(25 Years Later)

Dear Shawn,

Yes! I had am amazing birthday. I have the best family ever and some of the greatest friends ever. (both on and off campus) It all began on January 12th. My hair appointment turned out alright. (that’s how I knew the weekend was going to go well)Then I went to visit my mother at her school . It just so happens I have friends that work there too so I spent some time with them. (cept for Tosha) Then I went home and later that night my family made dinner for me and gave me money (Thank God! I needed about $20 just to get home) My mom did a toast to me and reminded the entire family that she had her first child at 25 (what the @$%#^ did she mean by that???) Then my nephew (who’s eight years old) set up a bunch of lights and his DJ equipment in the living room, so after dinner we all went in there to dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller Album (and then stopped when we realized how old that made us feel). Then I watched Jump In (the new Disney Chanel Movie) with my sister, niece and nephew. Then we all talked and laughed till it was time to go to bed.

The next morning (MY BIRTHDAY!) my mom made breakfast. (then I realized that she was really making it for my brother cause he called and said that he wasn’t feeling well and asked for breakfast) Then I got ready to leave and head back to campus to get the girls. We headed to see Dreamgirls (shhhhh…it was my 3rd time seeing it). We had a lot of fun singing and dancing in the theater. (but Ashlee and Kim liked it a little too much cause the dancing and singing continued WAY after the movie as over and embarrassingly into the waiting room of Olive Garden) We had a good, long, dinner and talked and talked and talked. (we were the loudest ones in there). Then in the car on the way back I thanked them for such a great night (cause I had a HORRIBLE birthday last year). Kim insisted that we go back to her apartment for drinks. (I was thinking “again!? I’m 25 not 18. It’s time for bed) We get there and we toast (to me of course) They turn on the music and I (having no clue what’s about to happen) decide to let loose and get down with my bad self. I notice the girls had a mischievous look on their faces…and they were holding blindfolds (hmmmm…).

BAAM!!!

They gag me, tie my arms behind my back and put a pillow case over my head as I scream for help!!!! (I mean I kinda knew it was a joke, but one can never be sure) They tell me to shut up and lead me to the parking lot when they put me in a car that’s playing 50 cent's “It’s Your Birthday” (Or whatever). The driver plays that song over and over again. (Ugh, if I’m going to die, at least give me some Fred Hammond) We arrive at our destination. The driver leaves. By now I had untied myself and had been boogying in the backseat to the music. I decide not to be a poor sport so I sit in the car…alone….in the quiet. (I decided to recite some of my lines to my new play while I waited).

I guess I ruined the plan.

They expected me to get out of the car and make my way back to the dorm. (in the rain? I just got my hair done!) Kim finally came to get me explaining how my guests had left because I was taking too long. But some wound up staying because when I walked in my room (SURPRISE!!!!) people were screaming and balloons everywhere. I went to my cake to make a wish and blow out my candles when I realized…

I am 25 years old and I have everything I could have ever wanted.
(Thank You Jesus)