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!