IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

So far the birthday celebrations have consisted of Dad and I getting into a birthday dance-off, which he most definitely won. Also singing in a ridiculous manner. Us Herberts are just a bunch of awesome all put together. I have no idea what else I'm doing today, but it will be epic.

Before I go to sleep for the night, I thought an excellent way to commemorate my birthday would be thanking everyone who has had an impact on my life. I won't get you all, but here are a few of you who've helped me to stay alive by the age of 19.

          Mom! Thanks for facilitating my birth. Also for not abandoning me when I did/do stupid things, or when I threw tantrums, or when I didn't appreciate everything you've done for me. Because without you I would not be here. I love you very much :). You are a wonderful mother, and I am proud to be your daughter.
          Hannah! I would be significantly less mentally stable if you were not my sister, Han. You've listened to me cry about little things and big things, you've given me advice, and basically just been my best friend for my entire life. Words cannot express how much I love you. So, thanks :)
          Brooke, Mallory, Jamie, Kyrie, Jake, and Sam...I have often wondered how I became lucky enough to get you all for my greatest friends. I have no clue. You are seriously the best people on this planet. You made high school bearable. You made my personal life bearable. You are the best.
          Caden...I made it through my first semester of college because of you and your love and kindness. If I just needed a hug at midnight, or ice-cream, or popcorn (it generally was food, wasn't it?), you were willing to help me out. As my first official boyfriend, you will always be close to my heart.
          Dean...you made my second semester of college bearable. We were truly insane, but it was admittedly truly fantastic. You introduced me to the Nerdfighters (whom I also love). I taught you how to make scrambled eggs. You taught me that I'm not always right even when I am SO SURE that I am. Somehow being with you always made me happy regardless of the fact that my life at that point in time was truly awful. So thank you :)
          Jamie and Jenna...because you two were always there for me at BYU. I love you guys :)
          Greyson...***NOTE TO READER: I might get really mushy here, but it's my freaking birthday, so I say whatever I like and you are not allowed to complain.*** I don't know if there is any sequence of words that I could string together to accurately describe us. We are amazing. We are crazy. We are flippin' magical. Being with you has liberated me, changed me in ways I never imagined. I've never fallen in love with anyone so quickly. But I think the pure fact that we are somehow managing to keep this relationship going in spite of the giant obstacle of an ocean in between us is a testament to our strength. I love you so, SO much, and if you don't mind, I think I'll keep doing that for a while longer.
          Mrs. Newby, Mrs. Petersen, Miss Rhodehouse, Mr. Seamons, Mama C, Mr. Andersen, Mr. Shelley, Mr. Hagert, Miss Boren, Mrs. Lederer, Mrs. Lynch, Professor Liz Christiansen, Mrs. Haburay, Mrs. Bode, Mrs. O'Brien, Mrs. Coop, and Brother Trent Boulter...nothing replaces an excellent teacher. Each one of you have changed my life--and not just by a little bit. I will remember you and the things you've taught me forever.
          Debbie Farrell and Sonya Hammock...the piano is so important to me, and it is because of your faith in me and patience with me that I've gotten as far as I have. It was hard work, but it is so worth it.

I most certainly have not covered everyone. There are church leaders who have helped me, extended family members, neighbours, teachers, friends, band kids, classmates, co-workers. You have all shaped who I am. So thank you, everybody, for making the past 19 years of my life a success. For the most part. I've still got some growing to do :)