Lit-Net Member Interviews

[Niamh]

So when will we be lucky to see this interview?

[zanna]

Woot woot, Maddi! Right on the money! No, seriously, thanks for the compliment.

[AimusSage]

Hello good evening, and please welcome to the studio… KATHY! *insert applause tape*
How are you today?
Actually, today I am doing pretty well. The weather is finally warmer and I am full from lunch and in a good mood. Coffee was good...oh wait. You probably wanted me to just say I was fine and then move on...

General questions
Moving on to the first few questions

How did you decide on your username?
I think I might have mentioned this before but my given name is Kathleen. I typically go by Kathy (as well as Kath and Kat) and my middle name is Connell. SleepyWitch guessed that. F is for my surname. Pretty original, huh?

Why did you initially join the lit-net?
I had done a google search about some story and Lit Net was one of the links. I lurked around the forum for all of fifteen minutes before deciding I had to join. I am pretty new to this online community stuff, I only belong to Lit net and a few other sites.

What would you say is the best aspect of the forum?
The people. Sure, I suppose that is the expected answer, but it really is true. I know this might come as a surpise, but I am really reclusive and not very sociable in "real life". It has meant a lot to me to come out of my shell and interact with people. It helps that we have books in common, but the connection isn't just about books.

Niamh is eager to find out what the most stupid question someone has ever asked you is.
Honey, that would take me too long to answer. There have been a lot of stupid questions! *lol* I guess one of my personal idiotic favs was when someone approached me and asked what size my bra was.

Another send in question, this one by Kathy, who I must say, looks remarkably similar to our interviewee, is there any relation?
I don't know her, I don't know WHAT you mean. *wink*

Anyway, on to her question, she asks: “Defensive much? Why do you take some comments so personally?”
Of all the nerve! Well, in all honesty, I don't always know. Sometimes I think I over react to something but then other people think otherwise. Sometimes I look at a comment and think it is about me and get upset. Does it mean I think too much of myself, or too little? Probably both, and I developed an over protective attitude in childhood and sometimes it carries over to my life now. Ok, I think we are getting into too much psychoanalysis and folks will start to get antsy....

Personal Questions
This is where people get to ask you all the details of your life.

What is your date of birth?
July 26. That is only three months from now, plenty of time for you guys to get shopping done.

How would you describe yourself, your personality?
A mess of contradictions. I can be outgoing and shy, fun and then depressed. I worry too much, I tend to be a little lazy.

What do you do in RL? Student, work?
Normally I am in school. I am an older student who returned to get my degree. I have a dual major in psychology and sociology, but I used to be an English major. I hope to get a master's degree in social work, but right now am concentrating on getting my bachelor's degree. I also do volunteer work for the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and my local rape crisis center. Sadly for me, my health has deteriorated to the point where I am unable to partake in those activities. I hope to get back to them soon.

Could you tell us a little more about what you do?
Well, for school I do...school stuff. Study, write papers, do projects. For volunteer work I am a volunteer case reviewer with the Mass DSS. When a child is taken into foster care, the state must conduct a review of the case every six months. There are certain tasks assigned for the different parties involved, depending on their case and the review makes sure tasks are completed and information is kept up to date. The rape crisis center provides support groups and peer counseling for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse and assault, either as children or adults. Most of the clients are women, but there are also men who seek counseling. It is sad that such a need exists, in a perfect world we would never have to worry about people being hurt.

[b]How did you become such a computer/software expert? How come? Been dating a lot of IT geeks? /b]
I'm really not. There is a lot of stuff I don't know, and what I do know comes from reading or being taught. Dating IT geeks? Why, do you want to set me up on a date?

When you come across movies with computer-generated action, do you sit and analyze how it was done? Does it inspire you?
To a degree. I will usually point out to the person who is watching the movie with me "Hey did you see that?! That monster was a cgi, didja see?!" This is usually met with an annoyed glance and an admonishment to hush. I think creating those images and the animation involved is a fascinating field, but one I don't have any plans (currently) to enter.

Do you come across literature that has computer issues as part of its theme? And do you like that in your literature?
Some of the stuff I read does have computers in it, but a lot doesn't. I think it depends on if it adds to the story, then I like it. I tend to favor older mysteries such as those by Agatha Christie, Rex Stout and Dorothy Sayers. I imagine Nero Wolfe would say "pfui" if he was ever asked to use a computer.

How have you collected such a vast knowledge of just about everything?
Oh, my! I don't think I know all that much. I am lucky to have a decent memory, and I have read a lot from different sources. I retain some information really well, but other things seem to go in one ear and out the other.

As a member of the official turnipers club, how has the turnip changed your life?
The turnip has brought a sense of joy and wonderment to my life. And no, folks, Aimus did NOT pay me to say that....

Now that we are on the topic of turnips, what kind of recipes do you have?
Lots, but I fear there will be a revolt of some kind if I give them all here.

What about sports, do you like any and do you play sports yourself, or just watch?
Well, no offense to sports fans, but I hate watching sports, especially on TV. I will watch the Superbowl if the New England Patriots are playing, and I did watch part of the World Series when the Red Sox were playing but otherwise...meh. My best friend's daughter has started playing soccer (or "real" football for non US people) so I would go see her play. For myself, I love to swim and I used to walk quite a bit with my dog. I prefer walking in the woods, where it is quiet and I can enjoy the scenery.

Do you like to travel?
Yes, but I have become a total homebody.

Which countries have you visited? And which ones would you really like to visit someday?
I have been to Ireland, Canada and England. I would love to visit Portugal someday; my maternal grandfather emigrated from there as a young boy. I think India would be a fascinating place to visit, plus I can then get a ride on Maddie's new scooter.

Could you tell us something about the countries you have visited? Like the culture, environment, etc.
My visits to Ireland were family related, weddings and stuff like that. I loved it there, the countryside is just beautiful, almost everybody was very friendly and so much history. I didn't see nearly enough, and the same with England. I was only in London very briefly before taking a shuttle to Ireland. I would love to see the art museums, and just sightsee. Canada was very beautiful. My trip included areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I remember this one beach where the water was like crystal glass, and freezing even though it was summer. That was a long time ago, though.

What about your own country? What do you like about where you live? Many have read your blog entry on the US, but tell us a bit more.

Heh, well. The US is such a huge country, it would be hard for me to speak for everybody. My home state of Massachusetts has a few myths about it. People tend to think Mass. people are raving liberals or blue blooded conservative types. Or that we burn so called witches at the stake. (somebody asked me about that, I should have put that down as an all time stupid question. Of course I am referring to the Salem witch trials, that took place over 300 years ago.

For what I like about my country...hmm. There is a lot of variety here. People have settled here from all over the world, and I like the diversity. There really is no one defined "American" type, not to me anyway. I think there are many natural wonders here; I would love to see the Grand Canyon and parts of the southwest. I have travelled as far south as Virginia and as far north as Maine and Vermont.

Do you have a personal hero, or someone you look up to?
I admire the work Angela Shelton has done. She made a film called "Searching for Angela Shelton". She had set out to interview women who shared the name and found that 70% had experienced rape, childhood sexual abuse and/or domestic abuse.

Now, for all the singles of the Lit-net, marital status?
I am divorced, and am currently in a relationship.

Will we ever see a picture of you? (Other than your eyes!
Um...maybe. Would you like a picture of my right big toe? . I will probably post one of my actual face, at some point.

Okay, so we’ve pretty much dissected you by now, but Nightshade is eager for more, and would like you to describe yourself in 50 words.
Curse you, NIght! (lol) Well, I will put down words or phrases that describe me, but make no promises to them being in any sort of coherent order.
Eager to please, caring, insecure, needy, crabby, silly, dorky, prone to emotional outbursts, gloomy, compassionate, chocolate lover, caffeine fiend. Er,that isn't fifty, but oh well.

Favourites and other questions
Yes, the favourites, an essential part of any interview!

Onward to the obvious question, the first favourite to be asked: Who is your favourite author?
I don't have a favorite. I like so many. I really like Arthur Conan Doyle, Patricia Cornwell, Agatha Christie, Alice Hoffman, Tami Hoag, Rex Stout, Dorothy Sayers, Janet Evanovich and Sue Grafton. I have enjoyed Jane Austen and the Brontes ( I like Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, as well as Emma. I know they aren't the most popular choices, but nyah.) I still have some favorites from childhood such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Carolyn Keene and Janet Lambert.

And your favourite book/novel?
Waaay too many. I like so many different ones, it is impossible to choose a favorite.

What kind of music do you enjoy?
Lots of different kinds. I like stuff from The Sex Pistols to Elton John. I also love big band (Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman) and traditional Celtic music.

Which are your favourite bands/singers/composers/etc.?
I like Joydrop, Sarah Maclachlan, Greenday, Elton John, plus some stuff in between. Counting Crows, Pearl Jam, Diana Ross and the Supremes. I guess my tastes are all over the place.

Tell us something about your favourite movie.
It is really hard to choose a favorite. I like classic movies a lot. One of my favs is "All about Eve" which starred Bette Davis. She plays Margo Channing, a stage actress who develops problems with a younger, scheming rival. I think that era was so glamourous, and Bette didn't take crap from anybody. (at least in that movie, in the movie "Now, Voyager" she played a bit of a mouse) I also loved "Spellbound" and "To kill a Mockingbird" with the fabulous Gregory Peck.

Can you tell us a little about your favourite computer games?
I love playing Scrabble on the computer, and also this other word game called "Bookworm". I like to play this game called "Chessmaster" occasionaly, even though I am not very good at chess. In the last couple of years I have started playing some rpg computer games. I like games that can be modded (modified), because it is fun to learn how to add your own personal content into a game. I have been writing simple code, and making templates for an older action rpg called Dungeon Siege. I have been using scans of fabric to create my own custom armor, plus experimenting with templates for weapons and spells. Sort of dorky, but it is fun and my boyfriend thinks I should go into making computer games as a line of work.

Your favourite game in the Games sub-forum?
Insult Pam.

Favourite Food?
Broccoli and of course, chocolate.

How does it feel to be the wench amongst Stan’s dastardlies?
Pretty darn special. I miss our ship, I think the Amazons kidnapped Cap'n Stan and are hiding him someplace.

If you could have any other position aboard the Dastardly, what would it be?
Captain, of course. I'm large and in charge. Well, what else did you expect me to do, swab the deck?

Why a pink bathrobe?
Why not? Seriously, a cozy bathrobe is a necessity most of the year, and pink is just a pretty color.

Do you like Clam Chowdah? I have no idea what it is, but apparently Robinhood3000 does, and is eager to hear the answer
No. I know, I shall have to move to another state. Massachusetts is somewhat known for it's clam chowder (sorry, chowdah) as well as Boston baked beans. I don't like either one, but corn chowder is pretty tasty.

Online quizzes… why?
They are fun!!!!

Any other favourites we should know about?
You, Aimus, are my favorite turniper. My favorite mascara shade is dark brown, and my favorite time of year is autumn.

The Almost most important question of them all
What is your favourite Smilie? (Night likes to content that this is actually the most important question of them all)
I like the little wavey one the best. So cute and friendly.

And now, the most important question of them all
How do you like your turnips?
Is there any wrong way to enjoy turnips? I like them best mashed with tons of butter and pepper on top.

I'd like to thank Kathy, for this wonderful interview, and also all the people who sent in questions, thank you!

[AimusSage]

Kathy Thanks for saying I'm your favourite turniper! I'm a little dissapointed in your favourite food though, I mean, Broccoli??

Anyway! you were a fantastic interviewee!

If anyone is interested in rereading old interviews, go to the first post of this thread, and look near the bottom to see links to each interview.

But for now, ask away and comment on this interview!

[andave_ya]

I have been to Ireland, Canada and England

congratulations! Ireland and England!

You have really eclectic tastes, kathy! Big Band and Celtic; I thought I was the only one who like both at the same time!

Thanks kathy, AimusSage and the others included in this interview. I really enjoyed reading it.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

Wheeee.... I really enjoy those interviews. So now we know just a little bit more about kathycf

/Claes

[Pensive]

Thanks Kathy for the interview! I enjoyed reading it very much.

[Virgil]

Great interveiw Kathy. You're a wonderful lady. Here's your favorite smilie.

[Madhuri]

Love the interview, Kathy I am glad India is on your list too I better hurry up on my scooty learning lessons.

I really admire the way you are helping people in real life too.

[RobinHood3000]

Yaaaay, Kathy!!! That was an upbeat interview if I ever read one.

[Laindessiel]

It will be grinded into little pieces and fed to an army of questionable guinea pig soldiers

You have such humor.

(Or am I being just a bit shallow lately that everything makes me laugh?)

I enjoyed your interview Kathy! (Very readable. ) I'm a contradicition of sorts too. And it's good to know that you still would like to learn.

[SleepyWitch]

cool interview Kathy
i didn't know you're studying social works. i thought you worked in web design or something

[kathycf]

Thanks for your kind comments everybody.

<--- that's my guy!

[AimusSage]

(Or am I being just a bit shallow lately that everything makes me laugh?)

You said it not me

Not that it's bad to laugh, it's healthy. But it's also highly contagious. Once, on Mars there was a great outbreak of laughter, which caused many poor Martians to laugh themselves to death! It is widely accepted that hamsters were responsible. As everyone knows, hamsters are immune to laughter, but are able to instigate laughter by performing silly acrobatic acts.

[Niamh]

Kathy that wasa wonderful interview! If you ever come back to ireland i personally show you around! I too also like Broccilli!