Months of planning – secret communiques – lies – deception – conspiracies.

Cristy’s birthday (Black Ops #IV_423423) was successfully executed with military precision. Led by General Gordon, ably assisted by Lieutenants Alan, Jane, Mike, Dorilyn, Pedro and Kerry, Cristy’s 50th birthday surprise was just that – a big surprise and a great night was had by all.

One of the main reasons we came to Bali was to celebrate Cristy’s birthday. Turning 50, she didn’t want to stay home and have a big party and definitely NO SURPRISES! Gordon, Cristy’s husband wanted to do something special. He organised a seafood feast at the Villa next door, owned by Gordon’s friends Pedro and Kerry. That wasn’t the big surprise.

Gordon and Cristy’s old friends, Mike and Dorilyn wanted to come to Perth to celebrate the big birthday. Gordon explained to them that we wouldn’t be in Perth, but in Bali. It just so happened that we had a three bedroom Villa and we had a spare bedroom – why not come for the weekend? Great idea!

Gordon kept this information from Cristy, so it would be a surprise. Jane and I were in on the plan – sworn to secrecy. As weeks went by it was difficult not to let the cat out of the bag.

After the great passport issue we finally made it to Bali. Our driver, Made on the way kept saying “Your friends are coming on Saturday, right? Eeekk Shut up Made. Jane tried to change the subject “Are you married Made?” Made told us about his wife and kids and then went on again asking about our friends coming on Saturday. Quick thinking from Gordon suggested it was Pedro and Kerry’s friend arriving on Sunday, who coincidentally, was also named Mike. Made seemed to accept this but looked confused. When we arrived at the Villa, Gordon took him aside and told about the secret.

Saturday arrived. Jane took Cristy out for a pamper session in Legian, while Gordon and I stayed home and watched the football (but really waiting for Mike and Dorilyn to arrive. They arrived about noon and we waited for the girls to come home.

When they came home Mike and Dorilyn hid in the bedroom. Gordon told Cristy “you just missed a call from Mike, he wanted to wish you happy birthday. I’ll call him back.”

Gordon called Mike (who was in the next room remember)

Gordon: “Hello Mike”

Mike: “Hello”

Gordon: “speak up mate, can’t hear you”

Mike: “Hello”

Gordon: “still can’t hear you…”

Mike bursts through the door saying “is that better?”

Cristy: SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM…

It was the reaction we’d hoped for.

Mission accomplished.

Later that night we went out for dinner, but first a drink with Pedro and Kerry next door. As we entered their Villa, Cristy saw the Happy Birthday balloon and realised we were already at the party.

Cristy: SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM…

A great night was had by all – lots of food, drinks and laughs.