Yhem Speaks

So, it was my 21st birthday. And as I tell this story, I can still see that day in my mind like a Netflix documentary of my embarrassment.

Up until that birthday, I boost about my cooking to anyone. My friends would always say, “Yhem, you’re amazing in the kitchen!” And, like any ambitious 20-year-old with a little ego, I thought… why not cook for my own birthday this year?

The plan? I was going to host 25 people. Simple and easy, right?  Totally manageable. I even told my college friends, my church friends, and my roommate. Then, she told some of her friends too.

Fast forward two days to the big day… turns out, 25 had magically multiplied into 60 people. SIXTY!!

I panicked. My brain was screaming, “You thought this was a birthday, not a cooking Olympics!”

Initially, I planned to make jollof rice. Then I thought, “No, fried rice feels more birthday-y.” And so, I set out to cook.

I cooked… five huge bowls of rice, and each bowl had 10 cups! Yes, five! And the rice… oh, the rice! It swelled up, got half-burnt, and refused to be soft. The ingredients? Not nearly enough. My roommate and I stood there, staring at this catastrophe, ashamed to even open the door.

Outside, people were dancing, excited for food. And inside… we were like, “Maybe if we don’t serve it, it’ll go away?” but it didn’t.

We eventually served it. And… some girls looked at it, shook their heads, and refused to eat. But the boys? Oh, bless them—they just dug in, probably thinking, “This is fine. It’s the thought that counts.” And someone actually said, “Even if it wasn’t well done, it’s the love behind it that matters.” That, my friends, was my only solace.

After that day, I made a solemn vow: never again will I cook for a huge crowd. Small groups? Sure! Intimate dinners? Absolutely! But as for 60 people… let’s just say, my kitchen and I need a breather.

Looking back, that birthday disaster was hilarious. I can laugh about it now but I was so embarrassed for a long time then. And yes… I still love cooking. Just maybe, on a slightly smaller scale.

With stories always,

Yhem💞