Today is the day of my birth. About 3 decades plus 3 years ago, I made my entry into this world. While it was an insignificant event to many, it was the most significant to the woman who bore me (I’m not tooting my horn here as it’s what my mother tells me).

So, I shall update this post with a collection of the 33 people who have made me smile, laugh and feel generally positive about things over the past year. I’m following a post that Bryper did on his birthday and I thought it was a nice touch, so I’m going to do it here.

Here’s my list.

1. My Creator. Ever since renewing my faith, I’ve become more positive, more energetic and more in tune with my place on this earth.
2. My mother, Lady J. There’s no bigger fan in my life than you. The fact that we’ve grown closer as friends is something that I treasure. I hope you’re around for a long time.
3. Papa Zeek. I’m speechless. You’ve provided me with 33-years of laughter and sage advice. I’m just glad I get to share it with the whole world.
4. My sister, Seven. You’re my best friend and I thank God that He gave me such an awesome sister. I wouldn’t trade you in for the world.
5. My younger sister, Tigga. You’re my other best friend and for someone who’s way younger than me, you give me such awesome advice. Thanks for always listening.
6. Scott Bourne. Who knew that a 2-hour conversation in the speaker’s room at the Podcast & Portable Media Expo would turn into me adopting you as my big brother. Thanks for all the laughter and especially, thanks for listening to my rants.
7. Dave Forde. You’re definitely the brother I never had (in every way). Somehow, we always find our way back to each other and I love the spark you bring into my life and my ideas. And yes, 2007 is the year I become the digital version of Oprah.
8. Paul Copcutt. You know that I adore your English accent, but aside from that, I also enjoy how our friendship has grown over the past year. You’re always full of ideas and I’m looking forward to planning that incredible event in Toronto this year.
9. Kelly McCausey. What can I say? Who knew that meeting online 2-years ago would result in such a great long distance friendship. Thanks for being just a phone call away and being one of the few people I can talk to about business-related faith based issues.
10. Penny Haynes. You have no idea how your network on Ryze reacquainted me with my 2 passions – speaking & technology. Thank you for being an inspiration and for supporting me on my own journey to help others podcast.
11. Sean Moffitt. Although we have never met, I want to thank you for the constant attention you bestow upon my little ol’ blog. Love the Professor of Podcasting tag that you gave me. Coffee’s on me when we finally do connect in person.
12. Mark Evans. You asked me just one question a year ago that helped to jump start my own quest to be more visible. You probably don’t remember that question and that’s okay, so thanks for giving such a great tip last year.
13. Jen Evans. See what happens when you put 2 minds together over a great plate of food? A darn cool survey. You’re awesome and I appreciate your willingness to collaborate.
14. Jan Janzen. I’ve told you many times before that without you in my life, it would be vastly different. Thanks for your confidence, the swift kick in the butt and the reality check that you give me all through love. Every business person needs someone like you in their life and I’m so glad that you’re in mine.
15. Andy Wibbels. You’re just one of the silliest people I met in 2006 and your energy is so infectious. I feel as if I’ve known you forever and thanks for interrupting your vacation just to help me out with that project last year. Looking forward to finally collaborating on something big.
16. Milana Leshinsky. I discovered you 2-years ago and you’re such an inspiration. You taught me through your products and services why knowing your audience is the key to building an information product empire. Seeing that you’re the #1 provider of business coaching tools has given me a goal of becoming the #1 provider of business podcasting tools, so thanks for all the inspiration.
17. Terri Levine. You were the very first coach who allowed me to share my podcasting knowledge with your database. Doing so helped paved the way to encourage others in the coaching field to give podcasting a try. Thanks for giving me your stamp of approval.
18. John C. Havens. I didn’t like you at first because you got the About.com gig over me, but then, I met you in Boston and I was like, “This guy ain’t bad.” And very quickly, you became one of my favourite people.
19. Bryan Person. What can I say? You always have my back and give me great advice. It’s not everyone I can spend 4-hours text messaging with.
20. Kate. Although I have enough sisters, I consider you my Canadian sister from another mother. You’re always looking out and I’m appreciative of all the speaking engagements you throw my way. I’ve got your back.
21. Jay Moonah. I’m glad to have met you and one day, I’ll be able to say that I spent a 27-hour car ride with Uncle Seth. Don’t change who you are and keep leading the charge in using social media to raise your profile.
22. Julien Smith. You’re one of my favourite Montreal podcasters, but you already know that don’t you?
23. CAPOW. You folks are just the best – Shel, Neville, John, Dan, Lee, Mitch, Michael, Donna, Heidi – and I value and trust your judgment. Thanks for the advice, anecdotes and your ongoing love of Second Life.
24. Dean Hua. What can I say about my Asian brother from another mother? You love BSG, you love to commiserate with me over the silliness we see in social networking and we both have eternal youth (which kind of works to our detriment in business situations). Can’t wait to talk to you in person while kicking back some brew when I visit Maryland in the near future.

Okay, I’m tired. I don’t know how Bryan did this, but coming up with another 8 people will require a full stomach and no looming deadlines. More to come.