Karen "Kitten Rescuer"

Name: Karen
Age: 52
Sign: Libra
Occupation: Chiropractor
I grew up in: Greater Detroit area
I currently live in: Chico, CA
You can find me: On the golf course
You will never find me: At a Christian rally.

1.) What are you passionate about? Motorcycles. After getting in a wreck this summer and fracturing my clavicle, I questioned about ever riding again. Months went by without it ever healing so while I was in a sling , I bought 2 more . I am in the process of restoring (using the term lightly) an old Yamaha Seca and tooling around on my old school scooter. Fun!

2.) What are you most proud of? That I played two sports at Michigan State. Back in the day, it didn’t seem like much of an accomplishment, but when I look back it was a pretty cool thing. A few years back, they had a recognition/acknowledgment weekend and gave all of us our varsity letter. I have great memories of those years and feel a real connection to the University. I bleed green….. Go State.

3.) What has been the most life altering experience for you? Several years back I spent a summer caring for some kittens that were rescued from the Sacramento pound. A friend went down and took about 30 from that facility. I ended up with 5 that lost their mom in the first week of there life. I spent hours nursing them, bathing them, etc. Around the 8th to the 10th week 3 died from different causes. It was heartbreaking. I was holding each one of them on my chest as they passed. I haven’t ever cried so hard before, or since. I learned a lot about death and helping them make the transition.

4.) What do you want to do when you grow up? I want to get married. The passing of Proposition 8 was a real disappointment. I never thought much about getting married before. Being a Lesbian for over 30 years, it never seemed like it was ever a possibility for me. Then it was a reality and I had to think about it as a possibility. Several friends got married over the summer. It was so good to witness their love and commitment. One day….


5.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? My dog Jack. He kisses my face when it is time to get up. I am a very responsible person and that means starting the day taking care of my animals. Making coffee is next.

Andria "Finding My Own Voice"

Name: Andria
Age: 40
Sign: Scorpio
Occupation: Geek J
I grew up in: on the Canadian border in Idaho, a small town called Bonners Ferry
I currently live in: Boise, Idaho (after spells in Oregon, Europe, and Seattle)
You can find me: playing outside, visiting friends, in a messy cubicle, or travelling (as time and money allow)
You will never find me: at the mall, or playing video games
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Heifer Foundation: http://www.heiferfoundation.org/index.cfm. Fantastic.

1.) What are you passionate about? Creating! Making something out of nothing. Be it product design… painting… clothing design… or re-purposing, creating makes me happy. I prefer to be a producer, not a consumer, whenever possible. I am also addicted to watching history programs and etymology.

2.) What are you most proud of? Finding my own voice (it is still a work in progress!) I believe that is necessary before you can fully participate and contribute to this crazy thing called life

3.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My parents- they shaped my foundation (and are put on a higher pedestal the older I get). They provided a unique and wonderful childhood, as well as an example of integrity, a connection to the outdoors, and the basic value of hard work. My sister has been a huge influence, she is a force. Also, various friends, who by example or advice, inspired me to make positive changes {Jenn, Brad, Frank, Gary, Kelli, Lisa, Paul… there are so many great humans out there!} I am also grateful for those who’ve brought sadness, as their influence helped shape my life and give me strength.

4.) What is difficult for you? I find it difficult to not be critical, I have to catch myself and focus on the positive.

5.) Who would you like to meet? DaVinci, in his time, in his prime, to absorb his life and discover how he was so productive & motivated. I have always envied brilliance, and would love a chance to see how he lived, and how he thought, and what a normal day was like.

Grant "Open Minded And Curious"

Name: Grant
Age: 26
Sign: Aquarius
Occupation: Writer
I grew up in: Rochester, New York
I currently live in: New York City
You can find me: In Harlem or Mexico.
You will never find me: At a church/temple/mosque/synagogue
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://www.vagabondstory.com/ is my website.... my charity that I'm most passionate about is Doctors Without Borders.

1.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My parents have been the most influential people in my life. They taught me from an early age to be incredibly open-minded and curious. If it wasn't for their constant love and support I would never be where I am today.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? I suppose I'd change the fact that my wallet is near empty... aside from that, I'm pretty happy with who I am.

3.) Is there something you would do differently if you could go back in time? I would go back to England in the 50s and prevent Simon Cowell's parents from having sex.

4.) How do you measure success? Not by money, possessions or any other materialistic thing... I measure success by the smile on a persons face and their energy... positive energy mixed with confidence and passion makes someone successful.

5.) What is your most prized possession? My book, Imagine: A Vagabond Story, which will be available 9/1/09.

Amy "Raising Children Has Taught Me More Than Words Can Say"

First Name: Amy
Age: 45
Sign: Leo
I grew up in: I grew up on military bases all over the country and overseas.
I currently live in: Ohio
Occupation: Mom, writer
You can find me: skinny dipping at night in the pool of a friend who is out of town, running in a park field with my dog (fully clothed), in hideous bike shorts, gloves, riding my bike on a bike trail and singing off key to the songs on my iPod, in the organic section, in the no smoking section, laughing loudly on the phone, stopping for pedestrians on the crosswalk, holding up traffic to let a family of five ride their bikes across a busy street on their way to school, at the pet store fondling puppies I can't afford.
You will never find me: in a mosh pit; skydiving; mouthing off the elderly unless it's that guy that groped me in the library; in a plastic surgeon's waiting room; trying on maternity clothes; solving a mathematical equation on a chalkboard at MIT.
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://www.amymusings.com is my website and I am passionate about Heifer International. Donating to them helps fight hunger and poverty.

1.) What (person, goal, dream) gets you out of bed each day? What gets me out of bed each day is that window of time between dreams and wakefulness, that altered state, that isn't with me any other time of the day, when I hear my muse and I write until it has made me laugh or cry or think or see things in a different light, or put words to inklings or ideas jumbled up in my head

2.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? Raising children has taught me more than words can say. If I had a clone of myself and I could see the 45 year old clone with no children I don't think I would enjoy her company. I don't think we would have much in common. I don't know if we could appreciate each other.

3.) What would you want to change about yourself? I wish I didn't have ADHD. I would get a lot more accomplished. I would finish the projects I started before moving on to the next shiny object. I could listen longer without losing interest. I would stop chasing after that next mental stimulation and just be.

4.) What do you want to do before you die? Before I die, I want to write a book or two, go to the rainforest, fly a plane, take several months and drive up highway one in a teardrop camper. I've always admired wild crafters, people who know what plants in the woods are safe to eat and what they are good for. I would like to know how to wild craft so I could go off to some remote, gorgeous untouched piece of America, pretend this country is not overdeveloped, that it's still wide open unexplored territory, and live off the land, without hearing a chainsaw in the background or a truck backing up or a plane flying overhead, to remind me that my fantasy isn't real.

5.) What is your most prized possession? Geez, I don't have a most prized possession, but I hope that by saying that I haven't just given the Universe the green light to burn my house down so it can say "Liar! Look at you blubbering all those baby photos you never had time to put into albums. You could have run back into the living room where you probably would have shelved them and you'd have them in your hands right now. Wouldn't you?" I would like to think the Universe doesn't talk to me like that. Ever. I would like to think it only talks to me nicely, like when I get a parking spot closest to the door. Thanks, Universe! I really love that!

Ken "Passion, Enthusiasm, Rising Above"

First Name: Ken
Age: 45
Sign: Aries
I grew up in: Seattle (til 5), then OC
I currently live in: Oceanside, CA
Occupation: Marketing Analyst
You can find me: Working.....ughhh
You will never find me: getting a manicure /karioke (so lame, thx Japan!)
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.ouac.com

1.) Who or what Inspires you? passion, enthusiasm, rising above

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? inability to calm down for sustained periods

3.) What is your most prized possession? my kids!

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? Dad, because he's always been there for me when I needed guidance and help.

5.) How do you want to be remembered? As a happy person who made those around him happy

Cheryl "I have my dream job"

Name: Cheryl
Age: 37
Sign: Gemini
I grew up in: London Ontario Canada
I currently live in: San Francisco
Occupation: photographer / founder and creative director for the online lesbian magazine, GoGetYourGirlOn.com
You can find me: staring at you
You will never find me: eating liver
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.gogetyourgirlon.com
1.)What is your dream job? I have my dream job. It's usually whatever I want to do when I wake up.

2.)What are you most proud of? Teaching my dog recall.

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

4.)Who would you like to meet? Mick Jagger

5.)What is the hardest part of your day? Going to bed at night. I hate going to bed.
What is the best part of your day? morning snuggles with my 11 pound dog who thinks that my pillow is his place for sleeping.

Cassie "Always Trying To Do More, To Make A Change"

First Name: Cassie
Age: 28
Sign: LEO, through and through
I grew up in: all over the states, my parents liked to travel
I currently live in: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Im a Massage Therapist & First Responder
You can find me: Always trying to do more, to make a change
You will never find me: Never sayin never, because what i do know, is that you never know.
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Tennessee PKU Foundation, Autism, & Gay Rights

1.) Who or what Inspires you? people in general, I love know where people come from and about their journey getting there.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? My perception of myself

3.) What is your most prized possession? my pictures and my turtles

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My grandmother & my mom Why? They both come from very hard lifes, but they both have this amazing strength and determination. Because of that they have done so much to better themselves and other people.

5.) How do you want to be remembered? I dont know yet. I always wanted to beremembred as this loyal person that would do anything for anyone. But these days, I want to be more...than just some loyal servant to the people. I want to do something great.

Dot "Empowerring Myself And Others"

Name: Dot
Age: Thirty something!
Sign: Pisces
Occupation: Vocal Empowerment Coach
I grew up in: Suburb of Toronto, Ontario (But I have dual citizenship
because my father is American! Yahoo!)
I currently live in: Los Angeles, California
You can find me: teaching celebrities and everyday people voice
lessons in and around Los Angeles and online at http://www.mindsoulvoice.com
You will never find me: in a closed in place where people are smoking.
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://www.dotsvoicestudios.com
- finally a way to connect with and support the hearts and souls of
the world (not just my students) via video, mp3, and written materials
about empowered vocal expression.

1.) What are you passionate about? Empowering myself and others using creative vocal expression! I LOVE my job so much it doesn't feel like
work!

2.) What are you most proud of? My first of it's kind, Interactive
Vocal Empowerment Training DVD I just completed http://www.corevocalpower.com that helps people connect to their soul (core) and sing better. I'm thrilled with the positive results and feedback we're getting as
well.. and I'm also proud of the fact my dog and sing and play the
piano, guitar and drums. No joke!

3.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
That's a very tough one. Aside from my mothers (I have two, one
biological and one adopted me. One is White and one is Black - both
amazing women), Susan L. Taylor, Editor in Chief of Essence Magazine,
because her inspiring writings over 20 years were a consistent
positive energy in my life that gave me hope, led me to dig deep into
my own soul, and helped me define who I am now.

4.) What is difficult for you? Human frailty.

5.) Who would you like to meet? Oprah Winfrey, Susan L. Taylor, Ellen
Degeneres, Tyra Banks and Simon Le Bon.

Jon "Time Is My Most Prized Possession"

Name: Jon
Age: 37
Sign: Cancer
I grew up in: Dearborn, MI
I currently live in: Walled Lake, MI
Occupation: IT Consultant, General Motors
You can find me: Looking for more time in the day, Looking for the next thing, Searching for the answer, Planning, Thinking, Being grateful for all I have, Wishing for more, Wanting to read more, Wanting to write more, Wishing to experience more of life, see more places, meet more people, Wanting to connect at a deeper level, Always trying to learn more, grow more, experience more, Trying to be more observant, be more in the moment, be more sensitive, Be more in tune with whats happening around me, Wanting to give more of myself to others
You will never find me: Driving the speed limit, Content, Listening to bad music, Without adventure, Without conflict, Thinking of myself first, taking the simple things for granted
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://jsrussellblog.blogspot.com/

1.) Who or what Inspires you? Anyone who truly finds contentment in their own path thru life

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? Break out of the rat race

3.) What is your most prized possession? Working very hard not to have one of those, with the exception of time, time is my most prized possession

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My wife. She is a very positive force and graceful spirit. The yin to my yang

5.) How do you want to be remembered? I'm still working that out, and nowhere near where I want to be

Ariella "I Am Empowered"

Name: Ariella
Age: 28
Sign: Gemini
Occupation: Vocalist & Voice Teacher
I grew up in: Minnesota
I currently live in: Los Angeles, CA
You can find me: Singing, percussing and vocally improvising
You will never find me: watching television
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.EarthSounds.net

1.) What are you passionate about? Sharing the truest expression of self and connecting to self on a Soul level. We are conditioned in our society to look, sound and act a certain way. Only some people (and very few) are actually comfortable looking, sounding and acting those ways. I am empowered, always honestly expressing myself, and encouraging others to do so too, primarily in my practice through the voice, but also in all ways, shapes and forms to be well-rounded, healthy individuals in a communal world.

2.) What are you most proud of? My undying drive to live my dreams as a performer and teacher.

3.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My grandfather was a man of the earth, a farmer and wise teacher. He was always sharing a lesson, and always getting his hands dirty. I enjoyed his passion for the smallest things in life like the richness of the soil, mixed with his passion for making a difference in the world. I only really started to grasp how much of an impact he had on me after his passing.

4.) What is difficult for you? I have a difficult time when others hold back their feelings or withdraw from communication.

5.) Who would you like to meet? I would like to meet - and sing with - Bobby McFerrin and Peter Gabriel.

Caroline "I Crave Knowledge"

1.)Who or what inspires you? What...the little things in life...the weather...the flowers...the average person just making the very best of what they have...the smallest acts of kindness...largest acts of love...the human spirit in each any everyone of us...it's in there we just have to find it...

2.)What are you most proud of? my one daughter...the person she is becoming with my help..she is my greatest accomplishment...

3.)What has been your greatest loss in life? my outlook on life is never from the feeling of loss...just that life is a journey planned just for me and in every aspect of my journey...the good and the bad...my job is to pay attention and learn from life's loss and all it's blessings.

4.)Who would you like to meet? God

5.)What is the hardest part of your day? getting to sleep...I can't turn my mind "off" What is the best part of your day? waking up to a brand new day of adventures...there is always something to learn and I crave knowledge from all areas...

Calvin "Squirrel Suit"

Name:Calvin
Sign: Capricorn
Where I grew up: Garden Grove
Where I live today: Anaheim
You can find me: on the 91 freeway during rush hour
You won't find me: Home
Occupation:Computer Tech

1.)What is your lifelong dream?
To get enough money to be successful and afford my hobbies of driving race cars, snowboard, ski, surf. All of the things I can't do now because I don't have enough time.

2.)Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My Mother. Even if things go badly in the family, she takes it with a smile. She can leave it all behind and it won't bother her. She teaches me not to back down even when I want to.

3.)What has been your life altering experience?
I got this job in California. I applied for one in Arizona but was turned down. Since I am here and work here, I will be able to go to school as a resident of California. I want to go to school to study psychology.

4.) What do you want to do before you die?
I want to drive on the wrong side of the freeway and jump off of a cliff with a squirrel suit on.

5.) What would your last meal be?
Pizza

Eva "My Loving Heart"

Name: Eva Montealegre Pen Name: Eva Batonne
Age: 52 years young
Sign: Taurus on the cusp of Gemini
Occupation: Artist/Author/Reiki Master
I grew up in: St. Louis, Missouri
I currently live in: Topanga/Malibu
You can find me: at the Modern Art Gallery and Blue Bird Art House and THE IMAGINE CENTER
You will never find me: drunk in a bar
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.evamontealegre.com AND the volunteer organization founded by Shawnee known as Heart Touch Org

1.) What are you passionate about? Art

2.) What are you most proud of? my loving heart

3.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why? Jackson Pollack because in spite of his own darkness and flaws and in many ways, his imprisoned soul, he created original art that was freeing for himself and others. Plus, his story and the story of his wife's dedication has been extremely inspiring to me.

4.) What is difficult for you? to do nothing when others are in anguish, especially the elderly, children and babies...

5.) Who would you like to meet? The author of Love Medicine, Louise Erdrich

Bev "You'll Find Me Surfing"

First Name: Bev

Age: 55

Sign: Gemini

I grew up in: Greenfield, Massachusetts

I currently live in: Carmel, CA

Occupation: Founder Las Olas Surf Safaris for Women

You can find me: You'll find me surfing in warm water or at my desk

You will never find me: under the bed

Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://www.surflasolas.com

1.) Who or what Inspires you? People who make change, especially those who do it with a smile on my face

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? I wake up crabby.

3.) What is your most prized possession? Um, the great food I'm about to eat.

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? Husband. He still likes me.

5.) How do you want to be remembered? I was kind to animals and did my best to empower women thru surfing.

Kim "Blossoming Beyond Belief"

Name: Kim
Age: 47
Sign: Cancer/Ox
Occupation: Computer Operator, Mother, Leader
I grew up in: Port Angeles, WA
I currently live in: Salem, OR
You can find me: On the computer or becoming one with a waterfall
You will never find me: Stagnant in my self growth
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Lavender Womyn (http://www.lavenderwomyn.com/)

1.) What are you passionate about? Life, Learning, Lavender Womyn and my soulmate, Kathy.

2.) What are you most proud of? Four things...First, surviving the death of my first husband at 20 years old (that'll do a number on you). Secondly, having the courage to finally "come out" and live my life the way I was meant to. Thirdly, creating the lesbian social group Lavender Womyn six years ago, and it's still growing all over the world. And last, but definitely not least, being a cancer survivor!

3.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? Several people. First, my mom. Through her own growth, I have been able to learn and grow as well. My best friend, Julie, who taught me to not be a wall flower and helped me to blossom beyond belief. And most importantly, my partner, Kathy, who has taught me great love, respect, and patience through the challenges of life and relationships.

4.) What is difficult for you? Accepting loss.

5.) Who would you like to meet? Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa Etheridge

Tiffany "My Grandma Made My Childhood Heaven"

Name: Tiffany
Age:36
Sign:Libra
I grew up in:Pico Rivera , California
I currently live in:Long Beach, California, but would love to live in Salem Mass, half the year
Occupation:Artist of all mediums, but Tattoo Artist by trade
You can find me: toiling away into some sort of project, creating a mess at the same time
You will never find me: giving my hard earned money to any church of any kind ever!
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.dogsdeservebetter.com.. go to it and you will see why

1.) Who or what Inspires you? Emotions are my inspiration, I create to release, weather it is out of love, regret, anger, or desperation

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? my focus, i get distracted easily, by foods, sounds, a pimple, anything could take away from my focus

3.) What is your most prized possession? a ring, but not because of the retail value, but the story that goes along with it...It belonged to my grandma, and was cut off her finger in the hospital when she passed away...many years passed since she died, and my parents divorced. My mother moved into my Grandma's house and developed a serious drug problem. Everything that was not nailed down was stolen, sold or destroyed, all that remained was the house and my mom's drug problem was causing even that to slip from her hands. I had not spoken to my mom for a few years and out of the blue she called me to ask for my help to get off drugs. I did everything I could to get her sober and at the same time save my Grandma's house along with all my fond memories of her from being condemned.. I put every scent into repairs. that house eventually was back to beautiful, until my mother presented me with a huge property tax bill, that had not been paid for 8 yrs..Flat broke now, and holding a notice to pay of the house will be seized, I realized, i have lost and will have nothing physical left of my Granada to remember her by. Needing time alone, I choose to Cleon up dog poop from the backyard since no one else would do it, and a lump of dirt got stuck on the end of the shovel, I did not want to touch it since it was probably poop, but no matter how hard I banged on the shovel ,it would not come off, and was hindering more poop from getting scooped up, so I had no choice but to pull it off. In a moment of bravery and disgust, I grabbed it quickly with the intent to fling it as far away from me as I could, but for some unknown reason while mid throw, my hand did not let go, and actually proceeded to squeeze the lump of dirt, practically over my head, crumbling it in my hand...Curiously I drew my hand back to look at it and saw something shining in it, so I continued to break the dirt away, only to reveal the ring that had been cut off my Grandma's finger. the cut part was wedged in the tip of the shovel encased in the dirt. i had no idea how it could have stayed out there fro all those years, I had a gardener every two weeks, and at one point had to remove a second story from the garage and meticulously made sure every splinter was removed from that yard as to not hurt my dogs I had at the time...I take it as the one thing my grandma was able to leave me of hers.

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? I would have to say my grandma.. she was level headed, smart, and fun as hell. My childhood was hell, but she made it heaven. if she had never been around, I may have turned out different.. I live each day as if she is still here, so that she can still be proud of me

5.) How do you want to be remembered? with the heart..loved in life, loved in death

Nicole "You Will Never Find Me In Jail"

First Name: Nicole

Age: 28

Sign: Libra

I grew up in: Irvine, CA

I currently live in: Long Beach, CA

Occupation: Marketing Manager

You can find me: outside, surfing, walking, cleaning, playing, and of course... eating

You will never find me: in jail

Your website or Charity you are passionate about: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls

1.) Who or what Inspires you? people who exceed expectations and take it upon themselves to better the world and more importantly, his or her self. People who are considerate and compassionate for others and have a positive outlook on life.

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? My logical thinking. Sometimes i think too logical, sometimes it's better to just go with the flow of life, logical or not.

3.) What is your most prized possession? My eyes. They help me see the world.

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? everyone. I've learned something from everyone. My parents are the one who set me on the path of knowing right from wrong. They influenced me to choose the best possible road for me and have supported me every step of the way. And everyone i have met has helped me understand different perspectives and therefore has influenced me.

5.) How do you want to be remembered? As compassionate, loving, optimistic, reliable, funny and fun. Hopefully, one day, a loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend.

Tamra "In The Water"

Name: Tamra
Age: Guess
Sign: Cancer
I grew up in: NYC and Connecticut
I currently live in: California
Occupation: Consultant
You can find me: in the water
You will never find me: At a Baptist Church
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Angel's Gate (hospice for animals - amazing people)

1.) Who or what Inspires you? beauty...people who care for animals, animals

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? I'd like to be taller and thinner and a lot smarter!

3.) What life experience has strengthened you the most? Rejection, failure, loss all can turn into very interesting journeys

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

5.)What's your favorite food? Sushi

Terri "You Can Find Me Scuba Diving"

First Name: Terri
Age: 36
Sign: Aquarius
I grew up in: Small town Arkansas
I currently live in: Atlanta, GA
Occupation: Public Safety Network Engineer
You can find me: Scuba diving when the water is warm
You will never find me: KKK rally
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.seaterri.com

1.) Who or what Inspires you? Life

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? nothing

3.) What is your most prized possession? my bible

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My mom cause she is the ultimate survivor

5.) How do you want to be remembered? Being a friends friend and loving without judgement

Teri "Playing Water Polo"

First Name: Teri

Age: 34

Sign: Capricorn

I grew up in: Houston

I currently live in: Long Beach

Occupation: Human Resources Administrator

You can find me: in the pool playing water polo, on a run, on a hike, in the ocean or with my wife

You will never find me: moving back to Texas, way too humid

Your website or Charity you are passionate about: facebook or usawaterpolo.com

1.) Who or what Inspires you? What inspires me is life..and people who keep fighting in spite of the struggle

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

3.) What is your most prized possession? my stuffed monkey from when I was two (his name is sam)

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My mother has been the most influential person in my life. She has always encouraged me to be the best I can be, always strive to reach my goals, and always treat others as I would like to be treated

5.) How do you want to be remembered? with respect & love, as someone who loved & who others loved, as a good friend, good wife, & good daughter

Michelle "I Don't Have Any Regrets"

Name: Michelle
Age:37
Sign:Sagittarius
Occupation:Development Associate for the Special Olympics
I grew up in: Huntington Beach, CA
I currently live in: Long Beach, CA
You can find me: walking my dog in Carroll Park, pub quiz night at Gallagher's or in front of my computer doing homework
You will never find me: at church
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Cancer Society, Team in Training and amrt.net (animal match rescue team)

1.) Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by people that strive to be their best, by people that can and do change, by people that encourage or help others, and by people that don't give up.

2.) What is difficult for you?
Going back to school while working full time, training for a half marathon, trying to have a social life, and still making sure that I pay attention to and walk my dog (Suvi).

3.) What is your biggest regret?
I don't have any

4.) What are you most proud of?
Taking care of and being strong for my mother while she battled cancer.

5.) What do you want to do before you die?
Gondola ride through the canals of Venice, Italy. Order something off of a coffeeship menu in Amersterdam. Climb Mayan ruins. Stay in a beach hut over the water in Tahiti. Travel through India by train. Learn to speak Spanish and French. Live in another country.

Jade "I'd Like To Write A Book"

Name:Jade
Age:23
Sign:Leo
Occupation:Senior Office Manager
I grew up in:South Africa
I currently live in:Portland, Oregon
You can find me:At work usually now a days
You will never find me:At a steakhouse
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.peta.org
1.) Who or what inspires you?
Art, in any form; the multi-faceted ways people express themselves, whether it's putting a pen to paper, or music and lyrics, a dance, photography. Whatever it maybe I think the theme that runs through them all for me is that it comes from a deep part of someone else and it is displayed openly without preconception of what the outside world may think. That leads me to be more precise and say that I'm inspired by people taking a chance with their expression, putting their hopes and dreams on the line. I really appreciate the risk. If I were to say who; the greats... Maya Angelou, Rudyard Kipling, Prefontaine (he's an artist so to speak), Bob Fosse, Herman Hesse, Ansel Adams, Pink Floyd... it continues.

2.) What is difficult for you?
Enjoying the moment, I ruminate on the possibility too much and forget the present. I once had someone tell me that worrying is a different form of praying and it's true. You meditate on something long enough and it will manifest, whether it is a positive thing or a negative thing. I try my best to acknowledge my thoughts and then bid them farewell but it's not easy teaching your mind new tricks. It's a path I must walk over and over again until it becomes second nature. I have a long ways to go.

3.) What is your biggest regret?
Not continuing my education and practice with dance and theater, dance especially. I've danced since I was three and it was the one thing that made me feel powerful and at peace. Driving in my car to work I can choreograph a whole number in my head and I feel that pull to dance again, I just haven't had the balls to start back up. The closest I get to dancing again is going to the clubs or shutting my bedroom door at night.

4.) What are you most proud of?
I'm proud that I'm someone who can face their problems. I made a decision that I wasn't going to wake up at 40 and look around me and wonder how the hell I got to where I am. I've made a decision to figure out myself and although it may be hard and sometimes I feel like giving up, if I don't do it now I'll be living a life that isn't me and that's not how I want to spend my time on this earth.

5.) What do you want to do before you die?
I'd like to write a book. Not sure exactly what about yet, but I have had a few ideas. I don't care how many are sold but I'd really enjoy going through the process and honing my skills as a writer.

Melissa "Online All The Time"

First Name: Melissa
Age: 32
Sign: Capricorn
I grew up in: So Cal
I currently live in: WeHo
Occupation: Online Marketing/Publisher
You can find me: online all the time
You will never find me: in church
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: my website LesbianLush.com and all charities related to gay rights

1.)What is your dream job? dream job? something creative and challenging that will make enough money to live comfortably enough to avoid financial stress.

2.)What are you most proud of? taking the time needed to be healthy enough emotionally before jumping into a relationship with my woman, Anna, my life partner!

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

4.)Who would you like to meet? Anna & my first child

5.)What is difficult for you? understanding bigotry and racism

Debra "I Would Like To Be More Adventuresome"

Name: Debra
Age: 47
Sign: Libra
Occupation: Office Supervisor
I grew up in: Sleepy Eye, MN
I currently live in: Inver Grove Heights
You can find me: at home
You will never find me: at a triathalon
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: American Heart Association

1.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? my parents

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? I would like to be more adventuresome - and maybe lose 50 pounds

3.) Is there something you would do differently if you could go back in time? No - everything that has happened to me made me who I am.

4.) How do you measure success? If I am happy and can reasonably support myself i feel successful

5.) What is your most prized possession? I don't know - my kids and husband are not possesions.

Carol "Excited About The Future"

First Name: Carol
Age: 58
Sign: Leo
I grew up in: Illinois
I currently live in: Illinois
Occupation: Self employed author, writer, entrepreneur
You can find me: excited about the future
You will never find me: criticizing the right of others to be different from me
Your website or charity you are passionate about: anything that assures the wellbeing of dogs

1.) Who or what Inspires you? Beautiful things and places

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

3.) What is your most prized possession? My upbeat enthusiasm

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? A high school English teacher named Bob. Through him I discovered my sense of self

5.) How do you want to be remembered? As smart, energetic and always willing to help

Barbara "Good Mother, Lover, And Friend"

First Name: Barbara
Age:38
Sign:Sagg
I grew up in:Michigan
I currently live in:Florida
Occupation:Manager
You can find me:Living everyday as if it were my last with my family.
You will never find me: Living in someones Drama
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: Peta

1.) Who or what Inspires you? My daughters

2.) What would you want to change about yourself? If I would have changed anything I would have changed it by now..

3.) What is your most prized possession? Material nothing..

4.) Who has been the most influential person in your life? My Grandmother. She was a educated women in the 30's and stood up for what she beleieved in..

5.) How do you want to be remembered? That I was a good mother, lover, and friend

Angela "Making My Own Way In Life"

Name: Angela
Age: 38
Sign: Capricorn
Occupation: National Account Executive, Sales
I grew up in: Seymour, Indiana
I currently live in: Long Beach, CA
You can find me: walking my dog, in the gym, or at my laptop
You will never find me: in support of inequality
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: PFLAG: www.pflag.org

1.) Who or what inspires you? courageous, driven people

2.) What is difficult for you? slowing myself down

3.) What is your biggest regret? no regrets, only lessons

4.) What are you most proud of? making my own way in life

5.) What do you want to do before you die? too many things to list: #1 travel more

Brittney "Trying To Find Myself"

First Name: Brittney
Age: 19
Sign: Scorpio
I grew up in: Lake Havasu City, AZ
I currently live in: Still in Havasu
Occupation: In training as a Pharmacy Technician
You can find me: trying to find myself
You will never find me: conforming to the masses
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: My blog: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&f
riendId=3556974 Generally I blog about the funny things that happen in my life. Humor is what keeps me going.

1.)What is your dream job? I'm still trying to figure that out. Maybe a travel writer? Forensic scientist? Research Psychologist? English Professor? I haven't the faintest.

2.)What are you most proud of? My eccentricity

3.)What has been your greatest loss in life? I look at loss as in inevitable gain, in that a new path is made and enables one to learn.

4.)Who would you like to meet? Diane Gaidry, because she's smokin' hot and a beautiful soul

5.)What is difficult for you? Following one train of thought at a time

Elizabeth "Running The Lakes"

Name: Elizabeth
Age: 33
Sign: Pisces
Occupation: Public sector project manager
I grew up in: Edina, MN – epitome of surburbia
I currently live in: Mpls Warehouse District
You can find me: Running the lakes, Mississippi river, Walker Art Center, Caribou Coffee in the “other govt center”
You will never find me: Not wanting to try at least something once
Your website or Charity you are passionate about: www.apartmenttherapy.com, (Amazing site chock-full of design ideas with an eye for the aesthetics) www.nytimes.com (Got to get the news somehow)

1.) Who or what inspires you? Generosity of spirit and humility

2.) What is difficult for you? Moving on and letting go

3.) What is your biggest regret? Not recognizing and/or making a conscious decision at watershed points of my life

4.) What are you most proud of? Being able to say “I don’t know” and then go find out how, why and what

5.) What do you want to do before you die? Still trying to figure that out…