Monday, July 14, 2008

Fun Monday - Birthdays!

This week, Penny over at Dungarees Ablaze has given us our FM assignment, which is this:
Let’s hear about your favorite “Birthday”, it needn’t be your actual birthday just a "birthday" celebration. You can use one you planned, one you attended, one you crashed, just a fun time for this FUN MONDAY.

One of my most memorable birthdays was my 18th birthday. My birthday is December 30th, so even though my parents did an awesome job of keeping it separate from Christmas, I rarely got to celebrate with my friends on my actual birthday, just too busy a time for many people.

The day of my 18th birthday did not start well. Our basement flooded overnight the night before. I am the youngest, and therefore was the only one home with my parents. Guess what had to be done? Yes, I had to help clean the basement up, on MY 18th birthday.

After a long day of cleaning up, we were going to go out to dinner to celebrate my birthday. It is a long standing tradition in my family to take the birthday girl or boy to the restaurant of their choosing. My parents were lobbying for a pizza joint called the Rocking U. I just didn't feel like going there, and said, "No, I want to go somewhere else."

A little while later my mom got off the phone and announced that Ken and Jenni, my good friend Leah's parents and also friends of my parents, called, and that we were going to meet them at the Rocking U, and we'd go out to my restaurant another night.

Now, this should have been a HUGE tipoff to me. My parents had NEVER, EVER, in my life blown off my birthday, or my brothers' or sister's for that matter (excepting my sister's 16th, but that's another story for another time!). But, I had no idea. I just sulked as I called my boyfriend and told him we were going to the Rocking U for dinner. I mean after all, it was MY 18th BIRTHDAY, I had just spent the entire day cleaning up the basement, and now my parents were making me share my birthday dinner with Ken and Jenni at a restaurant I didn't want to go to!

I didn't complain to my mom and dad, although I'm sure they saw the sulking. My parents left ahead of me and the plan was for me to meet them there with my boyfriend. Derrick picked me up and let me tell you I gave him an earful about my parent's choices!

You can see where this is going, can't you? Well, in my 18 year old self-important haze, I didn't see it coming at all.

When we got to the restaurant we walked in the back and into a party room where there waiting were several of my friends. They all shout surprise and I collapsed onto the floor crying. I had no idea my parents had planned me a party and I was just about ready to chalk up my 18th birthday as my worst ever! What shocked me even more was who was there. It wasn't just my good friends, but some of the kids I considered "cool". Eric, and many of the other boys, who were my teammates in cross country, April and Heidi, popular girls who I played basketball with, Jason, my good childhood friend, as well as Carrie, Leah, and Allyson, my three best friends. There were others there, too. My mom had managed to invite all the different people who I spent most of my time with, who I cared about, who I cherished.

I think what made it so memorable was the horrible thoughts I was having about my parents were completely erased when I walked in that door that night. And I was truly surprised at some of the guests. If my mom had asked me who I wanted to invite to a party, some of those names wouldn't have been on there, not because I didn't like the person, but because I wouldn't have thought they would have wanted to come to a party for me. I knew my social place in high school, and I wasn't unpopular, but I wouldn't have put myself in the "popular" group, that's for sure! So to see some of those kids there, made me feel happy. Not because that meant I was popular, but because the friendships we had formed were important to them, too. I guess when it comes to judging others, it goes both ways.

Anyways! My 18th birthday was indeed a memorable and happy one for me. Now go check out everyone else's birthday plans!

18 comments:

SwampAngel65 said...

I would've been griping right there with you. Afterall it was YOUR birthday and they didn't care that you DIDN'T want to go to THAT restaurant?!?!? GEESH! Then yeah, I would've felt a bit stupid and mad at myself for complaining after that. What a cool surprise it was for you! Very nice of them to do that for you, especially right after Christmas :) My birthday is December 22nd, so I know what a drag it can be

Anonymous said...

At 18 years of age, who/what else matters?

Can't quit drooling over that cherry pie. Please pass the ice cream and a fork.

Anonymous said...

Well, duh who doesn't think the world should revolve around them as a teen?

How awesome that your mom did such a great job inviting such a varied group of special people just for you!

Sayre said...

I've never had a surprise party, so if anyone actually tried to give me one, I would REALLY be surprised. Good for your parents making that effort for an ungrateful child ;) They sound uber-cool!

Jan said...

What a great b'day tale. You really do have great parents.

Molly said...

That is a wonderful story. I can imagine your disappointment spending the day cleaning the flooded basement, and then, seemingly to have your big birthday hopes dash. I love that you were able to recognize this special gift of a surprise party at the tender age of 18.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a wonderful birthday party!

Anonymous said...

aaaw! what a cool surprise for you, My birthday is on 1 January and basically everyone bundled it up with Christmas, even at work!!!

Peter said...

Oh to be eighteen again and once more know everything!!!

storyteller said...

What a wonderful story of your 18th birthday to share … a marvelous memory for you and relevant reminder for the rest of us. I’m happy things worked out so well for all concerned and appreciate you sharing with us today.
Hugs and blessings,

j said...

What a cool topic! I remember my eighteenth too, like it was yesterday instead of almost 20 years ago :(

Be blessed,

Jen

IamwhoIam said...

Well I sure they didn't plan the basement clean up but look how special the day turn out to be. Love the story
thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

What a great memory after the basement cleaning anyway. :) My oldest son's birthday is Dec 16th and it's hard keeping it separate from Christmas. I feel bad that during his 18th birthday I was just starting chemo and he didn't get the party I had hoped.

Jo Beaufoix said...

Ahhh, that sounds fantastic. I would love a surprise arty. I may have to hint to MR B. Hee hee.

ChrisB said...

Your parents sound as though they did a marvellous job of surprising you. What great memories to treasure :)

Irish Coffeehouse said...

What an awesome bday AND parents! I never, ever had a party- ever.

Alison said...

what a wonderful birthday....I bet your parents were laughing all the way to restaurant about how surprised you were going to be!!

Alison said...

I have something for you...come over and see!!