SUPPLIES!!

My hilarious friend, Lauren Merkley, once told this awesome joke.  My favorite (sorry, Lauren, if I've altered it a bit).  So, this CEO is conducting interviews for a high position job.  There are three candidates (sorry if this is racial): an American, a Russian, and a Japanese.  The American comes in, blows the interview out of the water, lands the job within the first 2 minutes.  He was a Harvard MBA graduate with a 4.0, plus 10 years corporate experience, so it was a no-brainer to hire him.  The CEO immediately sends him to get to work. 

But because there were two other men there to interview, he felt it his duty to at least see them.  First, the Russian comes into his office.  He is not as put together as the American, but the CEO can tell that he is doing his best to qualify for this job.  He has a Bachelor's degree, speaks good English, and has moderate experience.  The CEO is a good man and feels a desire to give this man a job, especially after learning about his wife and children.  So he creates a position in the Mail Room for this man and sends him to work.

Last comes in the Japanese man.  He is wearing torn and tattered clothes.  He doesn't hardly speak a lick of English.  He's never been to college, let alone High School, and has never worked in a corporate office a day in his life.  Thankfully, the CEO again takes compassion on this poor man and decides to create another position: Supply Room Manager.  He sends him to get to work.

A few days later, the CEO decides to check on his newly hired team.  First, he checks out the executive floor.  Everything is running like clockwork, with the American at the lead. The CEO is excited and impressed.  Next, he checks out the Mail Room.  There are a few hiccups and glitches, just like in the Russian's English, but overall, things are running well.  He tells the Russian to keep up the good work.

Finally, he makes his way down to the Supply Room.  He opens the door but the light is off and no one is to be found.  All there is are supplies.  "Hello!?," the CEO calls.  But there is no response.  As he wanders thru the room, suddenly the Japanese man jumps out and yells "SUPPLIES!!!"

What's the point of all that?  Besides a good joke, it's just what I think of everytime someone yells "SURPRISE!!"  This Friday, Braden and Shaun and Susan put together a surprise party for me.  I didn't suspect AT ALL!  I have never been the recipient of a surprise party, only the planner, so I was thoroughly amazed and touched.  In a matter of just 2 days, Susan was able to invite a whole bunch of people, decorate the house, and put on a beautiful spread of fresh fruits and other things to dip in a chocolate fountain.  About 20 people came, and no kids! 

It was so fun!  We played Wally Ball, which was what I had really wanted to do, played a game, ate good food, and enjoyed good company.  I came home glowing and couldn't help being in awe at the generosity and kindness I had received.  Thanks everyone who played a part and came!!

My nephew Nathan off course wanted to pretend he was drinking beer, rather than IBC Root Beer. 

Good thing I did my hair that day!

I love this boy

Three of my favorite men in the world

Thank you!!!  Happy Birthday to me!