Balloon Death

[bjarvis]

Remember this from January 31, 2010?

It was my 43rd birthday and friends surprised me with a bunch of balloons at the restaurant where we were celebrating.

Helium-filled mylar balloons don't typically last more than a couple of days but one --the blue "Best Wishes" balloon-- has lasted for months. Only this morning has it finally faded to the point where it no longer rests against the ceiling. Rather than watch it continue its slow demise, I've given it a swift & painless death: it was a sad event but kinder for everyone in the end. RIP, birthday balloon.

Comments

[dendren.livejournal.com]

LOL... it kind of creeps me out that these mylar balloons seem to last a gazillion years. At least with the old style kind you knew they'd be deflated and trashable in a day or two.

[bootedintexas.livejournal.com]

The smile is infectious. RIP BALLOON

[abqdan.livejournal.com]

I feel guilty about keeping them imprisoned. Wouldn't we all fly away if we could? So when they start to sink a little, I cut the ribbon, lightening them up a bit, and let them drift out the window. I figure that way they have a chance to soar :-)

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

over 3 months? Impressive!

[trawnapanda.livejournal.com]

did you inhale the remaining contents, for a couple of lungsful of talking in falsetto?

[pklexton.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear about your loss.

*hugs*

[(Anonymous)]

Don't know if you will get this reference being a youngin' and Canadian too, but all I can say is:
"Oh no, Mr. Bill!"

[rootbear.livejournal.com]

Normal balloons lose Helium right through rubber, since Helium is such a small atom. The mylar isn't as porous to Helium, so the balloons last much longer.

Party fun: inhale Helium and say some of the lines the little Martians in Toy Story said:

"A stranger! From the outside!"
"I have been chosen!"
"Fair well my friends! I go on to a better place!"

Jeff Pidgeon, who did the voice, used Helium during the recording sessions.