As I sincerely doubt anyone responsible for my 25th birthday party is reading this (I'm good at burning bridges), I feel safe in declaring that I typically hate surprises. I like plans, being prepared, and in charge. Sure, it was nice to see all my friends, play twister, eat cake (OK, I loved the Elmo cake) and do other dorky party things. But it was really, not what I had in mind - as anyone who had been listening to me declare that I didn't want a party during the previous month should well have known.
Now, I'm human, so I'll certainly tolerate surprise gifts, happiness, fun, and good news. However, if it unsettles the order of my world, I will likely frown and scowl, before moving on to the appropriate social response. But if you get me on a talk show to talk about something serious, and I find out I'm really there for makeover? Know that I consider that worthy of punishment.
Do you like surprises?
I certainly don’t like surprises!
Posted by: Jack Yan | Sep 30, 2006 at 11:43 AM
Hope you have a good birthday!
Posted by: Lilia | Sep 30, 2006 at 11:52 AM
I'm sure I will, Lilia! The next one rolls around in August, 2007. I'll be 31. I wonder if by then I'll have adjusted to no longer being a 20-something? And if I have any friends left then, will they dare throw me a suprise party? I'm thinking now! :-)
Posted by: Sarah | Sep 30, 2006 at 11:58 AM
I am 34 and I haven’t adjusted. The gf turns 31 tomorrow. I think we’ll both mentally be 19 forever.
Posted by: Jack Yan | Sep 30, 2006 at 05:25 PM
The year I turned 19, I was a student at the University of Canterbury. I imagine the day of my birthday I had an eight AM math lecture, and still imagined I wanted to be an economist. Yeah, I think I'll give repeating that one a miss.
For most of my 28th year, I would inadvertently tell people I was 29. I still have that urge (well, as much as I want to tell anyone my age).
Happy birthday to your girlfriend, from a complete stranger!
Posted by: Sarah | Sep 30, 2006 at 05:44 PM
Thank you, Sarah! She is travelling in Spain right now—I will be calling Sunday night and she had better not be hung over! My memorable birthday was my 30th: I didn’t have a big party, but there was a big dance on at the Duxton Hotel. I had a beautiful date and I found out that evening she was 19 (she looked older).
Posted by: Jack Yan | Sep 30, 2006 at 11:48 PM
Hehe. I'm not going to ask what part of that experience was more memorable! ;-)
My favourite birthday party, I can't even remember how old I was. I'm thinking 11 or 12? We dressed up like Madonna in her "Like A Virgin" days, resplendent in lace gloves and beads, and supped on chocolate and coconut covered marshmallows.
Posted by: Sarah | Oct 02, 2006 at 07:39 PM
My best party was still my 6th—at the newly opened Courtenay Place McDonald’s. I still have the sticker and the original free-hamburger coupon from 1978!
Posted by: Jack Yan | Oct 02, 2006 at 08:57 PM