The Shadow-Lover's Haunt

High School Meme

2009-02-14T03:56:13Z

Hmm, slightly different variant on the usual theme. Funny what happens when the generation that grew up with the internet starts getting older...

Did you ever...
1. ...date someone from your school?
Not even close.

2. ...marry someone from your high school?
Now that's just funny on several levels.

3. ...car pool to school?
Every day for nine months, back when I lived with Emily. I was also good at bumming rides and, when my license wasn't suspended, giving 'em.

4. What kind of car did you have?
An '83 Chevy Citation - which eventually died months after getting hit by a semi.

5. What kind of car do you have now?
A '93 Ford Escort - this despite years of mocking Fords as "found on road dead" vehicles. I do love my little go-cart.

6. ‘Tis Friday night...where are you now?
Probably at home, relaxing after a week of class, etc.

7. It is a Friday night... where were you then?
Often at the school football field with the marching band, or in the basement at Emily's playing video games when I wasn't at home, hiding in the internet.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?
I spent some time working at the mall's ice rink, renting and sharpening skates for primadonna figure skaters and junior high kids who attended "Rock'n'Skate." Boy bands still make me cringe because of those nights...

9. What kind of job do you do now?
I'm a law student doing the job hunt thing - here's hoping!

10. Were you a party animal?
Not at all. Had to be dragged out most of the time.

11. Were you considered a flirt?
I'm pretty sure I was considered asexual.

12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
Band all four years, clarinet.

13. Were you a nerd?
Not stereotypically so, but definitely ran with the honors track crowd. I was too much of a jock/theatre person/mess of other things to really fit into any one particular mold (this not even including my trouble-making streak that made school administration hate me. Pretty sure nerds don't do that...)

14. Did you get suspended or expelled?
Came close a time or two, actually, though few of my friends ever knew it. Home drama leads to attendance issues leads to active conflict with certain teachers. It was good times.

15. Can you sing the school fight song?
Yep, though I only know the lyrics because our elementary school music teacher insisted on it. I can probably still play that and Tribute to Troy if my clarinet were capable of making noise at the moment.

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher(s)?
Brez and Mr. Anthony are the main reasons why I kept caring about academics long enough to graduate, I suspect. Both went way above the call of duty to give me places to run to when life got crazy, and to remind me that I had the ability to make it through that time - and would be stronger for it. Come to think of it, Nan, the art teacher, was also really good that way. They also went to bat for me against certain other teachers (see 14) - funny to think back on that time and how much trouble somebody who never drank, smoked, had sex or did much of anything else negative could cause, really.

17. Where did you sit during lunch?
Down the hall in front of the gym doors, across from the band/orchestra rooms.

18. What was your school's full name?
Iowa City West High School.

19. When did you graduate?
2002

20. What was your school mascot?
The Trojans. Never really have been able to understand schools choosing that mascot - after all, Troy fell in pretty embarrassing fashion in its most famous story.

21. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Hell no. Well, maybe, if certain major events didn't happen. I can handle the idea of standard high school drama - it even seems quaint to me - but my actual experience was so bad that there's one year of that I can really barely remember, with most of it just swallowed up by the trauma. Sure, it made me a much stronger person - there's not much that scares me these days - but only in that whole "what does not kill you" sense, and it came real close.

22. Did you have fun at prom?
Eh, kind of. Went stag as part of a group of my friends, and when I managed to stop being jealous of the idiot who was with the girl I'd been in love with for years, I managed to have a decent time. Party at Em's afterwards was pretty decent. Not really the classic "prom night" in any sense, but that was never in the cards for me anyway.

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to prom with?
I talk to some of the girls I went with, sure. Saw most of 'em at Emily's wedding earlier this year, actually.

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?
That'd be the 10 year, right? I've always sort of planned on it. Kind of wish it could include folks from the year ahead and behind me, though - I had a lot of friends outside of the class of '02 I'd like to see.

25. Do you still talk to people from school?
Emily and I talk frequently, Claudia and Anne are on LJ, Brittany kicks my butt at Scrabulous regularly... yeah, there's a core of folks I keep up with. Facebook is fun for stalking that way.

26. School colors?
Green and gold.

27. What celebrities came from your high school?
I heard that the guy who was understudy for Daniel Radcliffe in Equus was part of the cast of Oliver! that I worked with in Theatre West... other than that, no clue.

28. Do you have any high school regrets?
Kind of wish I'd had the courage to come out - might have helped get my head on straight sooner, stay with the sports (the closet is really what killed that for me) and decrease the overall drama level. There's also the mess that was the German trip... ugh... and failing pre-calculus and almost failing a literature class. So yeah, much as I'd like to say I have no regrets, they're there. Take the lessons and go, though - there was a lot of good back then, too.

Because I Was Bored of that Bird

2008-11-03T06:36:44Z

And because Emily and XB did it, too, of course... but mostly because of the bird. And it's fun to track how these answers change over time. Without further blabbering...

99 Things About Me

. : START : .
1. Name: Casey aka Cassaundra
2. Middle Name: Jenis
3. State: California - for now.
4. Place of Birth: Long Beach, CA
6. Male or Female: Female
7. Bus: Ha! Not if I can help it. I like the DC metro though.
8. School: UCLA Law
9. Occupation: Law student, gay rights activist, politics wonk.
10. Initials: CJP
11. Screen Name: Kalenedral14 - hasn't changed since junior high, though I also registered SenatorEvanBayh for class once.

.. Your Appearance : .

12. Hair Color: Brown
13. Hair Length: Moderately long
14. Eye color: Greenish
15. Best Feature: No idea.
16. Height: 5'10" or 5'11"
17. Braces?: Never, but it might have been a good idea
18. Glasses? Yep - love the green metal frames.
19. shoe size? 10 or 11, or 42 in birkenstocks
20. Diploma?: West High School, Claremont McKenna College, and soon (hopefully) UCLA School of Law

. : Your Firsts : .

22. First best friend: Tracy Hadnott - two tallest girls at E.W. Ward Elementary, named Casey and Tracy. It was good times.
23. First Award: I'm going to guess it was something academic...
24. First Sport You Joined: Softball, when I was 5 years old.
25. First thing you did today?: Winced at the splitting headache I had.
26. First Real vacation: Palm Springs?
27. First thing you said today: "Good morning. No, I'm not awake yet."
28. First Love: Indeterminate

. : Favorites : .

29. Movie: As a genre, I'd go with comic book hero flicks.
30. TV Show: Going by the number of seasons I've purchased, Buffy. Xena is also right up there, and CSI: Miami comes in third with iTunes downloads.
31. color: It's always been blue, but other earth tones are creeping in, like warm greens and browns.
32. Rapper: Eminem, purely for 8 Mile and Lose Yourself. Freshman year college theme song.
33. Place to get groceries: Any grocery store I can walk to, preferably open 24/7
34. Food: Comfort. See also cheesecake
35. Season: Indian Summer
36. Candy: See's orange chocolate truffles. White chocolate mint is also wonderful (thank you Steph Ward for that addiction)
37. Sport: Basketball
38. Restaurant: I haven't really settled down enough to have one - though I do love the big truckstop on I-80 just west of the Mississippi river.
40. Store: I don't shop nearly enough to have an answer to this. Oh wait - Guitar Center!
41. School Subject: Government, History, or British Literature
42. Animal: Siamese cats - yet I still go a little giddy when I see horses.
43. Book: Dear lord, I have no idea. Fantasy novels still win, though.
44. Magazine: Acoustic Guitar - I'm even a subscriber!

. : Currently : .
45. Doing before you started this survey: Watching Tom Lehrer on YouTube with friends before going to a wedding.
46. Feeling: Pretty decent. Dressed reasonably fancy, which is always a little strange.
47. Wearing: Olive green Jones New York suit, orange/rust wrap shirt with a white tank underneath, black shoes.
48. Crying: Nope - and I have to agree with Em, if I was upset to the point of crying, I don't think a web survey would be my preferred means of feeling better.
49. Eating: Taquitos
50. Drinking: Nothing at the moment.
51. Typing: No, staring at a truly silly question.
53. Listening To: Special features extra footage from Dawn of the Dead
54. Thinking about: Trying to figure out how I'm going to deal with missing election day outreach training tonight.
55. Wanting: To get on the road.
56. Watching: Still Dawn of the Dead footage. Really good - for a zombie movie.

. : Future : .
57. Where do you see yourself in 5 years: DC, doing some kind of advocacy work, maybe pushing for marriage equality in the Midwest if I'm really lucky.
58. Kids: Having just spent a wonderful morning teaching a bunch of teenagers about God, sex and other important things, I'm even more sure that I want to foster someday. As to adopting or otherwise having kids, it depends on my partner, but it's not an unattractive thought.
59. Want to be Married: Yes, very much so. What, you think I'm doing all this activism work out of altruism or something? *grins*
60. Career in Mind: Advocacy, justice work... there are lots of potential paths. Right now my specializations include GLBT issues, elections law, national security and international human rights and humanitarian law. Anything in those fields would be great.

. : Which is Better with the Opposite Sex : . (Who cares? I'm answering the spirit of the question, which means I'm applying it to the ladies.)
63. Hair color: Despite being teased for liking blonde actresses, in real life I tend to fall for brunettes. Don't really know why.
64. Hair length: Longer - there aren't that many folks who can get away with the butch haircuts, and those who try usually aren't my type anyway.
65. Eye color: Again, I seem to have a pattern of liking brown-eyed girls, but it isn't something I look for or particularly care about. I think every color can be beautiful, and what really makes 'em special are when those eyes show me intelligence, kindness, humor and depth.
66. Measurements: You want the shallow answer? Dancers are the hottest girls out there. Athletic is no bad thing, either.
67. Cute or sexy: I'm with Em on this one - the two aren't mutually exclusive, and I've rarely met an attractive girl who couldn't be both depending on circumstance.
68. Lips or Eyes: Eyes - see above.
69. Hugs or Kisses: Both, thank you.
70. Short or Tall: Shorter than me, usually - there aren't many girls taller, so that's always a little weird to run into. Nothing against somebody of the same height, though.
71. Easygoing or serious: I can be really intense and serious sometimes, so a joyful, light-hearted spirit is really attractive to me.
72. Romantic or Spontaneous: Since where are these opposites? Spontaneity can be quite romantic. I'll take either, so long as its genuine.
73. Good or Bad: Give me a good girl with a slightly crooked halo. *grins*
74. Sensitive or spontaneous? Again, these aren't opposites. If I had to choose, though, I'll take sensitive. I think I'll need it.
75. Hook-up or Relationship: I don't have it in me to do hook-ups... and I think people deserve more than that anyway. So yeah, relationships anyday.
77. Trouble Maker or Hesitant One: Tired of complaining about the choices... shy girls intrigue me, and my SoulforceQ side loves somebody who's willing to make trouble for a good cause.

. : Have You Ever : .
78. Kissed a Stranger: Not my style.
79. Had major surgery: Nope
80. Gone commando: Nyet
81. Ran Away From Home: Yes, kind of.
82. Broken a bone: Yep, both bones in my ankle while sliding into second base.
83. Got an X-ray: X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds... for a fundamentally healthy person, I've had plenty of interesting tests done.
84. Been on a cruise: Not yet. Alaska sounds like fun, though.
85. Broken Someone's Heart: Broken, no. Maybe dented one or two, but not intentionally, certainly.
86. Dumped someone: dumped, no. Rejected, yes.
87. Cried When Someone Died: of course
88. Cried At School: Yeah. Tough times (and since Em drew the distinction, yes, both on campus and in class a few times).

. : Do You Believe In : .
89. God: Yes.
90. Miracles: Absolutely. Particularly miracles of the heart, changes and choices that can't be explained otherwise.
91. Love at First Sight: No, but I do believe that I can tell within seconds of meeting somebody if they're somebody I could fall for.
92. Ghosts: Not particularly.
93. Aliens: I believe aliens are possible. I do not believe we currently have any evidence of them.
94. Soul Mates: Sometimes.
95. Heaven: Yes.
96. Hell: Sort of. It's not something I think about much.
97. Answered prayers: Yes - and those, I've seen and felt.
98. Kissing on The First Date: I don't see anything wrong with it, but I'm shy enough that I doubt I ever would. However, if I really liked the girl and she initiated it, I probably wouldn't turn away. *grins*
99. Horoscopes: Nah.

No "Wind Beneath My Wings" References, Please

2008-03-30T16:14:06Z

You're right, Squirrel - as far as quizzes go, this one's pretty decent. Plus, I've always had a fondness for birds of prey, and this is the first time I've actually been associated with one, so that's worth noting. *grins*

What Is Your Daemon?

EAGLE or HAWK - your daemon may be some kind of bird of prey. Yours is a strong spirit, and a fierce sense of liberty. You cannot be confined. You may be shrewdly observant, and like to be aware of everything that goes on around you. You will fight fiercely for the things that are most important to you, and you are definitely a force to be reckoned with. Still, you are not vicious by nature and would prefer to be left in peace. You probably value your solitude very highly - not that you don't enjoy company, but sometimes you just need to be alone - otherwise you begin to feel caged in and confined. You might want to take a drive on your own, just to feel the road beneath you, or to sit alone on your balcony, watching the world go by.
Take this quiz!

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Tunes Meme

2008-01-19T08:02:13Z

I know, I know - meme's been seen before, but Anne did it again, so I thought I'd play along... besides, I always find memes that require me to look at the nuttiness of my music collection highly amusing. First line of 30 songs derived randomly from my IPod, and anybody who wants to can guess what songs they are. Music collection has grown some since last time I played the game, so here goes!

1. ~~Daddy built a droid and named it Wisdom, stuck it in a steel balloon...~~ Stuart Davis, "Anaesthesia Necrophilia" - nice catch, Claudia, I'll be explaining that one for weeks... *grins*

2. Let's go away for awhile, you and I, to a strange and distant land... Weezer, "Holiday"

3. You who I cradled in my arms, you, asking as little as you can... Miss Saigon, "I'd Give My Life For You"

4. I am walking out in the rain and I am listening to the low moan of the dial tone again... Ani DiFranco "Both Hands"

5. ~~Every time our eyes meet, this feeling inside me, is almost more than I can take...~~ Lonestar "Amazed" - score one for Anne (though not one of the ones I suspected she'd get, go figure)

6. Sometimes I feel like an innocent one... Melissa Etheridge "The Angels"

7. ~~Let us be lovers, we'll marry our fortunes together...~~ Paul Simon, "America" Count on the engaged one to appreciate that lyric *grins* another one for Claudia!

8. Quod fuit est sicut quod erit... (unlike Anne, I'm not nice enough to exclude or separate the non-English ones *grins* Though really, there was nothing I could do about the purely instrumental stuff...) Cirque Du Soleil, Dralion, "Ballare"

9. This is not a sad song, a sad song to sing when you're alone... Neil Diamond, "Song Sung Blue"

10. Has our conscience shown? Has the sweet breeze blown? Collective Soul, "The World I Know"

11. I'm giving you my heart, and all that is within... Marc James (Vineyard), "Surrender"

12. Indian legislation's on the desk of the do-right congressman... Indigo Girls, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"

13. ~~There are stars in the southern sky, southward as you go...~~ Eagles, "Seven Bridges Road" - not sure many folks would characterize that one as obvious, Shobha *grins*

14. Someone is tossing petals in the stream, somewhere someone is standing at the foothills of their dreams…Antje Duvekot, "Merry-Go-Round"

15. The slotted spoon can catch the potato... Into the Woods, "Children Will Listen"

16. Seems like only yesterday I left my mind behind... Joan Baez, "Love is a Four Letter Word"

17. Oh, I bet you're wondering how I knew 'bout your plans to make me blue... Marvin Gaye, "Heard it Through the Grapevine"

18. ~~Who do you think you are, barging in on me and my guitar?~~ RENT "Another Day" - though Anne should get extra points for catching the option on the finale, as well. Nice.

19. Have you ever wandered lonely through the woods? Brandi Carlile, "Have You Ever"

20. I'm full of regret for all of the things I have done and said... Maroon 5, "Tangled"

21. I'm telling you to loosen up my buttons, baby... Pussycat Dolls, "Buttons"

22. Stewball was a racehorse, and I wish he were mine, he never drank water, he only drank wine... Peter, Paul and Mary, "Stewball"

23. ~~Listen as the wind blows from across the great divide...~~ Sarah Mclachlan, "Possession" Chalk it up for Anne... though did you know it was off of the live album? *grins*

24. ~~You'll remember me when the west wind moves...~~ Sting, "Fields of Gold" Score another for Shobha! Small confession - this song always makes me think of Favonius when I hear it - yes, I am that much of a dork.

25. If I wanted to I could do anything right, I could dance with the devil on a Saturday night... Melissa Etheridge, "If I Wanted To"

26. On Christmas morning, outside it was pouring, all was hopeless in this home... Something Corporate, "Forget December"

27. ~~There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea...~~ Seal, "Kiss from a Rose," though it brings to mind more memories of summer camp than Batman movies for me. Chalk up another one for Shobha!

28. ~~I can't be losing sleep over this, no I can't~~ Lifehouse, "Something In Between" and one more for Claudia!

29. Lying in a city night, a million fingers tingling my skin... Melissa Etheridge, "You Used To Love To Dance"

30. I used to think that I knew what we needed, I just assumed we would always be fine... Heather Nova, "It's Only Love"

Getting real creative with this procrastination stuff...

2007-12-01T09:03:32Z

Eh, so I really should be studying... but this little thing from Anne woke up my long latent creative side, so I think I'll go with it. The Vienna Treaty will wait, after all. Not gonna tag anybody, though, since I'm not really sure who on my f-list could answer even if they wanted to. Volunteers welcome. Oh, and any accusations of autobiography will be met with a bland stare - these are, after all, my characters.
Original Character Meme
1. Choose a few of your own characters--from stories, novels, games, or any other forum in which you may have created them.
2. Make them answer the following questions.
3. Then tag three people.
4. Feel free to go ahead and add some questions yourself!

The List:

Kalena Loneashke - Woman warrior, nomadic traveler, lone wolf with an abiding loyalty to the tribe that cast her out. Tough and honorable, but also deeply pragmatic and possessed of an wicked sense of humor. She'd rather be right than nice, and doesn't deal well with incompetence. Her restlessness never lets her stay in one place long enough to really deal with the niceties of society anyway.

Dakota Michaelson - A southern California cop, she lives on a boat in a marina. Laid-back and well-liked, she gets around on a motorcycle, indulges a hidden love of classical literature and keeps the world firmly on the other side of her 12-string Taylor guitar ever since a brush with death a few years back in the line of duty. These days, she also volunteers as a mentor at a local youth shelter, and that's the only place that sees the softer side of this young detective, whose eyes may have seen a little too much.

Mia Moore - Gentle, light-hearted and artistic, one day she's a dancer, the next she's an actress, and by nightfall she's got another dream to chase. Meanwhile, she gets by as a barista at the local trendy coffeeshop, with some tutoring on the side. Basically, she's a girl who knows she's bound for great things... she just doesn't know what those are yet, how she'll get there, or who'll be by her side when she does.

The Questions

Boy or girl?
Kalena: Believe it or not, there is a woman under the armor. Better not to be too blatant about that in my line of work, though. Females stand out like a sore thumb enough as it is.
Dakota: *raised eyebrow* Hardly a girl anymore.
Mia: *simply laughs* I'm a girl, of course. Well, more like a young woman... "girl" sounds is a little silly... but you know what I mean!

How old are you?
Kalena: Young enough to make a long day's march and fight a battle at the end of it, old enough to kick myself for it in the morning when my joints ache with the chill.
Dakota: 29 - getting up there, I know.
Mia: I'll be 24 next month. Weird to think college was two years ago already - where has the time gone?

What's your height?
Kalena: Bit taller'n average - my people aren't small as a rule, and I always was able to run with the boys... ah, I miss them sometimes. No matter - why're you asking, anyway? Something wrong with your eyes?
Dakota: 5'8" or so.
Mia: 5'4" - wish I was taller, though - directors always go for the tall, striking girls. Still, if I was much taller, I probably couldn't have done ballet...

Are you a virgin?
Kalena: Kinda goes with the celibacy oath. Romance isn't in the cards for someone like me, anyway. I've got promises to keep.
Dakota: Oh, I've had my share of fun. Do I look like a saint to you? C'mon now.
Mia: *blushes*

Do you have any kids?
Kalena: You're really not listening, are you?
Dakota: Well, not that I gave birth to, but I love those kids at the shelter like they were my own. Lord knows, somebody's got to.
Mia: Maybe someday... but not anytime soon! I've got things to do, places to see... and I'd have to meet somebody special first... but yeah, someday, maybe...

What's your favourite food?
Kalena: Favorite? My favorite food is whatever I manage to pull down with a short-bow. I'm really not much for cooking.
Dakota: I make a wicked stir-fry. Add in some chilled plum wine, some rice, and a salt breeze off the marina, and I'm happy.
Mia: Well, I know it's horrible for you, and my friends keep telling me how I shouldn't eat meat anyway, because it's so bad for the environment and I hate factory farms, but my dad just makes the best barbeque... hey, you can't blame me for having country roots, can you?

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Kalena: I don't know what you're talking about... is that some kind of noble luxury nonsense? Ice in a desert... what're you thinking, fool child?!
Dakota: Mango mochi, actually... though the green tea is pretty good, too. You should have seen the kids' faces when I made them try it!
Mia: Oh, I really shouldn't... I'm on a diet... but I'll never turn down Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey. Sometimes a girl's gotta have something sweet, right?

Have you killed anyone?
Kalena: You think the sword's there for decoration? It's not a can opener.
Dakota: Not that I'm proud of it, but yeah. Part of the job sometimes.
Mia: Are you nuts?! Of course not!

Do you hate anyone?
Kalena: *fumes* Yes. And that's more than you need to know.
Dakota: What's the point? Life's hard enough as it is without holding on to that crap.
Mia: I get mad sometimes... and yeah, there are some people I just can't stand... but hate... I... no, I don't think so. Guess I'm pretty luck that way, huh?

Have any secrets?
Kalena: The aura of mystery is part of the job description - they'd take back the "brooding warrior" club membership if I didn't.
Dakota: I have an "if you ask, I tell" policy. Some things, folks just don't need to know.
Mia: I'm really bad at lying... I couldn't keep a secret if I tried! I mean, not that I'll tell other people's secrets, I'm really good at keeping those, and being trustworthy... but my own? Nope. Somehow they always come out... umm, I mean get out. Not come out, that means something different... oh damn.

Do you love anyone?
Kalena: Do I have spell things out for you? I'm a hardassed, wandering celibate fighter. I don't do "love."
Dakota: Gives a little extra spice to certain songs, but no, I'm single these days.
Mia: ...yes... *blushes*

What is your job?
Kalena: Troublemaker or problem-solver, depends on the day.
Dakota: One of LA's finest, at your service.
Mia: Oh, I'm an actress... I mean, I'm auditioning right now, and you know, the writer's strike is putting a crimp in things, so the coffee shop pays the bills... and when that doesn't, I do a little tutoring at the junior high...

Any powers or weapons?
Kalena: Sword. Few daggers. Decent hand to hand skills. The bow. I get by.
Dakota: May I introduce you to my friends, Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson? *grins*
Mia: Umm... I can hit a high C on a good day... and I make an awesome mocha. Really not much for fighting... and really, aren't most weapons illegal? This is California, after all... haven't you heard of gun control?

What do you do to relax?
Kalena: I draw. Tell anybody and I'll kill you slowly.
Dakota: Every couple of weeks I'll play a gig at the club with a couple local girls. Mostly rock, some Etheridge covers... we have a good time. Great way to blow off steam.
Mia: There's this little spot out on the shore I know, where it's quiet, and you can just watch the waves come in... and when that gets old, there's always dancing. *grins*

What do you think your life expectancy is?
Kalena: One of these days there'll be somebody better... but so far, so good.
Dakota: Oh, about average for somebody who works vice, lives on coffee and hates doctors.
Mia: Morbid much?

What is your opinion of the opposite sex?
Kalena: You're really not getting the celibacy thing, are you?
Dakota: I'm a cop. It's a man's world, but they're my brothers. And that's all they are.
Mia: I know a lot of really sweet boys, but they're nothing special.

Now what are you going to do?
Kalena: Oh, I'll be moving on.
Dakota: Punch the clock, get the bad guys and all that. Cop's got the best job security in the world.
Mia: *smiles* I dunno, but I'm sure it'll be cool.

What is your theme color?
Kalena: Black. It's part of the uniform.
Dakota: Blue. What she said.
Mia: I just like colors, the brighter, the better!

Favorite Song?
Kalena: "Wind's Four Quarters" by Mercedes Lackey
Dakota: "The Universe Listened" by Melissa Etheridge
Mia: "All or Nothing" by Athena Cage (Save the Last Dance soundtrack)

Who would you say is your best friend?
Kalena: Orion, the Archer who guides my path at night.
Dakota: Oh, I have many friends... nobody I'm particularly close to, but many good friends.
Mia: Y'know? I don't think I've met them yet. Someday, though... someday

Amusing questions...

2007-11-30T11:05:30Z

1. Describe your ex in two words:
What ex?

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen?
Pilot rollerballs, particularly the dark pink/cardinal ones.

3. Look at your planner for May 14th, what are you doing?
Probably starting my summer job, or recovering from finals.

4. What does the 4th text in your inbox say?
U coming to happy hour?

5. What was the last thing you highlighted?
The International Court of Justice's ruling in the US Nicaragua case

6. What color are your bedroom curtains?
Curtains?

7. What color are the seats in your car?
Grey

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat?
Yep, named Pepper. His father brought him home, ironically enough.

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on?
Donation to the LAGLC's homeless youth program.

10. Do you know anyone who lives in Wyoming?
Don't think so.

11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time?
Wanted a beverage, and Zona Rosa only takes cash.

12. Who was the last baby you held?
I don't know that I've ever actually held a baby. Huh.

13. Do you know of any twins with rhyming names?
Thankfully, no. That's just cruel.

14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste
Ugh, no.

15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago?
LGM, my Ford Escort

16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators
Don't really care.

17. Last time you went to Six Flags?
Never - more of a Knott's sort of girl.

18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house?
Nyet.

19. Closest thing to you that is yellow?
Notebook from the Soulforce Right to Marry campaign.

20. Last person to give you a business card?
Hilary Meyer from Lambda Legal

21. Who is the last person who wrote a check to you?
Haven Herrin, paying me back for buying gas for the van.

22. Closest framed picture to you?
The shot Amy took of my hands playing guitar

23. Last time you had someone cook for you?
Saturday in my belated Thanksgiving with my mom.

24. Have you ever applied for welfare?
Me personally, no. My family, yes.

25. How many emails do you have?
Active accounts? 4 or 5. Actual messages? Who knows.

26. Last time you received flowers?
My 20th birthday - Amy covered my bed in roses, while I was sleeping in it - woke up to the most amazing smell. Beautiful gesture.

27. Do you think the sanctity of marriage is meant for only a man and woman?
No. And being asked this question at the end of today just makes me want to kick something. I'm off duty, dang it! *grins*

28. Do you play air guitar?
I have four real guitars - why bother?

29. Has anyone ever proposed to you?
I've barely ever been asked out, so no.

30. Do you take anything in your coffee?
Enough sugar and creamer that it doesn't taste like coffee anymore.

31. Do you have any willow tree figurines?
Huh?

32. What was your high school’s mascot?
A trojan

33. Last thing you drank?
Bottle of water.

34. Last time you used hand sanitizer?
Not for awhile. Soap's fine.

35. Would you like to learn to play the drums?
Eh, not particularly. Lots of other instruments would come first.

36. What color are the blinds in your living room?
White

37. What is in your inbox at work?
My law school inbox probably has spam from firms and school organizations that want me to come to things.

38. Last thing you read in the newspaper?
I think the last article I read online today was about the Sudanese woman being charged with a crime for naming a stuffed animal Muhammed. Fluff reading, at that point.

39. What was the last pageant you attended?
Not my thing.

40. What is the last place you bought pizza from?
Papa John's

41. Have you ever worn a crown?
Remember the old Burger King crowns? Fun times.

42. What is the last thing you stapled?
Printed out assignment from a class.

43. Did you ever drink clear Pepsi?
Nope.

44. Are you ticklish?
Sometimes.

45. Last time you saw fireworks?
4th of July up in Pasadena. Good times.

46. Last time you had a Krispy Kreme doughnut?
DC?

47. Who is the last person that left you a message & you actually returned their call?
Candy.

48. Last time you parked under a carport?
Not sure I ever have, actually.

49. Do you have a black dog?
Nope - apricot poodle.

50. Do you have pickles in your fridge?
Does relish count?

51. Are you an aunt or uncle?
I'd better not be.

52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know?
Hard to say - I have many friends with lovely eyes.

53. Last time you saw a semi truck?
Half an hour ago, driving home from Claremont.

54. Do you remember Ugly Kid Joe?
No idea.

55. Do you have a little black dress?
Nope. I'm lousy at being a girl, I know.

Answering another of my favorite questions...

2007-11-01T23:54:00Z

An e-mail I received earlier today...

Casey,

This may be a much longer conversation than you are ready for, but I was wondering why do some LGBT people choose to be Republicans, is it all for fiscal reasons?

Thanks,

(a friend)

Great question, though perhaps one better suited to off-line means of communication - but I'll give it a shot. Is it all fiscal? Not hardly. For many, choice of political party isn't just about specific policy preferences - it comes down to political philosophy, and beliefs about what the role of government can and should be. In some ways, it is also about temperament - whether as a person you are more likely to value tradition, or to value change. People run the gamut of these philosophies and beliefs, and sexual orientation is not determinative.

As a gay person, I strongly detest the idea of a powerful centralized state, and an idea of government that says the personal is political. I think it is antithetical to the liberty which is the only thing that has made it possible for gay and lesbian Americans to achieve the degree of social acceptance we have been able to thus far. The more I study the law, the more I discover the thousands of mean-spirited, arbitrary, unnecessary little laws that have nothing to do with justice and everything to do with looking good for some lobbying force, and the more I deal with apathetic bureaucrats at the DMV, at police stations and in a state school system, the less I want government doing at all. Today, in terms of specific policy questions ranging from school choice to healthcare reform to any of dozens of policies imposed on the states by the federal government's tax-structured coercion, that leaves me preferring the Republicans' position.

The same ideas apply to fiscal questions - a minimally regulated free market economy which leaves it in the hands of individuals to make as much of themselves as they can, and yes, to make as much money as they can, is one in which people decide that what matters is not a person's sexual orientation, but what they can do to help the bottom line. There's a good reason why the private sector is miles ahead of the state in providing domestic partnership benefits. And yes, I know that the Democratic Party does not stand for socialism or state controlled economy, but in many ways, the underlying philosophy, that individuals can't be trusted and that government has to step in for people's own good, is the same, and it is only a matter of degree. Yes, the Republicans have often betrayed their stated small government principles, at least they articulate them, and I'd rather be there trying to make them adhere to their principles than join a party whose principles I don't agree with.

In terms of temperament - I am a traditional person, with a deep respect for the institutions and values that have evolved over centuries. A small-d democrat to the core, I tend to believe that the wisdom of countless people making free choices that coalesce into similar patterns is more trustworthy than the reason of any one human being, however brilliant or fair-minded. I know that these traditions are not perfect, and that change is a healthy and necessary thing - I just always am inclined to ask the question of what unintended consequences will result from these changes, and are they worth it. As a general rule, conservatives tend to ask this question, and perhaps answer "no" too often, for too long... but liberals tend never to ask at all, blinded by dreams of a utopian future that can be had cheaply - just giving up on some "worthless, archaic traditions."

On a more concrete level... one such recent social policy decision that was made in the hopes of abandoning a worthless tradition has affected me, and I believe, our culture, profoundly and in a negative way. I refer to the advent of no-fault divorce in the 1960's. The concept swept across the country with anemic debate, on the premise that it was best for the kids that their parents to be happy and separate, rather than to struggle through problems together. Since then, we have a skyrocketing in divorce rates, an explosion of kids raised in single-parent or blended homes, a devaluing of commitment and a rise in social pathologies attached to what social science data seems to show conclusively, which is that kids need stability and aren't getting it. I am not saying that single parents are doomed to fail, that divorce should be very difficult to obtain, or that blended families are a bad thing - I am simply saying that I wish there had been more discussion of the issue, and that some of the value of the old way deserved more respect than it got. Because of that, I'm always a little conservative when people propose revolutionary social change. I know they have consequences.

Lots of other reasons - I am not a libertarian because I value communitarian ethics, and believe that liberty does not equal licentiousness. I don't believe that many "victimless crimes" are truly victimless - see drug dealing and usuage, prostitution, and illegal immigration. I'm am pro-choice, but it is a close question that I am constantly reconsidering - an act that many of my female liberal friends perceive as practically apostasy. I am a fairly conservative Christian, and am more comfortable in a party whose members typically respect, rather than demean, that faith. After 9-11, I watched the responses of the two parties, and have since - and on questions of national security, I prefer the GOP's tougher stances, though I can wish for more effective execution. And as a student of the law, I find myself viewing the Constitution and the roles of the branches of government in a way that aligns me more with conservative schools of thought - I much prefer judges like Richard Posner, Michael McConnell and Clarence Thomas to Justices Stevens, Ginsburg, and nearly all of the 9th Circuit.

These are things I believe deeply, and conclusions I have come to after much thought. Some would have me reject all of this simply because of a single issue - part of the Party's response to my homosexuality. For several years, I did just that, choosing my political allegiances based on who made me feel embraced, who said the right words about "feeling [my] pain" and "tolerance." As a young politically aware person, particularly in CA, especially one trying to fit in with other gay people, the easy path was to join with the liberals. I was involved with my college's Democrat organization, helped to found CMC's liberal political magazine, the Port Side, and traveled to Las Vegas to campaign for Senator John Kerry. Then a day came when I made the decision, in another aspect of my life, to take the harder road that felt right, than to live in fearful shadows - I accepted my religious faith.

In doing so, I found the strength to stand by my beliefs in other areas of life, and felt a call to pick up a cross that demands I bridge two often very hostile camps. I cannot just be a Republican - to maintain my integrity, I have to be one who works hard to speak prophetically to that party, and to the conservative Christians who are the foundation of its homophobia, about the truth of who gay people are. Because I am conservative, I understand their thought process and particular language, and so I can speak to them in a way that liberal or progressive GLBT people often can't. I have a mission here, and a purpose - and it is good for both gays and Republicans that there are people like me doing what we do.

Politics isn't something you get into for affirmation - if you need a hug, get a puppy or a girlfriend. It's a rough and tumble market of ideas and power, and for me, I can only be in that whirlwind if I actually believe what I'm saying. What I believe makes me a Republican. I have a right to be such, and I will not allow somebody to take that away from me because of a trait I cannot change - I don't care if they're liberal or conservative. I believe that gay people will only truly be equal when we can be and believe whatever we wish. I have followed that belief back into the church, and I will follow it in my politics, even as I respect others who choose to do differently. Here I stand - I can do no other.

Image Creation

2007-10-25T20:28:21Z

So lately, I've been wondering about image and identity creation. Not in any academic context, or with any scholarly theory behind it. Nope, I'm thinking much more shallow - I'm wondering about attraction... what I do unconsciously to be attractive, what I think is attractive, and what I've got that might be attractive to the sort of person I want to attract. In a lot of ways, I'm a simple soul, and I think the themes I've come up with as answers to the above questions reflect that. There are some things I just love that I incorporate into my image, or would like to imagine are part of that. Like I said, this is a shallow piece - it's all about me. What I find attractive in somebody else is an entirely different set of ideas. in fact, it could be interesting to play compare/contrast with that someday... but not tonight. So, on to the list of silly things that part of me is convinced is attractive.

Leather - leather in my birkenstocks or beat up old black shoes or boots, tooled leather in my new belts, half a dozen different jackets from a brown bomber picked up at the salvation army to a sleek black shell. Tan leather IPod case, guitar straps, cell phone holster, watchband... suffice it to say, people who think cows have rights to be something other than useful and tasty don't like me - but damn, I like the stuff. Versatile, soft and tough, earthy... smells good... it's genuine and traditional, and just a little bit edgy. I'm not saying I'm gonna buy leather pants anytime soon - I hear they squeak, and get too warm to be comfortable, even if I was willing to try to be that girl - but by and large it sends a message, and its one I like sending.

Guitars - grew up with 'em, worship thru 'em, live with four of 'em and it's the single best connection I've got to my Dad, who taught me about 'em since I was knee high, and a dang good one to my Mom, who cries when I sing. (I used to do the same to her, but for very different reasons.) I've got an alto voice, little rough 'round the edges that matches up well with a six-string, especially in folk or rock tones, or the tragic romantic ballads that I favor. Electric or acoustic, I love 'em both, but suspect that acoustic will always have a tighter hold on my heart - curved warm wood, the vibrations so that you can feel the sound, the half-imagined/half-remembered scent of a bonfire on a beach at night as somebody plays three chords of a song everybody knows... yeah. Though if you took my blood pressure while I was listening to a particularly sweet riff on an electric, the fire and ice that can scream and rumble out of an amplifier, my body might make a liar out of me. Lord knows, it's done so before. So it goes.

A dozen other things... driving stick, significant jewelry, hard cider in beer bottles, button-fly jeans, shooting pool, cucumber melon scent, celtic knots, pocket knives, abalone and onyx, a hint of a drawl, playing at poetry and oil pastels, sleeping in cars and living out of suitcases, overflowing bookshelves, wisecracks and wisdom, surviving, fierce independence, depth behind honesty, chivalry, more sinner than saint - pretty soon the concrete bleeds into concepts, the former illustrations, sometimes symptoms of the latter. And yes, in some ways, it's a facade, and absolutely it's incomplete - but this isn't about who I really am. It's about who I am imagining myself to be, when I daydream that somebody out there has fallen for me... it's how I want to catch her eye... it's who I want to be in her eyes.

Tasty Forbidden Fruit

2007-10-03T19:47:55Z

So: books that I've read are bolded. Books that I've read part of and never finished because I'm a slacker, or only had access to excerpts, are italicized.

111 Most Banned Books

#1 The Bible - working on it, in my own random little way.
#2 Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
#3 Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes - part of my "Masterpieces of Western Lit" course... best class at JJC, period.
#4 The Koran - same reason I read parts of the Bible way back when... if people are gonna use the text to justify hurting you, you'd better read it
#5 Arabian Nights - Scheherazade is one of my favorite characters of all time - plus yeah, great stories. Anybody who bolds this one is lying to you, though. There's no such thing as a complete version.
#6 Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
#7 Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift - nope, just watched the cartoon
#8 The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer - how can you not understand the true enjoyment of pilgrims telling dirty stories in Middle English?
#9 The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - finally read it for my Ethics and American Democracy class. Good stuff.
#10 Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman - Good stuff. Whitman's style isn't exactly my cup of tea, but love the perspective.
#11 The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli - You're not a gov. major at CMC if you got away without reading this. You're also not literate.
#12 Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
#13 Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
#14 Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
#15 Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens - nope, just teched the musical.
#16 Les Miserables by Victor Hugo - I will finish this someday...
#17 Dracula by Bram Stoker
#18 Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin
#19 Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
#20 Essays by Michel de Montaigne
#21 Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
#22 History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - bits and pieces, here and there.
#23 Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
#24 Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
#25 Ulysses by James Joyce - James Joyce gives me a headache. I've read some of his plays, and thus have no interest in tackling the books. I halfway suspect this one is banned because people just don't get it. Neither do I.
#26 Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio - JJC's masterpieces course strikes again. If you like Canterbury Tales, give it a shot. People telling stories to keep them busy while hiding out from the Black Death = good stuff.
#27 Animal Farm by George Orwell
#28 Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
#29 Candide by Voltaire - One of the perils of taking an advanced placement European history course.
#30 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - yep, eventually I actually read the blasted thing.
#31 Analects by Confucius - yay for wandering spiritual journeys... where's the tao te ching?
#32 Dubliners by James Joyce
#33 Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
#34 Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
#35 Red and the Black by Stendhal
#36 Das Kapital by Karl Marx - made my skin crawl
#37 Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire
#38 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
#39 Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
#40 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - I own it, but never have gotten around to opening it. Bad me.
#41 Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser
#42 Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
#43 Jungle by Upton Sinclair
#44 All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
#45 Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx - yep, again with the skin crawling.
#46 Lord of the Flies by William Golding
#47 Diary by Samuel Pepys
#48 Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
#49 Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
#50 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - I think this was taught in contemporary Am Lit... which I sure as heck wasn't going to take after hating old Am. Lit.
#51 Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak - Nope. Enjoyed the movie, though - and love the reference in a 98 Degrees song.
#52 Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - prefer the Metaphysics of Morals, though.
#53 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
#54 Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus
#55 Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
#56 Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
#57 The Color Purple by Alice Walker - yeah, yeah, I'm a bad gay.
#58 Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
#59 Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke
#60 Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
#61 Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
#62 One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn - anybody who reads Marx should be required to read Solzhenitsyn. End of story.
#63 East of Eden by John Steinbeck
#64 Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
#65 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou - ah, fond memories of Ms. Gerard and junior high.
#66 Confessions by Jean Jacques Rousseau - no fair - I could bold two other works by Rousseau, but apparently they just aren't as offensive. Strange, that.
#67 Gargantua and Pantagruel by Francois Rabelais
#68 Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
#69 The Talmud
#70 Social Contract by Jean Jacques Rousseau
#71 Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson - nope, movie made me cry on a plane, though. Why the heck is this banned?!
#72 Women in Love by D. H. Lawrence
#73 American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
#74 Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler - got boring after awhile.
#75 Separate Peace by John Knowles
#76 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
#77 Red Pony by John Steinbeck
#78 Popol Vuh
#79 Affluent Society by John Kenneth Galbraith
#80 Satyricon by Petronius
#81 James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
#82 Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
#83 Black Boy by Richard Wright
#84 Spirit of the Laws by Charles de Secondat Baron de Montesquieu
#85 Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
#86 Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
#87 Metaphysics by Aristotle - preferred the Ethics and the Politics, but not bad.
#88 Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
#89 Institutes of the Christian Religion by Jean Calvin
#90 Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
#91 Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
#92 Sanctuary by William Faulkner
#93 As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
#94 Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
#95 Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
#96 Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
#97 General Introduction to Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud
#98 Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood - and Anne, if you don't see what about this book would get it banned, you need to read it again, with the mindset of somebody with a stick firmly placed in their posterior.
#99 Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Alexander Brown
#100 Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
#101 Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines
#102 Emile Jean by Jacques Rousseau
#103 Nana by Emile Zola
#104 Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
#105 Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
#106 Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
#107 Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
#108 Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Peck - I think I've read this, but I'm not sure... so I split the difference
#109 The Ox-Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
#110 Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
#111 A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

Killing time

2007-09-30T08:15:37Z

1. How old will you be in 12 Months?
24... that's an odd age. I don't know what I think about that.

2. Do you think you'll be married by then?
Ha. I'd be happy if I had a date by then. Though this is definitely the first survey I've ever seen that question on.

3. What do you look forward to most in the next 3 months?
Three months from now will be December 30th... I think I've got a trip to Iowa in there somewhere, so that's probably it. Otherwise, it's a long stretch of the routine.

4.Who was the last person to call you?
Candy

5. Who was the last person to text you?
Kelly, giving me directions for last Thursday night's entertainments

6. Do you prefer to call or text?
Phone, definitely. Texting is slow, awkward, and only good for situations where you can't afford to be heard.

7. Do you have any pets?
Do they still count as mine if I don't live there? My mom's got my two cats, the dog and some fish, Dad's got another dog and a grey parrot I enjoy tormenting.

8. What were you doing at 12 am last night?
Walking around Westwood, pounding pavement as therapy

9. Do you like carrots?
Yup - baby carrots with ranch is one of my better snacks.

10. When is the last time you saw your mom?
A few weeks ago? Something like that.

12. How many houses have you lived in?
*chuckles* 15, not counting the three different dorm buildings in college, or the house I lived in for that summer in DC. So 19 residences for about 23 years of life. Dang.

13. How many city/towns have you lived in?
Let's see... Lakewood, Downey, Iowa City (and University Heights), Coralville, Tiffin, North Liberty, Joliet, Long Beach, Claremont, and Westwood/Los Angeles, so about 11, depending on your definition of town.

14. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet?
Unless it's dangerous or cold, I like my feet bare. Birkenstocks are a close second.

15. Are you a social person?
More than I used to be, I'll say that much.

16. What was the last thing you ate?
Hamburger Helper, specifically the tomato basil penne. Not bad, actually.

17. What is your favorite color?
Still blue, though greens, browns and some reds are creeping in.

18. What are you doing for your next birthday?
No idea - I'm generally pretty low-key about these things.

19. What is your favorite TV show?
I've spent way too much on Buffy DVDs, had a beloved friend cart back 6 seasons of Xena for me, and am deriving far too much enjoyment from CSI: Miami these days.

20. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?
What is with this question? I don't do peanut butter, so forget about it.

21. Do you like coffee?
There are drinks that contain expresso that I very much enjoy, but when it comes to normal coffee-machine coffee, I have to be in a certain mood, and there's gotta be significant amounts of sugar and creamer involved.

22. How many glasses of water a day do you drink on average?
Probably not enough - it takes me awhile to go through a pretty small Britta.

24. What are you listening to?
Erin Brockovitch is on tv. In a broader interpretation of the question, my new Brandi Carlile cd's been getting a lot of play this week - gotta internalize it before I have a prayer of being able to play her stuff, but I like her voice and style, so it's a joy.

25. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed?
Don't think so. I've been traveling enough lately to know that I don't really have a preference.

26. Do you know how to play poker?
I could hold my own. Got a little too into watching texas hold 'em on tv for awhile there - very educational.

27. What are you thinking about?
How the heck am I going to wake up tomorrow to get to Pasadena by 12:30? My sleep issues are getting highly inconvenient. Also, I like my new jeans. It's late, I get random.

28. Any plans for this weekend?
As mentioned, I have to be in Pasadena tomorrow for a friend's b-day party, along with church as usual. Next weekend... no plans yet, but I suspect that'll change soon enough.

29. Do you eat out or at home more often?
Probably more at home, though it's a fairly close thing.

33. Have you ever been in an ambulance?
Briefly while they were checking me out after that incident with the semi.

34. Do you prefer an ocean or pool?
For what? Ocean for serenity, boogie-boarding and hanging with friends, but pools are great for just cooling off and socializing.

36. Do you know how to drive a stick shift?
Yep. Took some learning, but now I vastly prefer it, and am irritated that it's not possible to get a hybrid that drives like a stick.

37. What is your favorite thing to spend money on?
Travel of various forms - from plane tickets to keeping my tank nicely filled so I can go wherever I want. I love the freedom of it.

39. Do you speak any other language?
I'm still decent at German, so yep.

41. Who is the funniest person you know?
Candy is frickin' hilarious... yeah, I feel good about that answer.

42. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Nope.

44. What is the main ring tone on your phone?
Sprint calls it "lake trance" - I like it, but it's an awkward length and ends on an unresolved note, which irritates me.

46. What is the color of your bedroom walls?
White.

47. Do you shut off the water while you brush your teeth?
Yep.

48. Do you wish someone was with you right now?
On some level, these days I always wish there was somebody around. I don't need to be entertained, I'd just kind of like the company.

49. Do you miss someone?
Not really. I'm pretty settled with people being where they are.

50. Do you talk to the person who posted this before?
We talked pretty regularly for awhile there, but not so much now. *shrug* So it goes.

Homeward Bound

2007-09-09T08:18:41Z

Ever been given an engagement ring?
No, but both of the rings I wear could have served in that capacity - my right hand ring has diamonds, and my left hand ring is a claddagh. I actually just noticed this earlier today - seminars on marriage rights will do that to you.

Longest friendship?
At this point, probably Emily, since we've been good friends continuously since junior high - but I suppose it depends on definition.

Last gift you received?
Hospitality from the Walter family... unless you count piles of crazy swag from law firms trying to recruit me, which I don't - that's more bait than gift

How many times have you dropped your cell?
Untold numbers - there are good reasons it is horribly cracked and chipped. I'm not nice to my toys

When's the last time you worked out?
Unless you count carrying luggage across NYC (which definitely caused me to crack a sweat) then it was probably when I last played basketball with the Lady Lawyers league before Right to Marry. Horrible, I know
.
Last thing you spent a lot of money on?
How much is a lot? Personally, I think more than 30 bucks for a cab the other night was plenty. Otherwise, rent last month.

Last food you ate?
Roast beef sub from Jimmy Johns.

First thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Their existence. Oh, you mean people I find romantically interesting? Posture, body carriage - somebody who moves gracefully and with confidence will catch my eye every time.

One favorite song?
"Dancing in the Fire" by Melissa Etheridge - fun, fun song to play, and it resonates with me for some reason.

Where do you live?
On the road, it sometimes feels like, but most of my stuff lives in Westwood, CA.

Cell phone service provider?
Sprint, unfortunately

Favorite store in the mall:
Barnes and Noble or Best Buy

Do you own a pair of dice?
Probably somewhere - could I find them? Entirely different question

Do you prank call people?
No.

Last wedding attended?
Milli's, which was a truly kickass event, for many reasons.

First friend you'd call if you won the lottery:
Probably depends on which speeddial number my hand manages to hit, since I'm sure it'd be shaking like crazy, and Em, Ame and Steph are 3, 4, and 5 respectively - so one of those three, and I'd be equally happy with any of 'em.

Last time you attended church:
Last Sunday

How old are you?
23, much as I sometimes think I'm 25 these days - God knows why.

Biggest lie you have heard?
"When I am elected, I promise..."

What do you want to drive?
In a practical sense? Jeep Liberty, stick, or maybe a Ford Escape Hybrid. Less practically, something luxurious, powerful and well engineered, like a Saab or a Mercedes

Where's your favorite place to eat with friends?
Around their kitchen table

What car do you drive?
93 green Ford Escort

Favorite plant?
Rosebush

Last time you cried?
On the phone a few weeks ago. Fear and loneliness get hard sometimes.

Most disliked food:
I'll go to some fairly significant effort to avoid having to eat mushrooms, I guess

Thing you like most about yourself:
There are moments when I can be pretty strong, and willing to take risks for what I believe in. I'm proud of that.

Thing you dislike most about yourself:
I can be really moody, and prone to forget that there are people who love me.

Longest shift you have worked at a job?
Can I count the Right to Marry campaign as a 17 day shift? *grins*

Favorite movie?
There aren't a lot of movies I'll watch repeatedly... I don't really know.

Can you sing?
I've been told I have a nice voice, yes - I learned it at my dad's knee, listening to him and my aunt playing guitars at get-togethers.

Last concert?
California Philharmonic on the Green a few weeks ago.

Last kiss?
TBD

What color are your eyes?
Ask my mother this question and she'll laugh at you. For simplicity's sake, I say hazel

Who knows your darkest secret?
Emily, a few others

Last movie rented?
"Imagine Me and You"

Thing you never leave home without:
Cell phone

Do you like Chinese food?
Yep - and now I have reasons for that other than just taste... yay SoulForce traditions

Is your room clean?
I think so - I haven't seen it for awhile, but I scoured the apartment about a week or so ago, so it should be, unless I forgot to make my bed before I left.

Laptop or desktop computer?
Laptop, absolutely. I'm in love with my mobility

Favorite comedian?
Ellen

Do you smoke?
Never.

Sleep with or without clothes?
With - I grew up in the land of earthquakes, with the reality that I would have to be able to get out of the house quickly if necessary. Old habits die hard.

Who sleeps with you every night?
It's only me.

Long distance relationships work?
Yes, with effort and maturity (and a good strategy. Money and luck help, too.)

Pancakes or french toast?
Pancakes, every time

Do you like coffee?
Sometimes - I prefer frappachinos or mochas.

How do you like your eggs?
Scrambled, with ham if I can get it.

Do you believe in astrology?
No, other than as something to laugh at.

Last person you talked to on the phone?
Steph

Last person on your missed call list?
Huh, apparently my mom called. Good to know.

Who was the last text message you received from?
Ryan Dunne from UCLA OutLaw, reminding me to vote for him for LGBT American Bar Association Liason. Wonder if he won?

McDonalds or Burger King?
McDonalds for fries, Burger King for burgers

Number of pillows:
Two regular pillows, two support/decorative pillows (however decorative fake leather can be) and a backrest.

What are you wearing right now?
My dressier jeans, brown tank top, green suedish overshirt, and blue "spartan" birkenstocks, along with my usual jewelry (watch, wrist cuff, two rings, silver cross necklace, and my glasses)

Pick a lyric, any lyric or song:
"I was a slick, midwestern gal/on a long, hard road into southern Cal/Didn't find any crime, filling up all my time/I had the devil in my bones, and an angel on my mind..." Melissa Etheridge, "When You Find The One"

What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich?
None - I don't like peanut butter at all.

Can you play pool?
I'm a lesbian, what do you think? *grins* Seriously, yeah, I'm better than most. My uncle was something of a pro and taught me when I was a little girl, and if I had a table around to practice on, I could probably still give most people a run for their money.

Do you know how to swim?
I won't drown, but I'm not particularly skilled.

Favorite ice cream?
Strawberry cheesecake, or Cherry Garcia

Do you like maps?
Heck yeah.

Tell me a random fact about yourself:
Smetana's "The Moldau" is one of my favorite songs ever.

Ever attended a theme party?
Several - "Homo-hitos" springs to mind, as does the murder mystery party I did in high school

What is your favorite season?
Indian Summer

Last time you laughed at something stupid?
Earlier today - some of the laws governing glbt families, while tragic, are also quite funny if you think about them.

What time did you wake up this morning?
9ish

Best thing about winter?
Time to travel and visit loved ones.

What's the scariest thing you've ever done?
Come out.

Do you think pirates are cool or overrated?
Fictionally amusing, factually criminal

What are you doing this weekend?
Just finished up a Lavender Law conference in Chicago, and flying home to do church and homework tomorrow.

Who's your best friend?
Em/Ame/Steph. Don't make me choose between them, 'cause I just can't.

What is the third letter of your name?
S

How old are your pets?
About middle-aged, for animals

Are you sick?
Depends on who you talk to. I feel good at the moment.

Are you smiling?
Yep. A small one, but it's there.

Do you have on eyeliner?
*chuckles* Nope - can't remember the last time I wore any, in fact.

Do you miss someone right now?
Not on any conscious level - I'm pretty content.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
Right now? Home. Lucky my, my plane leaves in an hour.

Do you have a Myspace?
Kind of - I have the page, but I've done absolutely nothing to it.

Are you in high school?
Nope... though I suppose that's a commentary on me, given that I'm filling this survey out.

Do you have a crush?
Who knows.

What is your favorite nickname for yourself?
Case, I guess

What color is your bathing suit?
Blue with black and bronze stripes, assuming I didn't lose it somewhere in NY, like I suspect I did. In that case, I don't think I own one.

What's your favorite brand of water?
I've got a Britta filter, otherwise I don't care.

Did you go on vacation last month?
I think you could call parts of NY a vacation

Have you ever been on a cruise?
Nope... could be a fun idea someday

Do you have a sister?
One biological, theoretically, and several in spirit.

Are you upstairs?
In a sense - I'm in an airport, and the ground is a good ways down. Until recently, I was on the 8th floor of the hotel, too

Insomnia Kicks In...

2007-08-29T09:09:34Z

The Everything Test

There are many different types of tests on the internet today. Personality tests, purity tests, stereotype tests, political tests. But now, there is one test to rule them all.

Traditionally, online tests would ask certain questions about your musical tastes or clothing for a stereotype, your experiences for a purity test, or deep questions for a personality test.We're turning that upside down - all the questions affect all the results, and we've got some innovative results too! Enjoy :-)

Personality

You are more emotional than logical, more concerned about others than concerned about self, more religious than atheist, more loner than dependent, more lazy than workaholic, more rebel than traditional, more engineering mind than artistic mind, more idealist than cynical, more leader than follower, and more extroverted than introverted.

As for specific personality traits, you are religious (93%), intellectual (89%), innovative (86%), romantic (71%).

Stereotypes
Young Professional	80%
Prep	69%
Punk Rock	67%

Life Experience
Sex	23%
Substances	3%
Travel	24%

Politics
Your political views would best be described as Libertarian, whom you agree with around 68% of the time.

Socioeconomic
Your attitude toward life best associates you with Upper Class. You make more than 62% of those who have taken this test, and 45% less than the U.S. average.

If your life was a movie, it would be rated G.
By the way, your hottness rank is 57%, hotter than 37% of other test takers.

TAKE THE TEST
brought to you by thatsurveysite

I Used To Be A Poet...

2007-08-23T06:16:04Z

Serenading the Shadow-Lover

In the middle of the night a solo six-string sings
Plucked by fingers fumbling in a rhythm that the mind has not chosen
That it has not the speed nor grace to choose
In the warmth of the darkness a soft leather strap rests against her skin
It holds the curved wooden body to her flesh
In an embrace that soothes a stark loneliness she’d never admit to
But for the vulnerability of verse.
Through a grated window with a brick wall view comes the sound of circling helicopters
Cyclopic eyes from above bent on securing Saturn’s bacchanalia
But here, in this place, there is only the girl with the guitar
A voice burs along, sometimes rising, eventually fading away
Tonight is not a time for lyrics, but for melody in motion
As the player watches herself, as though from without;
Sees the gentle play of muscles under the gleaming skin of the curled right arm
Observes and wonders at the left hand that moves of its own memory from chord to chord
No one pays the piper this night, and no one calls the tune
But for an imagined audience named Someday
For whom this girl practices, for whom she sings
And whose touch can be felt
Betwixt six strings and a strap
On an solitary Saturday night in June

Just Something I Thought Was Worth Recording

2007-08-15T08:35:24Z

(Other Person)(11:53:44 PM): so, ok

(Other Person) (11:53:45 PM): you're Christian, right?

Kalenedral14 (11:53:49 PM): yeah

(Other Person) (11:53:57 PM): how do you reconcile the liking girls and your religion?

(Other Person) (11:54:21 PM): (I don't ask easy questions)

(Other Person) (11:54:33 PM): (I'll go shower, so you can answer)

Kalenedral14 (11:54:36 PM): definitely a topic for off the internet - but in short, I've studied the passages that supposedly condemn homosexuality, and don't think they have anything to do with a loving, monogamous relationship

Kalenedral14 (11:56:13 PM): believe it or not, becoming a Christian actually made me much more comfortable with being gay, so I see no contradiction. The two are very closely connected to me... my orientation and coming out journey have helped me to... well, "know God" is the phrase... much more deeply.

Kalenedral14 (11:56:52 PM): You go shower - I might elaborate more, I might not... that's definitely a topic better done live, but I'm cool with giving teasers. *grins*

(Other Person) (11:56:52 PM): hm. that's good

(Other Person) (11:56:55 PM): ok

Kalenedral14 (11:57:19 PM): sure - any particular direction I can babble in for you?

(Other Person) (11:59:31 PM): why some christians just really condemn the idea

(Other Person) (11:59:58 PM): it seems to me almost a social normalcy issue rather than the religion itself

Kalenedral14 (12:01:12 AM): lotta reasons... some are just lazy with the scriptures, and interpret the clobber passages the way they've been taught to (given that most straight people are viscerally disgusted by the idea of gay sex, religion there becomes the mask for it, and they don't want to look too closely, 'cause that would require really thinking about homosexuality, which they find icky)

Kalenedral14 (12:01:33 AM): and yeah, social normalcy is a good part of it... but there's a better (well, less cold) reason underlying that

Kalenedral14 (12:03:39 AM): The idea of Male and Female being complementary, like two puzzle pieces that fit together as part of God's plan, resulting in the miracle of new life being created... many Christians hold that idea in such a strong reverence that anything which doesn't conform to it can't possibly be part of God's "elegant plan" for humanity. That nonconformity isn't just something to be feared because it is different, to their minds. It's evidence of how humanity is broken, fallen away from God's plan in the Garden... and so should be rejected.

Kalenedral14 (12:05:58 AM): That attitude - well, I don't agree with it, obviously, but at least I can see how reasonable, compassionate people can believe it. The complexity of God's work is an awesome thing - awe in the sense of greatness, and fear-inspiring... and that fear isn't easy to face. Better to stay with something simple. Kind of like when people insisted on viewing the universe as almost mechanical, until the discovery of evolution... it takes people a long time to confront the idea of a world so much more in flux and out of their control, and some never do.

Kalenedral14 (12:11:31 AM): Ironically, so much of the Gospel is about giving up control in favor of faith and love for God and neighbor... but that's such a hard thing to do. Personally, I think that's what scripture means when it says "the way is narrow." Jesus of Nazareth constantly tells his fellow human beings to let go of law and let love happen: to let go of the pursuit of certainty, to let go of possessions, to let go of pride, to let go of reputation and ambition, to let go also of obsessing about laws and doctrines... the people who are condemning homosexuality, I think, are the ones who need to cling to their doctrine. They're afraid if they let go on this, what will they have to let go on next? What can they cling to, or trust? As a Christian, I try to convince them to trust God to sort it out - it's his job to judge, and the spirit's job to clue us in when we sin - and sometimes it works. If a Christian sits back long enough without judging, and can really see a gay person living their life - happily, productively, giving glory to God in the case of gay Christians... eventually, they figure out that maybe God did create us this way after all, as part of his plan. Just a much grander plan than they'd ever thought of before... and so they realize that God is much greater than they'd imagined him. At least, that's what I think, and that's enough of an essay for you to come back to. *grins*

Kalenedral14 (12:29:47 AM): Or not. (See, now you've gone and got me thinking - bad idea.) What you said earlier, about law being neither black or white... at the heart of the truth of that is some measure of humility. We know that laws are made by people (who are flawed), interpreted by people (ditto), and that people try to abide by them, or not. Lots of room for error, misunderstanding... grey. Traditional Christianity - not the fundamentalist certainty that is so prevalent today and which has always existed as a strain of the religion - very strongly acknowledges those same limitations. "We see as though looking through a mirror in the dark"... "walk humbly with God"... "Your ways are not our ways, Your thoughts are not our thoughts"... the religion is permeated by the idea that human beings are limited in our understanding of the world and what God intends for it, and so should never hold too tightly to absolute certainty. More, there is no room for the kind of insecurity that manifests itself in simple-minded certainty. So much of the religion today seems to be about fear - fear the outsider, fear Hell, fear God - and that strikes me as ridiculous. Time and again God says to his people "do not fear." Angels, Jesus, the Spirit... it's all over the place. One of my favorite passages is that "perfect love casts out all fear." And yet so much of this condemnation of homosexuality is all about fear. That's not what the gospels are about... insecurity leading to self-aggrandizing certainty leading to persecution... no. If there's a sin out there, it's that. Love is humble - but humility hard. Humans aren't good at it... and if there's one thing all Christians are, it's human, given to the same flaws and errors as anybody else. Now, I'll shut up. Hope I don't send you running into the night with all this God talk, but after all, you did ask.

Kalenedral14 (12:34:52 AM): If nothing else, I hope that rambling gives you some idea of what it is I believe, and why I think it worth taking a lot of crap from people to keep believing in it. Fact is... I don't know why I'm gay, and for a long time, that bothered me. Didn't know where I fit in the world, and all logic told me that homosexuality was abnormal, inferior - an evolutionary dead end, as it were. My faith, ironically enough, gives me a lot of very good reasons to believe that there is some purpose to my being the way I am... God wants me this way, and is using this difference for his purposes, and a lot of good work... and that knowledge is tremendously comforting when I am dealing with the hard parts of being who I am.

Kalenedral14 (12:42:29 AM): 'cause you see... not only do I believe that perfect love casts out all fear... I believe that perfect love inspires a courage unlike anything else I've ever known... and it changes me. If you're gonna know me, you've gotta know that. Now hurry back before I really do find myself revealing more than I should. *smiles*

Most Kickass Law School Schedule Ever

2007-08-01T23:35:50Z

Federal Courts - MTWR, 9:50 - 10:40
Public International Law - TWR - 10:50 - 12:00
Law and Sexuality - MW - 1:40 - 2:55
Comparative Law - T - 3:05 - 4:45
Civil Disobedience and the Law - MW - 3:05 - 4:20

Why, beyond the obvious, is this schedule so kickass? Well, first, there is the obvious; not one of these classes is likely to be boring. No Wills and Trusts, no Tax, no Professional Responsibility (which, while my ethics-minded side might find value in it, it's a requirement, which means that on some level, it will suck). Of course, an argument can be made that not all of these classes will be particularly useful in my future career, but since my vocational direction is wide open at the moment, who can say? At the very least I can make the argument that any future involvement with SoulForce (which is very likely) could well make classes 3 and 5 very useful - a series of conversations I had with Haven is singularly responsible for class 5 being on this list (well, that, and I wanted more than 13 credits, and am willing to try a class that appears to be taught by a hippie for an excuse to read some of this material). All of my political interests have a national or international bent to them, so classes 1 and 2 are totally legit, and dang it, I went to law school to learn about the law more than out of a desire to become a lawyer, so class 4 (and all of them over all) totally fits my needs. After all, there's always next semester for bar courses. *grins*

Additional perks - do you see a Friday class up there? Do you see a single class that starts much before 10 am, or one that keeps me on campus until 5 pm? Heck, I even have a lovely lunch break every day, and no irritatingly useless dead time between classes otherwise. Add in the fact that I have 3 well-spaced finals, and papers for classes 3 and 5 - classes that I really won't mind writing papers for, most likely... I'm already playing with SoulForce-related topics for class 5 - and you've got one happy law student. Now, if only I didn't have to do boring firm work for the next two weeks to pay the rent... *grins* Love to all!

Casey On TV!

2007-07-19T01:28:55Z

Check it out - and see my lovely colleagues, etc. Much love, all!

http://news10now.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=112994

Right to Marry Campaign - Day 1

2007-07-13T06:33:26Z

Well, actually it's more like Day 0, since it's just the leaders in today - tomorrow we pick up the rest of the Riders from various airports, bus depots, or they just walk in, and then we load into vans and drive to Albany. Personally, I should almost definitely be asleep right now - my flight was at 6:30 out of LAX, and so I caught a shuttle from Pasadena at 3:30. Why leave from Pasadena, you ask? Because I have a friend who offered to see to it that I got to LAX on time, and that I had a chance to sleep for a bit beforehand. Had it just been me, I would have stayed up all night so as not to miss my flight, and have been utterly useless this evening. Got into to NYC via JFK airport around 3 pm local time, and theoretically had a meeting with the rest of the leadership team at 4. Ha ha ha. Didn't happen. Not even close. I'm a Los Angeles girl, we aren't meant to deal with mass transit - I definitely took the slowest shuttle possible to downtown, got on the subway and road back and forth a bit because I didn't get that the one I was on went straight from Grand Central to Madison Square Garden, found an angel of a guy who gave me very clear directions of how to get to my brother's place, hugged my brother hello - poor guy is still somewhat dazed that I'm here at all - got changed, and we went for a walk to where we thought I was supposed to meet the others. Once again, bad directions, not my fault this time, and so finally hopped a cab over to where they were hiding. Really nice to finally have faces to attach to the voices and identities that I know only through conference calls, hundreds of e-mails and a few articles in The Advocate... and I keep being struck, when I have the chance to think about it, by how I'm actually working with people who've been my heroes for awhile now. I sometimes think I'm outta my league, but I seem to be keeping up and carrying my weight thus far, so I'm just gonna go with it.

First event was a townhall meeting downtown - SoulForce New York, the local chapter of the organization, kinda shoehorned their way into a meeting set up by the People for the American Way (yep, the hardcore separation of church and state folks) - where two of the key lawmakers on NY's marriage equality bill were speaking, along with the editor of the Gay City News, a pretty important glbt magazine. So yeah, I've now met Rosie O'Donnell's brother, Assemblyman O'Donnell, and while he's politically way out there in left field, I actually like the guy as a person - he did some serious heavy lifting getting enough votes for that bill to pass in the Assembly, and I have to give props to the man for saying, in an audience that was, shall we say, not conservative friendly, that it is CRITICAL that the gay community protect every single lawmaker who voted our way this time, including and especially the four Republicans who did so. Very pragmatic, and very cool. I like his guts, and the way he lobbied his fellow lawmakers was impressive to hear the details of - he put a human face on the issue in a way that worked (given that he's been in a relationship with his partner for longer than I've been alive, he was well suited for that).

Our other lawmaker, Senator Duane (another gay one, fyi) didn't impress me as much. Somewhat self-satisfied, and hasn't had to do real work on the issue yet, he just rubbed me the wrong way in some ways... but we'll see if he steps up. He's more dedicated to getting Democrats elected than to protecting people who voted our way, which I guess is reasonable given his position, but is also unwise from my perspective - a one party strategy is never going to win the day, the evidence has shown time and time again. Of course, given that Professor Pitney from CMC has filled me in on just how utterly powerless the minority parties are in the NY legislature, maybe I can understand his desire to see a few more Dems in office. Still, he had some interesting things to say about how people's personal stories and real life experiences can sometimes have an impact on how a lawmaker votes, and let's hope that wasn't just fluff, 'cause that's kinda what we're banking on when we get on the road and start meeting with lawmakers in their districts.

Yeah, listening to them talk was pretty cool - fed my political side rather handily, which I realize has been starving lately, even with the fact that I work at an elections law firm - but maybe the coolest thing for me was afterwards. The Right to Marry crew had been pointed out early in the evening, and it seemed that everybody in the room was curious to hear what we were up to, or our thoughts on going out there, or our backgrounds and why we were getting involved... and well, when it came out that I was the group's token conservative, particularly the one becoming fluent in evangelical Christianese, well, I wasn't bored, let's just say that. I had a bunch of really cool conversations with some old school activists, ranging from "so, what can I say to these people! My born-again brothers are driving me nuts" to just talking about my experiences and how I've gotten used to living in situations where disagreements about sexual orientation are the norm... and how it is possible for people who disagree on such fundamental issues to still be loving... in fact, how it is necessary for our side to ever see progress. I find it highly amusing that this particular group let me ramble on about God and Christianity, drank it up and barely let me leave, in fact, given the nature of the organization. I've noticed it before - people who are most defensive about religion are on some level, most obsessed with it - they've been hurt and are gunshy, but even this sort of hostility is a kind of dialogue with the divine, which I think is a good thing. It's apathy that you can't work with.

One other thing I found interesting about tonight - the young gay activist world was recently rocked when a guy named Michael Glatze, who had been a real trailblazer among younger advocates and had done amazing work... joined the "ex-gay" movement, viciously condemning his former work and claiming that by coming to Jesus, he had been cured of his homosexuality. Reading his words, I don't find any newfound peace in him... it's like hearing a song played on a guitar that is way too tightly strung... he is so fervent that it hurts, and though I've never met the boy, I wish I could now, for a lot of reasons... I think he needs a friend. The usual anti-gay suspects are loving this, and playing it up like crazy, but what I saw tonight in the reaction of my fellow co-directors was... noteworthy.

In the midst of discussing their shock and grief that this guy has gone 'round the bend, Haven (our fearless leader) thought to ask whether he'd ever actually resolved his own spiritual issues while he was a gay rights advocate. The general consensus was no, that it had been a part of his life that he'd simply neglected, leaving him vulnerable to this radical sort of "rebirth." I was impressed that she asked. In the gay community, frank discussions of faith and the importance of being spiritually healthy... well, I don't know that I'd ever seen such a thing so clearly expressed, at least outside of an explicitly religious setting. It is an important thing - activists in general are given to burn-out, and it's worse when you're in the public eye a lot, as this kid was (well, relatively). High speed life, heavy burdens, sometimes thankless work combined with easily available drugs and sex to bury the previously listed problems - from what he's said, it isn't a surprise that he got to a point where he wasn't happy with his life.

I'm glad he thought to turn to God... but the temptation that is unique to gay people is that when we burn out, or make bad choices that are spiritually destructive, we have the built-in excuse that it isn't our fault... it's our sexual orientation that needs to change, not the way we respond to life's challenges. After all, it's what people tell us all the time, and while not exactly an easy thing to give up, if things aren't going well - dating is hard, relationships don't work out (and think of how hard it is to find anybody when your pool is 5 percent of the right gender's population, let alone when you're dedicated full time to a cause) - it is very tempting to throw out the baby with the bathwater in return for the lavish approval of those who once condemned you... and that's what I fear this kid did. He didn't have the necessary support system, and he didn't have his feet firmly planted spiritually, and it cost him. But yeah, my colleagues here didn't simply attack religion, cursing the fact that it had brainwashed another kid into hating himself... they just wished and expressed the hope that he would continue to seek God and come to know the truth of His love, rather than simply creating another consuming cause for himself in the "ex-gay" movement that will be just as spiritually unfulfilling, if not moreso, than what he was doing before... and some of them noted that it was an important warning for us all to have ourselves in order, as there but for the grace of God go we. I was impressed by them, and it made me really appreciate the caliber of people I'm working with. I'm going to learn a lot on this trip.

And now, I'm going to get some sleep - I've spent some time with my big brother, chilling out on his roof with a few of his friends, enjoying the night sky and a lovely view of the Empire State Building... and tomorrow, tomorrow I meet my Riders. I can't wait. Love to all.

Promised a New Friend I Would

2007-06-29T06:53:58Z

Another survey...indulge me.

Starting time: 10:49 pm

Name: Casey
Sisters: 1 (biologically - several in spirit)
Brothers: 1
Eye Color: Green? Hazel? Something like that.
Shoe size: 10.5 sneaker, 41 birkenstock
Height: 5'10" or 5'11" - my old coaches kept me good and confused on this.
What brands are you wearing right now? Levi?
Where do you live? Los Angeles, CA

Favorite Number: 14
Favorite Drink: The Java House called it a "cherry bomb" - white mocha, cherry flavoring, chocolate whipped cream. I called it a good mood in a mug.

Favorite Month: September, October... I love Indian Summer, so whenever that happens to fall.

Favorite Breakfast: Food in the morning? Ew... nah, I'm just more of a smoothie girl - Robeks does a great banana/blueberry mix.

***********Have You Ever*****************

Love/Liked someone so much it made you cry? Indeed. I'm a hopeless romantic like that sometimes.

Been in a police car: Yeah... not a good day.

Been on a plane: yep - 4 trips since New Year so far
Came close to dying: A time or two, yeah... getting in the way of a semi counts, right? Or at least, having that semi knocking you out of its way ought to.
Been in a hot tub: Yes
Swam in the ocean: Yep - I think it was the first place I remember swimming, for that matter. Gotta say, swimming off Catalina was probably the prettiest time, though.
Fallen asleep in school: Oh yeah... NOT a good idea in law school, let me tell ya. Criminal Law profs can be merciless!
Broken someone's heart: Maybe squashed an infatuation... I hope not anything worse. Don't think so.
Cried when someone died: Yes
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call: Actually, no. Mostly, people have been considerate enough that I'm not waiting all night, at least... *grins*
Saved e-mails: Oh yeah... I'm a digital packrat sometimes.
Been cheated on: Nope

***********What is-****************

Your room like: Comfortable... natural earth tones and woods... could be neater, but not sloppy.

What is the last thing you ate? Mac'n'cheese

--------------------------Ever Had- -------------------------------

Chicken pox: Yes - very weakly. My little sister got it bad, and I wound up with a few spots - lucky me.
Sore throat: Of course
Stitches: Nope
Broken nose: Came close a time or two... basketball, rugby - that's the way it goes.

-------------------------Do You------------------------------------

Believe in love at first sight? I think there can be an instantaneous connection between people, a spark - but do I call that love? No. Love is a choice, an action and takes work. But deep affection... that "old friend I just met" feeling - yeah, that's real.
Like picnics? Sometimes
Like school: Indeed - and the more I work, the more I like school!

-----------------------Questions-----------------------------------

Who was the last person you talked to? Haven and Curt, for my Soulforce call. (sidenote: conference calls are so blasted awkward!)
Who makes you smile: Lots of folks... I'm blessed like that.

--------------------------Who---------------------------------------------

Did you last yell at? My mom, as usual... I'm really not much for yelling when I can avoid it, but parents... what can I say?

------------------More Questions---------------------------

what are you listening to? Etheridge's "Yes I Am" album, at the moment
What did you do today? Called NY Senator Defrancisco's office, drove to work, researched nonprofit board governance policies, placated my boss, drove home, did a conference call for the "Right to Marry" campaign, made dinner, wrote some e-mails, and now I'm watching TV and filling this thing out. Can't complain. *grins*
Hated someone in your family?: Honestly, yes. I'm working on it. Pray for me, if that's your thing.
What car do you wish to have: I like the Little Green Monster, honest... but someday, I wouldn't mind cruising around in a well-engineered luxury car. More practically - I really do like the Jeep Liberty, in a stick.
Good singer: Etheridge's voice seduces me, some of the Broadway performers flat amaze me, and my father and aunt never fail to amuse me.
Diamond or pearls: Diamonds, for the symbolism as much as the sparkle.
Are you oldest? Kind of? I've got an older half-brother, but he wasn't around that much when Jess and I were growing up... I'm the only person I know who can legitimately say they have been an oldest, middle, youngest and only child in their life, without anybody dying. Yeah, that does interesting things to a person's personality, let me tell ya.
Indoors or outdoors? I spend most of my time indoors, so when I get out, it's like I'm a plant - I get energy from the sun. Moonlight walks ain't bad, either.

----------------------------Today did you------------------------------

1. Talk to someone you like? As in am fond of? Certainly.
2. Sing: Yep - seriously, is there anywhere on earth with better acoustics than an underground garage? Cathedrals are envious!
5. Talked to an ex: Nope
6. Miss someone: Yes

----------------------------Last person who---------------------------

7. Was in your bed(besides you): Eh, Steph came by and we hung out, but that's mostly out of a lack of seating in my apartment.

8. You talked to on the phone: Curt and Haven... didn't I hit this? Twice?

9. Drove in the car with you: Amy after church... dang I'm glad she's back in CA.

10. Went to the movies with you? As in at a theatre? Um... wow, it's been a long time. I think maybe Blood Diamond with Amy?

11. You went to the mall with? Steph - girl's one of the only ones who can get me to set foot in those places.

------------------------Random-----------------------

18. Been to Mexico: Never yet - really do need to fix that one of these days... after all, it's only a few hours away. Not speaking Spanish is a problem, though...

19. Been to Africa: Nope. Got a few friends who are there now, though. (and can I just say, this survey has some serious numerical issues? It's bugging me. Not enough to really fix it, though, just enough to nitpick.)

21. Do you have a crush on someone: I don't think so - life's been so busy, and the only people I've come into contact with lately are basically either male or old friends, neither of which are particularly conducive to that sort of thing. Been awhile.

22. What books are you reading right now? A bunch of stuff as prep for this campaign... Jonathan Rauch's "Gay Marriage"; a book called "Difficult Conversations" (ha, as though I couldn't have written that); and Ame's gonna throw a book on leadership, Christian-style, at me pretty soon. Need to find some fantasy fluff to read, stat!

23. Best feeling in the world? Freedom, and the wonderful sensation that happens when you've used that freedom to dedicate yourself to something, or somebody, worthwhile. Being part of something great.

24. Future kids names: I tend to envision myself fostering or adopting, and those kids tend to come with names... but I'm fond of the names Naomi, Dakota, and Michaela for girls, Jeremy, Micah or David for boys.

25. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: Nope, but I've got a couple big pillows that are more for hugging than cushioning my head, so same purpose.

26. What's under your bed? Shoes, carry on luggage, a few binders, a monster... the usual. *grins*

28. Favorite location? Too many to choose... My apartment. Seal Beach. The Motley. The rock jetty at Catalina's "campus by the sea." D.C. Em's basement. Java House. West High costume loft. Scripps rose garden. Peet's Coffee on Lake. Pasadena apt. My car. Home, in all of its many faces.

32. Who do you really hate? These days, I'm trying not to hate. So I'm not answering.

33. What do you wish for? Lots of things - I'm the sort who'll wish on stars, and throw pennies into fountains.

35. Ever liked someone you didn't have a chance with? Bad habit. Very bad habit.

37. Are you lonely right now: Actually, no. Tonight I'm good.

Time Finished: 11:52pm

A question

2007-06-21T00:21:28Z

Might be poor timing, given that I am about to go on a campaign in New York specifically to talk to people who disagree about marriage equality, many of whom believe gays are sick and sinful... but it's where I'm at today, and I need to express it... and it finally hit me that the best audience is basically here, and what else is LJ for...

When does it get to be too much? When am I supposed to stop trying to talk to people, stop trying to persuade them of the humanity of glbt people, that our love is equally valid, our dreams as grand and as simple as theirs? When do I kick the dust off my feet, and stop fighting such a damned hard fight to convince these people? This is my church family, brothers and sisters in Christ as they say... and yet sometimes it just hurts to talk to them. When you've attended somebody's wedding, celebrated the birth of their child, worshipped with them... it hurts to know they believe you don't deserve the same. It isn't an active sort of attack, they aren't malicious... and damnit if that isn't almost worse. I wind up smiling outside and conceding that "we'll have to agree to disagree for now" about my own dignity... and I feel like I'm bleeding inside, and can barely stand to look at them anymore... and they never know what they do to me, never acknowledge it... and still I love them. When do I cross the line from humility and self-sacrifice in order to meet them where they are, into a place of masochism and self-abuse? When am I supposed to cut ties - it'd be like cutting my own arm off - and just give it up? When can I just take the easy road?

In a Long Tradition of Procrastination...

2007-04-28T19:17:51Z

A survey from Jane trumps studying criminal law.

1. I've come to realize that my last kiss... was platonically comforting (kisses on the cheek are like that)
2. I am listening to... food network and steam escaping my rice cooker. I think I'm hungry
3. I talk... expansively on ideas
4. I love... more than I once thought possible
5. My friends... amaze me
6. My first real kiss... is yet to come
7. The number seven is missing because... it's doing hard time for cannibalism against 9
8. Love is... active
9. Marriage is... a mercy
10. Somewhere, someone is thinking... I wonder
11. I'll always... daydream
12. I have a secret crush... even from me, apparently, as I know of no such crush
13. The last time I cried was because... weddings are hard
14. My cell phone... is badly beaten up, because I don't play nice with my toys
15. When I wake up in the morning... I expend vast amounts of analytical brainpower weighing the pros and cons of getting up.
16. Before I go to bed I... read until my eyes won't stay open
17. Right now I am thinking about... filling out this survey, and how much more fun it is than reading about the necessity defense.
18. Babies are... best spoiled, and then returned to their parents.
19. I get on Myspace...never
20. Today I...am going to read a hundred pages
21. Tonight I will... drive to Pasadena where I will play guitar with a good friend I haven't seen in forever, watch Scrubs, enjoy a home-cooked meal and probably do some impromptu logic games tutoring.
22. Tomorrow I will be... attending a GLBT leadership conference in Claremont before going to church in the evening (with more studying interspersed within)
23. I really want... to be someone's hero, however cheesy that may be.

Killing Time on Spring Break

2007-03-25T20:26:44Z

Put your music library on shuffle and answer the questions with songs in the order they come up. it doesn't really make sense at times, but some answers you come up with will freak you out.

1. What's my mood like right now?
I Can't Tell You Why - The Eagles
Actually, I'm in a great mood and could tell you why, so there!

2. How's tomorrow going to be for me?
Precious Pain - Melissa Etheridge
Okay, that's mildly concerning, if not unusual

3. What kind of person am I?
The One Who Knows - Yanni
Well, I'll take that, even if I did have to admit to having Yanni on my computer

4. Am I loved?
Do You Hear The People Sing - Les Miserables
Maybe I should listen more. *grins*

5. How can I achieve my highest potential?
Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman
Could work.

6. What should I do with my life?
Redemption Song - Wyclef Jean
Working on it.

7. Is everything really going to be alright in the end?
Try Not To Be Afraid - Whistle Down the Wind
Um... uh oh.

8. What is my best quality?
Man in Motion - St. Elmos Fire
I do try to keep busy.

9. How does my sex life look?
Holiday In Spain - Counting Crows
I'll take it... of course, I've never been to Spain... figures.

10. What's the meaning of life?
Little Drummer Boy - Mannheim Steamroller
Amusingly profound.

11. What do people think of me?
Taking Over Me - Evanescence
Well, the lyrics are interesting...

12. Would I make a good catch?
The Dangling Conversation - Simon and Garfunkel
Apparently not.

13. How crazy am I?
I Will Not Forget You - Sarah McLachlan
Memorably crazy, apparently.

14. Will I have a good life in general?
Unpretty - TLC
Ouch!

15. Can (insert name here) ever really love me?
Jesus Freak (reprise) - DC Talk
Yeah, I know, I know... girls aren't often into that. Oh well.

16. Can I and (insert name here) ever be more than friends?
I'm Not Sayin' - Gordon Lightfoot
This thing's remindng me of that blasted magic 8-ball I had...

17. What's going to happen to me this week?
I Want to Be In Love - Melissa Etheridge
Yeah, tell me something I don't know. *grins*

18. Where will I be a year from now?
Room 317 - Miss Saigon
Well that's detailed.

19. What is my biggest wish?
Get the Party Started - Pink
You could say that.

20. What is the love of my life doing at this very moment?
No One Knows Who I Am - Jekyll and Hyde
If that's the case, nobody knows what she's doing, either.

21. How will I die?
Rain King - Counting Crows
I knew there was a reason I preferred deserts!

22. What will happen after I die?
Healed - Nichole Nordeman
Here's hoping!

23. How do my friends feel about me?
Every Breath You Take - The Police
My friends are stalking me?

24. How popular will the movie about my life be?
Quasimodo - Lifehouse
Bombs at the box office... gotcha.

Today, On Procrastination Theatre...

2007-01-13T03:25:06Z

Name: Casey
Single or Taken: Single
Happy about that: Not exactly... but too... too much a lot of things to do anything about it, I guess.
Eye color: Hazel, of sorts. Brown, green, some blue - it's a mix.
Height: 5' 10"
What are you wearing right now? jeans, birks, old band Disney t-shirt, and a CMC hoodie
Righty or lefty: Righty

♥FAVORITES
Kind of pants: Blue jeans washed so many times they're soft as butter and barely blue, preferably with a good rip or two (aquired legitimately, of course).
Animal: I'm one of those girls who never grew out of the horse phase, I guess
Month: May
Juice: Orange
Favorite cartoon: Most any of the Disney movies, esp. Beauty and the Beast

♥HAVE YOU EVER:
Bungee Jumped? Nope, and no thanks.
Made yourself throw-up? Only out of medical necessity.
Skinny dipped? Not that I recall.
Loved someone so much it made you cry? Close enough.
Been in a physical fight: Yes.
Been on a plane: Several - great way to get places.
Came close to dying: A time or two. Running into a semi'll do that to you.
Been in a hot tub: Oh yeah. At night in Palm Springs probably being the best such experience.
Fallen asleep in school: Yep. Bad idea in law school, let me tell ya.
Broken someone's heart: Don't think so.
Cried when someone died: Yes, though it usually takes awhile
Fell off your chair: Lots when I was younger. Somehow it didn't stop me from leaning back on only two chairlegs.
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call? Nope, not my style.
Saved IM conversations: Religiously in high school.
Been cheated on: Never had the opportunity.

♥Do You:

Believe in love at first sight: Sometimes.
Believe long distance relationships work: I've got a few good examples of those that have worked. For some people, under some circumstances, they can.
Like school: Too much, some might say.
Question yourself: All the time
Who was the last person that called you? Steph
Who makes you smile the most: Don't know. Hard question to quantify.
Who knows you the best?: Between Em, Ame and Steph, I've got few secrets
Like filling these out: Sure, and this one has some questions I haven't seen.
Wear contact lenses or glasses: Glasses (but I put up a good fight!)
Get along with your family: *chuckles* Better now than I used to, but that's not saying much.

♥More Questions:

What are you doing this weekend? Reading for class, laundry, church, and maybe something fun at some point. Job search stuff.
What car/truck do you wish to have: Jeep Liberty (in a realistic sense) or some sort of classy-yet-sexy luxury car, stick.
How many remote controls are in your house? 1 - it's a very small "house"
Are you double jointed? Nope.
When you last showered? Last night
Scary or Funny Movies: Drama or political thriller - so I guess that tends me toward frightening things.
Rootbeer or Dr.Pepper: Rootbeer, every time
Summer or winter: Summer
Diamond or pearl: Diamonds
Sprite or 7up: Either is good as a desperation measure.
Coffee or tea: Coffee, in the sense of excessively sweet hot caffeinated beverages.
Phone or in person: In person

Yesterday Did You:

1. Talk to someone you liked: Quite a few times, actually.
2. Buy something: Lots of groceries... as in, my fridge had cheese, Bailey's, and Italian dressing... and that's about it. It's pleasantly full now.
3. Get sick: Headache for awhile. Not too bad.

♥Last person who:

10. Slept in your bed: Me - only person to ever sleep in that bed, in fact.
11. Witnessed you crying: Steph?
12. Made you cry? Probably my mother.
13. Went to the movies with: Amy, when we saw Blood Diamond.
15. Said "I Love You": My dad earlier today, after we got my oil changed.
16. Ever been in a fight with your pet: I've learned it's best not to fight with cats - they have claws, an invincible stare... and don't even try beating that silent treatment.
18. Been to Canada: No
20. Been to Europe: Missed my only chance.
21. Been to Mexico: No. Should fix that... it's only a few hours away, after all.

♥Random:

22. Do you have a crush on someone right now: Honestly, no. Kind of weird for me.
23. What book are you reading now: Bible's open to Amos, and I really should be reading about mens rea in my Criminal Law text. For fun, Andrew Sullivan's "The Conservative Soul"
24. Future kids' names: Mostly when I think of any future kids I might have a part in raising, I think foster kids... and they tend to come with names. However, I am fond of the names Ashley, Dakota, and Michaela for girls, Jeremy, Micah or David for boys.
25. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal: Nope - I do sleep under a dream-catcher, though.
26. What's under your bed: Shoes, luggage, a sleeping bag, some books...
27. Favorite sports to watch: I've actually gotten in to watching football lately... go figure.
28. Favorite Locations: Seal Beach. The Motley. The shore of Lake Michigan. D.C. Em's basement. Java House. West High costume loft. Scripps rose garden. Peet's on Lake. Pasadena apt. My car. Home, in all of its many faces.
29. Tattoos or Piercings: My ears are sort of pierced, I guess.
30. What are you most scared of right now? That I'll underachieve again in law school.
31. Who do you really hate? Parts of myself... particularly those parts that hate.
32. Do you have a job? It's called being a law student.
33. Have you ever liked someone you didn't have a chance with: It's a bad habit.
38. Song that's stuck in your head right now? Amazingly, the internal stereo's on mute at the moment. Weird. Could be because I was just watching Sister Act, and am now watching 8 Mile- there's enough external music to keep me distracted.
39. Have you ever gotten beat up? Came very, very close to it a time or two.
40. Have you ever been on radio? I don't think so.

♥More Random

What color is your underwear right now? White. Yes, I am that dull.
What are the first things you notice about the opposite sex? Their existence... but I bet this question is more appropriately answered by saying what I first notice about girls I find attractive, which is their body carriage - if it's confident, withdrawn, elegant, whatever.
Are you too shy to ask someone out? I'm not sure. It's never really been tested.
Hugs or kisses? Both, and a lot of them.
Dogs or cats?: Cats. Smarter, softer, cleaner.
Favorite Flower?: Roses, lilies, orchids
Have you ever fired a gun? Yep - lots of fun, actually.
How many pillows do you sleep with? Four and a backrest.

Write Legal Memo or Fill Out Meme?

2006-09-16T00:08:52Z

The choice really ain't that hard. *grins*

A - Accent: None really, other than generic midwestern American. I'm frequently asked if I'm from Boston or the east coast, but I suspect that's more a factor of idiosyncracies in my vocabulary than anything else.
B - Breakfast Item: Can of coke, if anything.
C - Chore you hate: There was a time when I had to wash dishes by hand - ever since, I can't stand much of anything to do with dirty dishes. Yay machines!
D - Dad's Name: Bob
E - Essential everyday item: Glasses, and more essential every day. Fie on that.
F - Flavour ice cream: Cherry Garcia
G - Gold or Silver?: Gold, specifically white gold.
H - Hometown: Strange mix of Long Beach, CA and Iowa City, IA.
I - Insomnia: Oh yeah.
J - Job Title: I'm a law student. If I tried to work, they'd yell at me.
K - Kids: None
L - Living arrangements: Studio in Westwood. Yeah, I'm lucky.
M - Mum's birthplace: Hawaii
N - Number of significant others you've had: Zero. Yeah, working on that.
O - Overnight hospital stays: No, thank you. I can't stand doctors, forget about hospitals.
P - Phobia: Exposure or embarrassment.
Q - Queer: Oh, you could say that. *grins*
R - Religious Affiliation: Christian
S - Siblings: Two, I guess. Older half-brother, and a younger sister I haven't seen for years and barely know how to contact.
T - Time you wake up: 7ish, or at least I really, really try to. It's a struggle.
U - Unnatural hair colours you've had: Nada.
V - Vegetable you refuse to eat: Mushrooms. I hate the texture, the look, the taste - keep it away from me.
W - Worst habit: I'm pretty needy, and in denial about it, which leads to some nasty mood swings.
X - X-rays you've had: Skull, left ankle, left knee, both hands - and that's not even getting into MRIs.
Y - Yummy: Grilled foods. Steak, chicken, some fish, 'sall good.
Z - Zodiac sign: Ares, which never seems to surprise anybody... can't imagine why. Heh.

Curiousity and guilt leads to me actually obeying #8 this time...

2006-08-18T01:02:51Z

Reply with your name and:
1. I'll respond with something random about you.
2. I'll challenge you to try something.
3. I'll pick a color that associates with you.
4. I'll tell you something I like about you.
5. I'll tell you my first/clearest/funniest memory of you.
6. I'll tell you what animal you remind me of
7. I'll ask you something I've always wanted to ask you.
8. If I do this for you, you must post this on yours.

Killing time...

2006-07-04T01:44:49Z

1. FIRST NAME? Casey
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday, when I had to go pick up most of my things from Mom's front yard. Lousy week.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Handwriting? You mean something other than Times New Roman? I can't remember... I think I did, once... *grins*
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH ? Subway Chicken/bacon/ranch wrap, with oatmeal raison cookies and soda
6. KIDS? Cute if I can give 'em back.
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOURSELF? Eh, I'm a moody, arrogant bastard - I think I'd probably get sick of myself pretty quickly. Should work on that.
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Several, though they've been neglected a bit lately.
9. Do YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Some might say so.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Thank God.
11. WOULD YOU EVER BUNGEE JUMP? Heck no. Expensive, and I really think there are better ways to get an adrenaline rush, thank you.
12. What is your favorite cereal? Huh, no caps? Must be a mild question. Honestly, I'm not a cereal fan at all. It all tastes like overly sweetened cardboard to me.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Rather unnecessary in birkenstocks... yeah, no, not even in athletic shoes.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? What kind of strength are we talking here?
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cherry vanilla, or some variation on cheesecake
16. SHOE SIZE? 10.5
17. RED OR PINK? red. Every time.
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Y'know when I said I was moody?
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Right now... probably Brittany, from high school. It's been too long, but that relationship and its dynamic... God, I could use that now.
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Eh, I'm posting it on LJ.
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW? Khaki shorts, and I'm barefoot. SoCal to the core.
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? A tiny little microwave lasagna.
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Cars out the window, and the hum of the ceiling fan. Dad's parrot is chattering, too, calling herself a smart pidgeon. Love my family's sense of humor.
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Navy blue.
25. FAVORITE SMELL? Cucumber-melon.
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Steph
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? How they move, posture - basically, self-carriage.
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Jane's an old friend, and I miss her greatly. We had some good times.
29. FAVORITE DRINK? B-52
30. FAVORITE SPORT? To play? Probably volleyball.
31. HAIR COLOR? brown
32. EYE COLOR? Hazel-ish
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? glasses
34. FAVORITE FOOD? A well-made hamburger, or chicken fettuchini alfredo. Cheesecake for dessert.
35. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? "The Long Shot" on DVD. Gotta say, watching Darla from Buffy/Angel playing a wholesome abandoned mother and equestrian inspirationally conquering all odds is just kind of unsettling.
36. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green.
37. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer
38. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs
39. FAVORITE DESSERT? Haven't I covered this? Cheesecake, and I'm flexible about what sort.
40. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Maybe one of my scrippsies? I think they're about the only ones who'll see this thing.
41. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know
42. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Magic's Promise by Mercedes Lackey (comfort food for the soul) and The Caged Virgin: An Emancipation Proclamation for Women and Islam by Ayaan Hirsi Ali (comfort food for the CMCer soul)
43. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Nada - laptop.
44. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Bits of the history channel, some news. God, local news is horrible.
45. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Rain, thunder, accoustic guitars, cellos, flutes, well-played brass... the pop-rocks sound of waves crashing on a rocky beach, cats purring, a car humming - I could go on.
46. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles, mostly out of nostalgia
47. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Where's home? *grins* Probably D.C., though maybe New York. Depends on how you calculate.
48. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Remarkably bad luck and yet winning anyway?
49. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Long Beach Memorial Hospital, CA. April 18, 1984
50. IF YOU WON A ROUND TRIP TICKET TO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? Right now, Iowa City. If I could drag a few friends, maybe Greece.