August 17, 2009

Just kidding about the “fish lips” photo from the previous post.  Sharon didn’t look quite like that (well, not at the beginning of the night anyway). 

She really looked like this 

 And then like this

 
So unless she’s an Emmy Award worthy actress, I think she was genuinely surprised.  Thank god because I had to lie like a cheap rug all week.  She totally busted my hump – my hump, my Party Mummy lumps (Sorry, I’ve had that Black Eyed Peas song stuck in my head all day).

Sharon said she didn’t want a party.  No surprise there - anyone who knows her, knows that she’s a giver, not a taker. That just made throwing a party in her honour all the more appealing.  With the help of her hubby (who I stalked and hunted down at work) we put together a guest list. 

Once the invitations were sent and the food/drinks were organized, all I had left to do was set the trap.  I invited Sharon over for dinner. “This will be easy,” I thought.  That was until she called to ask....

“What would you like me to bring for dinner?”

When I paused, Sharon exclaimed, “Ah ha!  You paused!  You don’t need me to bring anything do you?? Is this some lame attempt at throwing me a surprise party?”

Shit! (is what I was shouting in my head). What I actually said was, “Ya right. I’m throwing you a HUGE party Sharon.  Oooh, you caught me.” Followed by insane laughter as though I’d heard the most ridiculous thing ever.

Awkward silence. She was confused. Just the way I like ‘em.

Just to mess with her head further I said, “I feel awful Sharon.  All joking aside, I thought you REALLY didn’t want a party.  I should’ve organized something.  I’m a bad friend and a terrible “Party Mummy.”  (I laid it on thick.  I may have even shed a tear).  She totally fell for it.  I think I’m the one with an Emmy in my future! 

And so began a week of sarcastic remarks revolving around the party I was too thoughtless to plan for her. 

I was free and clear.  No worries until...the email.

A guest sent a message to a mutual friend, cc’ing Sharon.  It read, “Hey.  Just back got into town.  I hear there’s a girl’s night out this Friday? ” 

Sharon was miffed.  The girls were apparently getting together and she wasn’t invited.  “I’m sure it was just a miscommunication.  I wouldn’t worry about it,” I assured her.  I then frantically called the email offenders and quickly put out the fire. 

There was a steady stream of emails, phone calls and twitter exchanges going on behind her back. I especially enjoyed talking with Sharon on the phone while simultaneously emailing back and forth with her husband. I had never actually met Paul in the flesh...so to speak.  Our first meeting was at their house, days before the party.  I was sure Sharon would see the guilt written all over my face – because of the affair.....we were planning to throw in her honour.  Ha, ha.  Made you think we were having a little tryst behind her back didn’t I? 

Finally the big day came.  Guests waited in anticipation. Sharon arrived and was - surprised. Success! Who’s your Party Mummy?

You may be the most organized person in the world, but something unexpected ALWAYS manages to come up when you’re hosting a party.  From a simple case of running out of ice, to the police knocking on your door in response to a noise complaint.  More often than not, complications will arise so always have a Plan B. 

If it rains, be prepared to move your party inside. 

If the power goes out, have batteries ready to operate a radio for some mood music and have plenty of candles on hand to light the scene. 

If your guest finds out about the surprise at the last minute, don’t panic.  Contact as many guests as you can to ask them to come an hour later. The guest of honour will arrive to find a simple dinner party with a small group of friends. When the door bell rings, your surprise spoiler will answer the door (since you’re conveniently busy in the kitchen) to find a giddy group of friends ready to join the celebration.

For the most part, Sharon’s party went off without a hitch. Until near the end when an unforeseen event caused me to leave my own party...

I’m a Party Mummy.  I entertain often and enjoy spending time with friends, hence the “party” portion of my name.  I’m also a mummy.  Our daughter was taken to hospital that night while the party was in full-swing.  She is fine and I’ve talked a little about what happened.

I’d like to end this post with a message to all of these yummy ladies.

As I rushed out to meet the ambulance, these caring women sprang into action.  During a crisis, it’s what women do. We make ourselves useful in any way we can.  We pack food away into Tupperware, load the dishwasher, sweep up and take out the trash.  We support our sisters without reservation.  Thank you not only for doing the “party shut down” on my behalf, but for caring.  It’s comforting to know that in good times and in bad, I am part of a community of women, of fellow Party Mummies, who unite in times of celebration and crisis alike.  I am humbled.

Happy birthday Sharon.  Although the party ended on a dramatic note (we’ve since joked that I planned it that way in order to turn the attention back to me), I hope you enjoyed your night and could feel the tremendous love your girlfriends have for you. 

P.S. I’m sure you’ve had to zoom in at least 150% to read this ya old bat.

Labels/Tags: lisa, party mummy, surprise party,

Posted by LisaT at 17:10:40 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

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Last line was awesome!
Parent Club, Toronto, ON
http://www.parentclub.ca

Sounds like a great party. Sorry the ending was so scary! Glad to hear she is at home with her family. I continue to enjoy reading your amazing blogs Lisa. You inspire me everyday and I am not just talking about the wicked drinks you brew up.
Jennifer, Ilderton, Ontario

I don't know how many times I can say this, but I am still so sad that I missed it! Happy birthday Sharon
Maureen , Georgetown, ON

WOW, sounds like a fabulous party with a lot of fabulous girlfriends :)
April, Halifax, Nova Scotia
http://aprilandangus.blogspot.com

Glad you pulled it off and that she had a great time! Wish I could have been there!
Trish, Oakville, Ontario

Wow, didn't know Sharon had figured it out. Good way to throw a wrench in with the 'if I'd known you really wanted a party' LOL Glad it was a success (though sorry to hear about your scare). I hope to be able to get out to one of these wing-dings some time soon. Love the groups shot!
Carrie Anne, toronto, ontario
http://cabadov.wordpress.com