I am economically self-supporting, paying my way through the culinary school of my kitchen. Daywork is spreadsheets and personnel challenges. Nights are about listening to public radio, or figuring out a star chart, and making and eating delicious and healthy food.

Here is a writing sample of what I value. One day last year I was icing my knee, which was sore from hiking, with a bag of frozen peas. My friends' Labrador, Dory, was begging for attention as usual. I shifted the bag of peas, not realizing that one corner of the bag was already open. Peas scattered over the floor. Dory was in heaven, chasing and eating the peas. A week later, I was there again. My friend reported that Dory had been trying to get under the couch all week - scratching on the wood floor, putting her snout under the couch, trying to push the couch with her head. I got on the floor with Dory, both of us looking under the couch. We both saw a single pea in the blackness, under the middle of the couch. I lifted up the couch, and Dory darted for the pea, which she got. That's my idea of fun - being on the floor, helping a Labrador get her last green pea.

Cooking, working, meditating, and star gazing.

Planning. I really enjoy the people I work with.

Taste. My ideal summer day is going to the Farmer's Market, buying lots of vegetables, making gazpacho, and taking it to the Opera.

I'm tall and thin.

"Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", Talking Heads, quiche, risotto, paella, lamb, and hibiscus tea.

I could never do without friends, stimulating food, reading, animals, music, and family.

Why aren't whole groats used more often in cookies? What would a protein-rich, legume-light vegetarian cuisine look like?

On a typical Friday night I am having a meal with friends or family or going to a cultural event (concert, play, opera, or movie).

I wept salty tears from watching "Eight Below".

you are a curious person too.