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
So glad you had fun. Although I learned this well before my 40th, IT really is all about having fun with those you love. So glad you have those in your life Jenn.
ReplyDeleteit sounds like you had a wonderful birthday party. I so wish I could have been there but since I wasn't INCLUDED in the group that was not possible. I love you anyway and I always will and you know that. JBASPBFF
ReplyDelete