I've just ended that completely exhilarating yet slightly terrifying limbo phase between the end of college and the beginning of graduate work. I graduated with a Psych degree, and am now pursuing my Master's in School Social Work. Secretly, though, I still have those rock star aspirations. If I have one talent, it's singing, though I'm neither a drug addict nor a narcissist, so perhaps it's not the best career choice.

I'm English by birth and blood, but have lived in the Philly 'burbs most of my life. I'm rather British in nature; I spell the color as "grey" (but not "color" as "colour," weird I know), I love a spot of tea, and I believe that my version of football is the greatest sport in the world. As a Philadelphian, though, I do follow the Eagles. Don't hold it against me, it was hard-wired into my programming.

I appreciate equally Sondheim, South Park and SportsCenter. I'm the kind of girl who smiles at passersby on the street, genuinely, because I refuse to live so insularly. I find great satisfaction in otherwise ordinary experiences - the crisp smell of autumn, curling up with some hot chocolate and a book on a rainy day, watching boats sail on the lake. Of course, I balance this out with an overuse of "fuck" and a very healthy dose of sarcasm. My eyebrow raise rivals The Rock's. Seriously.

For the past 2.5 years, during the school year I was splitting my time between two preschools, and this summer was my third as a camp director. I've started my Master's work at University of Chicago, and moved to the Lakeview/Lincoln Park border. So far I love city life, and will spend as much time as possible exploring the neighborhood.

In general, I'm working my little tail off trying to be as financially independent as possible, while maintaining an active social life and spending a decent amount of time on my own, recharging. It's a delicate balance, but I think I've managed to work it out.

Singing. Being remarkably thoughtful. Remembering stupid pop trivia tidbits. Installing and fixing electronics without knowing exactly how I did it. Playing various sports, though I fail miserably at basketball and anything involving skates. Alternately, being clumsy, falling up stairs and whatnot. Baking. Assembling IKEA furniture. Laughing at myself, often, because deep down I'm a nerd and a goof. Oh, and absolutely owning at Trivial Pursuit of the 90s. I've lost only once, which is either incredibly impressive or terribly sad.

As for an immediate impression, I really don't know. Once I start talking, though, people often comment on my voice. According to them (normally complete strangers, mind you), it's well-suited to voiceovers and books on tape. Strangely, these people also guess I'm both Scottish and an actress. Suppose it could be worse.

These lists are just scratching the surface, but I figure I should exercise some restraint.

a) When Things Fall Apart, The Tao of Pooh, The Alchemist, War and Peace, and I'm going to count Calvin and Hobbes. My to-read list is currently 21 items long. If you don't read for pleasure, I imagine we might not get along.

b) Mostly anything in Johnny Depp's and Tim Burton's catalogues, Philadelphia, Still Crazy, High Fidelity, Whale Rider, Caddyshack, Monsoon Wedding, Muppets movies.

"It's no good pretending that any relationship has a future if your record collections disagree violently or if your favorite films wouldn't even speak to each other if they met at a party" - Nick Hornby, High Fidelity

c) Pearl Jam first and foremost, Ben Harper, Flight of the Conchords, anything involving one or both Finn Brothers, The Beatles, R.E.M., Fiona Apple, Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Stephen Sondheim, Mozart, Bach, Strauss, Wagner.

d) My all-time favorite dinner (that I make for myself, excluding Mom's home cooking) is soy sauce-marinated salmon, cheesy mashed potatoes, and grilled asparagus, paired with a nice white wine and chocolate mousse for dessert. A love of cooking runs in my family, but more often that not, I'm too lazy to cook a proper meal.

Assuming family, friends, and the essential life elements don't count: my camera, corduroy, live music, a board game, pretty underwear and fresh bread.

grabbing a drink or four, staying in playing board games (Settlers of Catan anyone?) or N64 with mates, reading, swimming in the lake at midnight, seeing movies, attending shows (music, theatre, whatever).

I can't bring myself to dance in public. I have rhythm, I can waltz (thank you, high school musicals), but normally the most you'll get out of me is the head-nod and a tapping toe. The thought of clubbing normally makes me anxious, but I suppose that under the right circumstances, I'd at least try. But don't hold me to it!

something in here has piqued your curiosity. Good stories are always appreciated, as are an inquisitive nature and a hearty laugh (or, I suppose, the best approximation of one over the internet).