On Monday evening, the "plan" was to hook up with Nicki and Cecelia (from Stollery) and have one last meeting before Cecelia transitioned to a 6 month sabbatical for the completion of her degree.
I was to bring my girls as well, even though the meeting was perceived by Cec to be work based.
It was actually a surprise party for Cec, not a work meeting... tee hee....
Nicki was arranging the thing and it took some fancy finagling to work out this tight schedule for us as Kyrsti was to teach a private dance lesson prior to her own duet practice with Asha Tomlinson (from City TV) on Monday night.
At the last minute, Asha postponed her practice and so did the ladies for their private lesson.
Pfew..... now we did not have to move our meeting back 2 hours with Cec (as Nicki was NOT fond of this idea anyway). Hmmmmmm.... now I know why (Nicki....)
We all got dolled up (kinda...) and off to Lazia we went to surprise Cec!
The hostess walked us upstairs to our table and it took a little bit to register....
Our peeps from Stollery and Make-A-Wish were gathered around group of tables pushed together - hand signed cards (by everyone) and gift bags in the empty seats where we were supposed to sit and huge smiles from all to greet us. Meagan and Steven beat us there, awaiting us (Megs was actually in on it), Nicki situated on the end looking all smug. Ironically no Cecelia - she could not make it. Surprise was on us!!
The tables were loaded with non stop appetizers, and the girls were most excited about their Shirley Temples. I sat there and took note that it was a bit much to process - you see it took several years to get to this point of collaboration, nevermind the close friendships that also developed over these past 2 years. Everyone around the table all had my interest as I have spent time with all of them and have grown quite fond of each one.
Tyler was on the end, of course making wise cracks the entire time, Brian (the new VP), Stephanie and Joleen, Hilary sharing funny stories about Danny (who could not be there) and Vegas, Cathy and Marta sharing humorous personal stories, and then theres my ex-rival (inside joke) Deborah. Deb is always interesting in her way, and even though I pretended "not to" for years, I always paid attention to her. I remember everything she ever said to me whether I like it or not.
A slide show was provided by Nicki partway through the evening - all staff from both sides that have either participated or helped with the event. It went back 4 years, and all I could think was "we sure had fun - even through the growing pains".
The appies ended with my favourite dessert at Lazia - Chocolate Overload. Mmmmmmm......
It's one thing to say "thank you, we appreciate your hard work and dedication", it's another to show it. They show it and always do... especially with the girls as they too are very much involved and sacrifice a lot for the event.
Thank you Make-A-Wish and Stollery for appreciating our family and supporting us. Thank you Nicki and Cecelia for planning this party- the surprise was wonderful.
Nicki - something good coming your way. It's called karma. Everything you do, and you took the time to thank US....
P.s. we love the angles you gave us in the gift bags.
Listen woman. If you try and cancel or change your own surprise party one more time... there's going to be trouble!
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