Day 3 - A surprise invitation
March 10th, 2008
I really don’t like surprise parties.
I don’t mind attending a party that’s a surprise to someone else. I have even been known to help plan surprise parties. But I really, really don’t like being the one who is surprised. You might be wondering, how do you know you don’t like it unless you’ve tried it? Let me assure you that I have had more than one opportunity to be the one walking in the door while people jump out of nowhere and yell, “Surprise!”
Is there something challenging about a person who claims to not like surprise parties, something that makes others say to themselves, “Ah, but you have not been surprised like this before! You will LOVE this surprise!”? There must be. I’ve been the guest of honor at six different surprise parties over the years. I sussed out one or two of them beforehand, but at most of them I was genuinely surprised. And while each time I was touched by my friends’ generosity and appreciated that they wanted me to have a fun party, the surprise never enhanced my enjoyment. Not once. In fact, I usually had to spend a good half-hour with a smile plastered on my face while inside I was taking deep breaths and reminding myself that the party planners had done this because they thought it was fun, that they didn’t realize how uncomfortable I would be. And in the end, I always managed to calm down and enjoy myself.
So when my friend Bekah gave me this invitation she’d made, I was really tickled.
I got an invitation to my own surprise party! How fun is that? It’s WAY more fun than having “Surprise!” yelled at me when I walk through the door, lemme tell ya. They had planned to give me a day’s notice, but Troy knows me well and advised them that they give me more warning than that. So even though they’re probably all mystified by my weird need to know about it a week ahead of time, they went ahead and gave me the invitation. And I love them for it. Because now instead of spending the first half-hour of the party being quietly ticked off, I’ve been able to spend a whole week looking forward to it.
[Note: My birthday is March 11th, which is tomorrow. I'll be 33.]
March 10th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Awwwww! That is so sweet :o) You have great friends! (And props to Troy for knowing you so well too!)
March 10th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
bethany, i totally get this. i don’t like any sort of surprise. especially any surprise that involves people looking at me. i also enjoy movies much more the second time around because i know i’m not going to be surprised by the ending. i spend the first viewing worrying about what’s coming up. i know, i have issues. also, happy early birthday! :)
March 10th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I’ve never had a surprise party so I don’t know how I’d feel about it, but my best friend does NOT like them either. I think your friends came up with a clever idea.
March 10th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
We were born the same year! How did I not know that???
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
(In case I forget tomorrow)
March 10th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I love that, so creative and fun.
I’m thinking that I wouldn’t want a big, shocking ‘SURPRISE’ party, but I also think it would be fun for somebody to subtly surprise me with a party for my 30th this summer. It seems so silly and a little selfish for me to plan something, but then again… I haven’t had an actual birthday party since I was a kid.
March 10th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Hey Bethany…..HAPPY BIRTHDAY. It is after all already your birthday here in Oz. I hope you have an excellent un-surprise party.
I agree that surprises aren’t really the best parties. I have had one thrown in my honour as a teenager when I was leaving to live overseas. I can’t say I would be as happy to experience it these days though.
The best party I have had in a long time was my 30th last year. I had a girly girly tea party. Making the food was the best fun ever. And the eating of it of course.
March 10th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
That’s such a cute idea. What good friends! :)
March 10th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I just rambled on way to long and realized that that was stupid on your comments.
I’m really glad your friends clued you in. And I hope your birthday tomorrow is fabulous! ;)
March 10th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
That is so awesome, you have fabulous friends! And I was mentally trying to remember to log in tomorrow to wish you a happy birthday. But, in case I forget Happy Birthday!!! And oh to be 33 again ;).
And back to the original topic. I hate surprise parties too! Years ago, my friends at work planned one behind my back and I was so angry it ruined the whole evening, not just the beginning. I think it stems from people keeping secrets and I don’t like that either. My Sister’s even know not to try to surprise me with visits but to tell me in advance, I would hate nothing more than to miss out on a visit because I was surprised.
March 10th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Yay!! How fun! Happy, happy!
March 10th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
That’s a great way to surprise you yet not surprise you, if that makes sense! I hope you’re having a great time as I leave this comment and happy early birthday!
March 10th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
That is so incredibly awesome. WAY better than a surprise party in my book!!!!!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Happy Birthday in advance! I’m with you on the hating surprise parties, and I think it’s fabulous that you got an invite to your own. I not only dislike them I’ve been know to walk in, hear surprise and burst into tears - It’s way to much pressure to perform. I’m a bit of hermit at times and too many people = too much excitement = panic attack!
March 10th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
I’ve never been much for surprise parties, either. You have completely wonderful friends - it sounds like your birthday party will be a lot of fun!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:17 am
This way it’s almos tlike an un-birthday.
March 11th, 2008 at 4:14 am
Happy Birthday Bethany
March 11th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I’m not a huge fan of surprise parties either. Anyway, Happy Birthday! Enjoy yourself.
March 11th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Happy Birthday! I hope 33 is a great year for you :)
March 11th, 2008 at 9:33 am
OH BETHANY! Happy, happy, happy, happy birthday!
I was so flustered at 1:30-ish this morning that I didn’t think to be the first (or perhaps the 2nd or 3rd) to wish you a Happy Birthday!
I’ve never had a surprise birthday, but always wanted one.
March 11th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Oh, to be 33 again. That is so far back I don’t think I can remember it.
Around here if you want a party you have to plan it yourself.
Happy Birthday!!!
March 11th, 2008 at 11:25 am
That is so adorable! Hmm…and a great idea! I love the idea of a movie party too. Right up my alley. :)
Happy Birthday!
March 11th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Happy Birthday!!!! Hope you have an awesome day betho. Friends like you’ve got out there that are a good thing to have. Have some cake for me.
March 11th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Happy Birthday!
March 11th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Happy birthday! I’m sure 33 looks lovely on you:)
March 11th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
happy birthday! 33 will be a great year!
hope you’re enjoying it!
March 11th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and many more …
March 12th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Well Happy Birthday! My boyfriends birthday was the 10th, so I will always think of you on the 11th from now on. He turned 40 though! Woo hoo. MY birthday is the 15th…I will be 31~ ((Hugs)) Happy Birthday girl.