NOT EXACTLY TO PLAN

Sometimes things don’t work out exactly the way they were meant to.

After organising a lovely meal with friends to celebrate turning 28, sometimes a guest will opt to order off the set menu, and chose an a la carte dish that has to be pre-ordered. Sometimes, that very friend decides that he cannot make it after all, and cancels via text half an hour before he is meant to be showing up. Thankfully the lovely people at  @Siam were very accommodating and everyone else had a fantastic evening.

 

Sometimes, despite tasting amazing, the Patisserie Valerie Double Chocolate cake gets squashed in transit thanks to slippery fingers and the over-sized box it came in. Thankfully it still puts a smile on everyone’s face and even the fullest diners found room for a small helping.

Occasionally, bookings for the favourite bar in town gets deleted, and the bouncer eyes up the large very cold group, questioning whether it is a good idea to let them all in for free. Its impressive what one smooth talking guest and two birthday boys can achieve, and how quickly 20 people can get downstairs order cocktails at Freedom bar.

Sometimes, even with the most care in the world, keys get lost. Even on the evening where everything has been planned and carefully thought out, the car that was cleverly parked ahead of time opposite the club can instantly become inaccessible. Bags that were meant to be stored away have to be hauled into the club, whilst the offending key minder returns to the West End to search for the missing item.

Unfortunately the things that get lost in bars are never to be seen again. Despite all the help  and searching, there comes a time when the key minder has to call it a night and leave the birthday boy with the stationary car.

All too often, birthday mornings are spent worrying about the night before and how best to get home. Thankfully the mates that instantly offered their spare room for the night, make a cup of coffee and plans together, despite having to cancel their own. Often, it is best to just graciously accept the offer of a birthday brunch, rather than feeling awkward about not having left yet. Thankfully the eggs benedict served at the National Café by the gallery are so delicious, they provide a much needed sense of calm to an otherwise frustrating Sunday morning.

Often, the best afternoons are spent reading the paper, discussing world events and arguing about trashy pop culture. Now and then, the plan to check out the Turner exhibit at the Tate Britain gets cancelled because of a phone call. Often, a friend offering to carry all the heavy bags back over Battersea bridge, in the rain, is a reminder of how strong they are, and that they’re always there to lend a hand.

 More often than not, the solution to what seems like an impossible problem, is quite simple. It is reassuring to get a warm greeting from the man that comes to save the day, taking one very tired and soggy birthday boy, a squashed cake and a locked car back home in time for a birthday dinner.

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as they were meant to. Despite planning everything and feeling organised, things get in the way and cause it all to unravel. I suppose the best advice is to be prepared for anything, and accept what can't be prepared for. 

Maybe next year that friend won't get an invite. And the mate who can effortlessly lift heavy bags can collect the cake. Next year the car stays at home, or the keys stay with somebody sober. The number of a local taxi company will be saved in a phone that doesn't leave this birthday boy's side. And a spare clothes will be packed just in case generous friends have to be imposed on again.

No matter what happens, however frustrating, I'm thankful that true friends and loved ones are there to lend a hand. Good friendship can't be planned or organised. Maybe next year, this picky person will concentrate more on celebrating real friendship, and less on a perfectly executed day.