Thirty for Thirty

Today marks the celebration of my 30th birthday. It’s crazy- I feel so young still, but apparently I’m more of a grown up (age wise) than it seems. In honor of this special occasion I thought I’d share thirty random facts, memories and photos from life so far.

1.) I have a bunion. It’s super embarrassing…I even hate saying the word. I’ve had it since I was in high school and had surgery on it my freshman year of college. It’s gotten worse because the surgery wasn’t done correctly but it was so painful I keep putting off having it done again.

2.) Since 2011, I’ve written down everything I’ve worn (on work days) in my planner. I don’t often refer back to it, and it’s not really so I don’t wear the same thing too soon, but more for if i’m in a rush and can’t put an outfit together I have a safety of somewhere to look for ideas.

3.) I cannot function in a mess or clutter. It’s as if my brain shuts down and this angry person emerges. It’s really bad, but I’m extremely aware and work hard to deal with the fact that a happy life sometimes includes a little mess.

4.) I have short thumbs. Apparently it’s a genetic thing because my Papaw, Mimaw and a few cousins have it. Nail salons snicker when seeing them, but I am quite fond of their itty-bittiness…except when it comes to texting. In that case, using the thumb can be rather difficult.

5.) I remember the most random things. For example, I remember the first time I ever learned to write my name. I was sitting on my Dad’s lap at probably the age of three and asked him to show me. I remember the paper he used, the way it felt when he had me hold the pencil with him and seeing what it looked like for the first time. Other random things I remember are the first word I read, the first book I read and everything about living in Portugal when I was a toddler.

6.) I’m obsessed with Publix Cupcakes. I’d choose them over any gourmet cupcake store in the country. The butter extract in the butter cream frosting gets me every time!

7.) I really don’t think women should have to pump their own gas. I don’t care if this makes me seem anti-feminist, but it is disgusting and gross. The thought of touching a gas pump makes me ill and ’til the day I day, I will prefer to wear dainty gloves and sit in the car while someone else pumps fuel for me.

8.) My (Great) Aunt Faye is one of my best friends. I can’t begin to explain how much I love her. She’s funny, smart and passed down so much wisdom. She is the epitome of a southern woman and it pains my heart each day I’m away from her. I only hope one day I can be as fabulous as she.

9.) I believe everything happens for a reason. Not much to say about this, but it’s true.

10.) I owe my faith and relationship with Christ to my Nana and Papaw. 1225 West 3rd Street always feels like home when I walk in. I have such fond memories of participating in choir, youth group, church camp, lock-ins and telling my Papaw I wanted him to talk to the pastor with me about accepting Jesus into my heart. Even 10 years after he’s passed, I clearly see my grandfather sitting in the back row of the choir section looking down on me and singing in his deep baritone voice making sure I’m paying attention.

11.) My karaoke song is Fancy by Reba. I’ve known the words since I was a little girl listening to it in the back of my parents Chevy Cavalier. It’s more than likely the only song I know every word to.

12.) The beach is my happy place. It’s the only place I can shut my brain down for more than 1o minutes and actually relax.

13.) I think the word so should have another version, kind of like the word too. In my mind, the word “soo” should exist and mean so to a greater extent. i.e.: I love you soo much. Please tell me you agree? It drives me absolutely crazy!

14.) Cambron is my Mom’s maiden name and I feel honored to have it.

15.) I was born in Japan-Yokosuka to be exact.

16.) I’m an aggravator to the core. I love doing silly things to irritate my Mom, sister and poor EJE. Luckily they all know me well and don’t take offense to my crazy antics.

17.) I’m completely enthralled by jellyfish. I contribute this to a field trip in 1st grade when my class took a ferry to the island of Capri and my Dad and I counted hundreds upon hundreds of colorful jellyfish in the Mediterranean. (One of the perks of going to school in Italy while my Pops was in the Navy)

18.) I cannot cut onions…like not at all. My eyes instantly well up and burn. One day I’ll actually buy a pair of onion goggles.

19.) My twin sister and I live on opposite sides of the world (essentially). She’s in Fairbanks, Alaska and I’m in Charleston. We haven’t always been close, but I envy her in so many ways. She’s smart, driven and totally has it together. She doesn’t realize it, but she exudes confidence that I’ve never told her I see. It’s fascinating and drives me to be a better person and less concerned with the ways of the world. 

20.) My alter-ego (one too many drinks personality) is Camilla. She’s quite the character and likes to spit rhymes …. Camilla the Thrilla.

21.) I love classical music. I listen to NPR most of the day in my car just to catch the few moments they play classical music. I really should pay for my satellite radio subscription.

22.) I’m a total dreamer. I love thinking and talking about places I want to go, things I want to do and things in the world that make my heart aflutter. 

23.) Because of 22 when people ask me what I’m passionate about, I tend to say life’s simple pleasures. There’s nothing better than the first crisp feeling of fall, the feeling of a latte in my hand, the smell of fresh cut grass or enjoying a meal with people you cherish. Finding joy in the simple pleasures of life makes me the happiest person.

24.) Seeing this is #24, I think it appropriate to share how I met my sweet E (at the age of 24). As cheesy as it sounds, I remember the months before being  very challenging in my life. I prayed for God to help me overcome obstacles, become the person I wanted to be, and put someone in my life who was right for me. The 19th of September in 2009, my bestie and I visited The Stage after a Preds game and a few minutes after being there, I saw E from across the room. It was odd, really. I’m short and there were so many people around I don’t know how I saw him, but I did and I couldn’t see anyone else around. I describe the experience as someone putting a quarter in me and moving me straight to him (kind of like the machine that lets you attempt to pickup stuffed animals.) That night and the giddiness I felt first seeing him is something I’ll never forget. I like to think of it as a true Nashville love story crafted from the hands of God.

25.) I’m blessed to have a great group of friends I can count on for anything. From my hometown, to sorority sisters and a coworker turned sister, I couldn’t ask for more. 

26.) I’ve been to more concerts than I can count, but seeing Paul McCarney at Bonnaroo was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced. The man is a true performer and talent! It’s crazy to think I didn’t know anything Beatles until I was in my  20’s.

27.) I’ve only had two cars in my 14 years of driving. Deon the Neon was the first and best and now I’m driving Callie the Cobalt. I’m that geek who names her vehicles.

28.) My one and only dance move is pretty bad…but it always comes out anyway. If you see me moving around, I’m probably doing the Cammy Shammy.

29.) I over analyze and overthink everything. In turn, I’m super hard on myself and have a terrible fear or letting myself and others down. I hope to work on this in the next decade.

30.) Life so far has been pretty good. Lots of surprises, lots of (hard) lessons and sooo many laughs. At the end of the day, I’m glad for the experiences I’ve had and look forward to continuing into my 30’s one day and one smile at a time.