fwyg,
I highly doubt that you will pick up any new habits that would significantly distract you or otherwise adversely affect your ability to fly yourself safely home in whatever airplane type you normally fly. You're quite right to be cautious, but it shouldn't be a problem.
However, if I were you I think that I would probably drive to and from the Tiger's home base. You know the old saying: "Time to spare? Travel by air!". If you plan on flying there and back, you may run into the usual problems (aircraft not pre-fueled as you had requested; aircraft delayed in returning from previous training flight; radio difficulties; long line of aircraft in the takeoff queue; headwinds; etc.), and the prospect of being late for your engagement will be stressful and you'll not enjoy your birthday present as much as you might.
MLS-12D
P.S. The above litany of woes should not be taken as a whinge that light airplane flying is a chore; I'm just suggesting that it is often not particularly efficient for travelling, especially in the case of short distances.
