Wow, they really got me. For my 26th birthday a couple weeks ago, Ray and Brittany went all out and planned a cute surprise party for me at Hat City Kitchen.

I was not really looking forward to my birthday this year. For the first time in my life I was not like obsessed or anxious about turning a year older. I went all out for my 25th with the first Valley Gala so I was thinking to just stay low key this time around.

For the last couple months, Ray would ask me what I had planned and I would say, nothing. He did not believe me because I always plan something around my birthday. In 2013 I released the zine, and 2014 I did a hip hop showcase at Hat City Kitchen and last year was the gala. I kept saying no, and planned to maybe have a drink with friends on that Monday.

My birthday comes around and it was as chill as I wanted it to be. Later in the evening I decided to text some friends to see if maybe just wanted to have a drink together that day. Most of them were too busy or like did not even respond. So it ended up being me and Ray meeting up with Brittany.

I get dressed up with a dress my other friend gave me and when I opened the door into Hat City Kitchen I jumped when everyone yelled SURPRISE!

I tried so hard not to cry as I hugged some of my favorite people. I could not believe that they all got together to surprise me for my birthday. It seemed that Ray and Brittany were the master minds behind it all.

I looked around as my heart beat so fast. There were balloons and a big 26. Ray baked brownies, and I got a bunch of dope cards including one with “You are the Jay-Z to my Beyonce”. Like how awesome are my friends?

The icing on the cake however was the bottle of champagne I drank all night. It was so much fun. We partied, and laughed all night. It was great. It was such a fun surprise and it meant so much that everyone actually cared to come together for me.

I also can not believe that I had no idea. I usually like to know everything that goes on around me so it’s like, how did I not know?

I want to thank Ray, Brittany and everyone who came to the party that night. It really means a lot and goes down as one of the best birthdays I have ever had. I have grown a lot since I turned 25 and I am no longer worried about getting older. I can not wait to turn a year older.

I am so very blessed for the community I am part of here. Thank you so much.