Hi. I am awesome.

I've spent the last 4 years living in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Lots of lessons in that! Beyond happy to be returning to the USA to start a new chapter of this crazy journey that is my life.

Disclaimer: I am NOT single! (Please note that...no, seriously.)

I have found my 'life partner', but that doesn't mean we don't like to have new experiences with interesting people. See desertwestern. :)

A little about myself: I am easy going. I love, love, love to laugh and have fun and enjoy every moment of this life. Good friends, good food (vegetarian), and good wine make me happy. I like simple things, but that doesn't mean I am simple-minded. I am actually a very thoughtful, intelligent person who knows how to find beauty in life's little moments and simple adventures. I LOVE to travel and spend time outdoors, as I am always in search of adventure. I am disinterested in artificiality: malls, expensive cars, and amassing 'things' are of little interest to me. We will likely not get along if you like such nonsense.

I prefer a life of unforgettable experiences and doing what I want to one of trying to live up to societal expectations and norms.

Teaching English (my native tongue) to the masses! And doing my best to live in the present.

Fun time is over. Grad School in full force. (Education)

Listening, making fun of myself, making people laugh, being amazing (and modest).

I once thought it was my smile and/or eyes. But I figure even before that it may be my bright stockings/fishnets or the fact that I am most always wearing a dress.

Books: The Canterbury Tales, The Consolation of Philosophy, The Dogs of Babel, The Hours, The Handmaid's Tale, Atonement. I am also fond of the Oxford Dictionary and the 1988 World Atlas, apparently.

Movies: The Shawshank Redemption, Memento, Old School, Crash, The Count of Monte Cristo, Superbad, Edward Scissorhands, Anchorman. I haven't had TV/cable for several years, but I am a super fan of Arrested Development, and secretly hope to be Lucille Bluth when I grow up (but not really).

Music: This and that. Some current favorites include Beirut, DeVotchka, Lost in the Trees, Andrew Bird, Calexico, The Low Anthem, The Head and the Heart, Iron & Wine, The Flaming Lips, Bon Iver, Blind Pilot, Bright Eyes, and Bishop Allen. Classic Faves: Journey and Queen. Other stuff: Louis Armstrong, Sharon Jones, Al Green.

Food: I'm a veggie (though I do sometimes eat seafood=scandalous!). Thai, Indian, Mexican, and Japanese are among my favorite cuisines. I usually prefer to cook up something colorfully healthy at home, as I like to know exactly what's in my food. I believe the heart of any home is the kitchen...so I spend more time there than maybe I should.

The sun.
Friends/family.
Wine/vodka cocktails/a good Bloody Mary.
Love (of all kinds on all levels)
Adventure.
Art.
(Not necessarily in that order)

What I need to Google when I get home. I'm kind of a useless information addict! Never stop thinking about something! (i.e. the difference between a yam and a sweet potato--you know you want to go Google that now!)

Social injustices and education reform.

As of late, gender disparities and how my personal experiences with such have made me a bit more fiery than perhaps I would like.

What I want to do when I grow up...

Finding happiness where I am. Occasionally, engaging in nefarious things.

I'm redefining what I thought I knew about myself as I attempt to take root in a new place where I can grow happily. (I like to think of myself as a tree)

You are not a stalker, and you can appreciate a strong, free-thinking, independent woman with a taste for all things queer. ;)

You may also message desertwestern should you be interested in learning more about us.

Also, you should be interesting. I promise I will not respond to lewd comments, lame greetings, or proposals of marriage. I like vibrant people. No room for lackluster messages! ;) (cheeky wink)