Filling out an online profile feels like writing a cover letter for a job application and I hate "selling" myself. i hate selling anything actually, but here's the pitch: after nearly 5 years of working for an international human rights foundation, I decided I needed more fresh air during the day and wanted to work on more local social justice issues. Now I teach gardening and cooking to kids in the south bronx through after-school programs. I'm playful and like to laugh (who doesn't?!) though I certainly have a serious side too. I'm frank and honest with my opinions, sometimes to a fault. I love traveling, dancing, volleyball, nature, indie movies, wind surfing, circus arts. I dislike formalities in both mannerism and dress. I wish I could go to work in pajamas or crazy costumes. There's lots more to tell but I'm getting sleepy so this will have to do for now.

still figuring it out...and always will be.

cracking my knuckles and various other joints. listening.

how long my hair is these days, if I'm wearing it down. UPDATE: I just donated my hair so people that already know me are now noticing that my hair is 10 inches shorter! If you don't me already, I guess you'd notice my smile.

books: i loved reading the Kite Runner, In the Time of the Butterflies (julia alverez), and some of george saunders' short stories from In Persuasion Nation recently. I'm much pickier about what books i enjoy than i am about movies, music, and food...

i really don't have an all-time favorite movie but here are some good ones: L.I.E., The Color Purple, The Guru (hysterical!), Bring It On, Drumline, Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Blood Diamond, The Constant Gardener, Erin Brockovich, Charlie's Angels, The Lives of Others, Saved!, Juno, Catch Me If You Can.

TV shows (that I've watched obsessively on DVD cause i don't have a TV or else i'd never leave my house): Freaks & Geeks, Weeds, The Office, My So-Called Life, How I Met Your Mother, Glee.

Music that rocks: sublime, cake, better than ezra, pearl jam, offspring, linkin park, creed, weezer, leonard cohen, beatles, otis redding, sam cooke, squeeze, las orishas, most reggaton.

food: i'll happily eat any of it unless it's spicy or contains olives or mayonaisse. i love dark chocolate, tropical fruit, soft cheeses, stir fries with loads of veggies, thick wide noodles in any cuisine (such as thai pad see ewe or italian rigatoni), polenta, israeli couscous, red jello with whipped cream, medium rare ostrich steak.

friends, family, food, laughter, trampolines, and puppies.

political perils, what to plant on my roof next, how i should really just do my laundry so i don't have to keep trying to ignore the nagging feelings i have about not doing it.

i prefer my weekends to be atypical and varied. recently i saw a roller derby match, went for a hike, battled in a marshmallow civil war, attended some concerts, improv comedy shows, plays, had dinner with friends, sang karaoke, played board games till 4am, and went to bed at 10pm with a book.

That the effort of trying to come up with something clever to write in this box is making me feel creatively inadequate.

I just got up to go to the bathroom and that inspired me to write something in this box. it's not at all clever, merely private and true: in order to conserve water, I often don't flush my toilet after i pee. hope that doesn't gross you out.

you feel like it. if you're interesting and have a lot of energy and like to talk.