Elyse "Karaoke Singer"

Name: Elyse
Age:25
Sign: Scorpio
I grew up in: New York City
I currently live in: Sunnyside, NYC
Occupation: Associate Editor at the ASPCA and mom of 2
You can find me: singing karaoke with good friends
You will never find me: at a car show
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.aspca.org

1.)What is your dream job? To do missionary work around the world with my family.

2.)What are you most proud of? My two beautiful children and the progress my special needs son has made

3.)What has been your greatest loss in life? The loss of free time!

4.)Who would you like to meet? Antonio Banderas

5.)What is the hardest part of your day? What is the best part of your day?
The hardest part is working and taking care of my baby at the same time. The best part is the evening, when the family can plop on the couch and relax.

Tony "I Struggle With Procrastination"

Name: Tony
Age: 35
Sign: Aquarius
I grew up in: Safety Harbor & Clearwater, FL
I currently live in: Hollywood, CA
Occupation: Account Manager, similar to a Project Manager, in a sales/advertising agency
You can find me: tonynryner@yahoo.com
You will me never find me: actively involved in a church ever again
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://www.tonynryner.com/ (Note: there is no current content as I'm designing the site, but stay tuned!)

1) What gets you out of bed each day? The desire to improve upon the previous day, not only my actions and motivations, but the immediate world around me. I firmly believe that we all have the capacity and tenacity to improve the world, the way people are perceived and respected, and the reality awaiting our children, young family members and friends. The only thing that limits what we can accomplish in our life and this world is selling ourselves short of our potential.

2) What life experience has strengthened you the most? Being ostracized from the church I was raised in and dedicated seventeen years of my life too. Some may think that being forcefully removed from a reality that nearly two decades were devoted to would be too traumatic to overcome. However in my case it forced me away from the numbing "comfort zone" of my prior life and invited me to embrace who I truly was and take charge of where I was I going. Anger, pain and regret, which were natural emotions I felt after being ostracized, in time were replaced with hope, confidence and gratitude. I encourage anyone to ponder on their immediate world and ask if its helping or holding you back from who you want to be.

3) What would you change about yourself? Procrastination. My procrastination is not fueled by laziness or lack of motivation but rather a lingering fear that I won't be completely successful in all that I do. In time and maturity I've shifted away from being a perfectionist to somewhat more realistic. With that said, when I choose to take on a new venture (occupation, friendship, hobby, etc.), I struggle with procrastination, which stalls how quickly I enter the venture or the amount of energy I exert. Fortunately though I do remind myself of the rewards of not standing still in life, so eventually I get my butt in gear!

4) Describe the landscape of the place you grew up. How did that landscape affect you? I grew up in a relatively small town in central Florida, Safety Harbor. As much of Florida, Safety Harbor had access to beaches (I spent the majority of my high school years at Clearwater Beach) and outdoor exercise (beach volleyball was my kick then, though I've never been an overly athletic person). The tree-lined streets, lazy afternoons and eclectic residents of Safety Harbor managed to give me a sense of protection from the ever-evolving, complicated family dynamic in my youth. Being raised in that town provoked me to seek amusement and mental stimulation as the town at the time didn't offer a variety of things to spent my time on. In that environment I grew to appreciate and develop my artistic side. Also I fought against my social awkwardness, ultimately wanting to be seen for myself and not seen as part of the town's unmoving scenery. I've returned to Safety Harbor, driving through it while visiting family in other parts of Florida. Though its "downtown" has developed and a large resort & spa (founded on 2,000 year old mineral springs) rests along its edge, its still that small town where an awkward boy grew out of his extra body weight and social phobias.

5) What is your most prized possession? Though we are all material-minded to some degree, for the most part I strive not to get too sentimentally attached to physical items. My basic reasoning for that is because a physical item can be lost, destroyed or taken and avoiding the impending disappointment and frustration can't be a bad thing. With that said, I have a ring given to me by my grandmother (father's mother) that has found a special place in my heart. The ring was given to her by her aunt who once owned a bar and the ring was left behind by a patron. The ring itself is silver and simple, void of complex etchings and gems. The ring doesn't even fit me, including my pinkie fingers. At times I've worn the ring on a chain around my neck and at other times on a key ring. Since the ring doesn't have family history beyond my grandmother's aunt, as the ring's owner was a stranger, it reminds me that all things happen for a reason. My grandmother's aunt gave it to her, not because it had monetary value, but because she simply thought she'd appreciate it. My grandmother gave the ring to me out of the same motivation, thinking I'd appreciate it. I'll never stop being amazed at how much someone can touch another person's life, simply by doing small things solely to put a small on their face.

Stephen "My Son Is The Best I've Ever Done"

Name: Stephen "Satyr"
Age:40
Sign:SAgicorn---born on winter solstice; the cusp
I grew up in: ports cities of the Gulf Coast---Dad was a merchant marine
I currently live in:Chico, CA
Occupation:RN- Trauma Nurse
You can find me:@ Duffy's, the Naked Lounge, John Muir Med Ctr in Walnut Creek, CA, biking in Bidwell PArk
You will never find me: Hanging with plastic, superficial people or ever living in the South (ever again)

1.) Do you love what you do? Why? Burningman. It's been one of the most cathartic experiences I've ever had and continue to have---7 consecutive years and counting

2.) What are you most proud of? My son---he's 10. It's been just the 2 of us for the last 8 years and he's pretty incredible. He is the best I've ever done

3.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? Being a single parent

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My dad. I miss him.

5.) What would you want to change about yourself? I was raised in a very conservative family. I've long since shed prejudices and biases. My views are pretty liberal, but with strong family tradition. I strive to be more laid-back and go with the flow.

Kirstin "Everything Happens For A Reason"

Name: Kirstin
Age: 24
Sign: Aquarius
I grew up in: Sandpoint, Idaho
I currently live in: Spokane, Washington
Occupation: dental hygienist...soon to be student...again! :)
You can find me: playing outside w/my dog, relaxing with my loved ones, shopping, or cooking!
You will never find me: eating meat.
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.peta.org

1. Who or what inspires you? Music is my inspiration engine. Great music motivates me, drives me, and moves me. The "who" would be my dog Jax, who reminds me on a daily basis that it's the simple things in life that count~ to love unconditionally, take naps and don't even feel bad about it because it was time well spent (things like that)...He really does bring out the best in me :)

2. What are you most proud of? I'm definitely proud of being a 24 year old independent woman. I always pictured myself married at this point in my life. I'm proud to say I'm not there and perfectly content. I'm proud to have graduated college, landed a career, and started a life all my own :) It's pretty liberating!

3. What has been your greatest loss in life? I consider myself lucky in that nothing comes to mind...I really live by the saying that everything happens for a reason...

4. Who would you like to meet? I would love to meet the Obamas and have dinner with their family...Abe Lincoln, see what he'd have to say about where our nation is at right now...Betty and Ellen Degenerous, Natalie Portman~ my favorite actress :)

5. What is the hardest part of your day? What is the best part of your day? The hardest part of my day is leaving for work, because my puppy knows from the moment I put on my work shoes that I'm leaving him. The sadness in his eyes just breaks my heart. Sooo, it probably goes without saying that the best part of my day is returning to him! It's tied with seeing my love Michelle and spending time with her~ The best greeting after work is when they're both awaiting my arrival :)

Arden "Figuring Out Who I Am And Who I Want To Be"

First Name: arden

Age: 48.5

Sign: cancer

I grew up in: monkeytown alabanana

I currently live in: tallahassee florida... a vast improvement

Occupation: right now? space planner... later? who knows...

You can find me: in motion

You will never find me: saying never

Your website or Charity you are passionate about: npr... not quite a charity... but they do need money

1.)What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day?

figuring out who i am...

figuring out who i want to be...

2.)What would you want to change about yourself?

where to begin...

i'd like to acquire an innate talent for balance...

yeah

that

3.)What do you want to do before you die?

be happy

a lot

4.)What are you most proud of?

20 years of sobriety

5.)What is your most prized possession?

my integrity

Eric "Perfection Is Not A Humanistic Trait"

Name: Eric
Age: 25
Sign: Cancer
Occupation: I currently attend MSU, serve in the National Guard, and labor for DCI Contracting.
I grew up in: Charlotte Michigan a.k.a. Chartucky or C-Town
I currently live in: Lansing Michigan but will be moving to my home state of Texas in a few short weeks. Each move appears to be a better step in the right direction.
You can find me: On a boat fishing, in the woods hunting, at a concert, at a club flailing my body like white people do, in my yard playing horshoes, or in the house relaxing.
You will never find me: Wishing to be in somebody else's shoes, the path I have traveled to get here is the one I am supposed to be on and learn from.
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Big Brothers Big Sisters, I have a few friends who have sponsored a little brother. Last year I went sledding with my friend Chris and his little brother; it was good times. It would be nice to sponsor a little bro, buy him junk food, and challenge him to a mighty game of guitar hero. There were times when I was younger when I wish somebody would have gotten me out of the home environment for a few hours.

The website is located at http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539751/k.BDB6/Home.htm

1.) Who or what inspires you? My true inspiration in life right now is to become more spiritual and to accept what the world has to offer. I'm sort of inspired by the thought of owning a store which sells jerky processing equipment, but it seems a bit grandiose for the time being.

2.) What is difficult for you? Many things are difficult for me, isn't thats why its called life. I am truly thankful for my friends and family. They are the ones who listen when I need somebody to talk to and give me guidance when I don't have the answers. The most current difficult thing for me is leaving my comfort zone in Michigan and moving to Texas. Not only will I leave family and friends behind, but I will leave behind all my good hunting/fishing spots.

3.) What is your biggest regret? I try to think I live without regrets or rather that I have accepted my past, but I do regret to some degree that I never wrestled in college.

4.) What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my ability to take responsibility for my actions. I comprehend that perfection is not a humanistic trait, therefore, the best thing I can do is admit it when I am wrong and try to make things right.

5.) What do you want to do before you die? I don't mean to be boring, but I would be nice to raise a healthy family and have children that think of me as a true friend. Plus, I'd like to win the lottery and go base jumping; not in that particular order.

Alicia "Life Isn't About Material Things"

First Name: Alicia
Age: 31
Sign: Capricorn
I grew up in: Centerville, Ohio
I currently live in: Centerville, Ohio
Occupation: Fitness Instructor &
Tutor
You can find me: where there is music
You will never find me: tight rope walking
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www. standup2cancer. org and www. aspca. org

1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? My dog, goal of writing, dream of finishing a screenplay.

2.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? The death of my dad taught me life isn't about material things but the connections you make with people while you're here.

3.) What would you want to change about yourself? Not to be so shy.

4.) What do you want to do before you die? Sell a screenplay, travel, drive an Indy car, learn a choreographed dance from Wade Robson, sing with Gwen Stefani, and play the guitar.

5.) What is your most prized possession? family, friends, dog and my music collection.

Andrea "My Grandmother Is My Hero"

First Name: My name is Andrea
Age: Ain't nothin' but a numba. I'm 43.
Sign: Capricorn. We rule the planet!!!!
I grew up in: Bakersfield, CA. The Nashville of the west and very conservative. I left as soon as I could...
I currently live in: West Hollywood, CA
Occupation: Was an Associate Media Director at an advertising agency, but was laid off due to the economy. Now I'm relaxing and seeing where the wind blows me next.
You can find me: Traveling. If you can catch me...
You will never find me: At the republican convention, a conservative church or a chocolate factory (can't stand the taste or smell of chocolate, but if it was Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, that would be a different story... Fizzy lifting drinks??? I'm so in...)
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: AIDS research will always be close to my heart. I've lost over 40 friends over the last 20 years - all of my boys are gone. Also animal rescue. mollysmuttsandmeows.org

1.) Who or what Inspires you? Travel. I want to see the entire world with my own eyes.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? I'd have my breasts removed and I'd grow a couple of inches...

3.) What is your most prized possession? Her name was Daisy. The sweetest and best dog on the planet. I suppose she possessed me, though. Wonderful girl. I miss her.

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My Grandmother is my hero. She was a BAD ASS. Her husband left her with two infants and her mother to take care of in the 1940's. And she did it, man. I have her Sheriffs badge tattooed on my back. She was strong, funny and the EPITOME of cool.

5.) How do you want to be remembered? As the lesbian Valentino. Yet again, I'm kidding. Seriously. As a compassionate, funny, BAD ASS who was the epitome of whatever. Oh, and the best hugger on the planet.

Jennifer "Dog Trainer, Wolf Handler"

First Name: Jennifer
Age:34
Sign:Gemini
I grew up in:The Outdoors
I currently live in:The mountains above Boulder, Colorado
Occupation:Dog Trainer, Wolf Handler, Animal Behavior Expert, Conservationist, Researcher, Inventor of new approaches and ideas to work with animals...
You can find me:Somewhere in the western United States
You will never find me:Without My Dogs
Your website or Charity you are passionate about:www.jmdogtraining.com

1.) Who or what Inspires you? My inspiration comes from nature, ecology and animals.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? the fact that I am such a loner at times.

3.) What is your most prized possession? My Jeep

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My parents. They both grew up very poor and became very successful. My Mom influenced and taught me so much about animals at a young age and my father has taught me many things about business. I have great respect for them and am grateful to have them in my life.

5.) How do you want to be remembered? I hope I will be remembered as someone who made a difference. I do what I do because of my four legged friends- if I can only give to them half of what they have given to me, I will feel successful.

Colleen "Hairstylist & Future Animal Rescuer"

Name: Colleen
Age:25
Sign:Capricorn
I grew up in: All over Orange County
I currently live in: Seal Beach
Occupation: Hairstylist
You can find me: At home, at the salon, or walking down main st. seal beach with my husband and a coffee in my hand.
You will never find me: hunting animals
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: my website (myspace)

and my husband's website (go check it out!) www.craignorrisphoto.com

1.) What is your lifelong dream?
To live in a beautiful home on the beach, have a couple of little ones, own successful businesses, and be able to do what we want!!!

2.) What are you passionate about?
I'd love to rescue animals in need of good homes, maybe someday when I have the space, time, and money!!

3.) How do you measure success?
Achieving all of my goals I set for myself.

4.) What has been your greatest achievement?
Marrying not just a great guy but my best friend and being a hairstylist which is a great achievement because I am doing something I enjoy and love!

5.) Is there something you would do differently if you could go back in time?
I would have never used credit cards to pay for things, I would have done the sensible thing and payed cash or saved up!!! I should have listened to my parents...

Kari "Tattoo Artist/Shirt Designer"

Name: Kari
Age:48
Sign:cancer
I grew up in:Lots of houses and apts starting in the city of Bloomington , MN
I currently live in:A cute little house in Long Beach , CA
Occupation:Tattoo Artist/Shirt Designer...
You can find me:Next to my wife...enjoying a glass of wine...
You will never find me:Living in a cold place again...swimming in a cold place or at the front of confrintation.
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.outerlimitstattoo.com and I love the SPCA

1.)What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? The thought of being debt free and living in the lush tropical forest, beach out the window, with the woman I love, Sherman and Lily running around and friends and family... coming to visit all the time!

2.)What life experience has strengthened you the most? My Divorce. And a thing called life it self.

3.)What would you want to change about yourself? My ability to allow myself to change... to help others more and to be a stronger person within.

4.)Describe the landscape of the place you grew up. How did that landscape affect you? The were forests near, and fights within.. blue lakes near by and grey carpet. A loving sister and a many others I didnt get to know well enough. I had a large family spread way to far apart, moved a lot as I remember ... and always longed to have a place. Still searching...

5.)What is your most prized possession? The love I receive from others. If its a thing...I dont relly fall attached to to much, but I would say my tattoo shops and my home.

Annie "A Nice Person"

Name:Annie
Age:48
Sign:cancer
I grew up in:I lived in a lot of places as my dad was in the Navy..Okinawa, Virginia, Monterey,
I currently live in:Ventura
You can find me:if you look
You will never find me:if you don't look
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: heifer international and www.chlg.org

1.)What is your dream job?
I could list a ton...actress, vet, clown, owner of my own restruant, author, but in fact the job I do now is really my dream job..I am a teacher..I shift between regular education and special education and I love both. I guess my real dream would be to be a great teacher right up to my last day of teaching.

2.)What are you most proud of?
I like to think that I am a good mom, but you never really know how much of how your kids turn out is you or them, so I guess the thing I am most proud of is the fact that basically I am a nice person. I can't think of a time when I ever went out of my way to be mean to anyone.

3.)What has been your greatest loss in life?
Time...When I think of the times I took rather then gave, the times I pouted rather then enjoyed, the times I was angry rather then understanding, the times I wasted rather then used to their fullest...I am trying my hardest to spend the rest of my time in the best ways possible.

4.)Who would you like to meet?
If I could meet someone from the past it would be Annie Sullivan...she was Helen Keller's teacher. If I could meet someone from the present it would be the person reading this who is wearing a green shirt. Yes, that's right you, I see you there behind your computer screen. You can't hide from me.

5.)What is the hardest part of your day?
I work in a middle class community, and for the most part because I work with kids my day is filled with the joy of watching kids learn and explore in the humorous innocent ways of childhood. In many ways it is like being in a bubble. Then when I get home and I turn on the news or pick up the paper I am reminded of the pain and sorrow many people faced during the day, and at times it can make me sad. What is the best part of your day?
My kids saying "Mom, I'm home."

Hank "Waiting for Something to Happen"

Name: Hank
Age: 50. That's right, 50.
Sign: Cancer
I grew up in: The San Fernando Valley
I currently live in: Topanga, Ca
Occupation: Marketing Communications
You can find me: On my motorcycle
You will never find me: In a mall
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: advrider.com

1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? My children

2.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? Habit for Humanity missions to Kyrgyzstan an India.

3.) What would you want to change about yourself? The feeling that I'm always waiting for something to happen.

4.) Describe the landscape of the place you grew up. How did that landscape affect you? Farm fields and ranches that became sub-divisions and shopping malls. I remember the freedom to wander the fields when I was young and to eat raw sweet corn off the stalk. That may have been stealing, right?

5.) What is your most prized possession? My integrity. Everything else is just stuff.

Vicki "Looking For The Good"

Name: Vicki
Age: 40
Sign: Gemini
I grew up in: Alaska
I currently live in: oregon
You can find me: Outdoors at all times of the day or evening
You will never find me: voting republican
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: PETA

1.)Who or what inspires you?

I guess knowing right from wrong can be inspirational. I am always looking for the good in someone and just a simple smile or genuine gesture can inspire me to keep on believing...hoping...that if we could be a little nicer, a little more nurturing and a little more helpful that it would be enough to sustain a positive environment for all of us to want to be or become better people.

2.)What are you most proud of?

From a personal standpoint, I would say the fact that I finally get it. I finally get how people should be treated, especially the ones you love. How important life is...family and friends. How I should treat myself. Took me long enough! The second thing would be my sisters becoming mothers. They have given me 3 wonderful nephews that have taught me so much over the years. When we were kids running around with pigtails and dirty facces, I never could of imagined them growing up into beautiful women and becoming mothers. They are awesome.

3.)What has been your greatest loss in life?

I lost the privilege of staying in the lives of two children I dearly loved. My heart has been broken every since.

4.)Who would you like to meet?

My grandfather. I have heard that he believed in equality back when it was not really a cool thought to some. He was a mayor of a small town and a fire chief. He passed away when I was 7. Unfortunately, I lived in Alaska and he lived in Oregon...I never knew him but have always been drawn to him in some way. Would love to have a conversation with him.

5.)What is the hardest part of your day? What is the best part of your day?
I don't know if I really have a "hard" part to my day, aside from deciding what shirt to throw on. As far as the best part of my day...that does vary. Talking with friends and family and laughing keeps me smiling most times all day. I finish that off with a hot bath and a good movie on TV.

Andrea "I love who I am"

Name: Andrea
Age: 44 yrs
Sign: Aries
I grew up in: Orange County, CA
I currently live in: Tustin Ranch, CA
Occupation : Exercise Physiologist
You can find me: at the gym or running outdoors...........
You will never find me: eating raw fish

Your website or Charity you are passionate about : Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America (www.ccfa.org)

1.) What ( person, goal, dream ) gets you out of bed each day?
The relationships I share with my close friends and family get me out of bed everyday. I have an amazing group of people in my life that I love and who love me back. The daily interaction, love, support, and experiences I share with these individuals give my life meaning and a huge amount of joy, happiness and peace.

2.) What life experience has strengthened you the most?
Coming out as a gay woman in my late 20's. I had felt "different" through most of my formative years and wasn't able to fully recognize and accept my sexuality. Societal pressure, growing up Catholic, and feeling like I would disappoint my God and my family all influenced my behavior and decision to repress my feelings and this piece of myself. As a result, I was unfulfilled, unhappy and didn't really know who I was. In college I met and eventually married a wonderful, amazing man. I thought I could change my feelings for women and build a successful marriage. Over time, with an extensive amount of prayer and therapy, I realized I wasn't going to change. As incredibly tough as it was to come out to my husband at the time and leave the marriage, it was the beginning of a new life for me. Since this time I have evolved into a secure, happy, confident woman who embraces her sexuality and loves life. I'm also happy to say that my ex-husband, his 2nd wife and their children are still in my life. I feel extremely blessed.

3.) What would you want to change about yourself? not a thing...I love who I am faults, imperfections and all.

4.) What has been your greatest achievement? Building a successful, enjoyable career in the corporate fitness field. I'm one of the lucky few that has been blessed with a good, full-time career in the fitness field. I love coming to work each day, working with amazing staff and members, and being able to make a difference in other people's lives.

5.) What is your most prized possession ?
My cat, Samuel. He is the first pet I've owned strictly by myself. My brother found him 6 years ago as a 3 month old stray kitten. I've had him ever since. We share a very strong bond and I love him tremendously.

Stew "I Have Never Given Up"

Name: Stew
Age: 34
Sign: Pisces
I grew up in: Delaware, Ohio
I currently live in: Los Angeles
Occupation: Writer, Filmmaker
You can find me: running, writing, working, playing
You will never find me: waiting for something to happen
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://jstew.net is my website, http://forbetterlife.org blows me away

1.) Who or what inspires you? I am inspired by great writing, film, music, art, kindness, courage, passion, and - most of all - my wife.

2.) What are you most proud of? I am proud that even through times of difficulty, confusion, and despair, I have never given up on the pursuit of my dreams.

3.) What has been your greatest loss in life? My father.

4.) Who would you like to meet? I love meeting anyone who has something to teach or share with me.

5.) What is the hardest part of your day? What is the best part of your day? The hardest part of my day is beating down the urge to procrastinate - succeeding in doing so is the best, right next to having my wife curl up beside me at the end of it.

Cole "Looking Over Fresh Peppers"

Name: cole
Age: 30 Baby, do i not look it?
Sign: that half-horse guy
I grew up in: WyMon- Wy and Mt
I currently live in: wyo, don't make fun...all my shit is paid for ;-)
Occupation: healthcare destruction
You can find me: looking over fresh peppers, total foodie
You will never find me: waxing some dude's dolphin
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: i rode that little yellow bus growing-up kinda charity

1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? cleaning the bathroom, fricken place must be spotless!

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? i'm enchanted by women who can yodle

3.) What do you want to do before you die? make love to the hottie from austin until paris hilton passes her GED...Blessed Eternity!

4.) What are you most proud of? that my hooters don't swing low

5.) What is your most prized possession? travel too much to care about a montana turd bird.

Susann "A 3 Time Cancer Survivor"

Name:Susann
Age:56
Sign:Leo
I grew up in:Wichita, KS
I currently live in: Little Rock, AR
Occupation: retired after 31 yrs. with AT&T
You can find me: usually outside unless it is cold
You will never find me: snow skiing
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www. castingforrecovery. org

1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day?
The excitement and promise of a new day; my dogs and cats.

2.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? Being a 3-time cancer survivor.

3.) What would you want to change about yourself? I would like to lose a few more pounds, but overall, I am happy with my life and know that I am lucky and thankful to be where I am now.

4.) What do you want to do before you die? Go to Australia and New Zealand.

5.) What is your most prized possession? My health.

Mary "The Best Girlfriend In The World"

Name: Mary
I grew up in: a small town, in the middle of a cornfield. Where the community would lead you to believe, that they were loving and supportive. That was very deceptive. Really the only things that mattered there were who your parents were, who your friends were and how much trouble you or anyone related to you had ever gotten into. In short, I grew up in a small minded small town.
I currently live in: Chatham, IL. A small town, with new faces and open minds. An hour from the small minded small town.
Occupation: Technically, I am a Nail Tech. But mostly, I am super single mom and the best girlfriend in the world.
You can find me: in lots of places. There are at least 6 months out of the year that I travel quite often with my boyfriend. When I am not traveling I am usually at home working, volunteering at the kids schools, attending the kids sporting events and just in general running around like a chicken with my head cut off!
You will never find me: Never say Never!
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: I spend too much time on MySpace as far as websites go. I need to find a charity that I am passionate about, maybe that is what I am missing!

1.) Do you love what you do? Why? Some days I love what I do. Others, not so much! But all in all I refuse to do anything that is not going to produce the end results that I want. If I am not going to be happy about it or proud in the end, I don’t need to do it!

2.) What are you most proud of? I have 4 children ages 16, 9, 7 and 4. They are proof that I have done something right. They are intelligent, adventurous and thoughtful people. They make each day worthwhile and purposeful.

3.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? My second divorce has been the most strengthening and character building experience of my life. The process included me leaving the area I grew up in and starting over, fresh and new. I started over with very little and on my own completely for the first time in my life. Waking up every day and seeing these little faces looking at me and counting on me alone was life changing. During the whole process there was no child support or emotional support from their father or my family. I was truly on my own. I made it. The divorce took 3 years and was final on December 1, 2008. To this day I have excelled and live a life better and fuller than most people that I know and my family that disowned me.

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My boyfriend Bobby has been the most influential person in my life. He has been a part of my life for almost 2 and half years. He has led me out of my darkest times and into my most successful. He inspires me. His is a story of teen parent, high school dropout, living in a trailer turned self made very successful business man. He came from nothing and fulfilled more than his dreams. He is the American Dream personified. He and I filled every void in our already full lives with each other. The man completes me and I complete him. I found my partner and the love of my life.

5.) Describe your perfect day
I have lived so many perfect days over the last year and for some reason cannot come up with just one answer for this. How silly is that? I think we spend so much of our time as parents, friends, lovers and spouses making sure that everyone else’s day is perfect that we forget what our perfect day is. Maybe the perfect day is the day that we figure out what our perfect day would be…

Kimberly "We Are Each The Sum Of Our Experiences"

Name: Kimberly
Age: 40
Sign: Leo
I grew up in: San Diego, CA
I currently live in: Big Island, Hawaii -- and wherever I happen to be traveling and doing my thing...
Occupation: writer, sociologist, storyteller -- change artist!
You can find me: performing poetry and stories, teaching classes, facilitating revelation, sitting on an airplane, floating in the sea, strolling in the jungle, practicing yoga, living well
You will never find me: complaining that I don't have a blessed life
Your Website: www.kimberlydark.com

1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day?
Early on, in my work as a performer and facilitator, I was doing an interactive lecture on violence against women in the media and the audience (a young student audience who was forced to attend my talk) became hostile regarding the subject. (Yes, this sometimes happens before I've even taken the stage.) They were chanting "femi-nazi" at the back of the room and none of the school officials were making a move to quiet or correct the anger. A young woman in the front row, who seemed eager to hear me, began crying quietly and folder herself up in her chair, like she wanted to disappear. Her eyes were pleading with me to do something because clearly, she couldn't. In that context, she felt threatened and alone. What motivates me is a belief that individual brilliance, action and justice is either thwarted or encouraged by the systems in which we live. I want a world in which it's easier for people to behave with decency and compassion. And I think it's possible to create those systems, that world. I want that young woman to feel empowered to give her gifts in the world. We're all missing out if she doesn't.

2.) What life experience has strengthened you the most?
All of them. It would be difficult to say that one event, or one person has influenced me above all others. I think we are each the sum of our experiences. We are each in the process of becoming who we are.

3.) What would you want to change about yourself?
Just keep learning, keep growing, keep loving.

4.) Describe the landscape of the place you grew up. How did that landscape affect you?
San Diego is a desert -- a lot of succulent plants -- jade and aloe. I lived near the sea and still never want to be far from it. I don't think I learned a true connection to earth and sea and sky until I moved to Hawaii, however. I am so grateful to the 'aina here and my kumus, for helping me remember my connection -- and responsibility -- to the earth.

5.) What is your most prized possession?

Love

Kristy "Honest Cowgirl"

First Name: Kristy
Age:31
Sign:Gemini
I grew up in:Jupiter, FL
I currently live in:San Diego, CA, Mexico
Occupation:Surfer
You can find me:At the beach
You will never find me: Somewhere REALLY, REALLY COLD!
Your website or Charity you are passionate about:wildcoast.org

1.) Who or what Inspires you? People. I find inspiration in different people I know or meet everyday.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? I would like to be a little taller, that would be nice!

3.) What is your most prized possession? I don't really have a prized possession. But I do have many possessions I like a lot like my surfboards, my property in Mexico, and some jewelry. But I try not to get too attached to material possessions, but that is hard to do!!

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My parents. They are just awesome people. They are good, fun, hardworking, all the qualities I hope one day I will posses.

5.) How do you want to be remembered? A positor (a positive person!) fun, happy, honest cowgirl!

Bonnie "Living A Good Life"

First Name: Bonnie
Age: 21 1/2
Sign: Pieces
I grew up in: Hong Kong until I was 11.
I currently live in: Newton, MA
Occupation: Office Administrator, Web Site Designer, Babysitter
You can find me: in front of a computer
You will never find me: not working
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: I don't have one right now


1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day?


Living a good life. Working toward getting my own place to live. Making money. I would like to eventually traveling and helping people in some way.


2.) What life experience has strengthened you the most?


Seeing my mother struggle so hard to make my life better. We moved to the US 11 years ago and the town we live in has one of the best school systems in the state.


3.) What would you want to change about yourself?


My height, I"m 5'2", I would like to be able to reach things on the top shelf. I would also like to stop biting my nails.


4.) What do you want to do before you die?


I want to be my own boss. I have a side business doing web page design. I want to own my own home, get married, own a few tortoises in the backyard.
I would also like to swim with dolphins one day.


5.) What is your most prized possession?


My first car. I worked two jobs to pay it off.

Ellis "You Will Never Find Me On A Reality Show"

Name: Ellis
Age: 32
Sign: Aries
I grew up in: Texas
I currently live in: Minneapolis, MN
Occupation: performing songwriter
You can find me: playing guitar or reading a good book with coffee
You will never find me: on a reality tv show
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.ellis-music.com

1.)Who or what inspires you?

Right now, Ajahn Sumedho (a buddhist monk who teaches), my 4 year old niece, and my partner all inspire me.

2.)What are you most proud of?

I rode my bicycle from Minneapolis to Chicago one year for the Twin Cities Aids Ride. I felt very proud completing that ride!

3.)What has been your greatest loss in life?

I'm fortunate to say I don't know about that one. It must mean that I haven't had a great loss yet.

4.)Who would you like to meet?

The Buddha, Lincoln, and Joni Mitchell :-)!!

5.)What is the hardest part of your day? What is the best part of your day?

Hardest: Every morning I wake up and feel the weight of the world on my shoulders.
Best: Then I remember that it's not all mine!!

Ernest "Meeting Life On My Own Terms"

Name: Ernest
Age: 35
Sign: Warning: driver makes wide left turns (or Cancer)
Occupation: Computer nerd/amateur photographer
I grew up in: in the middle of nowhere in northern Wisconsin
I currently live in: St. Louis, MO
You can find me: carrying a camera and without a lot of effort - I'm 6'4", so I don't exactly blend into any crowd not composed primarily of basketball players.
You will never find me: juggling chainsaws. Or in a crowd composed primarily of basketball players.
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: blog. myspace. com/villerramone is my blog. I'm passionate about batcon. org and http://locksoflove. org/ anyone getting an at all significant haircut in North America should donate to them. They make wigs for bald kids; how cool is that?

1.) Who or what inspires you?
My folks, Sir Winston Churchill, teachers, people who do the right thing when it isn't the easy thing. Oh, and good music. Dylan's 'You're a Big Girl Now' convinces me that our coming down out of the trees was the right move.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself?
I wouldn't mind being independently wealthy. Or a little taller. Or taller *and* independently wealthy. Though not if it involves playing basketball. Unless it also involves becoming a lot more coördinated.

3.) How would your friends describe you?
Odd, smart, funny, tall, ironic.

4.) What are you most proud of?
That I've managed to live a life reasonably free of harm to others and have been able to meet life on my own terms. And my photography.

5.) What do you want to do before you die?
See the sun rise over the pyramids, see Victoria Falls, go to Australia and meet my nephew, see Israel, pet a Zorse (zebra/horse hybrid), eat Gamelost cheese.

John "Health Is All I Care To Possess"

Name:John
Sign:Taurus
Age:52
Occupied in text, audio, video, and live performance communications\entertainment
I grew up in the US. My father was a Naval Aviator, we moved all over.
I currently live in Baja California Norte, Mexico and Escondido, California.

I surf over a hundred times a year. Ride my bike a thousand or so on the hard sand or behind the retired aviator. I work when I have to. I’m in the garden more and sprucing up my aesthetic because I have a female partner now.

I can’t ascribe “never” to anywhere I might be.

I love my own blog, there, I said it.

I go to bed early and always wake in the dark. The dark of morning is my favorite time. Anything can happen today! My waking thoughts are diverse as the dreams that proceed them. I think about coffee the moment my feet hit the floor.

I hope I know God, it seems like I do, but I basically just pretend it’s true but it doesn’t seem like make believe to me. So He is my Captain (and lover). I try to do as He leads by seeing miracles as markers.

I forget past failure, and press forward (or sideways)

Joy and hope are success

Health is all I care to possess.

Brett "Passionate about Photography"

Name: Brett
Age: 28
Sign: Sagittarius
I grew up in: Paradise, CA
I currently live in: San Diego
You can find me: getawayimagery.blogspot.com or http://www.myspace.com/photog69
You will never find me: Shopping for clothes

1.)What are you passionate about? I have been taking pictures for about 5 years. I have been traveling the world photographing a wide variety of outdoor and adventure based stories. My photography focus is somewhat similar to me. I’m passionate about photography and it’s something that my life revolves around. I tend to photograph people that pursue their own passions.

2.)What is your lifelong dream? I hope I can continue to explore and meet new people. The search is what makes this type of work so addicting. The rewards are priceless. It’s hard to explain.

3.) How do you measure success? I think that success is measured on improvement. If you’re making progress every day then you are growing as a person. Open minds are more willing to learn.

4.)What is your biggest concern in America today? I’m not concerned but I’m surprised that people are scared to do what they really want to do in life. You only go around once. You should take advantage of it.

5.)Who or what inspires you? I am inspired by the people and places I photograph. Anything I take a picture of is obvious proof that it has peaked my interest. The interaction with the subject behind each photo sometimes has more meaning than the picture itself.

Mark "Soul Shifter"

Name: Mark

Age: 50

Sign: Taurus

I grew up in: Phoenix, Arizona

I currently live in: Scottsdale, Arizona

You can find me in deep discussion with interesting people, writing, speaking to groups and signing books, occasionally playing guitar, golfing, working out, and/or walking in the desert.


You will never find me...putting up a false front.

My website: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.soulshiftbook.com

Alternate site address: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.drrichardireland.com

I just started my dream job—I am now an author and a speaker. I still work a "day job", which pays the bills, but in time who knows where this whole writing and speaking thing may lead...

I am most proud of my son Steven who lost his brother and took the pain from that event to refine himself as a person. He has grown into a wonderful, caring, respectful, and wise young man at the ripe age of 25.

Without question, my greatest loss in life was the passing of my youngest son, Brandon, in January, 2004. But that tragedy also served as a catalyst that pushed me in a direction that I would not have previously anticipated. My pain drove me to search for answers to deep questions about life, death, and life after death.

My father, Dr. Richard Ireland, was a prominent psychic back in the 60's through the 80's and he counseled celebrities like Mae West. After Brandon's passing, I recalled my father's amazing gift, which I'd witnessed countless times, finding both comfort and intrigue. This led me on a personal exploration to seek out answers to these deeper questions about our existence.

My journalistic account of this search culimnated in a book called, SOUL SHIFT, released on July 15, 2008. In SOUL SHIFT I share personal experiences involving paranormal events, as well as other compelling evidence derived from meetings with top mediums such as Allison Dubois. My findings support the hypothesis that we are more than our bodies and that personality and consciousness survive physical death...brain and mind are not the same thing.

I've also begun speaking to others who've lost loved ones—especially those who have lost children—helping them learn positive ways to cope with grief, so they can carry on and not give up on life.

Who I'd most like to meet: If time were not an issue, I'd most like to meet Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, Joan of Arc, Plato, Thomas Aquinas, Sir Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein. In today's world, I'd like to meet the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, and Wayne Dyer.

It has been most difficult for me to share the type of information I am now disseminating, because I feared ridicule. I have largely overcome this fear, because I realize the importance of this effort far outweighs any concerns tied to ego preservation. This information must not be suppressed, because it allows people to see past their pain, enabling them to carry on with full, rich lives, sharing their gifts with the world.

Dian "I want to get better"

Name: Dian
Age: 33
Sign: Gemini (cusp of Cancer)
I grew up in: Southern CA (The Valley...North Hollywood, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Tarzana)
I currently live in: Long Beach
Occupation: Writer
You can find me: in numerous wine and beer tasting rooms across the nation, come 2009
You will never find me: hurting an animal
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: HRC--the idea that we're all human and all equal is fascinating to me, and I surely can't wait until those ideas are fully realized...what a great idea to put forth the energy into making happen

1.)What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? The idea that I get to choose the best parts of each of my parents and try to make the best of myself using those parts.

2.)What life experience has strengthened you the most? My mother's death when I was 16. I realized that if I could get through that, I could get through anything.

3.)What would you want to change about yourself? There are a lot of things I've worked through regretting, and it's all let me here--to a place where I no longer regret those things. I want to get better. Be a better person. Constantly grow and change and learn. And who knows what that will be, who I'll be or where that will lead? So I don't know what I would change. I just know that I will.

4.)Describe the landscape of the place you grew up. How did that landscape affect you? The house I grew up in was a 2-br house on a 5,000 square foot lot at the corner of a tiny street and an alley way in North Hollywood. My mother had spider plants and ivy and irises and creeping charlies, among hundreds of other plants in the back yard. We had a dog run that ran the length of the house just outside the back door, with a gated fence that one of the four dogs was constantly jumping over. 2 Dobermans, a German Shepherd, and a pint sized mutt with scruffy blond hair who I chose to name Shuzbutt. I lived there for 8 years and more than the landscape of the house and its surroundings (the open prickly-wheat-like stalk field behind the house; the potholed alley way between the field and our house; and the mis-matched residential front yards of green-grass-growers and car-in-the-front-lawners), what affected me the most was how we lived there. Mom had friends over often; we had dinner at the table most nights; we talked to our neighbors and sunbathed with them in the front yard during the summer; I walked to school every morning and home every afternoon by myself; I used the key around my neck to get in the house; I made my own dinner and sat at the table when my mother didn't make it home from work by the time I was hungry; I did my homework before I played; I joked and laughed when I thought it would make someone like me or notice me; my mother encouraged this behavior; my mother stayed home with me when I was sick and could always tell when I was faking; and my mother said "I love you" every night when she tucked me into bed. I remember wishing I had a tree for a tree-house when I was a kid, but that was just to have someplace to escape to when I was lonely. I didn't dwell on it much, but if anything, the lack of a big tree just for me in my landscape made me a little bit lonelier than I thought I might have been if I'd had it.

5.) What is your most prized possession? The flag I received from the Naval officer with tears in his eyes at my father's funeral. Until that moment I didn't understand what the military meant to my father. But I saw it in that 20-something officer's eyes when he handed me that flag.

Toni "My Daughters Are My Rock"

Name: Toni
Age: 37
Sign: Scorpio
Occupation: Mommy
I grew up in: Whittier, CA
I currently live in: The High Desert, CA
You can find me: At home with my girls. Volunteering. Hanging with my lifesavers--The Schottelkorbs
You will never find me: Sitting in judgement. That is not my place
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Right now--Changing California's Laws regarding vehicular manslaughter

1.) What are you most proud of? My daughters. Their father was killed in a motorcycle accident in April, 2008. They have had to confront a number of fears that no child should ever have to think about. They are rising above those fears and are learning that each day is a gift. They know first hand that tomorrow may never come. My daughters are my rock. If only everyone had a child's faith. They are truly an inspiration not only to me, but to all those that have traveled this road thus far with us!

2.) Who or what inspires you? Again--My daughters. Their ability to move forward and look toward the future is giving me some faith that in spite of tragedy and death, one's goals can still be reached. They have had to re-teach me that it is still okay to dream, to smile and to laugh.

3.) How would you like to be remembered? As a good mom. I am doing my best to help my daughters through their grief and mourning. Since, I have never experienced this before, I am not quite familiar with "death protocol." I am hoping that I will be remembered as a mom they could talk to about anything and everything. I want them to know and everyone to know that I love my girls with all my being and all that I am. They are the reasons I am still here!

4.) What do you want to do before you die? Grow old. I want to see my daughters grown, possibly married with children. I want them to be happy no matter what road they may follow. I wouldn't mind being happy again oneday, too.

5.) What is your most prized possession? That would mean something material, I assume? I guess I would say, my home. My husband worked his ass off to provide this house for us--his family. In an ironic way--even though he no longer lives here on Earth with his children and me--he is still providing. I want to make sure our daughters always have a place to call "Home."

Natalie "I Want To Make A Difference"

Name: Natalie
Age: 30
Sign: Gemini
I grew up in: Bakersfield, CA
I currently live in: Orange, CA
You can find me: In nature
You will never find me: Gnawing on chicken
Favorite Charity: Heifer International

1.)What has been the most life altering experience for you?
My most life altering experience has been my recent trip to Tanzania. I think that I have always had a good appreciation for life. I also knew that I had been blessed with amazing opportunities and support to get where I am today. In Tanzania, I worked with people with HIV/AIDS and children with disabilities. I saw things that I never imagined could still be happening in 2008. I saw people dying in front of me. I witnessed people literally starving to death and there was nothing I could do about it. For the first time in my life, I felt helpless and hopeless. The trip really made me realize how lucky I truly am simply to have been born in the time, place and family that I was born into. Since I have been back, I am trying to figure out where I fit in this world and how I can make a difference locally and globally.

2.)How do you measure success?
I measure success by my friends and family. I believe that the company that you keep tells a lot about you as a person. I am blessed with amazing friends and family. They are all remarkable people in their own right.

3.)What is your most prized possession?
To be honest, I think I could have all of my possessions taken away and be ok with it. I would much rather have my memories than any physical item. But if I had to choose something, I would say it is my grandmother’s class ring. My grandmother and I graduated exactly 50 years apart from the same high school. Growing up, I was never really close to my grandmother. I never really felt accepted by her. I was never girly enough, I never had a boyfriend, never interested in crafty stuff, blah blah blah…When she gave it to me, I finally felt that she was proud of me and that we had some kind of connection.

4.)Who or what inspires you?
I work with some of the most physically disabled children in the county. The children and families that I work with inspire me everyday. Seeing their strength and determination to beat the odds and prove the doctors and therapists (such as myself) wrong is truly exciting. One of the most inspiring stories that I have witnessed is of a three your old little girl. Before I met this little girl, I read her chart. As I read the history of this three-year-old baby, I cried, and vomited. This little girl was horrifically abused. At the age of three, she had every awful, unspeakable thing you could EVER possibly imagine done to her. It was truly a miracle that she was even alive. When I met her, she was not able to use the right side of her body, not able to walk, speak, or eat. For the first few months I work with her I cried after almost every session. During the first year that I worked with her, she took her first steps, she had her G-tube removed, she started speaking in multiple word sentences. She truly is amazing and inspirational. The most amazing part of her story is although she survived the worst thing that could ever be done to a human being, she has a smile on her face every single day. She is my hero and inspiration.

5.)What is your dream job?
National Park Ranger. How awesome would to be to wake up and get to be in and protect mother nature?

Chi "Hip Hop, Club Dance, Salsa Instructor"

First Name:Chi (Chi-hoe by birth)
Age:28
Sign:Leo
I grew up in: Potomac Maryland
I currently live in: San Diego CA
Occupation:Hip Hop, Club Dance, Salsa Instructor
You can find me: Online via AIM SN: CatchABeat , myspace.com/chihoe and facebook. In reality at the dance studio, with friends, coffee shops, Hip Hop and Salsa Night Clubs worldwide, UCSD.
You will never find me: In a suit in an office .
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: My personal site and teaching sites www.ClubDanceLessons.Com, www.youtube.com/ClubDanceLessons

1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? Becoming a better person, and helping others to gain confidence in themselves.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? Physically, I'd get a hair transplant and have perfect skin.. Other than that my goals this year are to improve my FOCUS, Organization, and work harder at everything I do.

3.) What do you want to do before you die? Have children and grandchildren.

4.) What are you most proud of? My dance accomplishments, particularly my involvement with my old crews CADC and Kaba Modern, having 3.5 million views on my instructional videos online, going on tour with the # 1 Asian Pop Artist Jay Chou, coming out with my own dance DVD.

5.) What is your most prized possession? I still have a Linus Blanket that really is just a cover to a blanket, it's been used to much it feels like silk. My friends and family like to make fun of it, but girls think it's cute.

Shawnee "Celebrity Personal Trainer"

Name: Shawnee
Age: 27
Sign: Libra
I grew up in: Dallas, TX
I currently live in: California
Occupation: Celebrity Personal Trainer / TV Personality
You can find me: www.shawneeharkins.com
You will never find me: hmm, this is a good question.... I don't know.. boring answer, I'm sure..lol.... Oh wait, in a coffee shop, drinking coffee...I don't drink coffee..
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.shawneeharkins.com, www.drphil.com, www.hydraexecutives.com, www.shewired.com and www.discoversweet.com , these are all my current projects in TV and Media Entertainment...

1.) Do you love what you do? Why? I totally love what I do, because Health and Fitness is my true- calling in life. My life was literally spared, and my belief is...it was spared to help other's.. My passion is helping other's to achieve their personal health and fitness goals, and I know I am the girl to get them there, and I know that I can, because of my personal story... whom was told I would never walk again at the age of 18, when paralyzed from the neck down, etc...and I went onto become a Fire Fighter, and then a personal trainer...I'm doing exactly what I was given a second chance at life to do....

2.) What are you most proud of? Making my family proud of my accomplishments...on my own...

3.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? The fatal car accident that left me paralyzed from the neck down, flat lined 3 times, sustained significant brain injury, grand mal seizures, etc. (Btw, was hit by a Chevy Suburban while roller blading ) , and all this at the age of 18 in California, after I had moved from Texas on my own at the age of 17 to start my life and make my mark. This accident changed my life and molded me into the woman, and the person I am today.

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? Tanja Shank.

5.) What would you want to change about yourself? I would want to shut my mind off or it least down sometimes...it is constantly going...