Happy Birthday!
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Are you sure you want to do this?
Always did back when I used to be here regularly, now that I’m trying to get out of grading papers, it is the perfect opportunity to procrastinate. In other words: yes.
Are you male or female?
Female…with some masculine tendencies.
How did you come about this site and what makes you keep coming back?
I came across it when I was a junior in college looking for some interesting conversation about literature. I live on a small island and my college had only 14 students majoring in literature – mostly people who were too busy to sit around and chat. I stuck with it for the most part because I had a job as a tutor that involved a lot of down time, and I became quite attached to characters such as Robin, Grace, and Virgil. Now, I’m much more busy (teaching), but I like to check in and see that the conversations still go on.
Are you happy with the way things are here?
Very much so; I only wish that I could be here more often, and that I could more easily meet some of the people here in person.
Have you visited other countries than your own and what did you like about it or not like? If you could live somewhere different from where you live now, where would it be and why?
Only other Caribbean nations; Dominica and the British Virgin Islands. Since I haven’t been to any other countries I’m not sure I would say I definitely want to live anywhere else, but Canada sounds like a nice place to call home, so if I had to choose I’d say Canada.
Do you have any pets?
An island mutt named Lady; I love her to death :)
What makes you happy?
Chocolate, chicken wings, playing Wii and Wii Fit, especially with all my friends, and of course the constant themes: reading and writing. My students can trump most of those things though, if they get that “Hey! I got it!” look in their eyes on an otherwise bad day for me.
What is mankind's biggest achievement, and its greatest downfall?
I’ve got to say this is a hard one; I’ve come to realize that the things I thought would be my greatest achievements were simply another rung on the ladder, and the ladder seems to continually grow. I think it is the same with most people and mankind in general – even if I point out today’s greatest achievement, there will only be a greater one tomorrow. In my current state of mind, I just can’t be bothered to fathom what the GREATEST one is right now.
If you had a long day of hard work ahead of you what music would you be playing on your mp3, while working?
If it was stressful work, definitely Zouk music (French Caribbean), but if it was “work hard and plow through it and just get this junk done” kind of work, then it’d be alternative rock and similar stuff. Linkin Park, Papa Roach, who knows what else.
If you could take one book, music album and one video with you to a desert island, what would they be?
Book: probably the biggest collection of varied short stories I could find. Music album: Metallica’s Black Album. Video: The 5th Element
Do you feel comfortable in your walk with God?
I forget often that I am walking with God, and then he playfully trips me up, only to catch me before I fall face-first into the sand. It’s a comfortable walk, but I could probably contribute a little more to our conversation as we go.
Which actor should play you in a movie based on your life?
Hmmm…probably Angelina Jolie. Or Robin Williams posing as a woman (in an non-Ms. Doubtfire way…)
Given the option, what animal would you choose to be?
Though my favorite animal is a tiger, I would have to say shark. I truly feel that I am missing out on 2/3rds of the planet since I can’t live under water, and sharks generally go unbothered (except when humans intercede, of course) and can swim freely in those undiscovered depths. Plus, I can’t SCUBA dive due to an ear problem that prevents me from equalizing as I descend, so it’s just something I really want to do.
What were your favorite things to do the past? What about now?
Past: Curling up with a book in a comfy spot to read. Playing basketball, soccer, and running cross-country and marathons. I also loved creative writing. Currently, I have less time to read, though I still love it. I spend more of my free time with friends; my New Year’s Resolution this year was actually to spend more time laughing with friends. I exercise much less, unfortunately, but I still enjoy a good day spent walking on the beach. I still love writing, though I’ve drifted from creative expression and have become more of a journalist/essayist.
What makes you feel great about yourself?
Creating really amazing PowerPoints that make people (like my students) go “ooooooh” and “ahhhhhh” and feel like they actually UNDERSTAND what the heck the PowerPoint is about…then having other teachers steal my PowerPoints to use in their classes XD. Second place is earning money for my writing. That’s a big deal to me.
Who inspires you most? (Anyone you know or not. Family, friends, authors, artists, leaders, etc.) Which qualities inspire you, in each person?
I am constantly inspired by my boyfriend Chris, who through thick and thin has always had unwavering devotion to me, even when I questioned the sustainability of our relationship. The fact that he has totally and entirely given himself to me amazes me every single day, and I think I am actually jealous to think that I have not yet reached a point where I am capable of doing the same. I also admire Edgar Allen Poe and his assorted accomplishments, of which there are too many for me to go into without copying and pasting a few theses I’ve written, hehe.
What are you naturally good at? (Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)
Explaining things/teaching. Writing, especially written communication. Understanding abstract concepts very quickly. Problem solving (especially in math, as much as I loathe the subject).
If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
I already teach English :D I wouldn’t mind teaching Computer Science, a FEW courses in lower-level math (I may hate the subject myself, but teaching it has always come easy in small doses), or Science/Health (especially sex education; I feel I’d be good at that).
What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?
One of my goals was to become fully fluent in Spanish, and perhaps one day French. I was just accepted to the University of Puerto Rico for my MA and I could NOT be happier about it! I would regret never having done that, if I had decided not to go/apply. I want to make sure that I see as much of the world as I can before I “settle down” and have kids, the whole shebang, because I just want to be able to commit myself to focusing on my children’s life and feel that I’ve really lived mine up until the moment I was blessed with them.
What song is in your head at the moment?
None, really. I’m watching TV and listening to Chris snore…
Which book are you reading at the moment?
A few; “When Sex Goes to School,” a study on Sex Education (haha). Stephen King’s “The Stand,” (never read it, figured it was about time I did), and I recently received President Obama’s two books and Christopher Paolini’s “Brisingr” as gifts, so I’ll be reading those soon.
The last book you finished reading?
Hmmm…Chinua Achebe’s “A Man of the People.” Had to teach it, hope that counts.
Favorite food?/ Comfort food?
Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream, though I’ve been doing the Froyo recently instead to cut calories and be healthier. It ain’t that bad, actually!
What time of day do you most often find yourself on the LitNet?
The most RANDOM times; moments in between classes at school. Late at night when I don’t want to grade. Early morning if I got to school before classes start. I’m just all over the place.
What are you wearing at the moment?
A t-shirt; it’s got all kinds of archery stuff on it. My friend bought it for me at the Olympics because I’m an archer and have distant dreams of being in a professional competition one day.
Favorite poem?
Errrrgggg…I can’t choose! I really can’t! And you can’t make me!
First novel you remember reading on your own?
Do Goosebumps books count? Lol. If not, I read “Amy’s Eyes” (can’t remember the author, but it was a darned good book!) at a rather young age, and have fond memories of it.
Favorite TV shows?
Scrubs, House, NCIS, CSI: Vegas, CSI: New York, Daily Show, Colbert Report, South Park, Boondocks, starting to watch Burn Notice more often…
Which LitNet members would you like to meet in person if you could?
Robin and Grace, for sure. Can’t specifically say why; well, maybe I can. Robin’s just plain cool. Grace is just the same age as me, lives in Cali (my home), and hangs on a Literature Network Forum – it just seems like too many similarities to ignore, hehe.
Favorite post on the Forum?
Eh, um, dang. I never really thought of that one.
Favorite thread?
Robin’s famous “Guess My Age” thread? If not my favorite, it’s my most memorable, hehe.
Last food did you have?
Burned hamburger at a pool party. Worth it.
Last words you said out loud?
…were definitely NOT LitNet appropriate, heehee *angelic smile*
Last person you hugged/kissed?
All the people at the pool party…last person being the girl who’s 16th birthday party I met Chris at 5 years ago. She’s now 21 and married with child. My goodness time flies.
What do you do (for a living) to be able to keep your LitNet addiction going? And are you happy with your chosen profession?
I teach and I’m proud! Though it can be very stressful, to the point that people say I’m “running away” by joining this MA program…but, hey, maybe I’ll feel more ready in 2 years after I’ve got more expertise and experience under my belt :D
What question would you like to ask yourself?
What do you REALLY want out of life?
What would you like to be if you could change your profession?
A novelist. Or famous short-story writer.
Least favorite book/song/movie?
“I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It” gag me.
The most generous thing you have done?
Tutored dozens of peers and younger family members or family members of friends for no charge, often for hours on end or through long school years. I consider myself to be one of those people that gives in small amounts here and there, so there’s no “big act” that I can recall; but the number of hours I’ve spent giving free tutoring I’ve realized have helped many people in a spider-web effect – people use my tutoring methods to pass knowledge on to their peers and young family members, etc. That makes me feel good.
What is your most outstanding feature?
My intelligence. I don’t mean to brag, and I know that I am nowhere near as intelligent and knowledgeable as the vast majority of professionals in academia, but in my group of friends and in my workplace I’m “the smart one” who figures stuff out, fixes stuff, or just Google’s whatever I don’t know on my cell phone…I can’t help it, I like knowing things!
If you could change one thing about the way you look, what would that be?
I like my looks. I’m working on losing 10 pounds right now that I gained while lying in bed for 2 weeks after a surgery, but once that’s gone, I think I’m okay. I’m quite comfortable with my appearance. I’m no model, but I’d give myself an 8 on a 1-10 scale :)
Which book do you wish you had written?
I’m assuming this means out of already published books. I’m not sure…but it would have to be something from another culture, or century, or both, because that would mean I had experienced something different :)
What is your favorite book cover?
Eeep. Another one I’m not sure of. “The Giving Tree” cover comes to mind, but only because it brings back such fond memories for me.
Most and least favorite characters from books?
Favorite: Reepicheep from The Chronicles of Narnia. I can’t have a least favorite; they all add something to the story or tell me something about the writer. I just can’t diss ‘em!
What would your biography be titled?
“Shenanigans” ? I need more time to think about that one.
What should you be doing at the moment instead of answering these questions?
Grading papers! hehe
Wonderful Superman or depressing Batman?
What’s so depressing about Batman? Batman makes me happy! :D <<see?
The most embarrassing moment in your life?
No biggies; just an amalgamation of small moments that compile and keep my self-esteem in check every few weeks. Mistaken identities, wardrobe malfunctions; you name it, I’ve done it.
Which literary character (s) have you been told to resemble the most?
Very few of my friends read, lol, but my sister likens me to Susan from the Chronicles of Narnia (because I’m the older sister figure, all smart-like, and I enjoy archery).
List some of the things that annoy you immensely.
Illogical, overemotional arguments. Just illogical things and people in general. I get really annoyed when people make a problem worse by tossing logic out the window. I understand that emotions are powerful and sometimes we have a hard time controlling them, but far too many people use this as an excuse to LET their emotions override logic, and stupid, stupid things happen because of that. People have died. Luckily, the Darwin Awards occasionally make me feel better about it all, as sick as it may sound.
Anything that you want to forget but you never can?
Everything is an experience we learn from. I have painful memories, but they make me who I am, and I need them so that I can remember what has hurt me and what I can do to avoid unnecessary pain in the future. I’m not going to shelter myself, but I am capable of learning lessons.
Tell us about some amusing translation mistake you have heard or made yourself.
Some American girl who knew a little Spanish was at a Puerto Rican family’s party, and spilled something. She started saying “estoy embarazada,” trying to say “I’m embarrassed,” but everyone started congratulating her and smiling and patting her belly, because she had said “I’m pregnant.”
If you had to lose one of your senses, which would you choose and why?
It’s between scent and taste. I feel I could lose those without making serious life changes, but I can’t choose between never tasting chocolate again or never smelling Chris’ cologne again.
What’s the first thing you’ll do in an embarrassing situation?
Hide. Quick.
Are you mostly happy with life or are you still in pursuit?
I’m happily pursuing happiness.
What gives your life meaning?
Hearing other people’s stories; knowing that no matter how long I live, I will never read every book, meet every person, hear every life story, or visit every place that I want to. It may sound depressing, but it drives me to at least accomplish what I can with my time here.
What type of Faerie would you like to be and why?
One with enough stamina to fly across oceans, hehe. I want to visit places!
What makes you laugh?
Friends telling stupid stories, or Chris tickling me.
What was the happiest period of your life and why?
8th grade. I had finally come out of my shell and had friends who really knew me, then I went to a new high school in 9th grade and we were all split up. Then in 11th I moved to the Caribbean. Throughout college I constantly doubted my decision to stay in the Caribbean and wondered if I should try to transfer to a more recognized school, but never worked up the courage to apply to all the schools and try to find scholarships to equal the deal I was getting at my school. I’m thinking Puerto Rico might just be a new happy period :)
What part of “Final” don’t you understand?
The whole “F” deal; I’ve never gotten one of those before.
One final word of wisdom for LitNet users?
If you never experienced anything bad in life, how would you ever know to appreciate what was good?
What would you like to ask to the person to be interviewed after you?
What is your role in an emergency situation: the 911 dialer, the person who runs to the scene to help, the video recorder, or the person too overcome by shock to do anything?
