Happy Birthday...to me!

Yep, so today was my birthday. It was kinda weird actually because up until a few days ago I totally kept on forgetting about it. I remember the times where I would count down the days until my birthday, but now it just kinda pops up unexpectedly.
You know how people always ask if you feel any older or different like every single birthday you have? I'm always like "Uhhh...nope, not really." Interestingly enough, this year I actually do feel a little different. Independence has hit me hard core now. Not in that crazy rebellious sense, but in that grown up, responsible way. I know it sounds kinda cheesy, but I've had a switch in my attitude. With age comes responsibility. For so long I have been super independent in lots of different ways. For example, I have been working since I was 9 years old, buying my own clothes, paying for all of my different needs/entertainment. So I've been pretty responible and all, but now I'm like wow, I can really make all of my own decisions basically without any parental restraint. Now of course my parents input and advice are very important to me, and I am definetely not casting that off. But I'm kinda on my own now in regards to my own set of rules and standards for me personally.
All in all, it has been a fabulous birthday :). I got to hang out with my mom most of the day, who I love to death, and then my sister, brother-in-law, and niece tonight. And tomorrow I'm gonna go get my ear pierced with some of my friends. Well, I gotta do something exciting I suppose!
Man, this time next year things are going to be so amazingly different in my life. And I can't wait. I've got an exciting year ahead, and I am very grateful for the opportunitites that are headin' my way.