Getting to Know You - Stranger in a Strange Land - FloridaStateGrad's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : I'll try and be...

I'll try and be quick as my break is almost over.

#1. High school science teacher, College Science Professor, Research Associate in Agriculture, Greenhouse Superintendent, Research Technician, Pizza Delivery Boy, Field Worker.

#2. Born and raised in Kern. Lived in Wyoming for four years as an adult.

#3. BS in Biology, concentration in Agriculture, minor in Sociology. MS in Agronomy/Plant Pathology. Teaching credential, Administrative Credential, MS in Education Leadership.

#4. Traveled to many places domestically. My favorite place in the world is Fort Collins, CO.

#5. Education and Science related although I throw in a little fun reading every now and then. The last good book was "A Husband After God's Own Heart."

#6. I am a magazine junky. Mother Earth News, Family Handyman, Wizard, and many others. My favorite right now is Scientific American:Mind. It is incredible inciteful. I also like to build stuff. Last summer I built a large shed. This summer, I'm helping my son restore a car. I don't know that I am really talented at anything. According to the Wii, I have incredible balance, though. I also like to buy full season of TV shows from iTunes. My wife and I are working on "Big Love" right now.

#7. Sheesh, 5 topics? Education Science, Barbeque, The Gospel, Old Movies, Comic Books.

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : 1) What...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Accounting, management and computers & networking.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Alaska (Tok, Eagle River, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Nenana and Selawik), Washington state (Kent, Federal Way, Tacoma and Bellingham), Ohio (Newark, Devola and Marietta) and Mass. (Brockton and Boston). Short stint in San Diego before moving to Bakersfield.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

Business Management (BBA), Computer Sciences (MBA), Almost every computer related certification (MSCE, CCE, etc.)

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

All across the U.S., Germany, Mexico, Canada, Italy and Turkey.

Favorite place: McCarthy, Alaska in the St. Elias Mountains.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

Biographies and history. Just finished The Rape of Nanking, currently reading John Adams' biography.

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

Anything to do with computers, cooking and home remodeling.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

Politics, history, movies, music (early rock and roll) and mechanics (all flavors).

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : Yay Witbee! ...

Yay Witbee! Thanks for having the courage to go first. Now I can go.. hah.

1) Everything in the restaraunt business except bartending (but I did barback), pizza delivery guy, restaraunt management, FL Dept of State Archives Assistant, Project Manager, and now Sales Rep in the Industrial sector

2) Grew up in Orlando, FL.. went to college in Tallahasse, FL, moved to Pasadena, CA and then here to Bakersfield

3) BA in History with a minor in International affairs. Major concentrations: Europe w/ emphasis on Nazi Germany, Middle East, US Civil War, US Law & organized crime

4) I've been to about 2/3's of the continental U.S.; Britain, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Belgium, Honduras, British Columbia (Canada), Mexico (very brief stint of a few hours for a specific purpose). Favorite place internationally is Rothenburg, Germany - a well preserved Medieval walled city. Favorite places in the States - parts of Florida, Hudson River Valley of New York, Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, Monterey area of California

5) If I'm not reading fantasy novels, it's usually something about history, politics or philosophy

6) I'm a musician (but I don't play like I used to), so music is generally a major hobby, and I'd say I'm pretty good at it. I'm intrigued by military strategy and tactics - I think if I ever got back in shape and were to join the military, I'd make a good officer for that very reason. Chances are, that won't happen. I love to cook, and I rarely follow recipes or measurements, yet the majority of the time, things come out excellent - many friends and family think I should open up a restaurant. Then again, many also think I should go into law.. who knows what the future holds!

7) General History (though I'm weak in a number of areas.. such as east Asia, Africa and South America); general political science, philosophy and ideology; Hard Rock/Heavy Metal trivia; certain aspects of law (no expert, but I've learned quite a bit through self education); and finally, I'd say I have excellent business sense

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : Gosh, i like...

Gosh, i like this. A change of pace. Alright, i'll bite.

1) For most of my career I've worked at places all starting with b. Except for kohl's which was a fluke. My current position is the grunt for an appraisal company. And i am FANTASTIC at what i do, if i say so myself. And i do.

2) I'm californian born and raised. I've lived in huntington beach, then moved to norco california because my parents wanted to own a house. most miserable place i've ever been. And then moved here with the great state farm wave (because that's where my mother worked.)

3) I took a hack at college but... like 30% of the people who attended BC I dropped out within the first couple months and haven't been back since. If i do seek higher education it will be for my own personal enlightenment and gain. I've had my eye on the creative writing and mythology classes.

4) I've been up along the west coast all the way to victoria island. Where we went to the butchart gardens and 4 years later i dated the son of the boy who's family owns it. so good times. Been to vegas about twice a year since i was 3. And my favorite place of all is lake tahoe. beautiful scenery and such a chill place. But nothing compares to san diego.

5) I find myself reading fantasy books more often than not. I love the harry potter series and C.S. Lewis is my personal hero and i LOVE the chronicles of Narnia. He's who inspired me to be a writer.

6) I love to read, write and act. I've been in quite a few local plays. Never anything that stood out. but i was there. I was fred gailey two years in a row at spotlight. I've done a couple of student films by my personal friend and hope to one day be in mainstream film.

7) I would like to think I am well versed in most mainstream religions, gay issues and I can kick butt on film and movie trivia. I played scene it with my friend and i went 7 times before he even got a turn. lol good times.

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Sign painter, journalist, civil service, computer programmer/technician, sales.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Air Force brat, all over the south (Texas, Georgia, Florida) then California since about 1965

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

Liberal Arts. (Now there's a surprise!) Concentration in English/Journalism

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

Out of country: Italy on a student tour. Favorite place inside country is Central Coast or Oregon.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

Currently nonfiction, mostly re: brain function and religion (surprisingly parallel). Science Fiction. But I'm currently reading Gore Vidal's Roman Empire novel "Julian."

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

Writing, inventing. Have gardens but mostly like to grow weird stuff. Love used booksales, thrift stores. Why do I feel I'm writing a personal ad?

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

General science

Etymology/words

Scientology (I'm against it)

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : #1 Would rather not...

#1 Would rather not say, as I fear some people might go to my employer in response to some of my blog postings. I had that happen several years ago when I was participating in a newsgroup for a Linux distribution and a book publisher keep clogging the place. He sent messages to several of the participants employers. Only threats of legal actions got him to back off. Call me once bitten and twice shy on revealing my employment information online after that one. I'll just say I'm employed in the technology field and leave it at that.

#2 Also born and raised in Kern County. I left for many years to go to graduate school up in the Sacramento area, but came back once I graduated to help my parents. Not that my dad will accept much help, but at least I'm nearby when he does.

#3 As I've said in the past and as you may have gathered from the first two responses, my training is in Computer Science and I have a graduate degree from my time up north.

#4 So far, I've only traveled in the states and my favorite city to date is Seattle. I wouldn't want to live there since I don't care for cold weather, but it was a great place to visit in the summer. The plane flew close enough by Mt Saint Helens to get a good view of it too.

#5 I'm a SciFi/fantasy junkie. I blame my dad for that one since that's primarily what he had around the house when I was a kid. I also like the interesting case studies books like "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat". The remainder of my bookshelves are filled with reference books, magazines and items I've kept from college (text books, binders, etc).

#6 My hobbies are primarily woodworking and fishkeeping. The fish in my profile is one I used to breed up north, but I lost its mate in the move down here. It's a fish from Lake Tanganyika in Africa that you can no longer import because it's found only on the Congo coastline. It's rare enough that scientists still aren't sure what species in the Julidochromis genus it really is. There's a guy up north that specializes in them. I picked up more when I was up north for a fish convention, so it's just a matter of letting the new ones grow up and hoping there's a pair in the group. A whole shelf on my bookcase is dedicated to animal books, with the majority of those being books on fish. The woodworking actually started as a way to support the fish hobby, by building stands and "racks" (stands that hold multiple tanks) for the fish.

#7 Hmm... 5 areas? Hard question there... Technology and animals are my strong suits, but I pick up most things quickly. Like I've become adept at lawn care since I bought a house and didn't want to pay for a gardener. I'm also good at planning and researching, earning the nickname of "Office Search Engine" at one job.

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : I'll drink to...

I'll drink to that...

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : 1) What...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Potato sheds and car hop as a teen,

Library assistant (twice)

Account Clerk and Payroll Clerk (over and over again)

Secretary to the Assisstant Superintendent of Education in LUSD.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

I have lived in: Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tulare County

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

Accounting

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

I haven't traveled much. Sequoia national forest is my favorite place

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

Journals and diaries of women in history. Especially those who traveled by wagon train to California and Oregon

Agatha Christie,

Mary Chestnut's Civil War,

Carl Sferrazza Anthony's First Ladies vol 1 and 2. .

Plus any trashy horror novel (as long as it's well written) ie Bentley Little (my private, shameful wallow)

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

1. I am probably, without exaggeration, the best crocheter in Bakersifeld. I have the awards and blue ribbons to prove it.

2. I like to garden, decorate the house and find new recipies to inflict on my family.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

1. Women in history, especially Mary Chestnut.

2. Middling amount of knowledge about plate techtonics-paleogeology,

3. I am well versed in diseases of the human body (I'm a hypochondriac armed with a Merck Manual)

4. Which plants will grow in a Bakersfield garden

5. The classic, Pride and Prejudice.

Jul 2, 2009 at 01:07 PM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in? Military, PacBell (before the break up), Oilfields, currently Offshore Automation/Instrument/Electrician Technician for the last 17+ years. Total of 28 years in this job classification just not all offshore.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside? Born in Bakersfield

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study? 2 years of college out of the military. I took electronics and English to take advantage of my GI bill. I still continue my education going to trade school/classes that concern my job and travel all over for the classes. Last school was in Boulder, CO

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been? All over Canada and the USA. Favorite would be PEI Canada and Alaska. Both places I love. In fact I'd move to Alaska in a heart beat.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most? Mostly self help and politics last book was Liberty and Tyranny by Mark R. Levin

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents? I love working with wood and computers.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they? Very good question. I'll have to sit down and think on this one. Computers, PLC programming, troubleshooting, the rest would be dabbling. I know a lot about many things and a master of none.

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : Ok do I get a date now?

Ok do I get a date now?

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : September 3

September 3

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : Witbee That's...

Witbee

That's more than I expected. Thanks for the laugh.

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : Be VERY careful...

Be VERY careful now...this could lead into identity theft... :-))

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : I was careful, for...

I was careful, for that reason and the one cited by Schwaine--which I've also experienced. No mother's maiden names, birthplace, etc.

There's a famous story about a guy logging into a computer onstage for a demo of some sort. When the first login password failed, he was heard to remark (over the microphone) "Oh--wrong daughter!"

So much for password security...

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : Ling If they steal my...

Ling

If they steal my identity, they have to pay the bills that go with it.

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : Always best to meet...

Always best to meet face to face--than putting it out there to the world....that's just my opinion...

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : 1. Summer Field work,...

1. Summer Field work, summer packing sheds, Wholesale and retail sales, Sales management, U.S. Navy, Construction, Crane Operator and welder. Construction Manager.

2. Lived in Tucson, Arizona, Ventura Calif., Lancaster, Calif. Now in Kern. In service visited Japan, Hawaii, China and Australia.

3. A.A. in Business Management, B.A. in Political Science.

4. Travel extensively in U.S., see #2 for out of States travel. Favorite place to visit is Australia. Beautiful country and the Out Back is fantastic.

5. Like Mystery and Detective, favorite authors are Stuart Woods and John Sandford. Right now I am reading (strange as it may seem) The Reagan Diaries, all 693 pages, and next plan on reading Liberty and Tyranny by Mark R. Levin. I got them for Father's Day.

6. Paint in acrylic, interested in W.W. 2 aircraft, Martial Arts.

6. I can do many things. You might say I am a Jack of all Trades. I guess I would be best at those things I am trained in. Crane Operator, Welder, construction and Sales.

7. I think I have already answered this one.

Jul 2, 2009 at 02:07 PM : 5) If I'm not...

5) If I'm not reading fantasy novels, it's usually something about history, politics or philosophy

politics and philosophy aren't those fantasy too? OK I'm sorry i'm kidding. I couldn't resist. :)

Jul 2, 2009 at 03:07 PM : Hmmm I havent posted...

Hmmm I havent posted in several months with life being hectic between work and personal, but this seemed like a fun topic hehehe.......

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Oilfields since I graduated high school for the past 12 years now, mostely on the drilling side with a few years in blow out prevention off shore. Now I work for lets jsut say one of the big boys in the oil game as the Health Safety and Environmental Coordinator for our West Coast operations, this would include California and Alaska

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Always lived here

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

No formal education other than taking specific course to set myself up as an instructor in Defensive Driving, CPR and First-Aid, Accident Investigation, Forklift and Bobcat Operations, Hydrocrane Operations....... So yeah I do alot of teaching as well.

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

I spend alot of time traveling between here, Texas and Alaska for work, infact jsut got back from Alaska last week, really enjoyed 62 degrees better than this 109 stuff.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

usually if im reading a book its going to be a history/war novel suck as Flyboys or Flags of Our Fathers

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

Well im really good at art, do some graphic design on the side. My hobbies include riding, be it around town or racing at one of our local tracks, or escorting our fallen soldiers with the Patriot Gaurd, as was todays case. I am also very muchly into my fish tanks, which I have sever large ones both fresh and Salt. And last but not least are my kids, my wonderful 4 year old son and my 4 month old princess!!!

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

Safety, Motorcycle riding, Fish, Art, and ummmm 80s music and movies =)

Jul 2, 2009 at 03:07 PM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Boarding kennel manager, pet shop manager, veterinary hospital manager, media, nonprofit organization.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Central Valley girl. Born in Virginia, moved to Modesto as a child, Sacramento, Bakersfield.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

Psychology, English, Animal Behavior

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

I've never been out of the country, but have been through a number of the states. Since I'm a Cali gal, Carmel ranks high among the nicest places I'd ever want to hang out.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

I'm a big nonfiction person, mostly about critters, women's issues and factory farming. I'm a huge magazine junkie and have several subscriptions.

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

I enjoy reading, blogging, critters and cooking.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

I can't imagine five areas I'm good at, but I know a whole lot about pets, am pretty handy around a stove, can write a decent piece when I want to and have been known to make people laugh once or twice.

Jul 2, 2009 at 03:07 PM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

B.K. (before kids) -- Technical support and wrote applications in the area of real estate and property mgmt for PC's when they first hit the market and trained people how to use them. Also did some accounting and office clerical support stuff, a couple of those jobs being with large, well-known financial institutions.

A.K. (you can figure it out) -- SAHM mainly, but used that time to beef up my volunteer work. I am an ordained Elder of a protestant church; organized youth activities in both church and school settings. Currently I have the summer off from my education job (not a teacher, though).

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Born and raised in the Midwest, living most of the time in Iowa and Illinois. After college, I moved out to California (SF Bay Area), and in 1985 moved to Bakersfield due to my husband's employment here. I would like to live somewhere else in my retirement years.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

I have a B.A. in Economics/Business Admin. from a private liberal arts school in the midwest.

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

I have been to many places in the U.S., but not too much on the east coast. I have also been to London, Paris, and across the alpine countries of Europe (Switzerland, Austria, and Germany).

My favorite place (so far) . . . . Yosemite . . . . wait, maybe north/central AZ . . . . no, possibly Austria.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

I like historical fiction, particularly from the WWII era, but lately have found myself working my way through all of Tony Hillerman's books. I've read 5 so far and have 8 more sitting by my desk.

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

Hobbies: jigsaw puzzles. I need to learn how to start selling on Ebay or something. I have somewhere around 300 puzzles!

What am I good at? My husband and others tell me I'm very good at getting others to help with volunteer activites. I once organized the efforts of 150 people for an all-day music event at Bakersfield High School.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

I couldn't pick areas that I feel "well versed in;" you know, that jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none thing. But I could pick some that I feel passionate about: my family and education.

Jul 2, 2009 at 04:07 PM : ...

1) I worked in the Cotton fields, Oil fields, a security guard (at GM), Pizza Delivery Driver, a distribution driver (for the Californian), temp service Branch manager, Soldier, clerk in the US Attorney's Office

2) I still consider Bakersfield to be my home but I have not lived there since 1996. I've lived in Canada (Alberta), Indiana, Georgia, Texas, Fresno, Louisiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma

3) French (BA) with a minor in Canadian studies, and International Relations (MA) and certified law school flunkie. Network Switching Systems certification

4) Canada, England, Ireland, Romania, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq (and probably Syria). I've visited 40 states in the union. Montreal Quebec is the best city in the world!!!

5) Biographies. I love stories of people making something of themselves (Sam Walton, Richard Pryor, and Colin Powell are my current favorites). I also like to read about world politics (Latin America and Africa)

6) I'm a jack of all trades but a master of none. I can play the trumpet, french horn and piano. My talent is with languages (French, English, Kurdish, Arabic, and ebono-Spanish)

7) Latin American politics, international relations, military policy, African diaspora, Code 10 of the US Code.

Jul 2, 2009 at 04:07 PM : 1) What...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Kenny Shoes - Valley Plaza - anyone remember?, Group home counselor , 6th grade teacher

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Born & raised in Wa --> Bakersfield --> Fresno -->Anaheim --> Orange --> Bakersfield

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

BA Sociology w/ a minor in Ethnic Studies & Multiple Subject teaching credential

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

All over US - loved Flagstaff

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

Historical fiction

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

Love to read. I play piano & clarinet. I love to cook.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

Education (the act, not the politics), child rearing (up to 12), High School Musical, taming curly hair, Scrabble

Jul 2, 2009 at 04:07 PM : Witbee - Big Love is...

Witbee - Big Love is my "secret" guilty pleasure! Where are you in watching the show? I won't give anything away but I'll say just one word....ALBIE!!!

Jul 2, 2009 at 05:07 PM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Teen years--Sno-Shack and McDonalds

Adulthood--telephone surveys, instructional assistant, substitute teacher

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Born and bred in Bakersfield. I lived in San Francisco for a semester in college.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

BA Psychology, minor in Poli-Sci

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

China with a CSUB professor and a group of students. Carribean Cruise. Several states, mainly to see family, I haven't seen too many sites. I did see Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was approved and the Constitution was written. It was very informative, but my stomach was really upset so I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

I usually just read articles, or start a book that I don't finish. The last book I read was Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass, since films use several elements from those books in their films--the white rabbit, curiosity, down the rabbit hole, reality, conformity etc....

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

Internet and blogging, but I spend too much on it.

7) ou had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

Don't know.

Jul 2, 2009 at 06:07 PM : By the way,...

By the way, I now understand you all a lot more on why some of you lean certain way. For example, I guessed RF to have studied liberal arts (graduated?) from his views. I wonder where pp is? Thanks FSG, this was educational.

Jul 2, 2009 at 06:07 PM : Casooner, you're...

Casooner, you're bad ass. I love aviation mechanics! I've been on two militry planes that have caught on fire so I make it a point to befriend the guys behind the scenes. They have thankless job but it's important, nonetheless. Thanks for the service, bro. I appreciate it.

Jul 2, 2009 at 06:07 PM : Jfrancais, in...

Jfrancais, in my honesty, my military career stands out the most in my life. I'm still friends with the guys I served with and there is a unique bond that is stronger than the ones I have with my HS or college buds. I've worked as a jet engine mech for 8 of 10 years and have worked on almost every fighter to few of the heavys. To this day, I tend to gravitate towards fellow veterans (no matter on branch) because of certain trust I have with them. I see that you also served. Thank you also for your service.

Jul 2, 2009 at 06:07 PM : START WITH YOURSELF!!

START WITH YOURSELF!!

Jul 2, 2009 at 08:07 PM : Hey sincal, another...

Hey sincal, another fish freak, cool. If you're interested, I have a ton of Pelvichromis pulcher ("Daffodil Brichardi") overrunning my house... I swear these are the rabbits of the cichlid fish world. They're also mean little buggers, so definately for a species-only tank. But throw a bunch of rocks into a 29g and one pair will quickly form a colony with their offspring and fill up the tank. Just don't move the babies to a new tank or you'll end up like me, with three tanks full of them.

Jul 2, 2009 at 08:07 PM : I've got 9 years...

I've got 9 years (actually 11) casooner. I'm trying to get 20 or 30 but the day I hate this job is the day I start making moves to leave and do something else. The army has been good to me. It's the best job I've ever had. It allows me to be an idealist and still get paid. I love feeling like professional and doing something honorable. I'll keep doing this until I figure what want to do when I "grow up". It's been a fun ride. I can relate to you still being friends with your buddies. I had got out for a while but I felt like the best thing to do was re-enlist when the war popped off. I felt like the best thing I could do was to be in the fight with my buddies.

Jul 2, 2009 at 08:07 PM : Jfrancais, good luck...

Jfrancais, good luck to your military career and I hope you do get your retirement. Couple of my friends retired from AF and the last one was a bit a tear jerker - lots of pride. I wanted to wrapup my career too, but Vandenberg or Riverside were too far for a weekend jaunt and my career was really taxing my time here. Dude, what you're doing is honorable. Thanks. If you don't mind, I now have a friend on this liberal infested blog site. Thanks for your service.

Jul 2, 2009 at 09:07 PM : Even though you no...

Even though you no longer don't wear the uniform, you're still my brother in arms. I feel we can learn a lot from the veterans as they can give a lot of insight on todays mission. I wish we would do more outreach stuff to pick the brains of vets. We could use it right now with such a high optempo. We're all learning on the fly and losing a little bit each time a vet goes back to civilian life.

I'm in Oklahoma right now, btw (Fort Sill).

Jul 2, 2009 at 09:07 PM : I'll bite... 1)...

I'll bite...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Manicurist for 15 years, radio sales, salon consultant for a major manufacturer beauty supply, radio again. I now work for a marketing and advertising agency.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Born in Washington, lived in Spokane, Seattle, Salem and Corvallis Oregon ( Go Beavers!) moved here in 1981.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

Bakersfield College- I do all their advertising BTW. Lyle's College of Beauty.

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

Maui & Kauai Hawaii, up and down the West Coast. Cabo San Lucas is by far my favorite place to visit.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

If I only had the time...

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

I am a Marketing Guru!!! Love to help businesses prosper. NASCAR, racing, Condor games, hanging with my kids. I am a pretty decent singer- not just karaoke.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

Refer to #6. Marketing, sports fanatic, doing hair, being opinionated and speaking my mind :)

Jul 2, 2009 at 09:07 PM : Witbee - Big...

Witbee - Big Love is my "secret" guilty pleasure! Where are you in watching the show? I won't give anything away but I'll say just one word....ALBIE!!!

I'm almost done with Season 2. I just finished the one where Albie becomes the profit (by reading from a hat). It is certainly not a show me and the Mrs. would normally watch, but I was intrigued by the premise. Now I am hooked. iTunes only has 1st and 2nd season so I have to wait for the 3rd.

My other "strange" TV obsession was "Dexter." It is just so weird, I can't help but watch it (also thru iTunes).

Jul 2, 2009 at 09:07 PM : I'll bite too!...

I'll bite too! It's been a while since I've posted, but I try to view the blogs a couple of times a week!

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in? In the old days, waitress, secretary, retail banking. Switched to lending and now mortgage undewriting for past 10+ years.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside? Bakonative says it all.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study? Bookkeeping

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been? I've been to AZ, NV, LA, MS, AL, Mexico and China. I absolutely love the southern states and hospitality of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississipi. People are so slow.... but so NICE!

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most? Like Neverleft, I love Stuart Woods! I just got into some great books by Greg Iles (why does my I look like an L?) also. I really like detective/mystery fiction books!

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents? I'm not great at anything. I always carry a camera, but that doesn't mean I get great shots. I like to bowl, but that doesn't mean I score high. I have a lot of friends that I talk to every week and I hope I'm a good listener!

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they? Lending, lending, research, research, google!

Jul 2, 2009 at 11:07 PM : 1) What...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

go-fer (my dad was self-employed and i did many miscellaneous errands/chores), babysitter, house-cleaner, pizza-maker, tutor for several different employers, substitute teacher, teacher

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

grew up in wasco/shafter, moved to bakersfield in 2002

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

BA in liberal studies- minor in linguistics (cum laude, i studied my butt off for my grades too), multiple subject teaching credential- supplemental English authorization, Reading/literacy specialist certificate

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

i've never been outside the US, i've been all over the western US, visited Florida, my favorite place i've been is pretty much anywhere in the sierras

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

i enjoy many different types of fiction, adult and children's books. it's a great escape from reality for a little while

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

hobbies: reading for FUN (not textbooks or student essays), playing the piano, camping, hiking; i seem to have a talent for working with children and being able to (mostly) manage a roomful of them

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

unfortunately, i've had experience dealing with manipulative/abusive relationships and many things that go along with that. but i have been able to use that experience to help others, so some good can come of bad situations :)

besides that, see #6 i guess

Jul 3, 2009 at 06:07 AM : I'm very...

I'm very appreciative that so many of you have chosen to participate. In viewing all of these responses, I believe it proves that while we might have certain differences in thoughts and ideas, we're all still humans, and Americans. Oftentimes we probably have more in common with each other than we realize - and I feel that "experiments" such as this can help us all to lighten the mood and maybe respect each other a bit more.

I think sometimes we can all get carried away on here - it's easier to argue with someone you don't know. This isn't to say that we're all not going to continue having disagreements.. but maybe now we will all have a different perspective on what each person brings to the table.

I'll be coming up with new questions (nothing too prying).

If you haven't yet participated, I urge you to do so!

Thanks!

Jul 3, 2009 at 07:07 AM : 1) What...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in? {Retail and catalog sales, finish electrician, bartender, waitress, manager of a pizza delivery business, substance abuse counselor, retired.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside? {Raised in Bakersfield, (in order of occurance) short stay at Ft. Benning GA and Ft. Hood TX (army wife), Tehachapi 15 years '70-85, Hendersonville TN 9 months 1987, Murphreesboro TN 9 months 1991, Bakersfield all the rest of my life.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study? {Sociology / Drug and Alcohol Studies.

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been? {Other than moves I've traveled to Oregon to visit parents, Oregon for track invitational, (grandson), WA and Nebraska for Jr Olympics track and field, WI, FL and all the states in between. TN would be my favorite I suppose, although parts of Oregon remind me on TN.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most? {Intrigue, mystery, policitcal, espionage but I'm a reading nut so when desperate will read most anything but HATE first person books for the most part and really HATE books written in the 2nd person present tense (?) ie, "he goes to the store.." (was that a run on sentence?)

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents? {{Don't have many hobbies now unless you can call searching for treasures to sell on ebay a hobby. Years back I shot a mean game of pool and was on both bowling leagues (not so good but fun) and pool leagues (dropped out after winning the area chanpionship mini playoffs..wasn't fun any more.) Other than that, my main hobby is reading. I'm a big fan of "Make your hobby your career and never work another day in your life so my other main hobby would be my part time job as a SA counselor.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they? I'm a jack of all trades and master of none. "I know a little bit about a whole lot but not a whole lot about nuthin." If pressed I'd say substance abuse, family dynamics of same and all it relates to, building construction, human nature, food/cooking terminology, how to lose your shirt in your own business in 3 easy lessons.

If people can steal my identity from this, I'll help them load it up.

Jul 3, 2009 at 07:07 AM : Nancy how did you get...

Nancy

how did you get involved in the Ebay thing? I've got 3 huge plastic bins of vintage polyester (70's) fabric I want to sell. I also have hundreds of vintage (30's 40's 50's) crochet books. I've looked on the internet and they fetch a good price. I'm trying to get rid of everything I collected over the last 40 years.

Can you tell me where I can get lessons on how to start selling on e-bay?

Jul 3, 2009 at 09:07 AM : gosh... i'm such...

gosh... i'm such a loser compared to you guys. lol

Jul 3, 2009 at 09:07 AM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in? I have been in the medical field since my first volunteer job at the VA hospital when I was fifteen.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside? Nope. I was born in Georgia, grew up near Chicago, moved to Phoenix when I was 12. Got married at 19 and moved to Austin, TX, and a year later I went to Clark Air Base in the Philippines for almost four years. Got divorced, moved to Pennsylvania, and that is where my heart still lives. I have lived in Tehachapi since 1997.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study? English AA; Nursing, three years, until I got stupid and quit school to get married.

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been? I have been all over the States, Hawaii, Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Guam and the Philippines. My favorite place I've been is Alaska.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most? Mysteries, classics, history.

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents? I am a very good seamstress and I do intricate artistic stitchery, for which I won First Place at the state fair in 2003. I am a great cook, also. As you know, I am a cat rescue volunteer.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they? Medicine, specifically ophthalmology, cooking, animal rescue, grief and bereavement. I know, that's only four, but I can't think of anything else.

Jul 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM : Hi FSG, I...

Hi FSG, I didn’t notice this topic until this morning. Thanks for posting.

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Farm work, packing sheds, auto mechanic, waiter,taxi driver, post office temp,

color lab technician, Gaffer (movie production related),commercial/advertising photographer, color management / pre-press consultant,author (color management and digital imaging books.) technical editor for books related to same.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Fresno, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Tehachapi, Lancaster, Newport News Va., Bakersfield for the last 25 years.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

BS Graphic Arts/Photography, Physical Science

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

All over the USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean

Favorite place is Del Norte County, California.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

History, science, economics, trade journals (all kinds), a little fiction. Just finished Into the Cool. Awesome read. http://www.intothecool.com/reviews.php

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

I guess I’m pretty good at condensing complex concepts. My occupation since I’m still at it after 25 years :). No formal hobbies because I like my work a great deal. Consider myself to be very lucky in that respect. I rescue stray cats, and I’m involved with a number of charities. Does that count??

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

Imaging technology, computer graphics, physical science, western history, economics.

So much to learn, and so little time :)

Jul 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM : I'm with Audrey,...

I'm with Audrey, Nancy. I need a lesson on selling things on Ebay. We could open up our own branch of the public library, we've got so many books here and in storage. And remember all those jigsaw puzzles I mentioned above . . .

....................

casooner90 -- I was glad to read your answers. You sound like a good guy. I've been trying not to hold the "sooner" part against you since I'm a Husker fan. I'm guessing we have enough similar views that a Husker and a Sooner can get along. ;-)

Jul 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM : Try selling your books...

Try selling your books on half.com, a subsidiary of Ebay. I sell a lot of books on there and it's easy to manage your inventory on it.

Jul 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM : Sooners bah.. Huskers...

Sooners bah.. Huskers bah.. Noles are where it's at.

In all seriousness, I've learned quite a bit from doing this, and the information provided definitely provides more insight on each of us, our background and experiences, and how they might have helped shape our opinions that we constantly debate about on this website.

Jul 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM : RE selling on...

RE selling on eBay. I started about 10 years ago when it was relatively new. I sold collectables of all kinds and haunted yard sales and the swap back when it was a real swap and not in import business. I was lucky to have hooked up on line with a guy who, with his wife, sold antique jewelry along with glass and pottery in a store and on ebay. He was a wealth of information. Back then people bought everything you put up but now it's different' We have those swap meet importer type people selling and it hurts the individuals like me and Debbie. They still buy from us but when you do a search it brings up a gazillion items that are from commercial "drop ship" sellers. Some never see the mdse, they are just middle men so to speak. Debbie had a store in KV some years back and I got her started selling on ebay as well. She supported herself with it and the store. I quit and then she outpaced me because she's an excellent reasearcher and very detail oriented. PLUS she has an eye for unusual things and things that will sell

Audrey, your vintage fabric should do well. Very well infact. People love vintage..retro is in right now. It's cool to look old? WEll, in clothing that is.

I don't know about puzzles..I've not looked into them. One piece of advice it reasearch. Don't look so much as current auctions but do an advanced search and click on "completed" auctions. It' s like selling a house, you can ask all you want for it but if no ones buying, what's the point.

Sorry for the hi-jack. I'll put together an email and give you guys some pointers. It's really easy once you get the hang of it.

Jul 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM : FSG, great...

FSG, great post. Thanks for helping us share.

I have a friend who sells books on Amazon and does pretty well with it. Trouble with them is they have a fixed shipping rate and you can lose money if you have sets or extra heavy volumes.

Jul 3, 2009 at 10:07 AM : You can ship books as...

You can ship books as Media mail, which ships at a fixed price.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : With Amazon...

With Amazon THEY set the shipping you can charge. You don't have an option. That's why she said she's careful what she lists and how she ships sets.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : They set it on...

They set it on Half.com, but you can set your own rates on Ebay.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : I'm aware of...

I'm aware of that, I weren't talking about eBay..I was talking about Amazon. Just letting folks know to be careful where you sell and what it could cost you.

I sold a few books on Half.com and have a friend who used to a lot of it. She financed her own reading habit that way. Smart girl.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : Audrey, your...

Audrey, your vintage fabric should do well. Very well infact. People love vintage..retro is in right now. It's cool to look old? WEll, in clothing that is.

Nancy

Remember pants suits? I have enough material to make every man, woman and child in Bakersfield a Butt Ugly 70's style pant suit. We could become a hippie mecca!

BTW The fabric is as ugly now as it was then!!!

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : Nancy, you'd be...

Nancy, you'd be amazed what certain puzzles sell for on Ebay. Lately I have been purchasing a lot of 1000 pc Charles Wysocki puzzles, but I can't afford most of the ones I'd like. An OPENED, somewhat rare one sold recently for $59.00!! Granted, that's pretty much the exception, but most, especially if still sealed, will sell for two or three times their original retail price.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : To give you an idea...

To give you an idea where I grew up, these taken on Rosedale Highway just west of Fruitvale Ave.

The building is still there across the highway from Wear Drive where you see the Palm trees (looking north)..sadly, long gone. (building picture is looking east toward town when Rosedale Hwy was two lane 178)

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa34/nancyjg/fruitvale.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa34/nancyjg/WearDrivecirca1950s.jpg

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : Nancy, without photos...

Nancy, without photos like those, people like me would never be able to realize just how much this area has grown in the past number of decades. Thank you for sharing them.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : She financed her own...

She financed her own reading habit that way. Smart girl.

I bought and sold all my books that way while in college. I could purchase them cheaper than what they cost in the bookstore and I could resell them for much more than what they would buy them back.

I think college bookstores are a racket and they overcharge students while the universities are in cahoots with the companies.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : Nancy Didn't we...

Nancy

Didn't we work it out that you and I attended Rosedale school at approximately the same time? When I see pictures like the one you shared, it reminds me of my dad. He used to get parts from a used appliance shop on Rosedale HWY. I used to wait for him in the car and it seemed to forever for him to locate what he needed.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : My pleasure FSG, we...

My pleasure FSG, we moved there in 1947 onto an acre of land my dad and mom bought. They hand built our house using a lot of scrap lumber from the old hotel that used to be where the Penny's building at 19th and Chester now sits. You drove down palm lined asphalt road and about half way down turned east between the trees onto the dirt road we lived on. About a third of the way donw that palm lane you could turn into what was then the Norwalk Bulk plant where they loaded tankers with gasoline. We never thought a thing about it since oil derreks, tanks, and sumps were all around us. The bulk plant and tall storage tanks are still there as are the houses my uncle moved in after they came west to move next door. My home is gone and there's a trucking yard there now.

Anyway, I grew up there, went all 8 years at Fruitvale Elementary (now Vista West) and raised my kids in that neighborhood the first few years of their lives. Motopoet can tell you all the horror stories about the trouble they used to get into out in the "boonies." Myself? I was a good girl. 0:-) See the halo?

Now just look at all you know about me. LOL. A country bumpkin.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : Audrey,...

Audrey, I never went to Roasedale School. They were arch rivals of Fruitvale and mine was the only Fruitvale stop on the Rosedale bus to BHS. I was miserable..lol..they hated me and were mean. They'd spread out so I couldn't find a place to sit and made my life hell until I could drive myself to school. Weren't we all so silly with school rivalries? Like it made us all different. Gotta say though, those EB bad boys were ....well..they just were mmm mmm mmm..lol. I married one of them.

Was the appliance store the one in the picture? When I was growing up it was Griffins Market. My grandad used to send us kids there to get him a quart of beer.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : I was only at Rosedale...

I was only at Rosedale a short time. I was at several schools between K-4 a short time. Following Crops ya know.

Anyway, we lived in a tiny, rundown place on Rosedale HWY. I pass by it sometimes and yeah, it's still there. I only have two memories from that time (both bad). So I don't think about them, if I can help it.

Jul 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?

Lawnmower, painter, burger flipper, doodlebug, medical biller, baseball player, engineer, project manager, consultant, Assistant to the Domestic CEO.

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?

Born in OK, but not a Sooner fan, go Irish. Grew up in Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Indiana. Currently reside in my house.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?

Engineering, Business, Process Safety.

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?

US, Canada, Mexico, French Polynesia, Sea of Tranquility. Favorite place is the Big Horn Mtns of Wy.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?

Home improvement, conservative politics, cooking, woodworking, aviation, space exploration, modern and WWII military, baseball.

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?

Woodworking, gardening, scale modeling, RC aircraft, hiking, camping, watching baseball, fishing, yelling at the kids, plane spotting, map reading/cruising google earth, baiting liberals on the internet.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?

Proper pitch selection, aircraft identification, project planning, route finding, baiting liberals on the internet.

Jul 3, 2009 at 07:07 PM : Ron, no wonder...

Ron, no wonder why we think like. I bet you even work in the same industry. Good to meet you.

Jul 4, 2009 at 03:07 AM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?
Finance, Management, Accounting, IT. If any of you have ever owned a business, you realize you do a little bit of just about everything!

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?
I grew up here but lived a few years in Davis, about ten years in Sacramento & about three years in West Hollywood before moving back here.

3) If you've had formal education beyond High School, what were your primary areas of study?
MBA, Bachelors degrees in Managerial Economics & English with minors in History & German

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?
Europe (Germany was my favorite place), the UK, Mexico, Hawaii, many of the western and southern states and into the nooks and crannies of California. My favorite placeto visit - probably Hawaii because I got to live there for a year. It was beautiful and as close to a spiritual and idealic setting as I've encountered thus far. I think my favorite place overall though is right here in California, in the redwoods or on the coast. If you take the people away most of California is beautiful.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?
Fantasy (CS Lewis, Tolkein), old Science Fiction (Jules Verne, H.G. Wells), American literature (Twain, Hemingway, Fitzgerald).

6) What are your hobbies , what are you good at, what are your talents?
Photography, movies, computers, astronomy, gardening, reading, automotive, camping, travelling. I'd say I'm best at computers & photography (which I love), camping, books and movies are a great way to unwind, astronomy fascinates me, gardening is fun if it's not too hot and I like tinkering with automobiles because I like solving problems and getting my hands dirty.

7) If you had to pick up to 5 subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?
Technology / Literature / Movies / Food / Travel

Jul 4, 2009 at 05:07 AM : 1) What occupations...

1) What occupations and/or jobs have you worked in?
I've never had a real job. I stay home and take care of the animals and garden for my parents when they're too busy working and doing other things. I'm working on the job thing...maybe...

2) Have you always lived in Kern County? If not, where have you lived or do you currently reside?
I'm not ashamed to admit that I've always lived here. I love Bakersfield, unlike all of my friends and kids around my age. The only thing I really don't like about Bakersfield is all of the punks who moved here from Los Angeles, etc., because it was cheaper; they trash us like we're hillbillies and act like they're better than us. I went to high school with a bunch of those punk kids.

3) If you've had formal education beyond high school, what were your primary areas of study?
I'd rather not talk about it. I was supposed to go into journalism, because apparently it's the perfect career for me, but I've decided I don't think I actually want to go down that road.

4) Where have you traveled? What is the favorite place you've ever been?
Outside the country, seriously, I've been to Canada for one day. My parents took us up to Washington to visit my grandpa, and when we got there we jumped on a ferry and spent a day in Canada. Then we went back to Washington and that was it. The year before that, they took us to Yellowstone, and I really enjoyed that trip. I've been to Philadelphia, which was an awesome city. I've been to St. Louis for a couple of days and toured a Purina Mills farm where they raise animals, test their animal feed and create it or whatever. That was really cool. In between all that, I've been here, there and everywhere around California and a few other states.

5) What kinds of books do you find yourself reading the most?
Most often, I think, I find myself reading books about English, grammar and journalism. I asked my mom for the Grammar Girl book for my birthday. I got Eats, Shoots & Leaves for my high school graduation. I also got a copy of Strunk and White from my journalism teacher. I bought a copy of the Concise Guide to Copy Editing when I was at a journalism convention junior year of high school. Oh, and when I'm bored I sometimes like to flip through my dictionary and read it...

6) What are your hobbies? What are you good at? What are your talents?
Well, I like photography; it's a hobby, but I can't say I'm a great photographer. I strive to be the best I can possibly be -- especially considering the limitations that come with my camera. I also like gardening, which is not quite normal for my age. I become giddy like a schoolgirl when I watch my plants sprout and continuously grow; the whole process is so intriguing to me that I can't help but continuously watch and think about new ways to perfect my gardening skills. I like anything that has to do with English, journalism, farming, ranching, etc. It's weird that I like two different things that completely clash; one works well in the middle of nowhere, and the other one requires running around in the city...

7) If you had to pick up to five subjects/areas/issues that you feel the most well versed in, what are they?
I'd have to say my strongest subject is probably English. Perhaps I could say that I know journalism pretty well, too. I think I know quite a bit about gardening for my age, and I sometimes give advice to friends and family who are also into gardening. I know a lot about buffaloes. Does that count? It's an area of expertise, right? Oh, yeah -- I'm an expert at finding ways to waste time on the Internet and screw around on different Web sites. I spend a lot of time of Facebook and Twitter, which is probably why I haven't been spending any time on here. But don't judge me, OK? I don't spend hours filling out quizzes like Cat and Bakoblue. :) (Only kidding! Don't kick me, OK?)

Jul 4, 2009 at 08:07 AM : Sooners...

Sooners bah.. Huskers bah.. Noles are where it's at.

The Noles have been out of the BCS for a while now. That other Florida school has been grabbing all the attention, but we'll get'em this year. I hope.

Jul 4, 2009 at 04:07 PM : The Noles...

The Noles have been out of the BCS for a while now

Not as long as you think. Last BCS game we played was 2006 in the Orange Bowl against Penn State. We lost in triple OT.

We're making a comeback.