Like most people in Seattle, I'm a transplant. I grew up in Iowa/Illinois. I studied at the University of Iowa for both undergrad and grad school. I've been out here for 6 years and I really don't see myself anywhere else. I do miss being close to family but you can't beat the weather and the views here.

I will easily become the loudest person in the room if I'm having a good time with friends, not necessarily obnoxious - just very animated. I also enjoy a nice quiet night with a book or a movie and a glass of wine. But I should say that I have a harder time relating to super shy/introverts because I am so outgoing....you don't have to be the social butterfly that I am but you at least have to be able to hold your own in a crowd.

Life is too short to take everything so seriously, so most of the time I'm laughing about something - even if it means laughing at myself.

Whether its enjoying my relatively new gig at Amazon, volunteering for non-profits, or whipping up great food for a dinner party with friends I always try to find the silver lining of things.

Also, I'm always keeping tabs on all the election news - even in off years.

Networking in a room, but that comes with having worked in politics. Baking/cooking - I make most of my pasta from scratch and I love any chance to share my culinary skills with friends. Enjoying the small things in life as much as the big things.

I guess it would be my green eyes. Or whatever bright color I'm wearing that day.

This one I could probably go on for quite awhile....

Books: "Fear & Loathing on the Campaign Trail" by Hunter S. Thompson, the Harry Potter series, "And the Band Played On" by Randy Shilts, "Pride & Prejudice" by Jane Austen, the Hunger Games Trilogy (although the way Collins ends the series leaves me wanting something different.)

Movies: Just about anything but forever favorites would be: The American President, Serenity, The Breakfast Club, Mallrats, WALL-E, Stardust

Food: Italian, a decent steak (bonus points for corn-fed beef), mac & cheese, sushi, Giordano's Chicago style deep dish (subtract points if you prefer Gino's).

family & friends, political hackery, good food, music, and things to keep me busy

I really try not to sweat the small stuff and for the most part things I can't control. I do spend a lot of time thinking and talking with friends about politics but I am always mindful of people who hate talking politics.

Doing any number of things depending on the time of year.

I have a very irrational fear of earthquakes. Growing up in the midwest I had enough opportunities to "visit the wizard" via tornado that I really don't want to deal with another natural disaster.

You like any of the above and want to know more and you are interested in more than just sex.

You vote.

The only Beck you listen to has turntables and a microphone and not the hot air assbag on Fox News.

We can disagree politically, but if you're a conservative very active in party politics offended by the above it will be a hot mess.