I'm 29 and I'm not in a hurry to look/act older (so many of my peers are). People tell me I look way younger than I am which I'm sure I'll LOVE later, but it hurts me professionally. I can't stand the idea of my job becoming what I use to "define me" as a person.

I call myself a Texafornian. I was born in San Diego, CA., moved to Denton, TX., when I was in 4th grade. I had a HUGE problem sticking up for myself. I got real sick of Denton, wanted some excitement/a change of scenery, and moved back to San Diego when I was 17.

I tried college, dropped out (it's okay, I'm not one of those people who needs a degree to "complete"me). I got married (no kids) in 1997, worked my way up the corporate ladder a bit, picked up 2 cats along the way, and moved to Austin in July of this year (2007). I'm currently seeking employment.

I'm the (very animated) weirdo in the office who has to "act out" everything as they are explaining it to you. People have told me I'm diplomatic (I call it trying to see both sides/trying not to be judgmental).

I love nature, hiking, camping (although camping I haven't done in YEARS because DH is a city guy). I'm not embarrassed easily and will do weird things for a good laugh (like, lick your windshield while your in your car), just to crack myself up from seeing the crazy look on your face (only people really close to me get to see this one).

I'm also very smiley, bubbly, joke a lot (unfortunately, people think this = naive/stupid or that somehow they should "help me", 'til they get to know me and realize otherwise). For all the smiley-ness and bubbliness, It's pretty ugly when I get really angry (especially since I can rant, but I don't have a short fuse at all.)...

Some people feel that my confidence is "cockiness" or that I'm patronizing (maybe they are just self conscious, or feel threatened by me, or my personality is just too "strong" for them). Some people mistake my rants or animation for anger... Those who really know me, know that I'm anything but, and that I'm one of the most selfless people you will ever know.

I imagine that when I'm older I'll be the "crazy cat lady" on the block who does baking/cooking/painting/pottery/reading somewhere in the depths of her cozy, warm dwelling.

I can only hope.