As a child, September 28th meant something different. It meant dinner at Red Lobster back when the cheddar bay biscuits weren't the best thing on the menu. It meant I could go right around the corner, hit up Toys "R" Us I didn't have to wait until Christmas to get those two Decepticon planes that combined to make one big plane. (I Googled the heck outta that and I still don't know the names of either plane.) It meant I had an excuse to eat a slice of cake every day for the rest of the week. As an adult, I care less about presents and more about presence. If I invite someone to a party or gathering, then I won't ridicule them for walking through the door empty handed as long as they come with a full heart of love and the readiness for whatever. My birthday might be my personal holiday, but as y'all will see in a very special edition of the "Rave & Favorite Five" to help bring in 37 in a different way, one of the greatest days in human civilization is only as great as the fantastic times with family, friends and loved ones. So cue the Black folks version of "Happy Birthday", pour a few shots and walk with me down memory lane...
