I didn’t really think I would have any more birthday milestones after I turned 18, but then again, I was nowhere close to 40 then. Well I’m 40 now. It wasn’t a big celebration but it was meaningful — I had my boys (father and son) and my family was still whole. My Dad’s not getting any younger, but I got a delayed treat in being able to spend time with him in late April to early May in Manila this year, something I hope to do again sooner than the planned 2008 homecoming.
Besides, my friends are really in Manila, so I told Alan in jest recently he can just throw me a big 50th birthday party 10 years from now in Manila.
Alan’s the one turning 40 this October, and I’ve already started planning it. Some of the things we’ve agreed upon is that it will be a small party with close friends (probably 20-30 tops), it will be in the evening, and we’re having some of the food catered. Alan works for one of the high end hotels here in New York so I suggested we get a suite. He is going to find out if they will allow us to bring our own food in. I’ve shortlisted my caterers to two I’ve tried out for bigger office functions, one of which is just a block away from the hotel. I’ve already toyed with ideas for the invitation, but in the absence of a theme, I really can’t make up my mind just yet. I have an idea about the souvenir, but again, I need a theme.
I’m actually excited about it because Alan is. I didn’t even think about throwing him a surprise party anymore because I wanted to involve him in the planning. So today I am starting a new category just to chronicle planning for this event. I’ve even thought of games and intend to plan a great evening for everyone, complete with party gear (hats, noisemakers, etc.) and loot bags. (No candy, of course! LOL) It will be one grand celebration, and my honey deserves it because he’s really my BETTER HALF.