Nice title, right?

Subtle, that is my middle name.

This is one subject that I just can’t be subtle about.  I can’t beat around the bush. I can’t dance around the subject.  Basically, I NEED YOU!

You see, I’ve found myself somehow up for a nomination by Nickelodeon for “Best Parenting Blog.”  I know, I am as shocked as you are.

I was just all minding my business one day when I came across the notification in my in-box.  I thought that surely it was a mistake.  But then I saw my picture on the same page as this description:

“We know you love Dooce, Amalah and about six million other awesome blogs. But which of these up-and-comers make you laugh, cry and LOVE being a parent?”

Besides the fact that I have NO IDEA WHY I am included in the same company with those ladies (who are awesome BTW), I am beyond thrilled.  I feel like someone nominated me for HOMECOMING QUEEN’.

And I am totally okay with begging asking for votes.

So if you are a friend, or a relative, a stranger or a stalker (no matter!) please head over to Nickelodeon’s Parent’s Picks 2010 to vote to nominate me for the BEST PARENTING BLOG.

I totally appreciate it!

I guess it is only appropriate that I formally introduce myself. Depending upon the stage of life you might have met me in, you would know me as either Gigi, Jennie, Jen or Jennifer. I really don’t care what people call me. I’ll answer to all of them. Well, except Gigi. That is reserved for my two brothers who only use the nickname if they want something really badly.

So, if you read my about page then you probably already know too much. (BTW – How weird is it to have an “about page?”) And having read that page, you probably already think I am a little quirky. Actually, I can’t argue with you there. I am a bit of a hodgepodge of interests and talents.

I’m gonna be honest with you here, I’ve reached a very interesting stage in my life. I’m no longer a timid 20-something girl who is unsure of herself. I’ve been though that age. I made a lot of mistakes, but I guess it got me to where I am now, so I can’t complain.

I’m liking my 30s a whole lot more. With each day I live, I seem to discover more about myself. I think I have finally emerged. I no longer feel the need to fit in and conform to what others might expect of me. I’m simply ready to act like… well, me.

So why the title “Hip As I Wanna Be?” Well, there are a lot of reasons for that. Perhaps I will delve more into that later but essentially, as a younger person, I never gave myself permission to BE what I truly wanted to BE.

I think a lot of women do that. We stifle our true selves for various reasons. What will other people think? My boyfriend? Husband? Boss? Co-workers?

Seriously girls, who cares? No more smothering your fun, fantastic selves. Let’s get out there and LIVE!