Happy Birthday to me!

I turned 27 today.
I've always been excited to be 27. It just seemed like a cool age to be. It means you're passed all the awkward teenage years, done with college, yet still young and fun. Plus it's a multiple of 9 - my favorite number, and on top of that, it's the year 2009. So I was excited about this year.
I'm not exactly where I thought I'd be when I turned 27. I guess I didn't have a specific plan, but I didn't think I'd be at my parents, single, and not working in the career I went to school for. Kinda disappointing in a way. But then I stop to think about all the things I HAVE done that I never expected, and it's rather inspirational.
Since my day was pretty low-key and out of my hands, I decided that for my birthday I would give myself a post, completely dedicated to celebrating who I am and what I have accomplished. I hope you can put up with a little self-glorification for today - it took me a lot of thinking to come up with this and actually post it. However, in light of my recent blogs and thoughts in the opposite direction, I think this is probably a very healthy thing.

I'm good at making friends and I love people. Everyone has a different story and it's fascinating to me, to learn how people got to be the way they are, and what brought them to that point. I feel like I have acquired enough random info to be able to converse with just about anyone. And I can get along with people of almost any age. Of course there are some relationships that click and progress more than others, but I never really have to worry about having friends. I have so many wonderful ones, and the ability to make more wherever I go.

I am a great party planner and hostess. I know how to network invitees, and to find people to help(another benefit of my many friends). I have pretty good theme ideas, and I can pull together an event on any budget. I especially love wedding planning and I hope that some day this little hobby will work itself into a career.

I'm good with kids. And I've been getting better as I get older - I guess that's a good sign;) I like to get down to their level and play and talk with them. As long as I sleep enough to keep up, it's so fun. Little ones can teach you much about the world.

I'm willing to try just about anything once. Minus the illegal and blatantly stupid, you never know till you try. But you don't have to do it again.

I am educated. I have an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. And somehow I survived university with a 3.5 final GPA and kept scholarships most of the way through.

I speak French well. I've been told this multiple times, and apparently it's rare for a non-native. It may be because I love learning accents, worked very hard to speak correctly, and learn tons of vocabulary. I love languages, but it still takes a lot of work to maintain them.

I'm good at doing hair. I've never had formal training, but by observation and experimentation, I've developed pretty good skills. I've done hair for weddings, parties, and stage productions. I'm pretty good with wigs too. It's a very random talent, but it comes in handy nonetheless.

I am a performer - in every sense of the word. I never focused enough to perfect any one element of performance, but I can sing, I can act, and I can dance. Not to mention, I'm a great public speaker, and people think I'm funny! I love the stage and entertaining a crowd. I suppose that goes along with being the hostess and making friends. I don't always have to be, but I enjoying being the center of attention. And I LOVE to dress up:) It's so fun to create a whole new look and escape by simple, inexpensive means. I guess that's why I love working for Disney. There, I am part of the big show. I put my game face on, and make people smile. It's both challenging and rewarding.

OK, it's more than I can dance, I am a dancer. I can't stand still when I hear a good beat. I LOVE to groove! Be it formal ballroom, specific traditional and cultural dances, hip hop, or just gettin' down, I love it!

I can appreciate so many different cultures. I love the music and dance, the food, the languages, the clothing and customs. I can't get enough!

And hence, I am an adventurer. I love to discover new people and places. I always take a zillion pictures and can find bargains in any country. I'm independent enough to travel alone, but I love to go with friends. While others ask "Why?" I ask "Why not?!"

I got myself over my ocean life phobia. What used to cause me major anxiety, with emotional and physiological effects, now can be controlled and channeled. I still don't love hanging out with fishies, but at least I don't scream or pass out anymore:)

I'm a dreamer and a fighter. I have big dreams, and plans to see them through. I don't just sit around wishing, I tend to make things happen. When I want something, I explore every possibility. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Either way, I learn and my abilities increase every time.

I have a good bod. I'm not super skinny but I'm not overly voluptuous either. My girls are just the right size and I've been told many times that I have a nice butt. ha ha! I can build muscle fairly easily, and I'm a lot stronger than I look. I used to hate this, because of my monster thighs, but I have learned to appreciate the strength and definition my muscles give me. I am also more or less healthy. I do not have chronic conditions or illness to deal with, and for that I am very grateful.

I have golden-brown eyes and shiny red hair. Not many can claim that combination:)

I can cook, and I enjoy it too:) I can follow recipes, but I also like to experiment and create tasty and healthy dishes. One of my favorite games is creating a meal that's good for you, but you'd never know by the flavor.

I am very organized and like to clean, but I'm not OCD. I have a very practical way of approaching things, and love to keep things systematized and in order.

I love the colors black, blue, yellow, and especially green, and I look really good in them too. I have my own style that blends new trends with classic and fun looks. I don't cave to brand names or labels. In fact, I pride myself on finding great stuff on sale. I almost never pay full price.

I am feisty, sassy, and dang sexy if I do say so myself! I have learned that there is a time and place for everything, though, so I adapt to what is appropriate for the situation.

I lead naturally, but I have learned to follow. Sometimes you have to, to keep the peace.

I am a writer, a teacher, and a storyteller. I like words and finding new ways to put them together to engage an audience. Just saying something a different way can completely change perspective.

I'm a counsellor. I really wish I had credentials, cuz i would be rich by now! I guess I'm a good observer, because I can see small problems and miscommunication, and find solutions. I have helped many a friend work through a relationship or other dillemma. I've given some great advice to people who are now happily married. Someday it'll start working for me....

I am a member of the true Church of Jesus Christ. I gave 18 months of my life to serve Him. I know what is most important in this life. I am not naively going through the motions. I know God's plan, and treasure my covenants with Him. I'm a good girl. My adventures, flirtation, and rebellion are all within limits. Deep down, I just want to do the right thing, and qualify for all that He has promised me.

Wow... I'M AWESOME! Despite my many mistakes and weaknesses, I am a great person capable of doing great things. I have already, and I will do much more. Thanks for indulging me. I really do feel better! I know this really is just an in-between phase for me. Times like these make you appreciate the rest, and push you to work harder to have them. I have been so very blessed! I have so many talents! I have so many opportunities to grow!

And I'm just beginning; pen's in my hand, ending unplanned...