*J* is for Jennifer

Jennifer. Yes, that's me. It's a fairly common name for women around my age (that's a bit of an understatement, no?). It was the number one most popular girl's name of the decade. According to Social Security Online, there were 581,649 of us born in the 70s. Amy comes in at number 2, with 268,971.

Maybe that is part of the reason why I always felt a little on the boring side growing up: very average, very much part of the pack. I always wanted to be unique, but it seems a little difficult when you're just another Jennifer.

I'm over that now. There was a time in my life when I just wanted attention and wanted to stand out. But now, I am more than content to fly below the radar.

So, in honor of J, here's a random sampling of the things that make this Jennifer happy.

• My Kids
  
• My Husband
  
• My Mom and Dad, my brother and family, my inlaws
  
• My friend Sara
  
• My Canon 5D
  
• Vacationing with my husband in Hawaii
  
• Reading, and reading, and reading some more
  
• Music, especially that music made by my dad and brother
  
• Music, especially Reckless Kelly, Counting Crows, and Fastball
  
• Wallowa Lake in Oregon
  
• Snow, as long as I don't have to drive in it
  
• Running for miles and miles and still feeling like I can run more
  
• Red wine, white wine, bubbly wine
  
• Kitty cats
  
• People that make me laugh, make me laugh and you're probably my friend for life
  
• Disneyland
  
• Tomatoes fresh from the garden
  
• Caramel Apples
  
• Sleeping in
  
• Coffee
  
• The smell of pine trees
  
• Campfires, and roasting marshmallows
  

Maybe my name is common. Maybe I am common. I really don't know, but frankly, I don't care anymore. I just feel happy, and I plan to continue to discover happiness and love all around me.

That is Jennifer.