The older I get, the more I reminisce on memories of birthdays past. My parents were either saints or had an excellent supply of sleep aids because our house was THE spot for slumber parties. We’re talking gaggles of gals making up dances, playing games, chatting with crushes on AOL Instant Messenger, the whole shebang!
In fact, every fall we tossed up a tent or two in the backyard so I could have friends over any time I wanted, and we would just sleep out there. I see now that that may have been how my parents dealt with a house full of loud young ladies. Just make our noise and boom box playing mix CDs, the neighbors’ problem! Haha! Luckily, to my knowledge, no one ever complained.
We did have unexpected visitors on occasion. One time, my friend’s mom (lookin’ at you, Dita Neely!) snuck over dressed as a witch and scared the daylights out of us! Another time, a group of boys committed a drive-by shaving cream and confetti incident that left us and the driveway covered!
However, one surprise guest made my sweet sixteen the most memorable birthday of all. Picture it, the year 2005, and we’re a month into Freshman year of high school. My best friends and I were planning a sleepover for my birthday as we walked into English class. Our teacher and OHS legend, Ms. Dianne Colvin, overheard us and asked what we were chatting about…