The Big 2-9

Hanging with my Grandma

As some of you may know, this is my last year of my twenties. Very soon, I will be turning 29 followed by 30. Am I scared of 30? Not yet. I don't really expect to be, but we'll see. I guess it would be important to mention that looking back on the last decade of my life, there are very few things that have actually ended up the way I planned. I never got married. I don't have kids. I'm still living in PA. And I'm working for corporate America (aka "the man", as I used to think). So far, none of those things have been particularly bad for me. I guess that shows what 18-year-old me knew.

Since it seems like 18-year-old Jenna didn't know much (actually not true), I've put together 29 things about myself in preparation for "the big 2-9". I vowed you guys would get to know me better this year. So here goes...

1. I'm adopted. That's an easy one. I was adopted when I was a baby. I never knew my biological family and probably never will. It doesn't bother me. At one time, it did and I looked at it as my biological family giving up on me and not caring. But as I got older, I realized that not matter what their reason was, whatever was done or decided upon worked out pretty well for me, and here I am.

2. My favorite band for the last 10 years has been Modest Mouse. I only have ever seen them live once. They were 3 hours late but sounded great, and they played Tiny Cities Made of Ashes and Wild Pack of Family Dogs even though it was the Float On tour. I could only be SO mad.

3. My favorite designer was Alexander McQueen.

4. I prefer a stout over a light beer any day. Don't even bring Bud Light near me.

5. I like the NY metro but I hate the DC metro.

6. I have zero tattoos. I love them on other people, but I've never committed to any. I don't judge people who have them...unless you're a dude with a tribal tattoo around your navel. Then maybe I judge you a little. What were you thinking??

7. I believe in LGBT rights.

8. I don't own a scale. I don't weigh myself because I don't care how much I weigh as long as I'm healthy.

9. Some of my best friends are people I rarely see.

10. I hate being scared. Hate it. I hate scary movies, and you're lucky if you can get me to watch one. Just be prepared for me to be terrified and paranoid for the next month. You have guaranteed better luck getting me to watch Star Wars (any of them - even the bad ones) than Final Destination (any of them).

11. My favorite movie is Empire Records, but I don't own it.

12. I've never been in a tanning booth. I think it's weird.

13. I've considered going to school for marketing, fashion, art, education, philosophy, psychology, biology, music, English, and interior design. My real major is PR, but I think food is my true love.

14. I am an aunt and godmother to the most precious niece.

15. I wear a size 7 shoe.

16. One of the greatest joys in my life is feeding other people. I will pretty much cook for anyone who asks...or doesn't ask.

17. I have an adorable, lovable and very weird cat named Stella.

18. I am living by myself for the first time ever and loving it.

19. I drink my coffee black.

20. I drank bad milk once, and that was enough bad milk for the rest of my life. I guess that's what happens to people who drink from the carton (and don't read expiration dates).

21. I can't decide if the last movie I saw was absolutely terrible or really good. If you've seen it, let me know what you thought. Also, this was NOT a scary movie. So #10 does not apply here.

22. I have all the episodes of Daria on DVD.

23. I am a curious person.

24. My car is 16. It can get a license and drive itself now. But more importantly, it's paid off.

25. There is year-old kimchi in my fridge. I made it myself in a successful kimchi making experiment that I am quite proud of.

26. Sriracha is one of my favorite condiments.

27. I have 4 pillows on my bed but usually end up using a blanket as a pillow or sleeping straight on the mattress. I've always been like that. I don't expect a change.

28. I'm not registered as a Democrat or Republican.

29. My birthday is April 5, which is also my mom's birthday.