Holy shit, what a haul!  You got some great records in there.

http://imgur.com/a/EDWX7
 
I put all the pictures in an album because there was SO MUCH! I opened my present last week, but with work and Christmas and traveling I kept forgetting to get on here and make a post.
 
Thanks so much to @Youinreverse for all of the wonderful gifts! I'm not familiar with all of the records, so I'm excited to dive into some new stuff. Also I forgot to take pictures of the two Bob's Burgers pops and the burger book. I love everything and I can't thank you enough for being so generous.

books:
how to ruin a record label
king dork
green lantern comic
records:
afi - miss murder
gameface - three to get ready
saturday night live
amy grant - a christmas album
phoenix - alone on christmas day
alkaline trio - help me
 
bunch of stickers and a couple cds and a nice warm winter hat that i needed.
 
very happy with my gift. the afi and trio records i used to have so its nice to get them back. im guessing that my secret santa was jacobe? thank you so much!
 

AHH!!! Before diving into these amazing gifts, the first thing I need to say is thank you so, so, so much Santa! You did an absolutely fantastic job, and I was grinning ear to ear (and still am)! Okay, on to the unwrapping!
 
 

 
Earlier this week I was greeted with these two big packages! To deter myself from opening them immediately, I took the liberty of wrapping them up with some shiny paper so that I could tear it off like a mad woman on Christmas morning (not sure if that makes me crazy in itself?)
 

 
Opening the first package, I'm surprised with puffy pink S's and a hint of purple paper! Surprisingly, they were not some space-age delicious candy, but instead used for packing (unfortunate, but ultimately, my belly is relieved, and my presents are happier)!
 

 
I dug around in both boxes to find some notes to hint at whoever was the sweetest person ever, and came up with the TINIEST CARD IN THE WORLD. It was heartwarming and made me squeal. Tiny things make me happy, and this card was no exception.  I also received a package from Amazon - which you'll see in a few artfully crafted photos - but just gotta say, you, Santa, nailed it.
 

 
A COOKBOOK? No, wait. A VEGAN COOKBOOK WITH A BUNCH OF WORDS THAT WOULD MAKE MY MOTHER BLUSH?! Appropriately, fuck yes! Thug Kitchen has been a favorite of mine for years, and while I did already own this book, now I can have a copy for my place and also for my dude's, in an ill-fated attempt to make him eat somewhat healthier. Mwahahahaha.
 
Also, as you can see, I got MORE TINY THINGS. The cutest sugar skull bead! An assumably-native Arizona magnet! And something that sounds delicious and makes me want to tear into it right now but I don't think making my entire Christmas diet candy would make me the happiest of campers. All of this is the coolest and I love it!
 

 
And finally...I got not one, but TWO RECORDS.
 
They are:
Portugal. The Man | Censored Colors (possibly my favorite from them!)
Lil BUB | Science & Magic : A Soundtrack to the Universe (I received Lil BUB gifts from literally everyone this year, and this was my favorite. I got to see her band last year and it was the weirdest and most unexpectedly wonderful experience ever. This record has been a desire of mine since! And it came with a poster!!!)
 
I know my Secret Santa couldn't have known this, but I received new speakers last night that blow my last set-up out of the water, and being able to break them in with these two spectacular relics of musical joy is one of the coolest gifts I'll probably ever get. 
 
Now, on to the guessing. With my great sleuthing abilities, the touch of Southwest flair, and being an absolute sweetheart, I'm taking a crack that it was @backpackoat in Arizona with the Spirit of Christmas! I can't say this enough, but thank you for everything - you're the best
 

 
p.s. My nephew was Santa's little helper (not the dog), and he's still deciding if he enjoys Lil BUB's tunes as much as I do  

Fuck you 2016...
 
 
Just fuck right off

-Socks
-Athletic pants
-Gym bag
-Microfiber towel (for the gym)
-Shower shoes (for the gym)
-Pajama pants (x2)
-6 pack
-2 movie tickets
 
Gifts from my girlfriend's parents to both of us:
-New set of pots/pans
-Coffee maker
 
 
Also, my co-workers got me a t-shirt with an in-joke on it.
 
Pretty decent for my 30th Christmas. Granted, nothing will ever top the year I got a Sega Genesis.

You're hilarious, I'm glad you liked what I got you. Also very impressed that you wrapped your own gifts hahahahaha. I am sorry though that you already had that cookbook, I figured you may have already had it and I should have gotten their second or now third books instead like my gut was telling me. Let me know if you like the cactus candy, that stuff is my favorite candy in the world--I just love it so much.  Merry Christmas!

I opened my gift during the flurry of the rest of my gifts and didn't have an opportunity to set things out, so I will post a picture tonight. Thank you so much Santa!!!

AHH!!! Before diving into these amazing gifts, the first thing I need to say is thank you so, so, so much Santa! You did an absolutely fantastic job, and I was grinning ear to ear (and still am)! Okay, on to the unwrapping!
 
 

 
Earlier this week I was greeted with these two big packages! To deter myself from opening them immediately, I took the liberty of wrapping them up with some shiny paper so that I could tear it off like a mad woman on Christmas morning (not sure if that makes me crazy in itself?)
 

 
Opening the first package, I'm surprised with puffy pink S's and a hint of purple paper! Surprisingly, they were not some space-age delicious candy, but instead used for packing (unfortunate, but ultimately, my belly is relieved, and my presents are happier)!
 

 
I dug around in both boxes to find some notes to hint at whoever was the sweetest person ever, and came up with the TINIEST CARD IN THE WORLD. It was heartwarming and made me squeal. Tiny things make me happy, and this card was no exception.  I also received a package from Amazon - which you'll see in a few artfully crafted photos - but just gotta say, you, Santa, nailed it.
 

 
A COOKBOOK? No, wait. A VEGAN COOKBOOK WITH A BUNCH OF WORDS THAT WOULD MAKE MY MOTHER BLUSH?! Appropriately, fuck yes! Thug Kitchen has been a favorite of mine for years, and while I did already own this book, now I can have a copy for my place and also for my dude's, in an ill-fated attempt to make him eat somewhat healthier. Mwahahahaha.
 
Also, as you can see, I got MORE TINY THINGS. The cutest sugar skull bead! An assumably-native Arizona magnet! And something that sounds delicious and makes me want to tear into it right now but I don't think making my entire Christmas diet candy would make me the happiest of campers. All of this is the coolest and I love it!
 

 
And finally...I got not one, but TWO RECORDS.
 
They are:
Portugal. The Man | Censored Colors (possibly my favorite from them!)
Lil BUB | Science & Magic : A Soundtrack to the Universe (I received Lil BUB gifts from literally everyone this year, and this was my favorite. I got to see her band last year and it was the weirdest and most unexpectedly wonderful experience ever. This record has been a desire of mine since! And it came with a poster!!!)
 
I know my Secret Santa couldn't have known this, but I received new speakers last night that blow my last set-up out of the water, and being able to break them in with these two spectacular relics of musical joy is one of the coolest gifts I'll probably ever get. 
 
Now, on to the guessing. With my great sleuthing abilities, the touch of Southwest flair, and being an absolute sweetheart, I'm taking a crack that it was @backpackoat in Arizona with the Spirit of Christmas! I can't say this enough, but thank you for everything - you're the best
 

 
p.s. My nephew was Santa's little helper (not the dog), and he's still deciding if he enjoys Lil BUB's tunes as much as I do  

Started my horror sleeve for my Christmas gift...stoked