McFly’s Cellar

So, the meticulously constructed web of deceit leading to my surprise party was a complete success; I really had absolutely no clue what was going to happen. It does, however, make me worry that I have absolutely no awareness of what is going on around me, and perhaps there are all sorts of conspiracies of which I am oblivious!

40th Birthday (50)

There are a few clues that, in retrospect, I should have noticed. For example, how did Daniel know that it was ‘Nanny & Grandad’ at the door when they ‘unexpectedly’ turned up on Saturday afternoon? Also my Dad texting every 5 minutes when I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him text anybody before. Going ‘out for lunch’ at 4pm may have been a little unusual too !

It could be that the key to the final run up was ni the fact that I was filled with drink between 4pm and 8pm by my parents (who didn’t seem too upset about sitting in the Raven all afternoon ). This meant that when Tony rang to suggest popping in to the Royal Oak on the way home, I was already on a roll and happy to have another pint. The sight of him sitting outside smoking on his own isn’t really unusual either. When I was told that the meal Tom was meant to be cooking was going to be a little late as Tom was drunk, it didn’t even seem odd (it’s really not a unique occurrence !).
I really should have suspected something when he suggested a game of skittles, but I think the ‘Great Eastern’ was messing with my brain by then, so I just willingly followed.

The next few minutes were completely surreal, as I honestly had no inkling that I was going to be greeted by pretty much everyone I know. The surrealism continued through the evening until it was replaced by Bellringer.

I honestly had the best birthday I can remember (and definitely the best party for decades) and I’d really like to thank everyone who turned up, and also Laura for organising the whole thing. It must have been a complete nightmare!

Somewhere between the pub and our house all the cards and labels got separated from the gifts, so I have no idea who bought me what (except for a couple). This will explain why I haven’t thanked anyone personally for their present, not just because I’m an ungrateful shit. Add some comments below to let me know what was yours if you like.

Take a look at the photos on Picasa and see if you can spot yourself being embarrassing.