The picture is me at 16.

I'd say---Things are going to be hard. You're going to feel betrayed by everything you thought was true about life. But you can make this all easier on yourself if you just stay honest with yourself and ask for help when you need it. Life isn't like the math classes in school where you were too shy to ask the teacher to explain. You need to be brave enough to always ask for help if you need it. We're human beings and we need each other. You don't have carry that pain in your soul. All you have to do is share it with someone and the load will lessen.

My Neil
He always makes me laugh. We do argue sometimes. Just the other day I thought he was being a bit of an unreasonable jerk. But we made a bond with each other that even when things are wrong, or even if one of us is wrong--we face it together.

My Kitty Cat CC
He is so mischievous. He is truly like mine and Neil's child. I love how every night when Neil is about to go to sleep he comes and lays between us to soak up the petting and love. He is such a smart cat. He actually comes when you call for him (well most the time--he is a cat after all! Sometimes he wants to ignore me). The most awesome part about CC is how he has taken to Neil! I had CC before I met Neil. CC is the first pet I've ever had that adored me above all others. Now he listens to Neil more than me, but comes to me when he is scared. We love our FurBaby.

My Mom
My mom has been very sick off and on for the past 15 years. One of her vascular surgeons looked into my eyes when I was 23 and said he feels like he's watched me grow up. He also said my mom is a miracle. She has very severe vascular problems and he was amazed 6 years ago she still was around. Everyday with my mom is a gift. She gets on my nerves sometimes. But I get on hers sometimes too! I love you Mommy.

Cold nights
I get to snuggle under a nice blanket and cuddle close to Neil. I always sleep better in the cold and I even am happier =)

Harry Potter
I've always felt I was slightly "too old" to enjoy the books as much as I really have. The books take me to a world where for the most part you know who the bad guys are--Voldemort and his death eaters. In real life its so much harder to tell where people's intentions truly are. I've been hurt many times by placing my unflinching loyalty and trust in the wrong places. But when I read the Harry Potter books I know I can trust Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna. Its a good escape.

Reading Non-Fiction
I've learned more about history after leaving official standard education (also called High School) in the U.S.A. than while in it. I'm hungry for most things historical. I love mythology and Ancient History with rabid flair. But I even have found I love recent history--reading The Black Dahlia and recounting police corruption in Los Angeles County in the 30s and 40s gave a richness to a world I'd only ever viewed as mundane because of its lack of antiquity. I'd love to go to Europe someday and see the ruins of an old, old world. I also love trying to understand different societies through the ages. And if there is a culture or religion I don't know about that exists right now in this time period...I usually am keen to explore what its about through books.

November 2010
First there is the Deathly Hallows coming out in November. But I also learned recently that Jonathan sSroud has written another book continuing the Bartimaeus Trilogy. I LOVE Bartimaeus. He is the coolest Djinni ever. I sure hope they make THAT into a movie some day!

Cooking Good Food
I don't always love to cook. But when I do the best part is everyone enjoying it.

Night Time
I normally feel more alive during the night than during the day. Maybe I'm just a born Night Owl. I'm not sure. I wish you could run all your errands at night so I could sleep through the sunlight hours.

Laughing.
Laughing has the ability to change a mood completely around. Laughter truly is strong medicine.