I know it’s funny how this can be what with me being 29 still and a new call in Nunavut just in my 8th year there (I’m a 2014 call to the Nunavut Bar), but still it somehow happened that 30 years have passed since I managed, against all odds, actually, to become a member of the Law Society of (then) Upper Canada.

I note another 30th anniversary this year – that of the Blue Jays’ World Series Win in 1992.

Co-incidence? I think not. I was called to the Bar on September 24, 1992 and exactly one month later, lo and behold the October 24th WS Win by our beloved Jays! I remember standing sandwiched between hundreds of others at the Wheat Sheaf Tavern that night while it all went down. It was louder and wilder than anything else I remember in my entire life. It was nice celebrating the anniversary by heading down to the ball park on August 27 of this year and seeing 15 of the winning team’s players in person there.

I also decided to celebrate my own 30 years at the bar in style with as big a party as I could manage on a budget during, still, sadly, COVID.

This isn’t the first party I’ve thrown. My roommate and I — when we lived in an illegal commercially zoned loft space as new lawyers — used to hold legendary house parties of 400+ people. Those were great while many had been duds, I’ll be the first to admit. Some of my gatherings had somewhat of a Mary Tyler Moore vibe during my younger days and even lately included one to which but one kind soul showed.

This one turned out better – thank you to all my friends and colleagues who joined us for dinner or drinks or both at the Northern Maverick Brewing Company near our house, a favourite spot, on Saturday night. I was sad that quite a few were struck by COVID in their household too proximate to the date to attend or for whom COVID concerns just meant a party was out of the question. You were all so missed and I cherish your presence in my life and career every day.

I’m also sorry I couldn’t have everyone I genuinely admire, and cherish, there – space, funds and pandemic tied my hands. But I promise everyone will be there for my 60th! And the 70th is not out of the question – Because my goal now is Freedom 95!

In the meantime, if you’re interested in the whole of my career – here is a little (10 minute) slideshow intended to be quite tongue in cheek in places including in the musical score – which anyone who knows me will appreciate:

SLIDESHOW FUN

Anita’s 30 Years at the Bar, Which is Funny Because She’s only 29!!

I also had a lot of fun designing party favours we will also happily use as ASA firm swag going forward. This time they’re fridge magnets! The process really reminded me of making Election Buttons with Ruby Dhand for my Law Society Bencher Run in 2011. As soon as I find a surviving such relic, I promise to post it here.

FRIDGE MAGNETS LAST FOREVER SO YOU CAN REMEMBER ME EVERY TIME YOU SNACK

Here are some of the finalist designs for the magnets – these first two got manufactured!

Jack The Printer produced these magnets for us – they also do playing cards, key chains, T-shirts at reasonable prices, on one or two days turnaround and are super nice to deal with – personal touch!!

These were the starter prototypes – pretty cute, but we felt I’d passed the Field of Dreams stage

Saturday September 24, 2022 was also the 11th anniversary of my father’s death. Which means he died 19 years to the day after I became a lawyer. This all makes it a very bitter-sweet day for me now. Nobody, but nobody, would have been more proud and relished this moment more than my Dad.

BUT IN THE END I’M GLAD WE DID THIS AND GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO CAME AND THOSE WHO COULDN’T BUT SENT ALONG SOME LOVING NOTES – YOU WERE MISSED.

I got some great deliveries to mark the occasion from beloved friends.

Here are some of the notes people sent me that I will cherish forever. They hold a special place in my heart.

Good Wishes From Those Who Couldn’t Attend – text

Roy reading notes from others

And if you’re interested, here is the text to my speech.

Anita’s Speech

Or a video of me giving it if you’d prefer — there’s a fair lot of ad-libbing here from the prepared text:

Video of Anita Giving Her Speech

In the meanwhile, here is a longer version of long-suffering spouse Roy’s speech, which is very touching and very funny, like the man himself:

Roy’s Speech

And my amazing daughter surprised me with a beautiful speech:

Scarlett’s Speech – text

Scarlett’s Speech – video

My hilarious son gave a speech off-the-cuff but full of heart

Sebastian’s Speech

Finally no blog post is complete without a photographic record, so here are pics from the evening!

For all the best shots – they’re collected in a growing gallery as guests share their albums with me here:

Photo Gallery of the Big 30^th Bash

Little snippets of some of the speeches get interspersed here now for unexpected good clean fun!

E.g.:

Naomi and Caryma Haiku

I should add that I shut off my own phone completely on the way to the venue, so that I could practice mindfulness and remain in the moment the entire time. This worked wonders. I was truly present for seven solid hours and overwhelmed with nothing but pure joy at the togetherness.

Thank you to those who took videos and photos, which are all here in these photo and video galleries for those who want to peruse.

Photo Gallery of the Big 30^th Bash

Video of Speeches

Thank you all for being part of this very special evening.

And thanks to everyone who sent cards and notes and brought me an embarrassment of riches in fabulous gifts – I am blessed.

The lipstick I have to say was an inspired touch

Finally I got not one, but TWO amazing Portraits of me, which will always be cherished & treasured

Lots of love to all

xoxo

A