17

Wow. So this is what being 17 feels like?

Today was my birthday. Well, technically yesterday, since it's past midnight. But oh well. It's still my birthday because I haven't gone to bed yet. And my birthday was absolutely amazing. I rode with John to school, got out early, and went to Kellie's house after school. We spent pretty much the whole afternoon trying to find a way for her to get off work so she could come to my birthday dinner at Olive Garden. It seemed pretty hopeless until she finally decided to just call in instead of trying to get somebody to switch with her. So she got to come after all. Granted, she and Joe were late getting to the restaurant, but at least they made it. Ask anybody that was there - I was so worried about them not coming.

Anna was there tonight. It didn't feel right though. She wrote me this long note that she put inside my birthday card about how we've "been through so much together" and how we've "had good times and bad times" and how I'm "the best friend she could ever ask for" and how I'm "just like a sister to her", but it didn't feel right. She wasn't herself. Well, who am I kidding - she hasn't been herself since she started dating that psychotic asshole she calls her boyfriend. She used to be my best friend. I could tell her anything. But not anymore. Kellie is my best friend now. And my friendship with her is different than the friendship I had with Anna. Somehow, Kellie and I are closer than Anna and I could've ever been. Kellie and I are so much alike, too. I think it's perfect that she and I are friends.

And John - wow. Where on this earth would I be without him? He was with me all day today - not much different from any other day, I know. But he made my birthday extra special. When I was opening my gifts tonight, I decided to open his last, and I'm glad I did. He got me a teddy bear from Build-A-Bear. It's a doctor bear, and his name is Tommy. It's the most adorable teddy bear ever. He has a scrubs outfit (complete with a surgical hat and face mask), and he's holding an x-ray with a heart on it. And the best part - press the button in his paw and it's a recorded message from John that says, "I love you, baby. Happy birthday." When I opened the package and saw the bear, I got a lump in my throat. But when I heard the message it played, I almost burst into tears. That was the sweetest thing he could've done for me. I felt silly for getting excited over a teddy bear on my 17th birthday, but it was too perfect. He really surprised me with it. It was awesome. He makes me so happy, and I'm just absolutely blessed to have him as my boyfriend.

My parents got me a new Vera Bradley purse and matching wallet, a Dexter shirt (which is awesome), and a couple gift cards (Hot Topic and Starbucks). I got a cake, money, a laptop tray, a sheet set, more cake, and like a thousand birthday wishes on Facebook. Oh, and text messages. Between Facebook and all my text messages, I had 40 people wish me a happy birthday.

Oh! And after dinner tonight, Kellie and Joe went with me and John to my Bilo. Randy, Terrance, and Alisha gave me a birthday hug, and everybody else wished me a happy birthday. We stayed in my Bilo for a little bit, and then we went to Walmart. That was fun. We were there a long time. And after that, we went across the road to Waffle House for a drink - and a waffle, actually - and the waiter guy gave me a Waffle House hat and had the whole staff sing "Happy Birthday" to me. It was great.

So, all in all, this has been the best birthday I've had so far. Even turning "sweet sixteen" wasn't this good. I just feel so lucky to be surrounded by all my favorite people. And to know that all my friends took the time to even wish me a happy birthday - that's such a wonderful feeling. I feel loved. I can only hope that this is a sign of things to come in the next year. I can't imagine being any happier than I am right now. All thanks to my amazing family and friends - and boyfriend. (Yes, he's in a category all by himself haha).

Anyway, I'm going to call it a night now. I'm definitely sleeping in tomorrow and eating a light lunch. John and I are going out tomorrow night. He's taking me on a "date" for my birthday - just me and him this time. It should be fun. We're going downtown for Fall For Greenville, then he's taking me to Red Lobster for dinner. I'm excited. It should be fun. But until then, I'm going to get some much-needed rest. It's been a long, wonderful, exciting day, and I'm tired.

But here's to being 17. I can only hope that the next 364 days are as wonderful and perfect as this one was.

Goodnight.