After weeks of planning and hidden messages via the highest of electronic means .... (emails, facebook and SMS ..... even when @ home/the next table !!!), the plot was set. Dad's going away and returning after Sarah's trip back to Perth sealed the date : 11 Feb 11. Wee's family suggestion to have a CNY gathering seem like a good way to engineer the surprise party. Everything had to move very fast after the first few collaboration with the younger TEOs. Since date was in place, gotta fix the venue before we can start the ball rolling with the invitation. Had the first test meal with Aaron when he needed to buy CNY clothes. It had to be somewhere close to ET's office as she is simply a natural to being LATE !!!. VivoCity was a good choice. Ample car park space (with a third of Singaporean being there on a Friday nite !!!), MRT and lots of food venues, including 4 food courts. Approached the owner of Mussel Guys to confirmed venue and menu. We were ready.
This was where the Secret Squirrels started the "cover story" plot. The first was with the TJOENG FAMILY. With CNY round the corner, the word started to spread ..... "shhhhh !!! Your sis surprise party is being planned". (Cat was almost out of the bag during re-union dinner when she was asked, "so, i it ON ?" There was sudden silence in the air. Selective hearing mode took precedence and sudden choke !! choke !! and cough !! cough !! tried to drown the question ... but it innocently came again ... "Is it on ?". (Many stopped breathing !!).
Next, came the GOD families. Richard, Julie & Avril was smooth sailing via email and SMS but the Tan Sim Boh gang was highly riskly. Too many chances for "oops !!!", so only Chief Elf and Queen Bee was in the loop. The topic will only be raise after our sudden need to leave early. (Even that took hours to happen !!!. Long long sob sob goodbyes !!!). Last was with the SFX group where there were many email exchanges with the spiritual group with lots of uncertain addresses which the angels had to convey/deliver. Took a little longer than expected for responses. (Heaven quite far !!!)
The execution involves lots of delay tactics. Meetings, more meetings, office alarm system malfunction, jams and poor communications. Never realised that lack of car park space in a venue that has ample space was such a welcomed episode/blessing. Going round and round in the "unfamiliar" area was such a natural form of stalling for time. GREAT CAR PARK.
The final walk into the restaurant was "priceless". The quote "Reservation by Margaret Wee" to the waitress kicked the weeks of planning into action. Birthday song, crown, well wishes and lots of snap-snap picture taking to capture the moment. Being CNY period, RED was the theme of the evening and traditional lo-hei started the makan session ... with beef redang, seafood platter, mussels, etc ,,,, Phew !! it was a relief !! The evening took its own course of event !!!
Ma'chiam wedding celebration, picture taking by categoryiesand groups followed after the meals were consumed. With so many cameras flashing, didn't know where to look. Some will find its way to the Facebook; others to blogs and goodness knows where. 
All the willing supporters took turns to capture the moment with the Birthday Girl (whose crown has to be re-cycled for the next victim !!!). The restaurant may just change their policy of having birthday celebration at their location after this. Holding children parties could be easier. They almost took over the entire restaurant space.
The final shot with the collaborators was A MUST. Guilty of telling tons and tons of lies ... and mind you... a spiritual group was involved too (complete with God families. I am sure HE WILL UNDERSTAND !!!) Happy BIRTHDAY !!!!
Next, came the GOD families. Richard, Julie & Avril was smooth sailing via email and SMS but the Tan Sim Boh gang was highly riskly. Too many chances for "oops !!!", so only Chief Elf and Queen Bee was in the loop. The topic will only be raise after our sudden need to leave early. (Even that took hours to happen !!!. Long long sob sob goodbyes !!!). Last was with the SFX group where there were many email exchanges with the spiritual group with lots of uncertain addresses which the angels had to convey/deliver. Took a little longer than expected for responses. (Heaven quite far !!!)
The execution involves lots of delay tactics. Meetings, more meetings, office alarm system malfunction, jams and poor communications. Never realised that lack of car park space in a venue that has ample space was such a welcomed episode/blessing. Going round and round in the "unfamiliar" area was such a natural form of stalling for time. GREAT CAR PARK.The final walk into the restaurant was "priceless". The quote "Reservation by Margaret Wee" to the waitress kicked the weeks of planning into action. Birthday song, crown, well wishes and lots of snap-snap picture taking to capture the moment. Being CNY period, RED was the theme of the evening and traditional lo-hei started the makan session ... with beef redang, seafood platter, mussels, etc ,,,, Phew !! it was a relief !! The evening took its own course of event !!!
Ma'chiam wedding celebration, picture taking by categoryiesand groups followed after the meals were consumed. With so many cameras flashing, didn't know where to look. Some will find its way to the Facebook; others to blogs and goodness knows where. 
All the willing supporters took turns to capture the moment with the Birthday Girl (whose crown has to be re-cycled for the next victim !!!). The restaurant may just change their policy of having birthday celebration at their location after this. Holding children parties could be easier. They almost took over the entire restaurant space.
The final shot with the collaborators was A MUST. Guilty of telling tons and tons of lies ... and mind you... a spiritual group was involved too (complete with God families. I am sure HE WILL UNDERSTAND !!!) Happy BIRTHDAY !!!!
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