jay | Interview questions from Cathy

1. Assuming income is not an object, what would you like to be doing and where?

Easy. I'd like to be exploring other planetary bodies, in person or through robots. I'd like to be exploring, period. Finding new things.

2. When you were 18, what did you think your life would be like at this point?

At 18, I wanted to be involved in space research, pushing boundaries somewhere. I thought I'd have managed to have gotten engaged in that way, and I have. Career-wise, I'm roughly on-track.

When I was 18, I had never had a girlfriend or dated... I had only the foggiest idea what I'd be doing in that realm. I guess I expected that I'd eventually get married and have children, but I had notion what that'd be like. Shucks, I had no idea what kissing was like at that age! Likewise, I didn't think much at 18 about a social life or friends -- they were unknown things then. I don't think that poly would have surprised me, I'd read lots of sf and lacked the socialization that would have told me that it was unrealistic.

As far as living logistics goes... I expected to have a home and garden. Being in California would have been a surprise. And I'd have been horrified at my own politics, because at 18 I was far over on the conservative side ;-).

3. What are three things you think everyone should know about you?
(a) Despite the lack of much of an accent, underneath I'm still shaped in lots of different little ways -- communication style, body language, what I do entering/leaving elevators -- by where I was raised. Still a Southerner, deep down. Go Braves! ;-)

(b) Sometimes I appear cold, averse or indifferent around groups. Don't mistake this for introversion... actually, I gain energy from groups and seek out social situations. I *want* to hang out with friends -- I'm just really, really bad at doing it, or expressing what I want or am feeling. Please, invite me to things! If I seem reluctant, it's probably because I'm worried that I'll be a drag on your event...

(c) I throw almost nothing away.

4. Who is the one person, living or dead, that you'd most like to meet?

Another softball... one person? Jesus Christ, certainly. One of history's most pivotal and most enigmatic figures, whatever you might believe faith-wise.
5. Describe your dream house.

A courtyard style, with four 2-story sections surrounding a common area or courtyard. Different, adjacent wings filled with my blood and chosen family members. Full of light, kids, noise, clutter, pets, projects, and life in all its vigor and messiness. Within bicycling distance of my work. Without lots of gingerbread or nonfunctional ornamentation... clean, crisp lines.