As it says up top, I am seeing someone. This means I am in a relationship and am not wanting anything more than friends. I wish I didn't have to say this in my profile itself, but it seems I still get messages from people who think "I only want friends" means "If you pretend to be my friend, then I'll sleep with you."

I am in a relationship. Seriously, I am only wanting friends. I do not want a fuck buddy. I don't want "someone on the side." I don't want someone to "fool around with while the significant other is away." Again, I wish I didn't have to say this, but obviously I do. I'm sorry if it makes me come off as a stuck up ice cold bitch, but really people. If the profile says "Seeing someone", that's a huge hint that they won't be interested in dating you or having sex with you.

If you're looking for cyber, phone sex, a one night stand, or anything like that, then don't read any more. I am not what you're looking for. This also goes for "no strings attached" sex. I am looking for friends and friends only right now.

Ok.... with that out of the way:

Hrm... Name's Ashley, or Ash, as I get called both. Ashley by the old friends or those who aren't comfortable enough to call me by my "nickname".. Ash by the online friends because 3 letters is just so much easier to type than 6. I personally don't care.

I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and lived there for 28 years of my life. So that means I've only recently left my hometown. No I don't have an oilfield in my back yard, and only know how to ride a horse just enough to not fall off.

Overall, I guess I'm your typical geeky type girl. I love to read sci-fi/fantasy novels, play RPGs, and would rather be curled up in a chair at a coffee shop than out at a party. Down to earth and honest, I'd rather wear my jeans and a t-shirt than "dress up" and frankly, don't understand those people who spend more than 30 minutes on their hair. Actually, it takes supreme effort to get me in to a dress (other than my renfaire outfit). *chuckles* I just like to be... comfortable.

I also have a love of travel that my parents instilled in me early on. I've road tripped nearly everywhere in the United States, as well as a few vacations overseas. (And the almost manadatory trips to Mexico, being as I'm from Texas.) As I'm in grad school, any traveling I'll do now will be short road trips due to money matters, or if I get sent somewhere for a conference, but the itch is still there. And I hope to indulge in it again once I get out.

Just to warn you, though. Though I am the type to avoid parties and the "clubbing" scene, doesn't mean I'm all that shy or introverted. I'll talk your ear off, if you let me. ;-)

Moved to Athens, GA in August 2008 to start my graduate school career en route to getting my PhD in Molecular Genetics. So hopefully by December 2013, people can start calling me "Professor" :-p

As for what I'd like to do with that degree eventually... I'd love to work in the level 4 quarantine labs in the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). I don't know.. something about working in a place where you have to go through decontamination every day... simply fascinates me. Yes, I know I'm insane.

Odds are, though.. I'll end up teaching at a university somewhere. Which.. I wouldn't mind in the slightest, honestly.

Honestly... talking. I've been told I can talk to a brick wall, but then, I've also been told that I'm a great listener and really good at getting people to relax and open up. So.. I guess you can say I could talk to a brick wall, but I can also get the brick wall to talk back. *grins*

Other than that... hrm. I'm extremely good at molecular biology, genetics, virology, immunology, etc.. which makes sense as that's what I'm going in to for my graduate degree. I am a veritable fountain of useless information thanks to this.

Did you know that 250 grams (about half a pound) of botulism toxin can kill everyone on Earth?

It used to be my waist length hair, but due to a stylist that decided that "I love my long hair. Don't cut my hair short." meant "It's ok to cut over a foot off so long as it's not above the shoulders", I no longer have waist length hair.

And therefore, I really have no idea what people notice first about me. Really. I'll have to ask people. Smile maybe? Geeky t-shirt? Lack of makeup?

Books: Anything fantasy, almost. Melanie Rawn, C.S. Friedman, Tad Williams, Orson Scott Card, David Eddings, Douglas Niles, Douglas Adams, Tanya Huff, J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen R. Donaldson.. and many many other authors.

Movies: I have no favorite movies, really, but some of the ones that spring to mind right now are: Moulin Rouge, The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, Princess Mononoke, Pirates of the Carribbean, The Lion in Winter, Hero, Chicago, Excalibur, The Shawshank Redemption, Usual Suspects....

Music: This I'm open to nearly anything, though I have little liking for rap, R&B, or the truely heavy metal. Currently on the iPod is a random mix of 90's, techno, Dave Matthews Band, showtunes (Moulin Rouge, Chicago, Dr. Horrible.. and the Commentary...), instrumental, piano, and some j-pop. Or something like that.

Food: As a friend said once.. you can never have too much Italian food! That being said, I'm both a picky eater, and open to anything at the same time. Just not one for too many vegetables, or for seafood....

There's nothing in this world that I would die if I had to do without (other than the basic necessities that all life needs)... but.. if I had to choose things that I really really really don't want to get rid of in no particular order... friends, family, books, computer with internet, caffeine, and.... umm.. I'll get back to you on that last one...

Why I haven't updated this part in so damn long....

Right now I spend a lot of time thinking about my classes as this is my first year as a grad student and so I'm terrified of flunking out.

And of course the "What am I going to do for my thesis work?" is drifting back there...

Out... somewhere. I've decided I'm a "social bookworm"... meaning I really love just curling up and reading a book... at someone else's place. Not being one for clubbing, the bar scene, or partying... I can usually be found out playing pool, at a movie, or just hanging out at a friend's place... I'm not picky. Just so long as I'm with people and I'm not stuck at home. :-)

For my 25th birthday, my two best friends decided to get me something that I'd actually use. You know.. one of those things that someone really needs rather than just something funny and stupid.

They got me a dildo.

*headdesks*

Firstly, let's put this out there. You should NOT message me if:

- You think that numbers belong in words, and that the letters "r" and "u" and "ur" are valid words, please don't bother. (In otherwords.. no chat speak. At all.)

- You're looking for a cyber, phone, or one night stand partner. This also goes for "no strings attached" sex. I am not looking for sexual partners. I am looking for friends and friends only right now.

- Yes, I understand that it's "easier" to talk on the phone rather than over the internet. However, I am not going to give you my phone number after 4 lines of chat.

You SHOULD message me if:

- You're looking for actual intelligent conversation.

- You're looking for the kind of girl who can get up and go in 15 minutes flat (that's including a shower). You prefer someone who will show up with wet hair, no makeup, and in just jeans, t-shirt and sandals. (Frankly, I don't own any makeup. I despise the stuff.)

- You're just looking for idle chatter and don't mind going off on random tangents every once in a while.

- You're looking for someone to relax and hang out with. Chat over coffee, see a movie, walk around a park or the like.

And, if you want.. catch me on AIM/MSN/Yahoo.. or whatever:

AIM - Azhchay Yahoo - ashy_chan MSN - Sunback@hotmail.com

I tend to hide behind away messages, so if you see me as "away" I might still be there. :-)

You should DEFINITELY message me if you can name where this quote comes from..

"This is not a political issue. This is a health issue. This is not a gay issue. This is a human issue. And I do not intend to be defeated by it. I came here today in the hope that my epitaph would not read that I died of red tape."