Your Questions Get Answered

Thanks for all your inquiries! Wow, these questions ran the gamut. It was interesting and thought provoking- thanks. It's not too late to submit your questions if you feel so inclined. Just remember (as this post goes on and on) you asked! Here we go...

Java Jabber wants to know: Are you a crafter? What hobbies do you do?
I am crafty, it's true. Lately I've been back into beading jewelry, making pins out of felt (ask Alissa, I just sent her a bird and a cupcake), knitting (scarves mostly but I want to learn how to make hats), some minimal charcoal drawing, the occasional home improvement (painted my kitchen) and am in the process of learning to sew so I can revolutionize the fashion world for chubbettes.

Asp strikes a sensitive spot by asking: Have you seriously thought about going to see a therapist with all of your ongoing problems with your self esteem issues and your needing a man to complete your life?
I have been to therapy off and on for many years but since moving to Seattle, have not located a therapist. It's true, I struggle with loving myself and with my relationships with men. It's funny though, had I written a blog ten years ago, you'd likely think me certifiable. I've come incredibly far and am quite proud of the internal work I have done on myself. This blog is an outlet for my life but it is no way all encompassing of my life. Take what you read with a grain of salt, please and don't suppose you know me so well. Anyone who has ever met me in real life would never believe I feel I need a man in my life to complete it. I actually laughed reading that since it is so far from my own reality. Self-esteem issues I have in spades though.

Catheroo ponders: What was the last CD you bought/mp3 you downloaded?
The last cd I purchased was The Detroit Cobras, "Baby" from iTunes. The last mp3 I downloaded was Ben Folds, "Evaporated."

Claire asks: What inspires you? What do you draw strength/courage from? What sort of women's self defense did you teach and how did you get into that?
I taught a form of women's self-defense that borrowed from different kinds of martial arts to make it simpler for women to learn basic, effective physical and verbal techniques to ward off an attacker. I studied for a year and then taught for some 8 years. The most empowering part of teaching was seeing women who never had yelled in their life or maybe even stood up for themselves, yell "NO!" The look on their faces was incredibly rewarding. They finally believed in their own power! It was awesome. It certainly inspired me at the time. I draw inspiration from the people in my life- particularly the volunteers I work with because so many of them generously give of their time and talents to the foster kids. Seeing people want to give back, to do good in the world, always inspires me. My friends and family are definitely my source of courage and strength.

Melissa wonders: How did your family pick Seattle as it's new home?
Hmm, good question- one I am not particularly sure of the answer. Since first visiting Seattle some 8 years ago, I've loved this city. It's been on the top of my list of where to move since then and it took me that long (and a nephew) to get myself here. My sis and her hubby visited Seattle on their honeymoon and fell in love with this magnificent place. Since they lived here and were the ones having a kid, my mom and I said, "What the hell! Let's go!" And so here I am and soon to follow comes my mom. We're tight like that.

Bone gets sappy on me and asks: What is your happiest memory?
Gosh, I really have so many. Recently, I'd have to say some of my happiest memories are: watching my nephew Finn be born, feeling all the love from my Santa Cruz friends when I moved, laughing until I cried with Hillz and Tomato (separately but equally as enjoyable), laying on the beach in Tulum, Mexico last Christmas and whenever the last time I hit a pinata (I love pinatas!). (P.S. Bone? Love the sap factor. Sincerely.)

Snackie wants to know: Which blogger would you like to switch lives with for one day?
I've never thought about that. Even on my worst days, I never want to get out of my life. But, for kicks, I'd say (out of the bloggers I read which is limited) I'd most want to switch with Sandra because I want to see what it's like to live in the Big Apple. I've never been there but have always wanted to visit. Plus, you know, she's all kinds of fabulous.

G-man goes for the hard hitting question: Do you believe in life after death?
The simplest answer to that very deep question is: Yes.

Tomato, of course, asks me some huge question: What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
Leave it to you to ask this. Damn you! Right now the answer I feel is most true is to go into business for myself. I'd love to start Chubby Girl Revolution and change the way women feel about their bodies.

Leave it to Dave2 to ask me a wardrobe question: What are you planning on wearing to TequilaCon?
Well Dave, it's funny you should ask. I was JUST eyeing this fabulous little red dress. But if you're already planning on wearing a red dress, I'll go for something different. But definitely something that shows cleavage. Is that ok?

Sandra, clearly on drugs, asks: How does it feel, being so fabulous? :)
Oh shucks, I really wouldn't know.

Diane demonstrates that she and I will have plenty to discuss over sushi on Saturday by asking: You alluded to a college documentary in an e-mail to me--I want to hear more about this, what you studied in school, and why. Also, what was your toughest subject in school?
I was a Women's Studies/Literature major. Why? Because I love writing and books and being a kickass chick. Of course there is more to it but that's the quick answer. By far, my toughest subject in school was Statistics. Why? Because I detest math. I took that damn class twice and got incompletes both times (maybe all those times I skipped class to drink coffee and smoke cloves wasn't so smart?). I finally had to take Oceanography for my "quantitative" credits in college. At least then I could study dolphins and stuff.

JustRun, who makes delicious soup, wants to know: If you had to pick one food to live on for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'm gonna have to go for sushi.

Alissa, my internet soul sister, needs to know: Where you got your fabulous snow boots? I adore them and have snow, therefore could use some cute snow boots.
Technically they are for rain because they aren't as warm as they need to be for snow but they are superduper cute, you're right. You'll have to ask my Mom. She gave them to me for Christmas. Mom?

Bullyse doesn't beat around the bush: I would like to know: If you had to typify or explain, what kind of guy is it that you find yourself attracted to?
Good Lord woman! This is a very charged question for me right now. :) Ok, typifying, I'd have to say that I tend to date men who are humorous, self-deprecating, sarcastic, artistic (writers, musicians, painters), and who struggle with depression. Bonus points for passive aggressives and emotionally stunted communicators. Heh.