Friday, December 15, 2006

C'è Posta Per Me!

That means "I've Got Mail!"

Yes folks, my first of two City Swap packages arrived today. So excited! I don't have a lot of faith in the Italian postal system, although I really have only had one little "episode": a package where someone ate one Godiva chocolate from a mini box and left the other 3 untouched (thanks, Signore or Signora Postal Worker! Although I suppose I shouldn't be so biased. I mean, I can't prove that the Godiva-eater wasn't in the States. But, based on all the funny Italian mail stories I've heard, my money's on Italy.) Why do I get two packages, you ask? Because we ended up with an odd number, so I took two buddies. Twice the fun.

This package made it all the way from Indiana, and it was from Rachael over at Rainbow Fish. Quite appropriate seeing as how one of my presents was, in fact, rainbow-colored fish:

Seems that a place called Mundt's is the "Sole Manufacturer of Madison's Famous Fish Candy." There's a cute little "fish tale" on the label that explains the history of the candy and why it is indeed famous.

The popcorn is from The Sweet Kernel, and is definitely yummy, a mix of caramel corn, chocolate clusters, and walnuts. It's already half gone, in case you're wondering.

I loved this quirky magnet from Rachael's "favorite greasy spoon," which is now attached to the panel on the back of my stovetop, since I have a weird fridge door that strangely is NOT magnetic (how un-American, yes, in fact, how very Italian, where the refrigerators are disguised to look like cupboards). Rachael is a college student and this little addition to my package reminded me of a few beloved haunts from my college days as well (Flagstaff, AZ): Mrs. Brown's Burger Bar and Mike and Rhonda's (aka "The Place"). Mmmmm, greasy spoons, me likey!

Another fun touch were two copies of her college newspaper. Again, brings back memories as I worked for nearly four years in advertising at my college newspaper, The Lumberjack. Yes, people, that was our mascot---so?!? Got a problem with that? You're not laughing, are you? Stop! I can see you! If you really must know, we were all quite proud of Louie in his blue and yellow suspendered get-up.

All in all, a very fun surprise and pre-Christmas present. Jingle all the way!

5 comments:

African Kelli said...

Great parcel! And the Lumberjack -- where it all began. I love that little newspaper. Or better yet, my memories of what it was.

FinnyKnits said...

Go Lumberjacks!

How is it that we've all managed to stay so close? Perhaps we were so traumatized from working at that cramped paper for so long that we aren't able to socialize with any normal non-paper people anymore?

Great package - love the fish!

Dixie said...

Oh what fun! I wish I'd discovered your blog before the deadline for this swap. I'd have loved to have done it.

Unknown said...

oh that sounds like so much fun! Yeah we have running jokes about stuff getting lost here in canada and that the only way to get something here is by signature via insured mail!

I've gotten 2 sent back so far, nothing wrong at all... just not bright enough to get it to the right door! lol

McIntosh said...

I just came back from a trip to Flag. They had their graduation ceremony and a friend of mine just finished. I couldn't help sharing that, it's not every day you meet someone who went to NAU!