Sharing Amazing Love on Valentine's Day

Yes, this not a typical Valentine's Day post with hearts and gushing red velvet cupcakes... it is my heartfelt thanks and total appreciation to some very special women who recently displayed their love in the most unusual, special and EPIC way. I thought there would be no better time to share this amazing story on this Day which signifies LOVE!

Let me first present to you below: A Token of Love and Appreciation - A fabulous necklace made of corks, candies and candles.... read below to see just how special this token is.

Some of you may know that I recently accepted a new position in an industry giant and after almost 9 years at Bridges, it was a hard personal move to make, but the right professional move to make. It was hard personally because I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some amazing people. Some of these great people have been the Bridges Instructors that I have had the pleasure of working with for many, many years. I have been scheduling their lives, their drives, their students, their schools and doing it with a smile and being available for them for any question/problem/comment/issue.... Big or Small- it's my job... and I always cared.

Last week at the Bridges Annual dinner, they 'sneakily' crafted the above pictured necklace made of the usual things you would find in an Italian restaurant- cork, candies, candle- with crushed candies inside set in the melted wax (WOW) - and two brave souls- Christy and Leanne- stood up at the end of the dinner, presented me with this totally awesome necklace and this wonderful, heartfelt Top 10 list that I share with you below:

Top 10 reasons we will miss Chantal...

10.   The way she smiles with her whole being

9. Bling by Chantal- shopping on breaks

8. Her ability to recall obscure lyrics of songs.from the 90s.

7. The fact that you are our work mom.

6. Who is going to keep our shit together?

5. We are concerned about the quality of the swag once she is gone.

4. Nails - lovely , luscious lacquered digits delight us daily

3. Her calm reassuring voice on the phone, that let's us know everything is going to be alright, even though we are stuck on the 401, 400, 407.

2. The inspiration she has given us all as she has worked so hard to transform her lifestyle and we have watched her become more beautiful, if that is even possible.

1. Although employee of the decade is up for grabs, we are all wondering how we will replace the person that, we all agree, we instantly loved from the moment we met.

WOW, floored right??? To see on paper and presented to you amongst your peers these words of love, appreciation and their sadness at your leaving... Not a dry eye!!!!

It was an incredible presentation crafted by Table 3- Jolene, Leanne, Christy, Eva, Sarah, Brenna, Kayla, Alex and Wendy (sorry if I missed anyone).  The hugs, the thanks, the 'we'll miss you, but we are happy for you' from all the Bridges Instructors and Staff have been overwhelming and wonderful. Bridges has helped me grow into the person I am today and all the experiences and challenges have shaped who I have become... so thank you to all who have have been a part of a great chapter in my life...

... and when the going gets tough, and we must move along our way to new challenges.... what does a girl do?

Light up her life with some new hair, bright as the Caribbean sun hitting the sand! Much Love to All!

It's not goodbye, it's see you later- you can always catch my adventures on my blog and of course the instantly gratifying Facebook.