Filed under: The world revolves around me

My second birthday!
It’s official. I’m in my mid-twenties.
Today marks my 24th birthday, and it’s been an amazing year, for sure. Last night, as I stood outside Town Hall, waiting for the School Board meeting I was covering for the paper to begin, I thought to myself, “I cannot believe how different my life is from just a few years ago.” And truly it is.
And to celebrate this milestone blog-style, I’m going to do the same thing I did last year, which I stole from Jennifer at the time (and sort of did again this year), not even realizing she shared the same birthday. So if you haven’t done so yet, go wish Ms. Free and Flawed a Happy 25th!
As for me*, in 24 years I’ve…
Thrown up on someone’s car one time.
Been tattooed twice (so far).
Learned that I feel mighty good after just three drinks.
Gone from having two parents to four parents.
Watched the first five seasons of One Tree Hill repeatedly.
Had six different jobs.
Always loved the number seven.
Moved eight times.
Added blonde highlights to my hair since I was nine.
Been to Ocean City, Md. at least ten times.
Written numerous news articles, but the first was when I was eleven (I think).
Traveled to twelve states, including the two I’ve lived in.
Never believed thirteen was truly bad luck.
Waited ’til fourteen years old for my first kiss.
Certainly kissed more than fifteen boys since then.
Been blogging at “A MinD in MoTown” for sixteen months.
Lived alone (for the first time) for the last seventeen months.
Left the country for the first, and only, time at eighteen.
Had my tongue pierced since I was nineteen.
Always been exactly twenty years younger than my father.
Moved 500 miles away from home at the age of twenty-one.
Spent more than twenty-two minutes trying to complete this.
Been a paid journalist for twenty-three months.
Today, I am officially twenty-four.
And to close out this birthday post, here’s a couple photos of me over the years. Some aren’t so flattering due to the lovely haircut – mullet, if you will – my mother decided I should have. Thanks a ton, Mom. For that and the whole giving-birth-to-me thing. =)

Faded demin. Sweeeeeet.

Seventh birthday? Eighth? I'm not too sure, but I certainly looked adorable in this red dress.

I'm in the back, but that would be my oh-so-awesome little brother (he's now 22) in the front.
* Thinking of new things for this list will not be simple.
20 Comments so far
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thanks darlin’!!
Comment by Ben July 15, 2009 @ 1:45 pmHappy Birthday! Cancers are the best, no?
Thanks, and as long as we’re talking about the astrological sign, hell ya!
Comment by Matt July 15, 2009 @ 2:35 pmLike the numbers idea. Happy birthday!
I stole it, but it’s certainly different. And thanks!
Comment by Ronnica July 15, 2009 @ 2:46 pmHappy Birthday! =) Trust me, 24 is a GREAT year
I truly hope so! 25 being just one year away does not sound fun though… Eep.
Comment by phampants July 15, 2009 @ 3:51 pmAweeee happy birthday lady!!!!
Thanks a bunch hun!
Comment by novelista barista July 15, 2009 @ 3:53 pmHappy Birthday! Hope you do something fun to celebrate it!
Going out for drinks! Woo! Thanks hun.
Comment by Amber July 15, 2009 @ 5:06 pmHAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thank you!
Comment by Akirah July 15, 2009 @ 5:19 pmHappy Birthday!! Only 24. Not bad!
Ha, only? Psh, getting old too fast!
Comment by Ashley July 15, 2009 @ 5:48 pmHappy day, lovely lady! I’m loving all these photos!
Thanks hun!
Comment by E.P. July 15, 2009 @ 9:18 pmHappy birthday, I say you’ve accomplished a lot in such young age. Love the piercings stories. Have a great celebration! 🙂
And to think I feel a bit like I haven’t accomplished enough. Thanks!
Comment by Andhari July 15, 2009 @ 10:29 pmhappy birthday dearie!!! hope you have an awesome day!
and it kinda pains my heart to hear that 24 is mid-20s?!
oh, the (in)humanity.
Haha. Isn’t 24 mid-20s? 24, 25 and 26. 27 becomes “late 20s.”
Comment by thatShortChick July 15, 2009 @ 10:31 pmOnce you turn 25 you start to die. Avoid it as long as possible.
Death, huh? Well, that doesn’t sound fun.
Comment by hautepocket July 16, 2009 @ 12:41 amHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!
Many, many, many more!
Aw, thanks hun.
Comment by Felicia July 16, 2009 @ 3:29 pmaww happy belated. this was neat. wow! your first article at 11! and wait, isn’t it officially your mid twenties when you’re 25??
Yep, 11. I went with my mom to “take your daughter to work day,” and the condition for my attendance was writing an article for the business’ newsletter.
And I clump things together for ages.
Comment by floreta July 16, 2009 @ 6:31 pm20-23 = early twenties
24-26 = mid twenties
27-29 = late twenties
Happy Birthday, OMG what an adorable picture!
Ha, aww, thanks!
Comment by Jessica July 16, 2009 @ 10:43 pmHappy belated!
Thank you!!!!
Comment by Julie @ Wearing Mascara July 16, 2009 @ 11:04 pmAw no! I missed wishing you a happy birthday! Happy belated! =)
It’s totally fine you missed it, and thank you!
Comment by Kyla Roma July 17, 2009 @ 10:47 amHappy belated birthday!!!!
Your kid pics are sooooo cute!!
I was a fairly cute kid! Ha. Thanks darlin’!
Comment by Cee July 19, 2009 @ 3:35 pmHappy birthday!
Thank you!
Comment by miss mpls July 20, 2009 @ 9:04 amHappy bday!!! in case u wonder how i got here, i’m from 20sb too… nice to meet new people there and you too.
it’s my birthday next week, btw. i’m turning 23. (juz in case u care) lol
Well thanks for stopping by! And happy early birthday.
Comment by johnonline July 20, 2009 @ 10:14 am