Party like it's 1999

This past weekend was a blast. A number of friends from work and Chris' friends came to my place for a house party on Saturday. The occasion was to celebrate 9-9-9, on 9-12-9. Significance? All numbers divisible by three, with the added fact that Chris was turned 33 made Chris quite excited. The party featured BBQ by Mr. T Foxe from the Valley, tacos and Mexican food by Iliana’s catering parents, and salads and desserts by Chris’ sister Denise. To say the least, we were all stuffed with loads of yummy-goodness enjoyed in the complex park, in the garage, in the house, or anywhere else one could land their tokus. It was great!

A little after 5, the bartender arrived to really get the party stated. Fil featured freshly made mojitos and margaritas, as well as a host of other drinks. Disappointingly, MJ and Sol boogied back to work to go think about some presentation. That's ok, the rest of us got our drink on. And even our sweet, innocent Makisha found herself a little tipsy after sampling Fil's fare.

At 8pm, the party really started rocking when Stevie, and his right hand woman Mika, showed up with the wheels of steel. We had old skool jams bumping along with loads of songs that featured C-o-m-p-t-o-n. A riotous affair with booties shaking, hands in the air, reminding us all that we were partying in the 'hood. Ultimately, the party shut down around 2am. Everyone got home safe, with designated drivers. Overall, the event was an enormous success! The birthday boy even commented that this was the best b-day of his adult life. High five to the planner Ms. Kisha Wallace.

Though the party alone would have made my weekend, Sunday night I went to the Old Skool show with Makisha, Shae, and Kisha. This was my first trip to the Greek Theater. My first impression: it felt like an intimate Hollywood Bowl. To fit the retro theme I feathered my hair, Kisha wore an adidas outfit, and we all prepared to Snake, Wop, and do the Running Man to hits from the 80s and 90s.

A few minutes into the show I realized I had turned into my mother. As a child, I recall my mom being in her 30s wearing ridiculous outfits, and being excited about seeing some band that seemed to exist more in her memory than real life. Yet, here I was at 31, watching Grandmaster Flash and Melly Mel (37 years in hip hop, and when the man took off his shirt every woman in the audience wanted to feel him up. Heck, some of the men were impressed too!); Kurtis Blow; Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam; Klymaxx; and Ready for the World. Those songs instantly transported to the past; reminding me of being in lust with some boy, being in love with another, and being chased after by yet other. Basically, remembering the innocence of youth. Collectively, we happily chatted with strangers who were also reminiscing about their teenage years. With happy tears in my eyes, my soul was enveloped in a sense of warmth and I understood why my mother enjoyed those concerts. It allowed escape from the mundane realities of the world and re-live precious moments through song. We drove home at 11pm through Griffith Park, beneath the observatory, and looked out onto the LA lights. The evening was gorgeous and the street lights seemed to go on endlessly. I drove happily along the road realizing, once again, how fortunate I am. No matter what ups and downs come with life, and all the coulda, woulda, shouldas that float through my mind -- I thank God for my friendships and ability to fully experience life as a 31-year-old adult.