Being with Southgate Coins for over a year now, I (Nicole) have been able to experience many celebrations and fun events. Some of the most enjoyable of all events are the birthdays. It’s a time full of surprises, devious planning, decorations, and some killer cakes and gifts. February 1st arrived again, which meant it was time for Crystal to celebrate her second birthday as a Southgate Coins employee. This was my second time to enjoy her big day with her. Read on to hear more about Crystal’s special day and Southgate’s surprise guest!
Crystal’s birthday planning went a little differently than usual here this year. Maya, the usual director of all events, was out on maternity leave, and Crystal, who normally substitutes for Maya as assistant manager, obviously could not plan her own birthday celebration! This led to me (Nicole), and the other girls (Cara, Dixie, and Shayna) coordinating her second birthday surprise at Southgate Coins.
With some decorating the Saturday before the birthday celebration, by Cara, Shayna, and me, and some fantastic finishing touches by Marie and Rusty on Monday morning, I knew, as always, what a pleasure it would be to see Crystal’s reaction to the decorations. Crystal is always a person who is so gracious and appreciative for everything, so it’s always a very rewarding experience for the ones who pull out all the stops to surprise her.
Another Southgate Birthday!
The day started off with Crystal walking into Southgate Coins and seeing a vibrant and beautiful bouquet of pink azaleas, with a big birthday balloon elevated above it, which Rusty and Marie brought in earlier that morning. We nicknamed another large, celestial-looking balloon the “Big C,” just for Crystal, because it had a big crescent moon on the front and shooting stars on the other side.
As the day went by and the end started to near, us girls who have experienced our own and others’ birthdays at Southgate Coins, are accustomed to listen for the celebratory birthday music starting to play over the loud speakers. This music, and the birthday horns blaring in the back office, signals that it’s time to party! It can be rather embarrassing if it’s your birthday, haha! Nonetheless, it’s a sound that always brings a huge smile to your face, and possibly even a little reddening of the cheeks!
First off, Crystal is extremely difficult to shop for, haha! Knowing this, we girls attempted to sneak information from her weeks leading up to her birthday. With the tiniest bit of luck, Cara was able to find out that the one thing Crystal really wanted to do was to get sushi on her birthday. Therefore, with a little more prying, we found out her favorite sushi restaurant. We also did a little extra shopping for her to finish off our portion of the gift giving.
Therefore, as, Shayna, cleverly distracted Crystal, while Rusty, Marie, and I set up in the back, the sound of birthday music and horns suddenly chimed through the store, and we were surprised with a guest!
We were right in the middle of taking pictures with Crystal’s pineapple bundt cake, pretty flowers, and balloons, when all of a sudden Miss Maya walked in! It was such a lovely surprise, especially since most of us, who were so used to seeing her every day, and now rarely do due to her new full-time motherhood! Crystal smiled immediately when she saw Maya, and even kind of snickered, because we are all so sneaky here at Southgate Coins.
We all gave our gifts to Crystal. First, Cara, Shayna, Dixie, and I gave our gifts to Crystal. She was thrilled about the sushi gift card, along with a black bracelet and a sweet bandana from Hot Topic, and a set of Urban Decay eyeliner. Maya then gave Crystal a colorful stained- glass fairy window decal. It was so pretty. Next, Marie and Rusty gave her a book, Liar’s Club, and a stunning framed piece of artwork picturing a blue fairy, which suited Crystal so perfectly. Then it was time for Crystal to receive her favorite pineapple bundt cake (which was amazing as always).
After chowing down on the cake, taking more pictures, and having some laughs, it was time to wrap up our birthday celebration. I’m pleased to tell you it was a great time, and Crystal was so delighted by her gifts and our efforts to make this day special for her. It makes all the effort so worth it when you see a genuine smile and sense of happiness beam from a friend or co-worker’s face.
Until next time, we all wish Crystal a very happy birthday, and hope she has many more exhilarating years of success, laughter, and happiness! Let the good times roll Crystal, haha!
Nicole