Tuesday, February 04, 2020

Week 57: A Request for Carpe Diem Birthday Cards

My sister gave me a set of Carpe Diem Pop-Up Cards!

We are on the final countdown of my 60-until-60 project and that means I have to get serious about figuring out how to accomplish one of the few remaining goals:

Plan and host my 60th virtual/real birthday party

My actual birthday is on Wednesday, February 26th.  It's a terrible day to have a birthday party at home because it's on a Wednesday (and even Ash Wednesday this year!) and it's COLD in Colorado! 

I've got a whole plan worked out with my kids which includes a family party, road trip to Florida, New Orleans for Mardi Gras, a cruise, ending up in Sarasota, Florida where I'll be spending the rest of the winter.

However, I want to have a big party back home in Colorado when the weather is warm, probably on May 30.  

What about my virtual party? Believe me, I have experimented with a lot of ideas over the years, and I've come to the conclusion that I need to keep it simple if I want people to participate.  

I just have this easy request: 

Please send me a card, note, or photo of a "Carpe Diem moment"

FAQ:
Q: What does "Carpe Diem" mean?
A: It's latin for "Seize the Day," made popular from this clip from "Dead Poet's Society."

Q: What exactly is a "Carpe Diem moment"?
A: A moment when you were finding joy in life. 

Q: What's your address?
A: 2727 Limestone Place, Superior, CO 80027

Q: Do I have to send this to you in the old-fashioned snail mail?
A: No, but it's preferred because I'd like to use the cards and photos I get as a collage for my May 30th party.

Q: Do I have to buy a card?
A: No, this can be a photo, a letter, a home-made card, or anything. Feel free to be creative!

Q: Why do you always assign "homework" for every party you throw?
A: I like to push you out of your comfort zone. You're welcome.

Q: Does my "Carpe Diem moment" have to be true or can it be fictional?
A: It can be whatever you want. It would be nice if you describe an experience that you had or are anticipating.

Q: Where can I post it on Facebook?

Q: Are there other communication options?
A: Yes, you can send via email, text, WhatsApp, YouTube or send by carrier pigeon.

Q: What is the deadline for this?
A: The sooner the better, but by May 20, 2020 at the latest.

Q: Do I have to do this if I don't know you very well?
A: Nobody HAS to do it, but I will be very grateful for anyone who does it, especially people who don't know me well! 

Q: What happens if I don't do this?
A: I will nag you relentlessly until you do.

Q: Do you need to get a certain number of responses?
A: Of course, my hope is to get at least 60 since that is the theme number for my 60 until 60 project. But I realize that is probably unrealistic, so I'll be happy with whatever number I get.

Q: This doesn't sound like much of a "virtual party." I was looking forward to a scavenger hunt or a challenging game. What happened?
A: I can provide a list! PS. I love you!

5 comments:

Frank Nolan said...

"...A: I will nag you relentlessly until you do."

I definitely DO NOT want that!

Anonymous said...

If you're assigning me your self-described "homework"...does that mean I am going to get graded? By simply complying with your very...shall we say..."unique" request, I should at least get a passing grade, right?

T.Y...T.Y.V.M!

Anonymous said...

Do you ever comment on the comments?

My Carpe Diem Life said...

To address Anonymous's question about whether or not I ever comment on the comments, the answer is "Yes," but not always, because I'm guessing most people don't come back and check if I responded. But since Anonymous asked, I will respond to the comments on this blog post.

Frank Nolan: I agree, most people do not like it when I nag them relentlessly. I know you have experience with what that's like, but since you're a fictional character with a lot of baggage, I will not feel guilty about nagging you. Actually, Frank, you get a pass on the homework because you commented on this blog. I would love to get a card from your alter ego, MM, though.

Anonymous 1: You have done lots of "extra credit" since I've none you. You are "teacher's pet" and could not get a "bad grade" even if you skipped the assignment altogether since I've already gotten many Carpe Diem moments / cards / photos / experiences from you.

Anonymous 2: I'm not sure if you are the same person as Anonymous 1, but your comment is addressed in my first sentence. :-)

My Carpe Diem Life said...

Correction on above comment:

Anonymous 1: You have done lots of "extra credit" since I've KNOWN you!