“But Dad!” I complained. “I don’t want to!!” My 13th birthday was not going to go as I had planned- at all.
“I already said yes to it… you don’t have a choice. We are going to throw you a birthday party at Grandma and Grandpa’s new condo.”
“Fine. Even though I don’t want to.” I quickly ended the argument before it progressed.
Right after, we were on our way to Grandma and Grandpa’s condo. Really? What thirteen year old wants to have their birthday party at their grandparents? Why did Dad get to decide where to go on my birthday? I quietly pondered as we were speeding down the crowded highway. He has his own; it’s not fair. Eventually, we arrived. I walked in and everyone came and gave me a hug. They all were very, very, very happy to see me. My cousin Amy was already packing the meat to the burgers and my grandpa was already complaining. It was a typical family gathering.
When it came time to grill the burgers, a huge issue arose. Grandpa decided that he didn’t want to get his grill dirty. My father had to persuade him that a grill could be cleaned and keep him entertained while the rest of us enjoyed the calmness that overwhelmed the condo. During the process of grilling my father walked in every couple of minutes to grab an item that would prevent Grandpa from exploding, all I could think was, poor dad, I wish I could help. Every time he came in he had a look of dismay indicating that Grandpa was going nuts and there was no way of prevention. Eventually I decided to approach my dad,
“Do you want me to go out there with him?”
He responded kindly, “no, I want you to enjoy your birthday party.”
Great, now I feel bad. After a long period of trying to find ways to convince Dad to let me help, the burgers were done. We all smiled as my father carried them in.
“Wow they look amazing!” I exclaimed, “Thank you so much Dad!” My mouth started to water as I rushed over to grab a plate. There was enough food to feed a family of whales. My grandma put out crackers, chips, and much more on expensive cheese platters that mimicked the White House rather than the full white condo. Everyone filled their plates within a matter of minutes. 
As soon as I finished mounding my plate with food, I put it on the plain white counter top and sat down. Good job smartypants! You forgot your drink! I got up and started through the fridge. As soon as I came back Grandpa had my plate in one hand and his glass of rum in the other: get ready for some drama. He took one small step, bumping his hand on the corner of the counter top. In a blink of an eye my plate was on the upscale white rug: covered in upscale rum.  He was swearing. Grandma quickly paced over and started to holler at him,
“Way to go Larry, now you made a mess! Calm yourself down now!”
He made his comeback. “Dolores quite!” The condo became an uproar.
“Hey Grandpa, you realize that wasn’t your plate right? That was mine.” Everyone stopped, stared for a moment and started to laugh.
“Haha good job grandpa,” my dad teased, “Rachael let’s get you a new plate that isn’t covered in alcohol,” good, I got everyone to settle down. I got a whole new plate and finally got the chance to enjoy my meal.
Soon after dinner, it was time to light the cake. Under the plastic wrap, the cake was iced just like a fresh sheet of ice on a pond after a freezing night. It was the perfect size, shape and smelled just like heaven. My Grandma carefully unwrapped the cake with care. She reached for the pack of candles in the drawer. I stood and watched in awe as she gently placed each and every candle into the soft, gorgeous cake. When it came time to light the candles, Grandpa grabbed the lighter. My Dad asked him if he was sure about lighting it and as his stubborn self usually says, he was sure. Still, my father gave him a hand. He set afire the first candle and my dad grabbed it to light the next. Grandpa did the same thing on the other side terribly. He picked up the candle and lit the next, which was fine but, he dropped the fire lit candle unto the cake instead of placing it into it’s designated spot. Immediately Grandpa whipped his hand up and started yelling. He was shouting and blabbering words that no one could understand, “cak---, He-- what is … i,” and much more. After 5 seconds of shouting and blabbering he put out the small bonfire he had created on my cake. He burned not only the cake, but himself. No one would let him use the knife to cut the cake because we all knew it would be chaos. I ended up doing the honors of cutting it. Before the knife even hit the cake,
Grandma warned, “Don’t be like Grandpa and end up hurting yourself.” I tried my best to respond with a fake laugh but I couldn’t help but think nope obviously my goal here is to cut myself and not the cake, then I carefully started cutting. I did my best to make the straightest lines and the most perfect squares. I was very impressed by the amazing cutting job I did. The cake was passed out and everyone gobbled it down. It was amazing.
After cake, the last part of the party finally came. Presents! I was very excited to receive all my gifts. I walked into the family room and there were lots of gifts. When everyone sat down I started off with the first one. I unwrapped not caring about tearing the paper or getting yelled at. I opened the box and there were horse brushes, detanglers and hoof picks for my horse. Yess!! I was so excited! Next, I unwrapped a costly pair of english show reins! Now I would be able to look fancy in my upcoming show. I had gotten every item I had asked for!
I looked at the whole family that showed up and blurted out, “Thank you so much!!!!!”
They all responded back with, “Rachael you’re welcome, happy birthday!” The party wasn't so terrible after all.
I learned to not always look at the bad in a situation, try and find the good and eventually you will come up with something. Grandpa made the party very exciting. He entertained us all even though he was messing a lot up and the cake was delicious even with a little crisp. Everyone had a good time and that is the important part. Now, I always look for the good and ignore the bad.