No Soup For Me!
Monday, May 6, 2013 at 11:21AM Sundried Tomato Soup. That was all I wanted and how this whole thing began.
My good friend and BFAM (brother from another mother) Anthony texted me last week to see if him and his partner Mark could Jasmine and I to dinner at a restaurant called Sundried Tomato. Now we ended up at this restaurant by accident one night and loved it, especially their EPIC tomato soup. Which any other time I have had it have not liked it one bit. This one I crave!
His partner had been out of town back in March and they wanted to take us out for a belated birthday dinner. After to checking with my wife to make sure the schedule was clear we set the time. Saturday at 6PM. Perfect.
It was about 5:40 that I get a call from my good friend and BFAM Mark (a different one BTW) and he sounded really upset.
“I hate to ask this of you but there is an event happening at church tonight and I was asked to set up the portable sound system. When I plugged it all in the lights came on and then just shut off. Could you please come by church really quick to check it out? Are you home?” He sounded really concerned and I was not going to let him go down like that.
“We are just getting ready to head to dinner but we will stop by on our way out. We can find something else for them to use if we need too. Don’t worry.” I told Jasmine that we would have to stop by church on our way out. When Mark and Anthony got to the house I let them know that we would need to stop by church quickly to help Mark. Everyone was cool with it since our Reservations were not until 8PM. We had plenty of time.
When I pulled up to church I saw the parking lot was packed. “I thought this thing didn’t start until 7PM? I hope people aren’t upset!”
I parked far away from the hall where the event was being held so as to not take a parking spot that a guest might need.
“I see Mark pacing out front. I’ll be right back guys.” I thought it was weird that they all just got out and said, “We are just gonna wait out here.
Whatever.
I walked up to the door and saw Mark. He said, “I don’t what the deal is, I have tried everything.”
He motioned for me to head into the hall and I could hear all kinds of commotion.
And then this…
That was the DOC’s very own Jaimie in the house! I love the moment when I spot her. So cool.
I was completely shocked and surprised! It was amazing. Everything was Hollywood themed and one of the highlights of the night was the awards ceremony.
My Sister Jennifer, Cousin Alyssa, and SFAM (sister from another Mister)Jenny awarded me with a “Tony” for plays I had been in and my directorial debut, Cinderella, which they were all in.
My DOC Sister Jaimie awarded me with an “Emmy” for my episode of dLife about diabetes and smoking.
My oldest sister Anna awarded me an “Oscar” for my portrayal of “audience member at a basketball game” in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
My BIL Paul, BFAM Dave, and BFAM Jeremy awarded me with a “Grammy” for my hit single “Not By Choice.”
And then my daughter Gillian awarded me with an EGOT for winning all 4 trophies.
Each one had some really nice things to say that made me laugh and cry.
A slideshow of course made me well up but as soon as it ended and I saw my sister Diane on the screen with my BIL Frank I really fell apart. With her being in New Mexico and still undergoing chemo treatment I knew she could not easily take off for the party but to see them on the screen in a video they made wishing me happy birthday was just awesome. Then my nieces came on to shout a big, “We love you Uncle George!” I love that and them so very much.
A photo booth, DJ, Taco Bar, Dessert Table, and the most unique guest book I have ever seen added to the perfect night.
All I wanted for my birthday was to have a room filled with people I love and that what was I got. My speech wasn’t too great because I started to blubber. Looking around that room I had a story and memory with every one of those people. Like actual funny or meaningful memories! That is a HUGE gift and am spoiled rotten! Spoiled rotten with love.
Such a perfect night and a perfect surprise.
I still can’t believe it happened!
Reader Comments (9)
George, this is awesome! I'm sure it was well-deserved and it looks like a lot of fun!
so very very awesome - so glad you got to celebrate..again :)
It was such a blast! I am so glad we were there to celebrate with you :) love you!
It sounds like it was perfect!! Don't ever forget you are loved!
What an AWESOME party, G, and a celebration deserving of your level of awesomeness. Happy belated birthday, friend!!!
So, the way I see it is that you still have a dinner at Sun dried Tomato coming your way. Score! Great Party George
Love this more than I can say!!!! :)
Is there REALLY such a thing as epic tomato soup???
w00t! I love this! Happy birthday G-Money!