Friday Five: Birthdays

Mother Laura offers this birthday-inspired Friday Five.

1. When is your birthday? Does anyone else (famous and/or in your own life) share it?
March 25. Wikipedia tells me lots of folks share my birthday. Some of my favs: Flannery O'Connor, Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Gloria Steinem. Knowing that I also share a birthday with Howard Cosell and Anita Bryant helps me keep in touch with my shadow-side.

2. Do you prefer a big party or an intimate celebration for the chosen few?
Intimate celebration for the chosen few, most definitely.

3. Describe your most memorable birthday(s)--good, bad, or both.
Hmm. I can't remember any one in particular ... even one that ends in a zero ...

4. What is your favorite cake and ice cream? (Bonus points if you share the cake recipe). Or would you rather have a different treat altogether? Chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream. But my favorite B-day cakes are the ones I have "made special" for others on certain occasions. These are usually made of foam from old seat-cushions or a slab of styrofoam, which, when iced and decorated, look exactly like a real cake. Watching 40 year olds trying to cut and serve one is hilarious, truly worthy of Candid Camera or Punk'd. I always make a real cake too, BTW.

5. Surprise parties: love 'em or hate 'em?
Love participating in them. Would prefer not to have one planned for me. Too many people have too much to reciprocate --see #4. Nuff said.

Bonus: Describe your ideal birthday--the sky's the limit. A good restaurant meal with friends and family, so no one has to cook, and we can use the time instead to socialize.