So just a couple of weeks ago I was telling my team that no one has ever successfully surprised me because… well I am just usually really good at figuring things out….
But near the end of the week of debrief we had a squad dinner. Matthew and I were able to work out an awesome deal with an amazing restaurant that would have usually been well out of our budget. Everyone was in high spirits, enjoying the meal, the company, and the service. 
We each had what we call a secret buddy all week. It was someone we were supposed to bless throughout the week and at some point do something to publicly embarrass/encourage them, revealing who you are.
So when my teammate Adam, rung his glass at dessert and asked for April Payne to please come to the front, I immediately turned red. It was a long walk to the other end of the table…. I could only imagine what he was about to do or say. I mean he is a pretty extreme individual (as is our whole team) and most frequently lives by the “go big or go home” rule.
As I walked to the other end of the table, I had all kinds of pictures and ideas flashing through my mind. I was hearing whispers coming from the rest of the squad… “I’m so excited”, “she is already embarrassed”, “aww I can’t wait”. My thought was “Really Adam? You better believe I will take revenge.”
I arrived at the end of the table.
I looked over and saw Michael Perez videotaping all of this.
“Cool.”
“I dish it out, I can totally take it.”
And Adam says….
“On behalf of the whole squad, I would like to honor you and thank you for everything you do for us. I know you have had a rough week and when your computer got stolen, I really felt led to go to the rest of the squad and we got you this…”
HE HANDED ME A BRAND NEW LAP TOP.
What?
I didn’t even know what to do with that.
I was told my expression changed about 17 times in a matter of 30 seconds.
From a smile… to tears… to laughing… to I don’t deserve this… I don’t know how to repay you… to “thank you so much”…
to WOW I WAS JUST SURPRISED……
I felt so loved; I wasn’t even sure how to receive it. Such a blessing! Such an extra!
