My Microsoft MVP Award gift package is here!

A little over a week after becoming a Microsoft MVP, I’ve now received my MVP Award gift package!

Receiving the Microsoft MVP Award this year was even more special for me, as ten (10) years ago, in 2007, I was certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist (and Expert), doing pretty spankin’ well in the Excel 2003 nationals even if I didn’t make it to the world championships. Sure, certifications and awards are two different things, but they’re both achievements — and these were both official Microsoft-related ones! I may not be an Excel MVP now, but perhaps someday if I get back into it I just might become one in the future… though I think I’m more interested in Windows Development and/or Xamarin.

A diptych of my Microsoft Office Specialist awards from 2007, and my Microsoft MVP Award from 2017. — 2007: my Microsoft Office Specialist awards. 2017: my Microsoft MVP Award.

Anyway, since many other MVPs have done it, I figured I’d hop on the bandwagon and post my own photos of my MVP Award gift package. Hashtag unboxing, because, yeah.

The front of the box, which reads "Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Award 2017-2018" — The front of the box.

The top of the box.

The box lid interior, which reads "Thank you." — The box lid interior. Aw you’re welcome Microsoft!

An inner box, surrounded by packing foam.

My award and the accompanying 2017-2018 ring, encased in form-fitting foam.

Close-up of the 2017-2018 ring, hopefully the first of many.

Close-up of the globe on the top of my award. It's actually flat in front and concave in the back! — Close-up of the globe on the top of my award. It’s actually flat in front and concave in the back!

Lots of MVP logo stickers and some important information.