31

So today is my birthday. I’m 31 (insert old joke here). It’s not a monumental one by society’s standards, but definitely one for me. Besides the sporadic emotional outburst caused by hormonal imbalances, I get and like myself. At 31, that’s important to me.

The other day, when I was asked in front of a focus group to share something special about myself, I clammed up and the introvert part of me disconnected the wiring from my brain to my voice box. “Uh hmm, ahhh…” and it came out, “Sorry, give me a sec, English is my fifth language.” This was my default response to stall for a better answer. Which was followed by “I’m turning 31 next week.” Silence. Wow, tough crowd. Whatever. I’m looking forward to 31 and planning on stuffing my face with cupcakes and surrounding myself with people who I love.