Be Prepared

January: Spot a brilliant present for Sister’s birthday. Order it immediately, even though her birthday isn’t until October.

August: Spot a birthday card featuring Spike Milligan’s splendid Fluffybum the Cat. We loved Badjelly the Witch as children; we adored Fluffybum. Buy the card immediately, even though Sister’s birthday isn’t until October.

Early October: Receive an email from my calendar, reminding me that my Sister’s birthday is imminent. No problem Mr Calendar! I’m prepared.

On the day: Arrive at school, mooch about a bit, make coffee. Write the date on the whiteboard. Hear a loud clunk as the proverbial penny drops. Say, “Gosh, heck, darn, I seem to have forgotten to post my Sister’s birthday present.”

Oops.