...and when I said I would tell you more on Saturday, I really meant, "See you Monday."

So....the party on Friday night. Yeah, I know....it's Monday (or Sunday still for many of you)...what can I say? Saturday, I had a class and in the late afternoon, the 'zombie feeling' that would continue until Sunday night began. I think that all the time, effort and energy I spent in getting ready for this party, while still teaching classes and doing the mommy/wife thing, finally caught up with me. Now, it's Monday and with a couple cups of java in my system, I'm thinking that I might be on the road to rejuvenation....or at least, let's hope.

The party....a story in pictures with minimal explanation....

The K-man and the boys went with me to help put the finishing touches on everything....the room was absolutely gorgeous and Koji had the camera...which is why many pictures look like this.....

...and are from this angle....

Issei....waiting for instructions.....really wish he was already at the hot spring bath they were going to next....

Wasn't the room beautiful?? It was the same room as last year, but the remodeling the hotel did was incredible!! Very elegant!!

Each person got a goody-bag (with homemade peanut butter-chocolate brownie, some chocolates and a few candy-cane white chocolate kisses!).....

...and one of these at their place setting.

*I had to explain to many that a) yes, they were angels b) yes, they were little dolls and c) yes, I made one for everyone and d) no, they are not pins or anything else...but you can stick them on your sweater, if you want.*

The buffet table....

Miwa (in pink), "But, Debbie...you need to get in the picture."

So....I did.

Some of the ladies from my YWCA class that I have had for about 10 years!!

There was entertainment.....

first a duet....a song of a young couple, in love expecting a baby...we were cracking up at her "pregnant tummy"....they sung using Nagasaki dialect and it was really good!!

There was a skit by a group of 'crazy' ladies....when it came time for the person to eat some noodles, I almost cried I was laughing so hard!!!

And there was some dancing.....I invited the ladies from my dance group, even though they are not my students, but because they are very special to me and two of them came and volunteered to dance with me. My students were very happy!!

One of my favorite songs is "White Sandy Beach" by IZ and I found a dance that went with the song to do. The words are not so difficult and the hand actions made it even easier to understand.

We had a very exciting Bingo game with some incredible prizes...about 20 items....from a bottle of wine to a handmade holiday wreath....to a handmade leather bag....pins...placemats...and a scarf that my mom made and sent. All other prizes were donated from students!

(Sorry...no pictures...I was too busy being the "prize girl" that I forgot to take any!)

One of the ladies from my hula group won the scarf and was soooo happy to get it. The fact that MY MOM had knitted it, made it even more special....the color was perfect,too.

One person from each table was given a Trader Joe's eco-shopping bag (Thank you, Cheri!!! **mwah**)....as I always carry mine and some people have been to California and have seen them, those were very popular items!!!

Funny thing, though...last year, I put a special paper under one person's place setting at each table and that person got the door prize. This year, I put stickers on the bottoms of the goody-bags, but....there were so many people who I saw, checking underneath the table before they sat down!!! THAT....made me laugh!!! :-D

The party was a success. Many commented as they were leaving that they looked forward to the party for a few weeks and asked about next year.

Next year???

~~sigh~~

Oh...probably.

But......I'm not going to think about that now.....

now....

I have to think about making a Christmas present shopping list.

Yeah. I know. Last minute shopping, anyone??