The Birthday Dilemma

Okay, guys. I need your help on this one.

My sister and I were once discussing our favorite numbers. My mother pondered aloud what her own favorite number might be. Without missing a beat, my sister and I immediately spouted “35.” It’s always been 35 with my mother. “I have told you 35 times to empty that dishwasher” or “Casey has called about 35,000 times. Will you please tell her what you’re doing tonight?” The funny thing was, until that moment, she’d never noticed. Now it’s a big family joke.

My birthday is in less than a month — 1-11-2011, as a matter of fact. Any guess how old I’ll be? You got it. My mother’s favorite number.

I remember the morning I had that epiphany — that my 1-11-11 birthday would be my 35th. I’ve always known it was going to be a big deal…I just didn’t know what I was going to do. Plan a giant party? Host my own mini convention? Fly to London? Join the circus? So many options…

And now here we are in December 2010. A year ago I quit my job and moved to a different state. I’ve spent the time living as a full-time writer: which means I’m now sharing a tiny apartment with 3 lovely people, I’m in lots of happy debt while I wait on that lovely novel advance, and the Fairy GodBoyfriend’s having all those horrible troubles with his lovely hands that so far every single doctor has given up on. (And that’s on top of all the other dramas of life we don’t blog about.) Nevermind the fact that 1-11-11 is a TUESDAY. Who has a giant party on a Tuesday?

It’s really a super inconvenient time. BUT IT’S A REALLY BIG DEAL. Sure, I could celebrate my birthday at a more convenient time, but then the whole point of 1-11-11 is kind of missed.If I don’t make something awesome happen that day, I’m going to regret it for the rest of my life. And that’s the truth.

Which is why I’m asking for your help.

Leanna and I talked a lot about this while I was up in NY for the SFWA soiree. The best idea we came up with was to spread the word and have everyone I know post a picture of themselves wearing a tiara that day in honor of The Princess’s 1-11-11, 35th Birthday.

What do you think? Is this a good idea? It’s cheap and easy and totally doable and gives everyone a free blog topic that day. Do you think you, as my friends, would participate? Got any better ideas? Help!