Getting to know ME

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Here are some questions and answers. There are LOTS of them, but they help me to get to know my friends better. My answers are here. I would love to hear yours. I will add to this over time. Some are very serious, some are silly. You never know. But when you ask your friends and family more, you may get to know them, and you may realize how little you've scratched below the surface to find out who they are and what they think.

It's amazing how little we know about those we call even close friends. Please, I'm interested in your answers, and I'm hoping you'll ask these questions to your friends. Ask you family. Ask lots of people, although I suggest just a few at a time, so they don't feel overwhelmed, you'll get more responses. You might find that these lead to some interesting discussions, and you might get to find out that you could actually help someone through something they have going on, and they might help you. You never know. Get to know the people around you - please.

Also, I'd love to hear your comments!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and why?

I have to admit, although I have seen some beautiful answers to this, my dream was always flight. Flying here, flying in space, just the ability to fly.

I would like the ability to really, truly UNDERSTAND things, to grok them - whether it's how things work, or how people work, whatever. I think with -understanding-, I could actually figure out how to make things better for everyone. That doesn't mean healing illness necessarily, but what's BEST, what will work out the best for everyone together. What would help everyone and everything achieve their fullest, in a very, VERY long-range view of things. It would give me an understanding of how to help that happen. I wonder what it would bring, and how would each individual feel about contributing to the good of all. With UNDERSTANDING, it would also entail taking the feelings of each individual into account. We face these decisions every day, affecting the lives and feelings of every other individual, but we often don't see it (or choose not to see it). To understand everyone and everything, we could help their needs at the utter, most basic level, and solve so many of the problems, which would expand its effect at every level, making it easier and easier to work things out for everyone.

As you consider nature and/or creation, what do you stand most in awe of?

Consciousness. The leap from simple chemical reactions to self-awareness, thought, imagination.

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?

Fudge Brownie Banana Nut (they don't make it anymore, that I know of); Apple Spice from Marble Slab

There are NO SMOKING, NO PETS, Etc. Signs. If you could hang an original NO ______ sign on your door, what would it say?

NO BIGOTRY/CRUELTY - toward other people, animals, any living thing.

They couldn't pay me enough to do that job! What is that job for you?

High-rise window washer? I'll have to think about it.

What is your favorite food? What food do you really hate?

Favorite food - um, yes. I love good food. Stinky cheeses, maybe? Roquefort? I love lots of different things. I especially enjoy a buffet. And Ashoka (a great Indian restaurant)!

Food I hate - chocolate, lima beans? Licorice, butterscotch, root beer!!!

When driving, do you prefer AC or open window?

Driving - window, if the weather is good, but AC when I want to be able to hear someone.

What would be your dream car?

Firebird Trans Am, from around 1980. An old friend of the family had one, I have loved it since then.

If you could live ANYwhere, where would it be?

I wish I could live in different places for a couple of years each. Off-world would be interesting. I want to live somewhere else for a while, learn why people think the ways they do, learn something, grow. Eventually, I rather like Houston, I would probably want to be back here, but living elsewhere for a while would be nice.

What did you always want to study, but never got around to?

Law; Critical Thinking; American Sign Language

What are some of your favorite books from childhood?

Tales from Silver Lands, Nancy Drew books

If you could have the ORIGINAL of anything, what would it be?

I have to admit, I'm not so big on originals. I want the knowledge, and usually replicas are fine.

Other than your name, what would you call your Autobiography?

I guess the same thing I once said I wanted on my tombstone - She Cared. Sorry, back to my save-the-world complex.

Who were your childhood heroes?

Robin Hood and Don Quixote. I have a save-the-world complex And I liked the old TV Batman. Same reason. And I liked Ultraman.

If you were to inhabit the world of any book, movie, or video or computer game, which one would you select?

Star Trek Next Gen? The world in Wizard's Bane (magical world, but the Wiz could create programs to work larger magic, even though he was a standard, low-grade-magic person)? I'd have to think about others. I like magic.

If you could be instantly fluent in any language what language would you choose?

Esperanto, although I wish everybody else would be, too. I like the concept of a universal language, and one that is completely regular (or so I'm told).

What's your favorite silly movie?

Men in Black

What's your favorite serious movie?

Romeo and Juliet

What's your favorite non-alcolholic drink?

Pina colada

What are some of the most unusual things you have tried?

Favorite color?

Deep purple, a bit on the bluish side rather than reddish.

Favorite Book?

The one that most affected me would have to be Jonathan Livingston Seagull. I'm not sure it would qualify as my favorite, but it had the most impact. I first read it in my early teens, I think, and it affected how I look at things. I think about the concept of heaven, and it's not for me. I don't want to stop growing. When I do, then what's left? What's the point? I don't know what is or isn't, but I intend to keep trying to figure it all out, and then make it better.

Favorite Movie?

Depends on what genre, I guess. RHPS has always been a lot of fun, but that's based on the audience interaction. I love the soundtrack to Heavy Metal, but that's the music, the story was fun, but don't know that I would cll it a favorite. I've always like the Romeo and Juliet I saw in school. I like to laugh, so funny movies tend to do better for me, but I like a number of movies.

Favorite Hobbies?

Dance. I love to dance. I enjoy the movement, the energy, getting really into the dance and the music. It's a bit like when I used to ride my bike long ago, no one around but me and the music, and I could get into pushing myself on the bike. I've been enjoying the bellydance, I really enjoy more of the flowing movements rather than the sharp movements. I like the undulations and the flow.

Who was your best friend in school, and what did you have fun doing?

Sandy Goldwater and Jenny. We used to do SciFi club, dragons, unicorns, conventions, and hang out a lot.

What do you wish other people knew about you?

I get teased a lot about the amount of stuff I carry, but I try to be prepared for most things. I do get tired of being teased about it, but people know where to go when they need something. Conell needed a bandaid, I had not only a bandaid but also the Neosporin. Someone needed to fix a chair, I had the screwdriver. Someone needs pain meds, or antacids, or antihistimines, I got 'em. Need a string, or needle, or camera, or voice recorder, or sharpie, or batteries, or cutting blade, or pliers? I got 'em. I have a decent chance of being prepared. Hand lotion? Yep. But I have always carried lots of stuff, ready to keep myself entertained (paper, books, etc.). Maybe even enough to keep others entertained (origami does wonders). But I catch no end of grief about the bulk. But they know where to go when they need something.





Below is a questionnaire I filled out. Some will be repeats of questions above. I'd love to hear your answers. I will probably include some of these in the questions I send out to people.

It's still being revised, so don't be surprised if answers change over time. Some questions aren't answered. I haven't had time to answer everything, but will add more as time goes along.

Name given at birth:

Not open for discussion

Name now:

Ahliana Byrd

Nickname(s):

Ahliana (Anna, for very small children who can't get through the whole thing, by special permission only); sometimes A; for others, you know who you are if you have an approved nick for me!

Eye color:

Hazel

What you prefer to be called by friends:

Ahliana

What you prefer to be called by strangers:

Ahliana

What you prefer to be called at work:

Ahliana

Birthplace:

Houston, TX

Current residence:

Houston, TX

Have you ever had your appendix and tonsils removed?:

Tonsils are history!

School:

Klein High School

Major:

Getting out alive. The Science Fiction Club was the best. Spanish and Physics were fun.

Where you would like to live, and why:

Probably Houston, but it would be nice to visit other countries for a year or two.

Soup or salad:

Depends on the soup.

Croutons or bacon bits:

Croutons

Favorite salad dressing:

Catalina, closely followed by a strong Bleu Cheese dressing

What's the first thing you would do (besides quit your job) if you won the lottery:

1) Pay off my own debt, 2) help family and friends, 3) buy and run an animal shelter

Shampoo or conditioner?:

Both

Favorite shampoo or conditioner:

St. Ives, but can't get it now :-)

What type of deodorant do you use?:

Whatever works.

Do you make fun of people?:

Try not to, been on the receiving it, it ain't good.

Favorite color:

Purple

One pillow or two:

As many as I can get away with

Pets:

Right now cats and dogs; have had rabbits, turtles, snakes, birds, hamsters, rats – not that I like animals, or anything!

Favorite type of music:

Depends on for what purpose, but generally techno or filk, some bellydance

Favorite song at the moment:

Heavy Metal (Takin' a Ride)

Favorite musical group(s):

Favorite album:

Heavy Metal

Favorite place to be:

In my own little world

Favorite book:

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Favorite movies:

Comedy:

Men in Black

Drama:

Action:

Romance:

Romeo and Juliet – the one I saw in school

Classic:

Western:

None

Musical:

The Sound of Music

Unusual:

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Hobbies:

Origami, dance, reading, science fiction, bellydance, lateral thinking problems, programming, languages, gaming

Toothpaste:

White, cheapest

Favorite food:

Stinky cheese! Spicy food. Sushi? Ice cream? Toasted marshmallows?

Favorite place to chill:

I think I've forgotten how…

Favorite town to chill in:

Houston

In car, ac or open window:

Depends on the day, the noise, and if I'm trying to hear someone else in the car.

Type of car you drive:

A mom-mobile :-) (minivan)

Automatic/standard transmission:

Automatic!

Dream car:

Old Firebird TransAm.

What was your first car:

I remember her fondly, but not what kind. White 4-door. :-)

Boyfriend/girlfriend:

Single.

Favorite ice cream:

Fudge Brownie Banana Nut (they don't make it anymore); Apple Spice from Marble Slab

Favorite drink (non-alcoholic):

Tea

Favorite soft drink:

Dr. Pepper

What's your bedtime:

When chores are done enough to be able to pass out for the night.

Favorite athletic shoe:

Dive shoes – very flexible.

Favorite perfume/cologne:

Sandalwood oil

Favorite website:

Wherever my email is.

Favorite TV show:

Star Trek – classic.

Favorite subject in school:

Least favorite subject in school:

P.E.

Are you in school now?:

No

What did you always want to study, but never got around to?:

Law; Critical Thinking; American Sign Language

Favorite sport to watch:

Sports? Why?

What's a quality you most admire in a person?:

Kindness

Describe a talent you have:

Listening to others.

Favorite jelly bean color/flavor:

Pina colada (ask about that story!)

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?:

In my own forest

Whom do you most admire?:

Robin Hood

Who is your favorite historical figure:

What's your new years resolution?:

I always try to be my best, I don't need a resolution or a specific time.

Are you partial to red wine, white wine, or do you go either way?:

Red has more flavor, but wine is a very occasional thing for me.

What do you remember most about this year:

Don't ask.

Guys with or without hats:

Without.

What's on your mouse pad:

Mousepad? We don't need to stinkin' mousepad! My mouse should be working, not slouching in his pad!

Favorite concert you've been to:

Cast in Bronze

Favorite board game:

Backgammon

Favorite type of family game to play:

Uno, especially with a big group

Favorite magazine:

Haunted Attraction

Favorite sound:

Trance music

Favorite smell:

Rosemary

Favorite taste/flavor:

Peach

Do you like your drink with or without ice:

Without, or if with, then with a straw.

What is the best feeling in the world:

Being completely and totally at ease (a fictitious state, it doesn't really exist)

What is the worst feeling in the world:

Best thing to do on weekends:

Go to cons

What do you see yourself like in 10 years:

Mommy to the world's best girl. :-)

What is your "bad" time of day?:

Afternoon, when I'm tired

What is the first thing you thought of this morning:

Sleeping a bit longer, but needing to get up, get showered, get started before I was late.

Do you get motion sickness:

A bit, not much.

Rollercoasters-deadly or exciting:

Exciting, but there are things that are more exciting.

How many times do you let the phone ring before you answer it:

As few as possible if I decide I want to answer it.

Future son names:

One perfect daughter is enough children, thanks.

Future daughter names:

One perfect daughter is enough children, thanks.

Are you a good friend:

I try to be.

What is your zodiac sign:

Aries

If you could choose any occupation, what would it be:

If hair dye came in one color, what would it be:

Blue-black.

What is on the walls of your room:

Bookshelves. Used to be sci-fi posters, long ago.

Cool ranch or nacho cheese Doritos:

Cool ranch

Coke or Pepsi:

Dr. Pepper!

What kind of milk:

Skim

Right or left or ambidextrous:

Right

Do you type with the correct fingers on the correct keys:

Yes

What is your favorite saying:

Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours. - Richard Bach

What does your personal work area look like:

Neat, ready to be laid off at a moment's notice.

Strangest event in your life:

Describe your dream house:

Large indoor/outdoor pool, a private room for myself, lots of books, animals.

Your biggest pet peeve:

Using adjectives where an adverb is needed? Not using a turn signal?

Law you would most like passed:

Law you would most like repealed:

What's your "secret war" against:

Injustice

What would you do with an extra 2 hours a day in complete isolation, undisturbed:

Dance

What unselfish wish would you make:

What selfish wish would you make:

What do people usually not know about you that you wish they did:

That I'm shy, and that I don't like to be teased.

Nastiest taste you know that some people consider food:

Root beer

Worst experience in your life:

What people do to you or kid you about that you wish they wouldn't:

How much stuff I carry.

What do you like most about yourself:

I try to help others.

What do you wish you did that you don't do now:

What you dream of doing?

Swimming with dolphins.

If you could design your body any way you wanted, what would it look like:

What's your computer wallpaper/theme:

Space picture, enough dark space to let me see my icons.

Favorite physical feature about yourself:

Long hair

Best surprise you ever received:

Best surprise you've ever given:

Favorite thing in nature:

What's on your dashboard or hanging from your rearview mirror:

Nothing

Favorite form of exercise:

Dance, yoga, swimming

Favorite game:

If you picked a groovy hippie-child name for yourself, what would it be:

Favorite escape from others:

Music through earbuds

Favorite animal:

Damselfly.

Socks, white or colored:

Black microfiber (can you say SOFT?)

Favorite time of year:

Summer, so I can swim

Adidas, Nike, or Reebok:

Dive shoes

How do you take your coffee:

Bleah!

What kind of tea:

Green tea with jasmine; kukicha twig tea; chai with cream

Favorite form of air freshener (incense, spray, etc):

Oil on a porous surface

Jewelry, gold/silver/other:

Silver only

Saturday mornings, cartoons/sleep in:

Sleep in

Paper/plastic:

Not a big deal

Are you a geek or a freak:

GEEK

Following is another questionnaire from some friends.

First name?

Ahliana

Were you named after anyone?

No, it's just ME. (Although there have been a couple of babies lately with my name, at lest one named after ME.)

When did you last cry?

Too recently

Do you like your handwriting?

Not unless I take the time to calligraph something. Otherwise I print.

What is your favorite lunch meat?

Turkey

Kids?

1 perfect girl. :-)

If you were another person, would you be friends with you?

Gladly.

Do you have a journal?

Several. Public one is http:/ahliana.blogspot.com

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Moi?

Do you still have your tonsils?

They're history, long ago.

Would you bungee jump?

Don't like the sensation of falling, so probably not.

What's your favorite cereal?

Basic 4

Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?

I don't have any shoes with laces - for a reason! What a pain!

Do you think you are strong?

Personality? Physical? Medium on both, I would think.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Banana fudge brownie nut, but they don't make it any more. Marble Slab apple slice is a good second.

Shoe size?

8.5 W

RED or PINK?

red

What is the least favorite thing about you?

Stress

Who do you miss the most?

My grandparents, all 3 of them.

Want everyone to send this back to you?

Yes, please, I do care about learning about my friends. I even send out questions, but few reply. :-( But you can find my answers on the blog.

What color pants and shoes are you wearing?

Black slacks and simple black pumps.

Last thing you ate?

Plain fat-free yogurt

What are you listening to right now?

Coworkers

If you were a crayon, what color would be?

Deep, deep purple

Favorite smell?

A quiet forest

Who was the last person that you talked to on the phone?

A friend of mine

What's the first thing you notice about people you are attracted to?

Intelligence and kindness.

You like the person who sent this to you?

Lots of fun.

Your favorite drink?

Tea

What's your favorite sport?

Swimming

Hair color?

Black

Eye color?

Black

Wear contacts:

no

Favorite food?

Spicy chili

Scary movies or happy endings?

Scary movies

Last movie you watched?

Revenge of the Sith

What color shirt are you wearing?

Dark green

Summer or winter?

Summer

Hugs or kisses?

HUGS

Favorite dessert?

Ice cream outside in the summer with good friends

Who is most likely to respond?

Not many if any :-(

Who is least?

What books are you reading?

If I get time to read, it's programming books. Wish I could read for fun.

What's on your mouse pad?

Mouse pad? We don't need no stinkin' mouspad! My mouse should be working, not lounging around on a pad!

What did you watch last night on tv?

Old D&D cargoon with Talesia.

Favorite sounds?

Talesia, music that can take me away, shut out the world

Rolling stones or beatles?

Definitely Rolling Stones

The furthest you have been from home?

Travelled the country when I was 5. I remember snow up north!

Do you have a special talent?

I try to listen to people, help them.

When and where were you born?

April 7, 1966 Houston, TX