Birthdays change a bit as we get older don't they? A little excited to indulge in a day (or week) of you-based celebrating and spoiling. A bit nostalgic for those days gone by, knowing, oh shit,  you're solidly in the 'grown up' category now. Since this is my first birthday as a mom, I'm really aware of the passage of time, perhaps more so than ever before.  I can see the difference 365 days makes in a tiny life and I'm prompted to think about my own 365 days I'm gifted each year. Do I spend them bettering myself? My loved ones? The world? Better start now. 

Whoa, that just got really cerebral. Let's take it down a notch. Here are 31 fascinating facts about me that I'm sure you've been just dying to know. I did mention birthdays are about self indulgence right?  

1. I am a true Gemini to the core. I have no middle ground, there is only extremes with me. I don't like something, I'M OBSESSED with it. When I dislike something, its absolute loathing. Thankfully, I tend toward happy end of the spectrum. 

2. My University eduction is in Classical History, with minors in Latin and English. You want me to visit a museum with you. 

3. Despite having a Master's Degree in Education, with a focus on Early and New Literacies, I didn't spend much time as a teacher. 

4. I speak Hungarian, not very well anymore, but pretty respectable for a 2nd generation speaker.

5. Knowing Latin and Hungarian makes me super annoying at playing Scrabble.

6. I lived in a small community in Tanzania for 3 months at 22 years old. I met some of my dearest friends during that time. 

7. I've summited Mount Kilimanjaro and seen the sunrise over snowy glaciers on the equator in Africa. 

8. I purchased my first pair of hiking boots for that trek. I disposed of them (donated to our porter actually) immediately after returning to base. 

9. I had to buy another pair of hiking boots to trek the Annapurna Circuit with my husband in Nepal a few years later.  

10. I went 3 weeks with only 1 shower (while hiking 20km a day and eating nothing but lentils and rice) and he still decided to marry me. Jackpot. 

11. When I was young I wanted to be a pioneer when I grew up. I was super into Little House on the Prairie. 

12. Then I wanted to be an astronaut. Then Indiana Jones. Specifically. 

13. I grew up in the country spending my summers traipsing through the forest and into the creek, catching toads and frogs with my neighbours and little brother. 

14. Somehow I was also a girly girl and did all types of dance competitively until I was 18. 

15. I feel my best when I have on a dress and heels.

16. My feet grew an entire size while pregnant and now I own 1 pair of heels that fit. I'm devastated. 

17. I met my husband in grade 9, we were friends and co-goofball pranksters, until we started dating at 18. 

18. We got engaged in St. Martin 10 years later. Somehow he still managed to surprise me. 

19. We have a whippet. She is part dog, part velociraptor. 

20. I love to cook and be creative in the kitchen. Sometimes it works, other times, he just says it does. 

21. I am a newly converted Chardonnay lover. But will never say no to an icy cold rose. 

22. I KNEW I was pregnant immediately. It was weird. 

23. I was convinced I was pregnant with a boy my entire pregnancy. And for a few seconds after she was born too.

24. My favourite colours are Navy and White Stripes.

25. These were my wedding colours when we had our second wedding :)

26. My paternal family is from the Southern US, so I believe in all thing sweet and Southern.

27. Like welcoming people into your home and filling them full of good food.

28. And using Bless Your Heart as a thinly veiled Go Eff Yourself.

29. I also have a horrific sailor's mouth and I'm worried about Fin's first words.

30.  I am a terrible singer, but insist on singing broadway as loudly as possible in the car. I'm thankful she doesn't care yet. 

31. This has been the best year of my life and I finally feel like I know who I am at 31. Better late than never!

If you're still reading, (and you're not my mom or dad) thanks for sticking through this narcissism worm hole. 

Let me know, what is one fascinating fact about you?