In addition to promising to rate - I want it to be know that I will try to recycle packaging whenever possible!

Do not look at my flicker account if you are a partner waiting for a swap. I like to post pics when I complete a project. unless, of course, you do not like surprises. haha.

I'm a single mom and a substitute teacher in Chicago. Inspired by my son, who has special needs. He is in the sixth grade and has the energy of five kids. I love the opportunities that living in a big city provides us, but I also like to get out and drive in the country.

I miss the human interaction that we, as a society, are losing through the wonderful medium of the internet. Swap-bot seems to be drawing people together and I believe that we can change the world - one swap at a time! Haha.

This is hard to answer. I like alot of types of music and am open to learning about new ones.

By decades:

50's - I love the iconology that is Elvis Presley. He represents fame, rock and roll, and all things American!

60's - I could listen to the Beatles anytime of the day. Transcends time, really.

70's - I love the melodic voice of David Bowie. Groundbreaking in many ways. or Elton John

80's - Guns n Roses really knows how to rock the house. They reinvented the music video medium. As did the Beastie Boys. Let's not forget prince!

90's - I worked in the club scene for the entire decade and there was so much great music. From industrial-rock-goth-techno-rap. Nothing I really listen to now on a regular basis, but when I hear it - I enjoy.

2000's - Based on the influence of the previous decades there has been spawned great artists like the Killers, Frans Ferdinand and the White Stripes. lot's of great hip-hop - Outcast, Gnarls Barkley, Black Eyed Peas.

Not up to date on lots of music, but this gives a general style, or does it?

I am presently reading "City of Bones". Many of my older students recommended it. I do enjoy psychological thrillers and horror/mystery. Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Philip K. Dick, some Clive Barker. of a different genre - Dominick Dunne, Armistead Maupin, Roald Dahl (especially his adult fiction). I mostly read textbooks and snippets of useless trivia on the internet. I pretty much read whatever I can.

Television. What can I say? Dear friend, you have served me well. I love Hulu, which makes it dangerous for me to get anything done. Right now the shows I watch faithfully are Being Human, Supernatural, and anything involving Chef Ramsy (for some insaine reason); Not big on the reality shows or sitcoms. But, there is a new wave of funny ones - Don't Trust the B, Modern Family and Community...I am glad they brought back Arrested Developement. I am beginning to think I watch too much t.v. Haha

I used to design clothes and costumes for performers. I worked in the clubs and put on big production fashion shows of the outlandish nature. I have done alot of millinery work and soft sculpture. as of late I don't engage in any creative endeavors but hope that being a part of this swap will change that. I enjoy collage and quilting piecework. I have worked in ceramics and love taking photographs. Once I get out of school I plan on pursuing these interest more. That doesn't really answer the question of favorite crafts...

scary movies. some comedy. campy b-movies. more later.

Other things I like are stars...lots of STARS. Elvis icons, girly skulls. cherries, pin-ups and mud flap girls, wide eyed kid paintings. Some anime. Superman. Freak shows. Fairy tales. Tradition tattoo styled art (and tattoos). Surrealistic art. Cutesy, girly stuff.

Colors are wide ranging. Primary colors make me feel stable and bright pinks makes me smile. lately, I have been wearing earth/jewel tones.

I like funky jewelry. Big earrings (pierced) unusual pendants can really make an outfit complete. Personal style leans towards the 70's, be it disco, glam or rock. I am a meld of them all with a dash of punk to top it off.

I love living in the city - despite the traffic. I am an urban girl to the core, but I enjoy a camping getaway.

I am not an animal lover, but my son adores dogs of all kinds.

Although I don't eat fish, I love sushi. It's all in the presentation. I want to learn how to do bento boxes (need recipes and supplies). I am learning how to cook and enjoy new meals. I am an avid crock-potter.

I like beautiful things, especially among the mundane. I believe that we should remember the past, live in the moment and plan for the future! Life is a game and we all must play a part.

Unfortunately, I believe this will inevitably be filled out. I hope not. I promise to contact partner first before listing them as 'flakers', but, if I do not get a response. I will put all your info here.

I am having a hard time rating a one for simple swaps like postcards. Please send your swaps, people!

MEGA Christmas 2009 Ornament Swap for NEWBIES!

Emily Sweeney @ambulancechaos

myshelle cole @shelldevil

Monster Dotee Series #2 - Count Dracula - International - Kayla Wolfman @Ghidora

Group-Halloween Apron Swap - Kamila Janik-Rogowska @Goldie

Holocaust Museum butterfly Project (http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/40139) flaker - Randi Sysk @StichedSongbird