Surprised...Again!

The 'office ladies'!

So this year Administrative Professionals day came and went without any notice. I suppose we all (minus Carolyn who is new this year) knew that the admin had something planned. In fact, I was so positive it was going to be the next day that I slipped my camera in my purse and didn't pack a lunch. Turned out that it was a dud idea and it was just an ordinary day except I was extra hungry by the time the day was over! Cue the next week and I have completely forgotten about secretaries day. It was just work as usual when Heather announced to get our purses and head out the door as it was 'the day'! My tummy got a bit nervous because with Heather and Jeff you can never know just what they have planned....they are a tad crazy. It was Marci's day off but they punked her into a 'grad committee' meeting that she willingly attended....but was sitting in the boardroom alone. Hah! They really got me because I thought for sure it would be on a Thursday when all three of us work in the office. Marilyn (the lady I replaced in 2009) came and took over the office while we went off on our adventure!

So here's a picture of the three of us in the back of Heather's car. A bit tense...a bit nervous. Trying to guess just what the heck was going on. Then Heather started making phone calls to 'Agent Staples'.

After an interesting exchange of 'items' with Agent Staples in Coquitlam we ended up at the New Westminster Quay. They tied us up, gave us $20 and told us to find a coffee and buy ourselves some flowers. After seeing us stumble a few feet they untied us. I think that they didn't want any 'on the job' injuries! After finding a hot chocolate and wandering around the Quay (which is undergoing major renovations...will be really nice when all is said and done) Heather and Jeff steered us down a steep ramp and right onto a Paddle Cruise Boat!

What a perfect day for a cruise on the Fraser. We went up as far as the mouth of the Pitt River. Interesting commentary by the captain was given about this and that as we cruised. The sun was warm and the rain stayed away most of the day.

The cruise was filled mostly with seniors who stayed on the main level. We think that they couldn't manage the stairs so with that, we had the entire upper floor to ourselves. It was a good thing because some of us (Marci) can be pretty loud and rowdy!

Jeff and poor Carolyn who was just gob-smacked by this whole adventure. She cried to us: Why didn't you warn me! She'll be on guard next year!

Never mind life jackets....I had to make sure the fire extinguishers were up to date!

The cruise included a small buffet 'luncheon'. As we were eating Heather insisted we go up on deck and as we cruised by the Mary Hill Bypass area there were her parents holding up a sign that read 'MEI Secretaries Rock'! It was awesome. One of the men on the deck with us asked what an MEI was. Ha ha!

After lunch we were treated to some super yummy desserts.

They even let Marci drive the boat for a while. A bit frightening but she assured them she had her watercraft licence. Not sure if it counts if you buy it off the Internet Marci!

Below is Marci's (Heather's ) note in the guestbook of the boat.

The day was not over as we were given cards with the most lovely words written and an appointment the next day for a manicure at a local spa! Spoiled...you've got that right. I swapped out my manicure for a facial and it was absolutely divine.

Our fearless leader is quite a lady indeed. She is a hoot but I also respect her greatly. She is so accomplished and really runs that school in an incredible way. I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am to know and work with both her and Jeff. It's been the biggest blessing for sure.