24.

So I know that a lot of bloggers like to get philosophical and deep on their birthdays and make a list of things that they learned in however many years they've been living and whatnot. Instead of doing that, I'm just going to tell you about all of the awesome gifts that I got for my birthday. That's philosophical too, right? No? Oh well. Here's me drinking a strawberry margarita. And yes, I did get carded.

Yesterday, I turned 24. I guess I really am turning into an adult because I didn't make plans for my birthday. This year, I went out to dinner with my family, and Jon came into town for the weekend. I had a lot of fun, but I didn't celebrate my birthday like I have in years past with nights on the town and vodka. Instead, I ate sushi and watched The Conjuring, which I did not find very scary by the way, on the night before my birthday.

On the day of my actual birthday, I went to see my friend graduate and spent a few hours with her family, which was lovely, and then after Jon left, I went to spend a few hours with mine (and I watched Once Upon a Time and Revenge, and both of those shows are just making me so mad and stressed. Grr).

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I got to have a mini reunion with some of my college friends, and my friend, Anamaria, gave me my birthday present early, and man, what an awesome gift!

She got me Cassadee Pope's new album, signed by Cassadee Pope herself. And let me just clarify something here, I've loved Cassadee Pope since her Hey Monday days. I turned a few of my friends onto Hey Monday, and when I made videos and such, I would put Hey Monday songs in the background and force people to listen to them. My love for her grew after watching her on The Voice, and of course I rooted for her the whole way through. I'm so so soooo jealous that Anamaria got to meet her!

Anyway, she also got Jenae Cherry to send me a signed copy of her new album as well, and Jenae sent a sweet sweet birthday card too! It was such a surprise, and it was so amazing! Anamaria and I met Jenae Cherry (now Brach, newly married and such. Awww) when we went to see The JaneDear Girls in concert. Jenae opened for them. We met her and she was super sweet, and I bought her album and she signed it and took pics with us. And then a few months later, she came back and opened for Gloriana, and we were so excited to see her again! You must must must go listen to her and buy her new album. My favorites are "Around" and "We Just Do." So awesome.

First meeting after the JaneDear Girls concert.

Second meeting after opening for Gloriana

She wrote me a really sweet note in the card.

My sister got me Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley, which you may have noticed was on my wish list! When she ordered it, they didn't give you a choice as to who was on the front, so she just crossed her fingers. As luck would have it, she got Mary-Kate, and Mary-Kate is my fave, so I was super excited!

Jon shopped from my Amazon wishlist. So smart. Chamber of Secrets is the only Harry Potter book that I don't have (or didn't have), and so I was so happy to finally complete my collection! Twenty years later (or so it seems). And Dollhouse is one of my favorite shows (so under-appreciated!), and I already had the first season, so he got me the second (and last, unfortunately) season. Yay yay yay!

I also got some lovely cards from Jon's family and some Europe money! Eternally grateful.

*****

I wrote this entry last night, but I wanted to add this little bit today because it's so awesome. When I walked into my office this morning, it was all decorated with balloons and such thanks to my lovely co-workers. They all pitched in and bought me an APPLE TV!!! I'm freaking excited about it, and I can't wait to go home and play with it.

*****

I love when my birthday rolls around because I just feel such an outpouring of love. I got phone calls from my dad, my grandma (who I haven't talked to since I was last in South Carolina. Too long!), and my best friend in California. And of course so much social media love. I know people think it's cheesy to comment on someone's Facebook on their birthday, but I think everyone smiles when they read all of the birthday comments. I mean, really.

I had such a lovely 24th birthday, and I loved celebrating with a few of my favorite people. I'm excited to see what this next year has in store for me!