I think the best way to describe me briefly is to say that I always wanted to be a Heinlein heroine. If you understand what that means, that makes you even more attractive to me. If not, those women are incredibly strong, resourceful, intelligent, supportive, and passionate.

I am a practical romantic. I love deeply and much, but I don't let that get in the way of reality. I consider myself polyamorous, but don't think that means you're getting any. I'm very satisfied in my current relationship (singular) and haven't the time or energy to get invested in any more.

I am proud to be a gringa.

I've been told I'm too blunt. I think that's probably true. But I love words, and I'm not going to try to use words to deceive you. I use words to unravel things. So if I'm curious about something or I want something, I'm going to ask plain and simple. I expect equally straight dealings from the rest of the world, so I've also been told I'm too gullible. That's probably true, too.

I am precise, much too honest, and demonstrative

Right now, I'm attending University. I'm almost done with a five-year mission to seek out new life and ne-- wait, that's something else. I'm just studying Computer Science and Spanish. The plan of the week seems to be going out and getting a job after graduation, hopefully in some sort of technical writing, preferably dealing with software engineering. I'm also toying with starting work, then doing an engineering management masters. But we shall see.

Update! That plan lasted. I'm going to be doing Product Management at a software company in a Kansas City suburb, and I'm really quite excited about it.

I'm really good at finding my way places -- I have a great sense of direction. I'm also pretty good at logic puzzles. And I can read quickly. I can whip up frosting for chocolate cupcakes from nothing but an idea and some Nestle Quik powder. I don't do windows. Or Windows. Or Linux. Or Mac. Despite my career, or maybe because of it, most days I hate computers. I've gotten pretty darn good at debugging installation errors.

Well, Lew Perkins first noticed my bright red lipstick. But I don't always wear that. Other than that, I'd have to go with my abundant use of sarcasm.

(a)My favorites are the epic fantasy sagas... Jordan, Goodkind, Martin, Zimmer Bradley. I also love science fiction, especially the older writers -- Heinlein, Asimov, Clarke. I also like the works of Peter David, Laura Esquivel, Douglas Adams. I'll read just about anything that sits still long enough.

(b) Comedy and romantic comedy...just about anything, especially Mel Brooks and Monty Python. I love 'When Harry Met Sally', 'Contact', and the Harry Potter movies.

(c) I'll listen to just about anything that'll hold still long enough. Except hard-core rap and Mexican mariachi. Those will make me want to leap off a bridge.

(d) I'll eat just about anything that'll hold still long enough. Just ask my Tica-mother. But I've discovered that the American foods I can't go a semester without are peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and pizza. If I pull it out of the fridge and it asks me not to eat it... I won't.

My computer, my watch, my best friend, lover, and husband (3 people? one? hmm...scandalous!), books, my brain, and athletics. If you check my Xanga, I posted my five great joys in life. Read that too.

These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about The Big Picture. I try to follow international news, despite living in the US. I'm deeply concerned about the environment and the effect we're having on it, as well as what I can do to help, despite living in a suburban area with no mass transit. I think a lot about politics. I love politics, and am already embroiled in the 2008 Presidential Election. My husband is a teacher, so we frequently discuss educational policy, including NCLB and alternatives.

When I was in Costa Rica, I spent a lot of time thinking about the States. I thought about the people and things I miss, of course, but I also thought about what it means to be an American, what unites us as a people. As varied as we may seem at first glance, when you leave the country its obvious that there is something that defines us. I also thought about what I was going to do this upcoming weekend and what part of the country I'd see next.

I also think a lot about religion, specifically the pick'n'choose spirituality that I'm always in the process of choosing.

Nowadays, I'm probably at home watching TV. Friday nights are veg nights. We both get tired after a full week of work. Saturday nights are time for fun and friends.

I secretly like wearing Spandex. It makes me feel sexy. I also practically grew up on a swim team, so I don't have a problem with guys in Speedos. Shh! Don't tell anyone.

I also wish Java were in the list of languages you know.

you consider yourself a bit of a nerd, and you think I sound intriguing. Or if you're bored. Or if you're looking for someone to watch a Star Trek marathon with. Oh, and if you're not one of those people who types 'u' instead of 'you', 'r' instead of 'are', and doesn't bother to capitalize 'I'. C'mon, people, it's 2 keystrokes and it makes you look like an idiot.

After being idle for over a year and having accumulated several odd messages, I'll add that you should message me if (1) you're not creepy and weird and (2) you're not trying to show off your intimate knowledge of some minor point by showing me up. I don't mind being corrected, usually; it's a good way to learn. But don't be a dipshit know-it-all.