So here is how the party went down:
I created a large "group" on facebook messenger. (I like facebook messenger, I'm not a huge fan of facebook itself).
I invited my work friends and my few friends who don't work with me. I also included some people who I just wanted to be able to see what we were up to.
I didn't give very many details - it was a SURPRISE birthday party for my friends! In the beginning they only knew to save the date, that was pretty much all. Then I slowly trickled in details like:
- don't be late
- wear good walking shoes
- bring a water bottle
This started to make people feel nervous.
I don't think I told the location until the friday before. That was funny b/c I just gave a connection of streets and said "meet by the garden". I thought there would be lots of questions. None. The location was the corner of Victoria School Playground. Last summer someone yarn bombed a beautiful garden of flowers along the chain link.
The surprise for me? Well, I had asked that people not say if they were coming or not. Never in my wildest imagination (this may have something to do with my math skills) - anyway I was gob smacked when I saw the group of 20+ people waiting by "the garden". So overwhelmed that this many people wanted to come to my party.
But wait, there was more!
I turned to see Allison. I was so surprised that she said I didn't even do anything at first. And I believe her. I think it took a second for me to realize she was there. I didn't for one second imagine she would come.
It was so amazing to have so many of my favorite people (not ALL of them, some of you were missed and I get it) in one place.
From there Jason sent me an email with our first location. These all came in a link that opened to a google map. In the end he led us to 6 parks for a total of 3km in just under 2 hours.
Once we arrived at a location we had to find the "cache" - small plastic container. Each cache had three papers:
1.1 Criteria (who could participate)
1.2 Challenge
1.3 Prize - this was always either a shot of butter ripple or a mini yummy cupcake.
The last cache was back at Victoria playground and on to Amigos for beer, nachos, and good cheer.
I lasted until 11 pm which, if you know me at all, makes for a perfect birthday party for me!
I was also so surprised by the gifts. I had asked for no gifts b/c gifts make .e feel awkward (something for my therapist to work though I guess). But people didn't listen. So of course I got awkward and choked down an ugly cry or two. Each gift was so thoughtful and perfect. You people KNOW me.
Another awesome part - Jason stuck around for the whole thing! And socialized like a little trooper. Not his idea of a perfect night, but he didn't complain and I'm so glad he was there.
My 40th birthday will go down as one of my favorite events.
NEXT CHALLENGE:
I am working on a FORTY GOALS list. I did something similar when I turned 30, but this time I'm making a list of 40 things I want to accomplish. Some will be within the year, others (like going to Europe with Maddie and Jason) will be within the decade.
It's going to be a work in progress. Some are private. But I have already accomplished some that would go on there:
1. getting up from the floor with no hands - BAM
2. spending a night alone in a fancy hotel - BAM (did that last night, thank you to Jason, Worlds Greatest Husband)
ok. That's all. I'm going to Value Village now to look for some long tops. Wish me luck.
j
I created a large "group" on facebook messenger. (I like facebook messenger, I'm not a huge fan of facebook itself).
I invited my work friends and my few friends who don't work with me. I also included some people who I just wanted to be able to see what we were up to.
I didn't give very many details - it was a SURPRISE birthday party for my friends! In the beginning they only knew to save the date, that was pretty much all. Then I slowly trickled in details like:
- don't be late
- wear good walking shoes
- bring a water bottle
This started to make people feel nervous.
I don't think I told the location until the friday before. That was funny b/c I just gave a connection of streets and said "meet by the garden". I thought there would be lots of questions. None. The location was the corner of Victoria School Playground. Last summer someone yarn bombed a beautiful garden of flowers along the chain link.
The surprise for me? Well, I had asked that people not say if they were coming or not. Never in my wildest imagination (this may have something to do with my math skills) - anyway I was gob smacked when I saw the group of 20+ people waiting by "the garden". So overwhelmed that this many people wanted to come to my party.
But wait, there was more!
I turned to see Allison. I was so surprised that she said I didn't even do anything at first. And I believe her. I think it took a second for me to realize she was there. I didn't for one second imagine she would come.
It was so amazing to have so many of my favorite people (not ALL of them, some of you were missed and I get it) in one place.
From there Jason sent me an email with our first location. These all came in a link that opened to a google map. In the end he led us to 6 parks for a total of 3km in just under 2 hours.
Once we arrived at a location we had to find the "cache" - small plastic container. Each cache had three papers:
1.1 Criteria (who could participate)
1.2 Challenge
1.3 Prize - this was always either a shot of butter ripple or a mini yummy cupcake.
The last cache was back at Victoria playground and on to Amigos for beer, nachos, and good cheer.
I lasted until 11 pm which, if you know me at all, makes for a perfect birthday party for me!
I was also so surprised by the gifts. I had asked for no gifts b/c gifts make .e feel awkward (something for my therapist to work though I guess). But people didn't listen. So of course I got awkward and choked down an ugly cry or two. Each gift was so thoughtful and perfect. You people KNOW me.
Another awesome part - Jason stuck around for the whole thing! And socialized like a little trooper. Not his idea of a perfect night, but he didn't complain and I'm so glad he was there.
My 40th birthday will go down as one of my favorite events.
NEXT CHALLENGE:
I am working on a FORTY GOALS list. I did something similar when I turned 30, but this time I'm making a list of 40 things I want to accomplish. Some will be within the year, others (like going to Europe with Maddie and Jason) will be within the decade.
It's going to be a work in progress. Some are private. But I have already accomplished some that would go on there:
1. getting up from the floor with no hands - BAM
2. spending a night alone in a fancy hotel - BAM (did that last night, thank you to Jason, Worlds Greatest Husband)
ok. That's all. I'm going to Value Village now to look for some long tops. Wish me luck.
j
