I am a caring, intelligent, creative woman. My approach to myself and life is based on my Buddhist practice of compassion and awareness. Having fun and being happy is very important to me, but so is facing reality head-on and dealing with the ubiquitous struggles of life. I love animals and nature, art and having a fun night out. One of my loves is spoken word poetry. Almost every week I perform some poems at the local lesbian bar for open mic. I love the sense of community with fellow artists and appreciators of creative expression that I get there. My favorite thing to do is to have meaningful and/or fun conversations with others. It is very important to me that those conversations have a somewhatbalanced amount of sharing and listening amongst everyone. Because I am a good active listener, sometimes I fall in the trap of the other person in the conversation doing all the talking. I'm working to change that dynamic. I am an outstanding friend and tend to shower those I love with attention, affection and kind words. Feminism and the ability to think and act critically in this world of inequalities is a huge part of who I am.

Having just finished grad school I am sending out resumes like a mad woman. I earned a master's degree in social work and I am now a therapist. My internship was at Children's Hospital and I loved doing therapy with the kids in psychiatric care, as well as doing family therapy. At this point, given the economy, I would be happy with any master's level position and believe my profession is one in which I can grow and learn and work my way up to a coveted position.

In the meantime, I am working at adult group homes through a community mental health center. I am spending as much time as I can with friends and writing and painting.

Seeing the complexities in something; looking beyond the black and white view.
Being an excellent active listener. I do not do therapy on my friends! But, it is natural for me to ask evocative questions and provide a safe space for the other person to share.
Giving love and attention to those who are important to me.
Taking care of myself by meeting my own needs and taking time away for solitary refueling.
Telling my friends the latest hollywood gossip. I read the magazines while I''m shopping!
Being creative and coming up with ideas and projects.

Physically: super curly Jew hair, blue glasses, short!
Once we start talking: warmth, enthusiasm, humor.

Books: There is nothing wrong with you, If the Buddha Dated, most buddhist texts on mindfulness, The Boondocks, occasionally Bitch or Curve. Otherwise, I prefer non-fiction. I am drawn to real life stories, especially about how people survive hardships. I didn't read while at school for two years, so I'm trying to get back into it. Any suggestions?

Movies: Frida--the greatest film of all time, in my opinion. Fingersmith, Spinal Tap, Walking and Talking, Moonstruck, D.E.B.S., Tootsie, most lesbian films.
I don't do horror! And prefer that the violence is minimal in dramas. Strong, interesting female characters hook me in.

Music: I love the Beastie Boys. Their music, journeys, and personal growth are fascinating to me as an artist, a feminist, a therapist. I have started writing a book about them. So, with that, I've been trying to learn about old school rap and radical hip hop. Tribe Called Quest is in my car CD player. As a poet I am drawn to the lyrics and rhythms of hip hop and love the radical empowerment aspect that some artists espouse. I, of course, hate the homophobic and misogynist lyrics that are rampant. I'm trying to reconcile these contraditions. Otherwise, I love women like Pink who smash through traditional gender roles. I love real (not elevator) Jazz. I'm trying to expand my musical horizons through Pandora. Please, no country or death metal.

Food is diner, asian, some traditional Jewish, Indian, and I'm picky about Mexican. I love sweet things and savory meals cooked well.

Cold water, something to write on/with, my friends, art to look at and to make, my cat, Buddhist insight.

How to navigate relationships with more grace and skills.
What does the world need to turn around our most dire social/econommic/and political disasters.
How to be at peace in the moment and not be caught up in things I want in the future.
How much I love the queer community and being a lesbian.

At one of our two lesbian bars with friends.
Working the 3-11p shift.
Home alone cleaning and relaxing.
Going to a show or concert with friends.

This is not really the place I would want to share that!

You are a monogamist.
You are interested in finding a long term relationship (eventually).
You are good at reciprocity.
You are not looking for a high-powered, jet setting, executive, but rather a down to earth, in the helping professions, person.
You like my profile!