My mom got me my very first Britney Spears CD in a Russian music store near our old apartment in Brooklyn. It was an attempt to assimilate me into American culture.
To my mom, Queen Brit-Brit was the epitome of what all Americans enjoyed. Therefore, I got to learn all the complexities of "Hit Me Baby, One More Time."
My relationship with the pop diva mirrored that of a best friend. I mourned when she broke up with Justin Timberlake, cheered when she came out with a snake during her “I'm A Slave 4 U” VMA performance and cringed when she shaved her head.
Thanks to Instagram, living my life vicariously through Britney has never been easier.
In honor of the pop star's 34th birthday, I’m celebrating every time she was basically just like us on Instagram.