From One Southern Belle to Another

And now here are the answers to Paula's questions.

1. What is the worst memory of our country? Hmm. I have an obvious candidate for this, but it also shows the good side of America. September 11th was undoubtedly the worst tragedy I can remember, but I also think it showed a side to America rarely seen- their ability to come together for something greater than themselves, the outpouring of support, the courage of those both young and old. Still, the image of those planes hitting the towers seen over and over, the crying, the praying, the worrying...I'll have to go with that. That day, I believe, was my generation's defining moment. May we never forget.

2. Which do you prefer, sunrises or sunsets? Why? Sunsets. For the simple reason that I am never up early enough to see a sunrise.

3. Who has had the most influence in your life? Can I say a group of people? The high school I went to was absolutely wonderful. It was small, evangelical, and very conservative. Going from public school to a Christian school was something of a shock, but I grew to love it. There were so many people of God there, and not just teachers, but students. I learned how to evangelize, and the science of creationism, and that there are some truly amazing people in this world. And for that, I will always thank Ben Lippen (it means "Mountain of Trust").

4. Have you ever met a famous person? Definitely. Joe Wilson and Gresham Barrett, S.C. Representatives to the U.S. Congress. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, my U.S. senators. Also Alex Sanders and Inez Tenenbaum (a.k.a. Taxenbaum), who ran against Graham and DeMint respectively. The South Carolina governor, Mark Sanford, also his wife Jenny Sanford. S.C. Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer. I met Al Gore when I was 7 years old, at Nancy Thurmond's funeral. And, just to break up the political trend, Amy Grant came to town and signed autographs last year, but I had a lab I couldn't miss. I was really mad.

5. What's something you do well? I like to think I can write well; some people even agree with this. I was going through my files the other day, and realized I had written over 130 poems in just a few months. Not that most of them are that good. I'm also really good at organizing the BBW stockroom :)

Thanks for your thoughtful questions, Paula; let's keep the circle going!