Towards the end of orientation, my colleague, Sara Benincasa (NY), raised her hand. We were in a Q&A session with a MTV techie–drilling him with technical questions and suggestions for improving THINK.MTV.COM. Finally, Sara was called on.

“Um, yeah, Santa, I have a question too…”

Before he could even smile the whole room erupted in laughter. Sara hit on something we all related to, at least I did. For the last 48 hours, being at MTV studios made me feel like I was having the best Christmas morning of my life. Street Team’s organizers had arranged speakers so open and insightful — that I didn’t mind sitting in the boardroom for eight hours at end. We had presentations that encouraged us to imagine and innovate the concepts of technology and journalism. It was pure candy for my brain.

The next day, after a late night wrap party and probably three hours of sleep, I packed up and went back to DC. I couldn’t wait to get home and unload everything.

The backpack was heavy, and I’m sure meant for carrying survival tools in the Alps. Instead, it holds my equipment – a video camera, laptop, camera, tripod and microphone. Per the request of my most famous friend Lindsay, (my ‘04 ballot bandit) I uploaded some photos. It’s one hell of a sexy photo shoot. Check it out.

Yes, Santa had delivered – and I didn’t even know Christmas was coming.