Surround Yourself with Happy People and you WIll Never Wait for The Phone to Ring

Q: Best solo activity?

Spending time in Barnes and Nobles or walking the Cape Fear River Trail on a Sunday.

Q: Biggest Accomplishment?

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a debilitating autoimmune disorder, in 2005. After 3 hospitalizations and countless medications, I gained 50 pounds. Deciding to take my life and health back I worked hard to get back to health. Getting control of my weight and eating habits was the first step. I've lost 40 pounds in 8 months and counting!

Q: Your Perfect Spot?

Actually I meet a lot of great people - male and female - online via the blogosphere.

Q: Most Inspiring Book, Person or Movie?

I'm inspired by Michelle Obama. She is empowered and energized in her own right and on her own terms. She is the definition of a self-actualizing person. Powerful, intelligent, and inspiring.

Q: Funniest, Craziest, Worst Date Ever?

The weirdest, funniest, craziest date I've had happened last year. I agreed to go out on a date with a guy who I genuinely enjoyed talking to (I met him online). Well on the way to dinner he took a detour to the Flea Market saying that he had to pick up something. Being the curious person that I am, I did not stay in the car and wait. I elected to get out and go with him though he did say it would be better if I stayed in the car. He ended up going to the DVD counter to pick up a DVD which he wouldn't let me see. The clerk put the DVD into a brown paper bag and we left. I pressed him all the way to the car to let me see what DVD he bought, because it may be something I would want to see. *sigh* Finally after we finished dinner and got back into the car, I hurriedly reached for the bag and pulled out the DVD. It was a porn. He bought a tasteless porn video on our first date together!!!

Q: Safety Starts With:

Being aware of your surroundings at ALL times and taking a self defense class.

Q: Best Restaurant?

I've found that chain restaurants aren't the best places to dine solo. I go for the independently-owned bistros and diners because they have the best food and service. Where I live, it's Sakura Sushi Bar.

Q: Have You Ever Been a Victim of Singlism?

I've been the victim of indirect singlism. From friends who stopped hanging out with me when they got involved, to coworkers making snide comments about single people in my presence - its a jungle out there. And, when I do go out on dates I get the famous lines, "I thought you were a lesbian" or "Are you bisexual" because I enjoy my single life. People assume that because I'm not out with a different guy every night, that I'm not heterosexual.

Q: Best Just For One Product?

Nintendo Wii - with just ONE controller. Playing against the computer is heavenly.

Q: Words to Live By?

Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed. (Booker T. Washington)

Q: How Do You Beat The Blues?

Workout until your body aches and then consume a juicy burger and a glass of Chardonnay while watching your favorite flick.

Q: What You Love About Being Single?

I love the freedom, the peace, the joy of conquering the world on my own terms, without interference. I love the fact that I do not have to adhere to any dating rules and regulations or worry about when or if the phone is going to ring. And, most of all, I love discovering and rediscovering self day by day. It makes life more beautiful and meaningful to walk the path of self-discovery willingly alone.

Q: Words of Wisdom for Others:

A man told me that I would never be normal. He told me to stop trying to be normal like everyone else. At first I was taken aback, but then I thought about it more and I see what he meant. Each person is unique. And there is a light within us that shines. We should not conform to societal standards, but rather we should make our own rules and live empowered lives. So yes, I don't want to be normal.