sometimes when you haven't blogged in a v. long time, it's v tough to get started again. facing up to failure isn't fun.

but then again, i can catch you up on the good things that have happened.

on friday, we held the triplet's sixth birthday party. for those of you who keep track of those things (perhaps your child's birthday is also on the 23rd so it is easy for you to remember) yes, we were a couple of weeks earlier. but timing, that elusive group known as "they" claim is everything.

and, when i learned that PRINCESS AND THE FROG was being released on thursday 11 february, i determined that the triplets birthday would be the next day. and we would taken them and their guests to the cinema.

the ticket count turned out to be 60. seriously.

i sent out emails, followed up with phone calls, took drink and popcorn orders, made last minute phone calls. apologised when i realised i had already called.

friday, when the bell rang, the kids came streaming down. there were the agonising moments when a child would call out, "IS SO AND SO coming to the party?" and i woud ahve to say through clenched teeth and a smile, "no!" i made sure that all the kids were out of the school yard and then i headed down to cyberport where the movie was showing.

charles and pandemonium reigned. he handed me tickets, our friend dale a printout of the cinema and the seat places we had booked. (don't forget in HK you can book individual seats!) and then we just brought in the food.

there were a few isolated incidents, but overall it went well, and then afterwards we went up to the grassy area by cyberport, cut cake and sang happy birthday not one but three times. it was magic. then the kids raced around and that was fun too. we stayed until around 7pm, till the kids had had a good runaround, and then we headed home.

it was a great party. easier than most, and the cake was brilliant. you know charles gets the credit for that.

three days before the party, i had a bit of a sore throat. and a headache.

two days before the party, i said to sebastian's teacher, "i am only here today because i really really like you". she looked at me and although she is too nice to do a double take, said, "do you want to go home?"

that night at book club i pretty much said, "okay, we're done talking, i've ordered the bill, can we go now?" i didn't even finish my thai beef salad, but that was mainly because it was crappy. i should have ordered the chicken fajitas.

i bundled everyone into different taxis although two people were still in the middle of a conversation and alost fell asleep on the way home.

thursday, the fever was middling and the throat was croaky.

friday, the voice was pubescent and hoarse

it lasted for the party, but by 7pm it was pretty much gone

saturday, the voice was gone

today, i whispered and hissed by way through sunday school.

the kids are overjoyed. they can't hear me! a fantastic and legitimate reason to continue on their renegade ways!

we are loving chinese new year and the fact that tomorrow magnificent has the day off. we think we are going to mui wo for hiking and lunch if the weather holds. should be fun.

we've had a lot of that lately!

Comments

[Mo aka Maureen aka Grandmother aka Mum]

Wonderful blog and a GREAT party. Well done to you and Charles and hope you are now feeling better!! M xox

[Dad Lyons]

Thank you for confirming the actual birthdate is Feb.23rd. I mailed the Birthday cards on Feb.8th and didn't send them via the gold/platinum route. I promised Mo they would get there on time. She gave me the "or else look."
Love to all.... your frugal and very nervous Dad.

[joeinvegas]

That does sound like a good way to hold a party - out of everyone's house, and someone else cleans up the popcorn.