I was at work today, minding my own business, when what should turn up but a package from ThinkGeek with my name on it!

“I don’t remember ordering anything from ThinkGeek,” I thought. “I wonder if I ordered myself something good.”

And it turns out I did order something good. Well, sort of. It was Justine who’d ordered something good from my wishlist. It was a Shiny, Wind-Up Bender!

A couple of weeks back, on my birthday, we went looking for a present that never eventuated. Since I’d received something from Justine I told her not to get me anything else, and keep her money for a night out or something. Well, she obviously paid as much attention as usual. I took the Bender out and immediately wound him, and watched his shiny metal ass waddle across the table. Great stuff! You can even open his front and watch the gears turn.

Also in the box, mini Timmy the Sock Monkey had obviously stowed away for the ride. Well, too bad for him if he wants to go anywhere else, ’cause he’s here to stay now. The monkey is such a tiny little thing, he’ll fit right in my pocket!

The Wishlist has been updated accordingly. What a great surprise! Thank you, Justine; I’d completely forgotten about the Bender toy and it was nice to see him simply turn up. Justine’s usually pretty bad at keeping secrets (sorry, but you are!), but this one was kept well. I had no idea anything was coming. Actually, that’s not totally true; you let something slip but I didn’t have a clue what it was.

I think I need to start adding more random stuff to my wishlist, most of the things remaining are getting a bit expensive (c’mon, you know you want to spend $500+ on me — the bronze Gandalfs were only six grand, what a bargain!).

A lot of the time I see or find cool stuff around the web and never bother telling anyone about it. This time, however, I came across something that I don’t remember seeing anywhere else (maybe I haven’t been looking hard enough).

Regardless, if anyone wants to buy me a Bender Wind-up, or perhaps if you have less money available, a mini sock-monkey, I would be extremely grateful.

The above presents make good “anytime” gifts, but if you’re not that way inclined, I’m sure they’d also make a great Christmas present…

I’m so subtle.