In many ways, I have forgotten about ME.
You see, between life, work, blogging, writing, and creating new concepts, I forget to take care of the very person who keeps all of those things going. I rarely take time to celebrate myself, my accomplishments and who I have become.
I found myself getting overwhelmed and had moments that were not becoming of me. I dismissed the smell of roses and would walk right by them scoffing at the time it would take to stop and recognize their beauty. I was on autopilot and didn't know how to take back the control.
As cliche as it sounds, the approach of my 35th birthday spurred an evaluation of life. Was I actually living? What was important in life? Would I ever find someone to share it with? How did I become 35, did I do it in the best way possible and more importantly what should I change moving forward?
So many questions which ultimately result in one answer: Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. Ecclesiastes 3:1.
While we must always work on ourselves and our relationship with Him we must also REST and know that happenings in our life are not to be questioned. You are right where you need to be babygirl!
With all of this is tow, I decided to celebrate myself for a moment and kick-off my 35th year right with a dinner and an 80's Baby Roller Skate party!
I dined with 15 of my closest friends at one of my favorite restaurants in Oakland, MUA. I ate, ate some more and was surrounded by absolute love. It was a beautiful night with all of my friends that God selected to be in my life.
I was born on 11.30.1980 so I decided to have an 80's Baby Birthday party doing something that I loved to do as a kid...roller skate!!! It was SO much fun. We had a blast and I loved putting the whole party together. It was totally rad dude!
You know I had to go-in on the 80's fit, right!?! Details: Bodysuit: Target (secret...it was really just black spanx). Shorts, cut-off sweatshirt and leg warmers: Forever 21 (Airbrushing by Wais Guy in Durant Square). Footless tights and fingerless gloves: Party City. Headband: .99 cent store. Earrings: I already had those. Nail color: Flashy Fuchsia by Sally Hansen. Make-up: Me, myself and I.
Closer detail on the airbrushing by Wais Guy in Durant Square in Oakland, CA. TallSWAG it all day baby!!!
I rented a room at the Golden Skate in San Ramon which is probably the most 80's skating rink I have ever seen. I proceeded to decorate the room with an explosion of neon and 80's nostalgia including slap bracelets, neon cupcakes (which I rudely forgot to take a picture of) and a candy bar straight from 80's childhood memories.
Background for Photos. We pretty much used this all night.
Neon cupcake table with pictures of me throughout the 80's.
You must accessorize! For the record, nobody was lame and everyone took one or more:-)
The 80's candy table was a hit!
Everyone who came to the party left with a totally awesome 80's Baby Birthday Mix by my favorite DJ, D-Sharp! If you want to download it, click on the image of the CD below. Trust me, there is a guest MC on the mix that won't disappoint:-)
The room even came equipped with some mood lighting. I mean really...80's much!?!?
And then we skated like there was no tomorrow! Here are some video clips from then night. It was a blast!
Me trying to get my skating legs.
Trying to keep everyone who is skating in one fame is hard.
They asked me to jump in but...I thought I would sit this one out;) There were so many talented skaters there! Watching the different groups was one of my favorite parts of the night.
Every time we started skating 'cute' we almost fell.
Man, I felt and just feel so incredibly loved. I don't usually celebrate my birthdays on this level and I am so glad that I did. It brought all of my favorite people together and I cannot tell you how important that is for your soul. It reminds you of you or how far you have come, what is important and that your life is rich in pure love.
Swaggin out in the black light.
You better hug on those tall thighs silver shorts!
So with all of this said...I will be moving forward in gratitude knowing that every moment is divinely selected for me to experience. I will refute fear and do everything in my power to live life to the fullest, in it's realest light, 100% of the time. This is a year to begin, celebrate, love, appreciate and achieve. Thanks in advance for taking the ride with me!
Smootches,
Alicia Jay