About Me

• I am perpetually connected to the Internet in some way. Either I'm tethered to my desk at work or I have my iPhone with me. I seriously feel cut-off and impotent without web access.

• I'm a sucker for software: browser plug-ins, productivity tools, computer customization applications... I'll try almost anything and I'm constantly on the look-out for a hot new utility that I'll adore. User Interface design is important, though; I've uninstalled many programs simply because it had an unappealing US.

• If there's a standard or traditional option and a modern or creative option for anything, I'll probably choose the modern or creative alternative.

• I love finding and buying new and cool things, but I also love cheapassery. I'll hunt down the cheapest travel arrangements, the 'free shipping' coupon codes, and the hidden jewel bargains for just about everything I purchase.

• My brain is simply unable and unwilling to wrap itself around any business without a decent web presence. I'm genuinely confused when I can't find something through Google.

• I just want things to be beautiful. It doesn't matter what it is; could be a notebook, nail clippers, wrapping paper, socks, thumbtacks, tissues, appliances, toothbrushes, brooms, cookware... anything, really. I firmly believe that the function of an item shouldn't preclude attention to its appearance, and material beauty is *not* superfluous, shallow, or a luxury. Yeah, I do realize that those big bins are going to be lugging GARBAGE out to the curb, but to me, there's just no reason it has to be bland beige, green, brown, or black. Why not give me a bin with purple, turquoise, and lime green stripes?

Member Since

Nov 16, 2006

Sites

• http://www.bitchinmona.com/

What is the next…

Purchase you’ll make?

After much deliberation, I have decided that I'd like a Toyota Matrix. Also on my list of planned acquisitions is the Macbook Pro I've consistently delayed purchasing for fear of missing out on some new, cool, mind-blowing feature introduced just after I buy mine. I'm also still looking to get an automated litter box.

Trend in design?

Customizability. People want things to be reflections of who they are, yet at the same time, allow them to be part of something bigger. They want to be one of the cool kids who has gizmo X, but theirs is just that much cooler because it's customized.

Car you’d like to own?

I am planning to buy a Toyota Matrix (probably a 2004-ish model). I accidentally rented one and couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised by its roomy interior, fuel efficiency, and general comfort level. I've NEVER been so instantaneously at ease driving a car. Previously when I drove, I was in Bernard, a 2003 Honda Element whom I loved like a child. We raised him and trained him to go serve another family. They grow up so fast, you know? Now, I zoom around in a 2007 Toyota Prius who, to date, remains nameless.

Big step you’d like to make?

I want to gain control over my finances, investments, and fiscal future to prepare for owning my own company.

Fad that will fade?

Crocs, unless the company can continue to evolve. I've noticed some dress shoes, industrial work site shoes, warm lined shoes, galoshes, and more. That's definitely a step in the right direction.

Vacation you’ll take?

I'm heading to San Francisco next week. It'll be my first time spending more than a few hours in California (LAX being my only prior experience).

Thing you’re going to fight for?

Getting all the Hillary Haters and Barack Bashers to bury the hatchet and embrace whichever candidate ultimately secures the nomination. After 8 years of this outhouse administration, it's far too important that we unite and do what's best for America - regardless of what your particular grievance is. Normally, I would never advocate a "lesser of two evils" voting philosophy, but if ever there was a time to vote against the status quo, the time is NOW.

Secret that’s going to leak?

I'm betting that there's been some form of financial incentive for automobile manufacturers to continue development of fuel engines and to dissuade aggressive pursuit and development of hybrid or electric engine technology. Even discounting the fact that many influential people owe their status, wealth, and position to the sale of oil, petroleum wields far too great a global influence to become devalued. Consider smaller nations whose economies rely almost solely on selling oil. What could the potential ramifications of eliminating that income source be? With entire nations' economies thrown into a tailspin, societies could become volatile, threatening global security and causing shockwaves that would ripple for decades. For this reason, I think that there has been some machinations behind-the-scenes to encourage the *gradual* introduction of alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, and non-petroleum based energy sources.

Hollywood blockbuster going to be about?

Hyperbolic identity theft.

Fountain of youth?

Technology is the fountain of youth. Each new thing takes brains to tackle. We have to learn how to use that new-fangled TV, then the new VCR and the digital alarm clocks and cordless phones and DVD players, video games, computers, The Internet, cell phones, iPods, and hovercraft. Then we have to learn each new thing that each new thing begets. We need to know about websites and blogs and wikis and podcasts and it just keeps our brains fresh. When our minds are fresh, we don't feel as old. When we feel younger, we act younger and we ARE younger. I *choose* to hang out with some women who are 60 and older, and they are fun, active, and really COOL. Not a cheek-pincher in the bunch.

Thing that will change the world?

My microcosmic community. If only I could secure the funding...

Guilty-pleasure food in which you’ll indulge?

Not Your Average Joe's Pizza with fresh mozzarella, ground beef and red onions. No, you don't understand. It's the CRUST. It's... not too thick. And it's not thin and greasy! And the ingredients... OMG the toppings are amazing! They're fresh and lean! And the dipping oil... holy beanstalk, yo. This oil? A blend of EVOO and Canola oil with crushed dried red peppers and parmesan and romano cheeses... Dude. This stuff? Not enough words.