30.

I can clearly remember the day I turned 10. I remember being insanely excited about my ‘double digit’ birthday. It was a whole big thing. My friend, Becky, made me special wrapping paper that said ‘double digits’ all over it.

Well, I’m not quite as excited about double digits these days, ha ha, but I’m surprisingly happy about turning 30. It’s not so much that I love getting old, I do not. But, I have never been as happy as I am these days. Life is just awesome. And it keeps getting better.

To celebrate this birthday of mine, I thought, as I always do, that a list was fitting. This is a list of 30 people that I want to thank. Some long gone, some still with me today. Be forewarned, some of this is sappy….but if you know me, you know I’m a big sap.

Please note that this is not ALL the people I am thankful for, but this is who I want to thank at this point in time. And they deserve to be noted.

So, without further adieu:

1. The lady that sold me our old house almost a decade ago – I know it was hard to give up that house, but rest assured I took good care of it while I was there. And in that home, I lived some of the happiest days of my life (until our new home, that is…)

2. The lady who sold us said new home, of course. Best house ever. And much better for our (many) late night soirees.

3. The entire group of people I worked with at Club Monaco (in 1996, ha ha). My first permanent job, and one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had. I miss the days of having Carlos, the gay guy, make me try on all the new clothes that came in. He would actually say things like “That’s fabulous” or “take that off that makes you look like a cow”. Sign, it was awesome.

4. The girls from The Bay – I wouldn’t have made it through those hung over college weekends with out you! Oh the memories…

5. My old roommates, Chris and Evania. This is a controversial one indeed, and believe me, I’m aware of the history. But, it can’t be denied that they transitioned me from one life to another, and because of them, I ended up here. I think we all have fond memories of them, and I’d rather just think of the good ones.

6. Brandon Flowers – For making music that heals my soul. (Also, please come to Hamilton…or Toronto again).

7. Joe & Barb Csontos – For being two of my favourite people. You may not know it, but I’ve grown up thinking of you two as family, and I adore you both.

8. Christine Lewis – For being one of the coolest people that have re-entered my Mom’s life. I’m happy to have had a chance to get to know you.

9. Kim – For being such an amazing friend to my Mom, and to me! For making us laugh for the past…I don’t even know how many years now...

10. Cohen, Arthur and Finn – Yes, I’m including pets on this list. You three little creatures are hilarious, and cheeky, and so unbelievably sweet. (Honourable mention to the pond fish here; they are more for Billy than for me, but still, they’re pretty cute).

11. Ana Maria – Being at work every day is simply not the same without you. I miss your slightly inappropriate jokes, and my lunch buddy, and our Starbucks dates!

12. Linz, Ann & Hira (my current fav office mates) – For making the daily grind so amazingly great. It’s pretty rare to work with people that you look forward to seeing every single day, and the three of you make it that way for me.

13. Grandma & Papa, and Grandma Forrest– You are the best grandparents in the world, and I love you all dearly.

14. Cassie – You are really growing up to be such an amazing young woman. I consider myself lucky to be here to watch it happen.

15. Don – For just being you, Don Moore. Best father-in-law of all time.

16. Norine – For being my second Mom. And for always, always being there for me.

17. Dad – Despite your apparent aloofness, I know that deep, deep down you totally love me (yes you do). And you always have. The feelings mutual.

18. Mom – Oh, Mom. There are no words. You’re the best mom & friend a girl could ask for. I strive to be even close to how amazing you are.

19. Lori & Chris – Getting to know you guys over the past couple of years has been so great…and we hope to see more of you in the near future!

20. Justine – J, it’s good to have you back man. You remain my 2010 girl crush…sexy bitch (inside joke, as many of you know, I'm not actually calling her this...well I sort of am).

21. Katie & Leo – Kate. You coming back is the best thing that’s happened in a long, long time. I forgot just how much I adore you. And knowing you as a mother, and a soon-to-be-bride, makes me so happy. Thank you both for asking me to be a part of your amazing day. It’s a complete honour.

22. Corinne & Kris – Corinne, I don’t know what I would do without you now that you’re in my life again!! You’re officially the longest friendship I’ve ever had, and it’s so incredible seeing you as the amazing woman you’ve become. I am so very humbled to be in your wedding party this year.

23. Aaron – Since the day you walked in to our house dressed up as Hal Johnson from the Keep Fit commercials, you have stolen a piece of my heart. And you truly know how to rock the dance party.

24. Emma – It’s been so great getting to know you over this past year. You are so genuinely sweet. And you make Mike smile, so you rule.

25. Mike H. – It’s hard to believe I’ve known you for as long as I have now. Over the years you’ve been such a great friend. Also, you bought me a framed Killers album, so you are in my forever good books.

26. Jay – Jay Scott! You are the ONLY person that can talk me in to doing shots of vodka at 6 am when the entire party is sleeping around us. Also, you may love The Killers more than I do (not really, but almost).

27. Ashley – You are my vault, and my sister! Without you, I would have no one to go to at the end of the night and say “I love youuuuu”. And I do.

28. Mike S. – For watching the Killers dvd with me a million times, and for being the absolute best dance party partner a girl could ask for. And one of my very, very best friends.

29. Rach – Oh...Rach. You’re a sister to me as well. And I think I would be lost without you. Let’s really savour these next few months my love <3 (can’t get too into this one or I’ll cry).

30. Billy – For being my family. And the best husband I’ve ever had….lol. ( Also, for being pretty handsome…combat boots?? Come onnn…)