"How Cool Was That?"
With apologies to Emily Post etiquette junkies, I am sending this mass e-thank you card to everyone who was a part of my suprise 50th birthday party Saturday evening.
I was truly blown away when I walked into that room and saw so many people who have been a part of my life for so many years. As a passionate party-disliker and aspiring recluse, I am particularly grateful that so many people sacraficed a Saturday evening to schlepp to Anderson Township to be a part of the celebration. It was a great party and it was fun to see all of you. I know I didn't get to spend enough quality time with each of you..my apologies in that regard.
The question of the night was: "Did you have any idea that this was happening?" The answer is: "absoutely not." The truth is, I'm the perfect person for whom to plan a suprise birthday party as I come from a long line of clueless Ukranians. In fact, low self esteem is so etched into the psyche of people of Slavic heritage that we would never even contemplate the idea of 80+ people coming together to celebrate "us." It is with this backdrop that I shuffled through this weekend completely oblivious to Kate's comings and goings. I'm actually convinced that I wouldn't have figured anything out even if she had asked me to help decorate the clubhouse Saturday afternoon.
The benefit, of course, of being so clueless is that it made the surprise that much more satisfying. I was truly overwhelmed when I walked into that room Saturday evening. It was a powerful confirmation of the fact that my life is rich beyond belief because of my many wonderful friendships.
I won't try to thank each of you because I know I would likely miss someone given my lack of attention to details. But each of you is a gift to me: My friends and colleagues from Northlich who help to make coming to work a true joy. My LMC friends who've been in my life for such a long time...and hung out Saturday night to the bitter end. My "Kate friends" who I have come to know and love these past 10 years (you know who you are). The Ewings who I call family and share our love of animals. And, the friends who played a role in helping Kate to pull off this great party...Karl, Barb & Tim, Dave & Annette, Julie, John & Betsy, Karen & Funky. I hope I covered everyone.
And, of course...two very special people.
My son Jay who has given me the chance to re-live my childhood and to experience the pure love of being a parent. Jay helped plan the party and deserves a lot of credit for not letting the cat out of the bag. I love you Jay.
Kate Jacobs Spak, my best friend, lover and partner for life. Thank you for making my life so rich and colorful. Thank you for the loving guidance you give to my son. Saturday evening was truly special and I will be forever grateful for everything you did to make it such.
If I missed anyone, please accept my aplogy. Thanks to everyone for being with me on Saturday evening...and for the friendship you give me each day of my life.
Warmest regards,
Doug
With apologies to Emily Post etiquette junkies, I am sending this mass e-thank you card to everyone who was a part of my suprise 50th birthday party Saturday evening.
I was truly blown away when I walked into that room and saw so many people who have been a part of my life for so many years. As a passionate party-disliker and aspiring recluse, I am particularly grateful that so many people sacraficed a Saturday evening to schlepp to Anderson Township to be a part of the celebration. It was a great party and it was fun to see all of you. I know I didn't get to spend enough quality time with each of you..my apologies in that regard.
The question of the night was: "Did you have any idea that this was happening?" The answer is: "absoutely not." The truth is, I'm the perfect person for whom to plan a suprise birthday party as I come from a long line of clueless Ukranians. In fact, low self esteem is so etched into the psyche of people of Slavic heritage that we would never even contemplate the idea of 80+ people coming together to celebrate "us." It is with this backdrop that I shuffled through this weekend completely oblivious to Kate's comings and goings. I'm actually convinced that I wouldn't have figured anything out even if she had asked me to help decorate the clubhouse Saturday afternoon.
The benefit, of course, of being so clueless is that it made the surprise that much more satisfying. I was truly overwhelmed when I walked into that room Saturday evening. It was a powerful confirmation of the fact that my life is rich beyond belief because of my many wonderful friendships.
I won't try to thank each of you because I know I would likely miss someone given my lack of attention to details. But each of you is a gift to me: My friends and colleagues from Northlich who help to make coming to work a true joy. My LMC friends who've been in my life for such a long time...and hung out Saturday night to the bitter end. My "Kate friends" who I have come to know and love these past 10 years (you know who you are). The Ewings who I call family and share our love of animals. And, the friends who played a role in helping Kate to pull off this great party...Karl, Barb & Tim, Dave & Annette, Julie, John & Betsy, Karen & Funky. I hope I covered everyone.
And, of course...two very special people.
My son Jay who has given me the chance to re-live my childhood and to experience the pure love of being a parent. Jay helped plan the party and deserves a lot of credit for not letting the cat out of the bag. I love you Jay.
Kate Jacobs Spak, my best friend, lover and partner for life. Thank you for making my life so rich and colorful. Thank you for the loving guidance you give to my son. Saturday evening was truly special and I will be forever grateful for everything you did to make it such.
If I missed anyone, please accept my aplogy. Thanks to everyone for being with me on Saturday evening...and for the friendship you give me each day of my life.
Warmest regards,
Doug
Labels: Surprise 50th Birthday Party
posted by Doug Spak at 4:13 AM
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