purple room vents: FINALLY I CAN WRITE ABOUT IT

It has been so difficult the last few weeks NOT writing about this, because Bill reads my blog so I could not say anything!

Way back whilst we were still in Maui, I started to make plans for a surprise party for Bill's 80th birthday, which actually is on Tues, June 18. First I called the chinese food restaurant that we always go to before going to the movies. They have a nice sized place with a really fresh and expansive buffet. Yes, they told me, they could hold 40 people.

I then messaged/emailed all the key people in Bill's sphere, and asking them to spread the word and for people to get back to me by June 1st, Stella, the super nice restaurant lady wanted an update on the numbers. So by June 1st it was kind of up to 50. So the minute we got back from our trip (can't remember from where) oh yeah Paris, I called her and let her know. Then some more emails came in and then a few more and pretty soon the number was close to 70. So I called her again a couple of days ago and they said that was fine!

Two weeks ago I made an online application for a quote on 70 cupcakes from Pink Ribbon bakery. http://www.pinkribbonbakery.ca. I made arrangements for the kind of cupcakes, the time and place (home) for delivery. We dreamed up a crazy story about a birthday present being delivered (he knew that the kids and he and I were going there for dinner and we told him a movie right after) and when it came he was to go into the bedroom and not look until delivery downstairs was complete. It never came, it was supposed to be delivered between 3 and 4. At a few minutes past 4 I phoned and they told me that they lost the order somewhere along the line and it was never filled. I won't repeat what I said on the phone, but let me tell you, it wasn't nice. I was so pissed off. I mean...one hour and half to go and no cake. Jeez! So I did the only thing I tend to do in these emergencies...I phoned Aryn and whimpered. And of course her immediate response was..."don't worry, I have it covered." And she did!! She picked up a couple of awesome delicious cakes at the local supermarket on her way to the venue! My little problem solver. When I got home last night I received a very apologetic email from the bakery, with an explanation I accepted and an offer of a 200 order on our next party! pretty decent so I can let this go and due to her reason, I won't make them spend 200 hundred bucks on this.

When we walked into the restaurant, I had asked them all to stand up and sing happy birthday. And they did! And I can honestly say, Bill was SHOCKED!! To the point of tears! He had thought maybe a couple of people would surprise him, but not 65! And it was so wonderful to see everyone. Some of these people we hadn't seen in many years. It was basically a Heyman reunion with a few extra very very special people we consider family. What a wonderful successful evening.

One little phenomenon I must mention. Quite a few people had not actually met each other before. There were a few people from my side of the family, and the kid's friends etc....but they all knew who each other was......from facebook! So it was way more comfortable and familiar than if we didn't have facebook! I thought that was so cool! Even though they had never met...they knew who each other was.

Then, April, Monte, Jen (Yes Jen from Alberta!!!! ) Andrew and some friends all ended up back here and did some serious drinking, singing, dancing and general crazy fun debauchery!! Now its mornnig, I am hearing some stirring downstairs, I think I will make a McD run and bring home some breakfast. TTYL