Ever since i was 9 i have always wanted to switch genders. i have thought about what it would be like hundreds of times and i am very confident in my perspective of it. i am not gay. i adore but respect girls. girls and only girls. but i am always burdened with the feeling that i was given the wrong body. i hate my male body and i am hoping for a sex change in the near future. is this normal?

I suggest that you seek counseling. This is a major decision and shouldn't just be taken without the proper information. They usually start you out by taking hormones so your body can get used to it and become more feminine. But you have to take them the rest of your life...
Research this and find out everything and talk to a counselor so you know exactly what you need to make this choice.
I wouldn't say this is normal, it is rare, but it does happen. If you do end up going through with the sex change I hope it all goes well :)