photo by me

For those of you who have not known me a long time, you have not seen all of me. And maybe that is what has been coming out in recent days.

So, a quick recap – because I may not be who you think I am – I’m an activist. I always have been. I always will be. I’m not typically in-your-face but I have definite views on certain subjects and I will defend my right to have those views.

I’m probably as liberal as you will ever find. I’m left of the left…and I like the view from there.

I am pro-choice. Vehemently. I have worked in family planning clinics. I have marched. I have escorted women into clinics. This is a major voting point for me when I vote for officials.

I am anti-death penalty. I do not believe in state-sanctioned murders.

I am anti-war. I don’t think it is EVER necessary to wage war to make a point.

I’m a tree hugger. Literally. I have hugged more trees than I can count. I have cried while driving through clearcuts. I have issues with people wasting water. I support the Kyoto Treaty, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act. I would drive a hybrid if I could afford one (or not drive at all if we had good public transportation here) but since I can’t, I drive a small compact car while surrounded by the behemoth SUVs (and scared for my life at times, I might add). I compost. I recycle.

I don’t eat red meat.

I do not belong to any religion but I’m a deeply spiritual person. My spiritual leanings would be akin to a mix between Native American spirituality and Eastern philosophies.

I’m a feminist. Or better yet, I’m a humanist. I won’t apologize for wanting equal rights between the sexes, races, and cultures.

I’m a geek girl. I work in the technology field. I like gadgets.

I’m a student. I am working on my master’s degree in an English field that includes technology. Very cool area that combines all of my loves.

I’m an aunt. I adore my nieces and nephews and could wax on about them for hours.

I’m a mommy – to a four-legged furry kid and a kid with fins. They are babied.

I’m a redhead. Enough said.

This does not, by any means, complete the “I am” circle. But it may give you an idea of who I am, why I write what I write, and why I may not agree with you. I love healthy debate but you probably are not going to change my mind and I have no illusions that I will change yours. I enjoy understanding people and the diversities between us far more than I do wanting to change anyone.