Surprise!

I'm generally not one for surprises, and often somehow I find out about them, but not on Monday. I took the bus to meet a long-term friend for lunch. My friend is the CEO and President of a non-profit organization now. But I knew her, "when...." We go waaaaay back together, and have done a lot of things on a variety of projects and activities for years and years that have made people safer.

She told me that we were going to meet at a nice restaurant, and that a few mutual friends would also be there. The premise for our luncheon was that these old friends were in town for a meeting, and wouldn't it be nice to get together to reminisce? These old friends were part of a former team where we collaborated and made some major breakthroughs back in "our day."

As I walked into the restaurant, my friend met me at the door, and said "we have a table back here." Still oblivious, I followed her.

When I entered the reserved back room, there were about 30 people there, including my partner who never, ever, ever shows up for lunch at a restaurant. I had to blink and rub my eyes and then just stand there saying, "wha...wha...why?" I usually don't mumble or stammer, but this was such a surprise, I was at a complete loss for words. Then I saw my boss, and the boss' boss, and the head of that agency, and this organization, and the veritable "who's who" of the field.

I was presented with an award for outstanding contributions to my profession, given by a well-respected, major national organization. I was flabbergasted! I thought these awards were given at the national conference in April. But I found out that what they do is make the actual presentation early, and then invite the recipient and his spouse -- in my case, my partner -- to the big awards presentation at the national conference, at their expense.

I remain dumbfounded and amazed and totally surprised. Seriously! Who woulda thunk? Like Sally Field said a long time ago, "they like me, they really like me!"

But, loyal readers, don't think that this award will go to my head. My partner will keep me grounded, as he manages to do so well. Meanwhile, I'm floating on air, and I can't remove this silly grin from my face.

Life is short: but oh heck, it's so much fun to live!