Seeing as the Pope thought it was a good idea to mend fences, as President I'd give it a shot too and go.

Why or wouldn't you visit a country that's just had a terrorist attack?

I wouldn't visit a recently attacked country in fear that it would happen again while I'm there.

Which life experience has strengthened you the most?

Leaving home at 15.

Which life experience has damaged you the most?

My stepfather's abuse. If you could start a whole new career tomorrow, what would it be?

I would be a feline behaviorist.

If you could study nature by using a camera, or by taking notes and making your own drawings, which would you choose?

Camera

What is the best thank you you ever received?

A $2,000 bonus from a freelance client. I used it to make a mid-life crisis purchase—my first Miata.

If money was no object, what kind of party would you throw and where?

I'd throw a HUGE birthday party in Chicago on July 17th and extend an open invitation to anyone who wished to attend!


Any IF money was no object, where would you go on a romantic getaway?

I would go to the Mediterranean and visit all the places along the sea, stay a month or more exploring.

If you could donate to any charity, if you had lots of moolah, which charity would you choose?

Children of the Night

Same question: if you could donate to any charity, if you had truck loads of money, which charity would you choose?

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and a stipulation for receiving the funds would be the full amount would go towards an already established fund for the homeless with mental illness, or they would have to create one.

If you could head any campaign, what kind would it be and who would you be targeting/helping?

Dress for Success


The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.


What charity would you NEVER donate to? (Some do have higher administrative costs than actually what goes to the charity itself! Something about that just doesn't sit well with me)

HSUS

You have given to people who are raising money on their own for different causes: gofundme, giveforward, gofundly, etc.?

Yes, I've given to individual 'fund me' projects.

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

This year. I bought and used a chainsaw for the first time.:fastdraq: If you could afford to quit your job and go to school full time, what would you study?

I would love to study to become a feline behaviorist. I should have gone back to school 10 years ago but decided I would be too advanced in years, upon graduating, to begin a new career. Since then, I realized that one is never too old, but now other things are preventing me.

If you could make/find the time to write a book, what subject would write about, or what type of book would it be?

I would love to interview couples and ask how they met! I'm always fascinated by that subject and especially if one of the women had never been involved with a same sex partner previously.

What fascinates you?

Animals, domestic cats, fascinate me, as well as people from different cultures and/or countries. Oh my gosh, I could go on and on, but I think cats and cultures top the list.

What are you least curious about?

C A M P I N G


What has been your favorite place to visit to date

Havana, Cuba

How do you mend a broken heart?

I give a broken heart to my dogs ... they will heal it. Guaranteed!

Are you good with saving money or are you a gratuitous spender?

*waves to Orema*
:)

*waving at my screen to Rocks*

Good at saving money (but I can be a cavalier spender with what's left over)

If you could change (or create) one law, what would it be?

I would ban guns in the U.S. for anyone who is not in law enforcement. (yeah, I know...keep on dreaming)

What is the best lesson you have learned thus far in life?

That the road to hell REALLY is paved with good intentions


What irritates you

People that are selfish and self-serving.

What moves you?

People who say they'll do something, and actually do it!

What weighs heavy on your mind?

The lack of good and inexpensive produce.

What is the most important characteristic for a person to have in order for you to even consider them as someone worth getting to know?

Truthfully there hasn't been one. This has been a very difficult summer for a variety of reasons.

What is your favorite time of year and why?

Fall (September - November): crisp morning air, dense marine morning going fog that burns off to warm afternoons, the beautiful foliage of trees, the coast with its lack of mass crowds and watching storms roll in. And, although I'm not fond of holidays such as Halloween, I do like to create my own holiday celebrations and as well, enjoy Thanksgiving.


Q: If you have am favorite hobby, what type of hobby do you enjoy most, and why?

Walking in the woods, it's not so much a hobby I guess, as something I enjoy doing. Most of my life I lived near the ocean and loved walking on beaches for hours, but the past thirteen years there is no beach near me so I find in the absence of a sandy beach, the woods works well. I find it relaxing to walk and I find my awareness of my surroundings magnifies when I am in the woods. I just love the sounds and the smells.

What do you do to relax?

Riding my bicycle is so very relaxing, to me. When I ride, I am very aware of my surroundings; the wind in my hair - from rushing down a hill is so exhilarating. I like riding my bicycle because it provides a way to decompress from my day, much like going for a long walk in the neighborhood, but so much better. Plus, whenever I ride, I meet fellow riders along the way and make new friend's who share an similar interest. Which is always pleasureable, to me. :)

Q: What thing (s) bring you deep pleasure? And if so, were you surprised - by said pleasure (s)?

Autumn! Even as a child, knowing the end of summer meant returning to the classroom, I felt it was a fair trade off for the joys of Autumn!

Q: Do you have a favorite season?

I actually was starting to train, in swimming, for the Olympics as a child, but something happened, and I was not able to continue training.

Do you ever wish you didn't have a phone and/or cell phone?

Yes, and I've actually spent large portions of my teen/adult life living without either.

How long would you be able to survive if starting right now you were unable to leave your home to purchase food and had no running water?

I could make it a couple of weeks at least :)

Would you rather have to live in your car for a week or your bathroom?

In my bathroom, I would hate to be without one for a week. ;)

What do you dislike about yourself?

My lack of patience.

What do you like about yourself?

My calm demeanor.

What do you use when you cut yourself? (by accident, that is )