I haven't posted in a while, and I wanted this post to be pretty simple, so here's a list of some of my pet peeves:

-Bigots, oppressors, and intolerant people, whether racists, sexists, homophobes, religious bigots of any faith (or lack thereof), speciesists, and jingoists.
-Snobs and elitists
-The green scare (www.greenisthenewred.com). Sure, I think some environmental groups and animal rights/liberation activists might go overboard at times, but a far worse crime is to sit on one's hands and do nothing about the threats to our planet and Her inhabitants.
-People who claim that Buddhism is not a religion.
-People who try to label others as "goths", "punks", "hipsters", etc. Just let people be freaking people, not labels.
-People who say, "America is the greatest country in the world!" as if they've ever even been to every country in the world.

I've started to get negative comments on my beliefs in animal rights (one person even told me that people like me are the reason people hate the West; yeah, I guess the swaggering cowboy we had in the White House for the past 8 years and all of his hijinks had nothing whatsoever to do with that!), so I thought I'd talk a little about other beliefs I have about politics and society:

-I'm a supporter of the consistent ethic of life (anti-war, anti-death penalty, anti-abortion, etc.). It's worth noting that several supporters of this extend the ethics of nonviolence toward animals.
-I see no reason that everyone in America should not be guaranteed healthcare.
-I think that considering the fact that, according to a UN report in 2006, the meat industry causes more emissions of greenhouse gases than all transit in America combined, all true environmentalists should at least consider going vegan.
-Marijuana should be legalized for medical purposes, and since the more dangerous drugs of alcohol and tobacco are legal for recreational purposes, we should consider legalizing that, too.
-Since we Americans profess so much belief in the 1st amendment, let's actually apply it to everyone of every political background (Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, Socialist, Anarchist, etc.) and every religion (Christian, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan, etc.) to publicly speak their minds without being persecuted.


That's all for now. To learn more about the Consistent Ethic of life, go here: http://www.consistent-life.org/ ;
and to learn more about the aforementioned UN report, go here: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=20772&Cr=global&Cr1=warming

bye for now!

Well, readers, it's almost Thanksgiving, and I myself have various issues with this holiday. All the lies about it that children are fed every year aside, there is also a question of how millions of turkeys suffer every year. These magnificent birds (who, might I add, Ben Franklin wanted to make our national bird, rather than the bald eagle), are crammed into sheds by the thousands, walking in their own waste, and pumped full of hormones that make them grow abnormally large so they will have more meat when slaughtered.

I learned this after I became vegetarian (I'm almost vegan now), so it strengthened my resolve. I plan to not only boycott my family's turkey this year, but also to introduce them to more vegan side dishes (mac and soy cheese, anyone?) Wish me luck, readers!

...well, this isn't just about them. This is also more about many people who make comments about them, especially comments on YouTube videos about them. As I said in my op-ed, there are a lot of people who say things like "oh, they're the only real Christians. They follow the Bible word for word". Uh, hi? Christians are not supposed to follow the Bible word for word. Christians, by the very definition, are followers of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and he never once talked about homosexuality, which Fred Phelps and family have taken as their pet issue.

Furthermore, I may be just acting paranoid, but I think when people say things like that, they just send the message to Westboro that it's okay to keep doing what they do. It's not, so no one, regardless of their religion, should send them any other idea about it.

Finally, I want to address the people who say, "Just don't give them the attention they want". At first, I questioned that idea, but now, I see that attention is the only thing this cult wants, so I agree with those people. So don't expect me to talk about them too much more.

Well, until I write again.....

Hello, readers. Well, I'm coming to the end of my PETA internship, and it's been great. I've come to realize that no matter what I do with my life, the cause of animal rights is definitely the one I want to be behind. So should I become a writer, artist, or whatever, I always want people to get the message that animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or exploit in any other way.

Well, I go back to Maryland tomorrow, so until then, readers, peace and love!

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about my faith. I've been pondering whether I really believe, or have ever believed in Christianity just because I've really believed it, or rather out of fear, or because that was always the religion I was taught was "right". I realized that I'm pretty unclear about what I really believe, and that I don't want to follow a religion that:

-has had, and still has, much evil done in its name (the Crusades, the Salem Witch Trials, the Westboro Baptist Church, to name a few)
-uses fear of eternal punishment as a motivation for believing in it
-is full of "don't do this, don't do that"'s, many of which are quite petty

I'm currently reading a lot about Buddhism (various schools of Mahayana Buddhism, to be precise), and think that I may want to follow many Buddhist teachings. I'll post more about my beliefs as they evolve. Later for now!

For the past couple years, a website has given me much useful advice. Tonight I would like to share my most recent favorite lists with you, the readers (all lists courtesy of wikihow.com):

How to Get an 'A' in College
Want to do well in college and get A's? It's really not that hard if you follow these steps.

Steps
1. Meet with your professor. Seriously. In office hours. Even once can help put a name to a face and show your dedication.
2. Use a planner. Write down all homework assignments, extra credit, meetings, exams, etc. Refer to it often.
3. Finish homework, on time. Some people might actually do better on things when procrastinating, but by all means, turn it in on time!
4. Get to know people in class. Make sure you're aware of everything going on.
5. Participate. Even if you hate it, do it. You will get better.
6. Ask questions. It shows you care, plus if you don't understand something, your teacher will be happy to explain further. If by rare chance your professor is totally unhelpful, seek other help, such as tutoring or classmates.
7. Update your progress. Track your scores. If you start to do badly, ask your teacher what you need to do to improve. 99% of the time, he or she will make special efforts to help you obtain the grade *A* you are aiming for if you make the initial effort and show your concern.
Tips
• Don't become easily discouraged by one bad grade. You will improve if you keep trying.
Warnings
• Bad teachers do exist. In this case, you will have to still talk to them and seek outside help if necessary. You're paying for this education, so you might as well do your best.
• Don't drink too much.
• Spend enough time focusing on schoolwork and when you do study, study like you mean it.
• Never cheat or plagiarize.

How to Live at Home While Attending College
Students and parents often clash when the parameters for living at home have not been discussed before classes begin. Here are some suggestions for avoiding drama, sidestepping arguments and opening up communication.

Steps
1. Make the family aware of your class schedule and let them know that you plan to attend all your classes.
2. Ask what responsibilities you are expected to handle while you are going to school. If you believe they are excessive, try to negotiate the terms with the understanding that your doing well in school is everyone's goal.
3. Tell your family what adult responsibilities you are willing to take on, such as your laundry, dry cleaning, room maintenance, making dinner once a week, keeping a checkbook, etc.
4. Discuss privacy and issues about late nights or guests in your room. Just because you are going to college does not mean your family has changed it's values. Being respectful will insure that you have a place to stay...often rent-free.
5. Find out what contribution (car washing, free-babysitting) is going to be expected of you.
6. Share your academic calendar with your family so they will understand why you are not always free to travel when they have vacation days.
7. Establish a quiet place to do your work undisturbed, or secure a place to store your class papers that will not interfere with the household.
8. Know what the limits on computer use will be so you can determine what portion of your class work must be completed on campus.
9. Determine what your financial situation will be and if paying rent is expected. If your parents are supporting you, ask if all books, tuition and the amount of spending money will be covered.
10. Nurture your independence, but when troubling issues come up, feel free to ask for support. Remember, students who go away to college also consult their parents if they need to sort out a crisis or make a difficult decision.
11. If there is a problem, or you have done something you wish you hadn't, apologize. Communicating regularly with your family in a calm tone gives them proof that you are maturing and deserve respect.
12. Express your appreciation to your parents for the opportunity to go to school and live in comfortable surroundings at the same time. Making your family feel like part of your success will only encourage them to do whatever they can to help you.


Tips
• Communicate often.
• Think with your rational brain, not emotions.
• Respect your family's values.
• Carve out a place and time to study, letting everyone see you are serious about tackling your work.


Warnings
• Privacy is limited.
• Parents may try to monitor your activities, friends and obligations.
• Family members often interrupt your studying.
• You must accept the rules of the house.

How to Follow Gandhi's Principles
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Mahatma Gandhi from India.

Steps
1. To understand what the principles are. There are 6 principles that Gandhi followed:
a. Truth: learning from your own mistakes and conducting experiments on yourself
b. Nonviolence: nonresistance connected in a way to religion
c. Vegetarianism: carved in the Hindu and Jain traditions in India
d. Brahmacharya: spiritual and practical purity
e. Simplicity: giving up unnecessary spending
f. Faith: belief in a Higher power and that all religions are equal
2. Understand what is different of where and when Mahatma Gandhi lived and where and when you live
3. He lived in India during the '30s and '40s when he was following these principles.
4. We live in a society and amongst a generation that has a lot more technology, is more materialistic and we are not fighting for the same reasons (we have 'freedom'(opportunities to do what we want to do))
5. Manipulate the principles to not lose the meaning behind them but be able to apply them without feeling restricted. Here is an example:
6. Truth: fight your own inner demons, fear and insecurities. Everyone is unique in this world and therefore, one should not compare with others. Be honest with yourself of who you are and what you want. If you think there is something to fix, then fix it.
7. Nonviolence: control your temper and also your thoughts. What we think, we become and therefore if you always are thinking of hurting someone or feeling extremely angry at someone, those are the vibes you'll be giving to others. Best way to be nonviolent is to think positive and believe that whatever happens, it is for a good reason.
8. Vegetarianism: not everyone can resist meat, but you can control your consumption. For health reasons, avoiding eating a lot of red meat is a good idea.
9. Brahmacharya: many of us want to get married and have children or be intimate with someone. Therefore, becoming a brahmacharya might not be possible. However, you could reduce thinking of the opposite sex as an object. You could also wait to be intimate with someone till after marriage.
10. Simplicity: life in the western countries tends to be quite fast. Do you need the latest fashion clothing or can you wear the clothes you already have? Do you need 50-100 pairs of shoes? Do you need the latest gadgets? Do you need a brand new BMW? Simplicity doesn't mean foregoing all your desires, but not buying something right away or something you don't really need. Simplicity also means being happy with what you are given and have.
11. Faith: believing that there is someone or something higher than you. You don't need to believe in God, but believing that everyone is equal and you are no less or more than someone else. It is knowing your values, ethics and morals. Faith is not following others blindly especially when someone else is doing something that your heart says is not right.


Tips
• Understand what you want out of life and know who you are; in this way you will be following these principles.
• Not all 6 principles need to be followed exactly the same way because your desires and wants also matter.
• See how these principles can fit in your lifestyle and make modifications to your lifestyle where you see it requires
• You can also modify the principles without losing the meaning behind what Gandhi was trying to teach.
• Have patience because it is easy to learn a bad habit, but hard to let go of one.
• Watch film 'GANDHI' (English film) on Mahatma Gandhi and 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' (Hindi film)
• Read books on Mahatma Gandhi.


Warnings
• If you have decided to change a part of your life, you will need to be patient because there are days when you might fail and then you will need courage to start again.


How to Be a World Citizen
We are in a global age. The world has become a global village due to technological advances in communications and other spheres of human endeavor. Being a world citizen can foster international cooperation on all levels, uniting people and making the world a better and safer place for all; the mentality of "us against them" has caused untold, useless suffering worldwide. Too utopian? Let's follow the steps, and find out.

Steps
1. Understand the world doesn't end in your home village, town, city, state or country.
2. Recognize that events happening in the far end of the world away from your country can have a real impact on your life, e.g 911, global warming, etc.
3. Learn about other countries and cultures.
4. Get interested about international news.
5. Be interested in the life and struggles of other peoples and cultures and find out how you can help. Participate in international discussions like on the BBC, CNN, ETC or the internet.
6. Learn some new major language or languages.
7. Be tolerant and respectful of other people cultures.
8. Resist, react, repeal, speak against xenophobia and intolerance in all its forms.
9. Oppose racism, tribalism, regionalism, religious bias and all kinds of segregation of any kind.
10. Value each human life as you value your own.
11. Feel welcome in whatever region of the world where you happen to find yourself.
12. Consider each individual on his own merits and repeal unfounded popular myths about certain nations and peoples. Don't say that, for example Americans are arrogant, Africans are ignorant, Muslims are evil, atheists are satanists, Germans are Nazi or Jews killed Jesus, foreigners increase crime, etc.
13. Teach other people in normal conversation. For example, if someone says something ignorant, say "Don't generalize. There is no reason to include a whole race."
14. Don't refer to your special group if you intend your message to be universal.
15. Find the best way you can really help.
16. Be active and contribute.
17. Learn from wise people and redistribute your knowledge.
18. Learn about the past in order to help build a better future.


Tips
• It is natural for a person to consider his group as special.
• Becoming a world citizen requires a conscious effort.


Warnings
• Not all people consider themselves as world citizens. They consider the world ending to the next hill visible and taunt you as a stranger. Be understanding. It is a matter of education and culture.

How to Find God Without Religion
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or any other world religions aren't the only paths to God. Find God through yourself. God is not a magical man made happy by prayers or blind faith. If you can listen to yourself, you will find God.

Steps
1. Find a quiet place, free from outside influences. A dark room would do fine.
2. Find yourself. Focus on one special thing. This can be a person, object, or even your impression of God, but remember to focus on this one thing only.
3. To truly understand, you will become intoxicated; endorphins will rush into your system and you will become extremely blissful. Keep in mind that this is very difficult to accomplish, and very few have done it themselves.
4. This feeling of bliss and happiness is your connection to God. Some call it getting high, some say it's intoxication. But the truth is that you are losing sense with all of your thinking functions. You are losing anxiety, pain, and other bad emotions by connecting with your most primal roots. Ever wonder why animals seem so happy? They are not burdened with the power to think or care; they just feel what they feel.


Tips
• Remember to find a dark, quiet room where you can rest or meditate.
• Focusing on anything is fine. God doesn't have to be a white-bearded man in a robe.

How to Ask Yourself What You Truly Believe
Where did your beliefs come from? Did you adopt beliefs or form your beliefs? Here are some steps to get you thinking about what you believe so that you're choosing your own beliefs.

Steps
1. Ask yourself if you value self-honesty and pursuit of truth more than you fear letting go of current beliefs. Without this dedication to being honest with yourself, you're wasting your time.
2. List your primary religious beliefs, such as "I believe in a supernatural god, or I believe the holy book of my religion is inspired by God." Write down each one as clearly as you can. If you're unsure of a belief but it's an integral part of your religion, do include it in the list.
3. Take each belief and ask yourself when you first started to believe it, who told you, why they would know it to be true or if it's just speculation on their part, and why you accepted it as a belief.
4. Ask yourself to what degree do you hold this belief to be true. What if it wasn't true, would it affect other beliefs you hold, if so then note the implications.
5. Identify the beliefs that are part of the tenets of your religion and then research when your religion started to believe these ideas, what were the alternatives, and why might they have adopted the belief.
6. Study your own religion. What's the history of the religion? How does it relate to other religions? It's amazing how little most religious people seem to know about the formation of their own religion and how little church leaders encourage the study of church history.
7. Ask yourself why you feel it's necessary to believe in the stated belief? To believe means to hold something as being true. What if you're unsure? Are you brave enough to admit to yourself and others that you're unsure (this is where the first step of being willing to be honest with yourself ties back in).
8. List beliefs which you're unsure of.
9. Revise the list of beliefs you're certain of.


Tips
• Don't be afraid to say "I'm uncertain."
• Study your own religion. Wikipedia is a good place to start for some basic information, but look for corroborating information as well.
• Ask others, both within your religion and outside of it, what they believe about the topic and why.
• Ask yourself what you might have believed if you were born into a different religion.


Warnings
• Be cautious of zealots.
• Be aware when people are using fear tactics.
• Watch out for people who give purely emotional appeals.

How to Become Independent
Tired of relying upon your parents for help? Want to learn how to depend on yourself? This guide will provide some fundamental steps in discovering your own independence. Leave your parents' house, get a job, find roommates if necessary, and earn your own way through life. Your family is an important support system, but once you're an adult, you need to learn how to provide for yourself. This is especially important if you plan to start your own family and provide for others in the future.
Steps
1. Find a job and get hired. It might be comfortable to skip out on working and stay at your parents' house, but it will not develop you as an individual. Without your own, independent life, you'll soon realize just how stagnant and depressing your life can become.
2. Sign up for a bank account. Most banks offer a checking and savings account together, in one convenient package. Some companies, institutions, and organizations will require you to have at least a checking account (some only pay employees via direct deposit). Money you earn that isn't necessary for your own expenses should be put into a savings account until you're ready to be independent.
3. Save money. Save as much as is reasonably possible. This will help you create an emergency fund, since life can be unpredictable at times. Improve the quality of your life by putting aside a set amount of money each month. There are such things as accidents, which can occur when you least expect it.
4. Dump the bad influences in your life. Don't break friendships unless absolutely necessary. Learn to keep a healthy distance. Even if those friends are "totally cool," they may only hold you back from breaking out on your own.
5. Rent your own place. Nothing says 'independent' like having your dwelling. It may be difficult, but keep working so you can have your own place. This will encourage you to hoist yourself out of the rut in which you are stuck.
6. Be determined. Never doubt yourself. Discover your interests and direction in life, then define your goals to get there. The only person who's stopping you from doing great things is yourself.
7. And for us older people try to do more things on your own like getting out more without your partner, create your own space.


Tips
• If you can't cook, or you've never tried, learn beforehand.
• The transition will be easier when you start paying your own bills and making your own purchases. Buy your own groceries (if you don't already).
• Stay in school. If you drop out of high school, your job and/or career options will be severely limited. Earn a college degree or a trade school diploma.


Warnings
Make sure to put money aside for bills when you move out on your own (Rent, utilities, laundry, fuel, groceries, etc.)..

How to Become an Expat
Whether for political, social, religious reasons or just for the sense of adventure, becoming an Expat can be a rewarding experience.

Steps
1. Find a country to move to, (an expat leaves their home country). This can be done using a world map, researching on the Internet or meeting someone from another country of interest.
2. Pay off your debts. Moving to a foreign land may make it even more difficult to pay off your debts. To be successful in your move, having no obligations makes you free to find creative ways to support yourself.
3. Secure transportation to your destination. It is always advisable to purchase a round trip ticket, just in case you decide life in your new country is not quite what you thought it would be... In most cases, single fares run more then round-trip, especially with airline tickets.
4. Pack what you need. You might not to pack everything but some things will be harder to live without then others. A good rule of thumb is if you pack light, take enough money to buy what you may need. Plan to support yourself for a good 3-6 months before landing a job which would make ends meet, even meager ends.
5. Say good bye. Saying good bye to friends and family is a good step at keeping those support channels open. You never know when you might need to depend on other's generosity to get through the challenge. Burning bridges may bring short-term satisfaction but seldom pays any dividends. Friendship, on the other hand might be the only thing that keeps you going.


Tips
• Learn about the place you are going before you leave.
• Learn the language or at least the basics. This will bring manifold benefits as people always respond to someone trying to speak the local language!
• Have an exit plan, if things don't go as planned.
• Keep a sense of humor and don't take yourself too seriously, no one else will.
• Life is a great adventure and you only live once - enjoy it!


Warnings
• Avoid war-zones and areas where the local economy is drugs or crime based.
• Be aware that each country has it's own laws and regulations. Don't let ignorance ruin your life. Strive at all times to be a 'good will ambassador' of your country of origin.

How to Become a Buddhist
You, for whatever reason, may be interested in Buddhism, joining the community or integrating the great teachings of the Buddha. Whatever your reasons, this article will teach you the basics of what you need to know to become a Buddhist.

Siddhartha taught that all suffering derives from some sort of desire, whether it be your own or that of those around you. Think about that. How true is that statement? Very true, indeed. How many times has someone wanted a new car or to win the lottery and this doesn't happen? They are sad and in some cases, in more serious matters, desire leads to depression, hate and death. For years philosophers and social scientists have pondered how to achieve world peace, and all the while an Indian man named Siddhartha Gautama had discovered the solution nearly 2600 years ago.

The fact is most people are unable to accept this ultimate truth and believe that as long as they have faith in a deity, attend regular assemblies with a congregation, and pretend to follow certain values, that somehow everything will "be all right."

But you are different because you have chosen to come here, and to read these words. You are ready for change. You may be ready for Buddhism.

Steps
1. Read about Siddhartha Gautama the "exalted one", the father of Buddhism.
2. Learn about the Buddha's teachings which include (but are not limited to) the 5 precepts and the noble eightfold path.
3. Practice Buddhist meditation in order to free your mind from worry and focus on the present to achieve inner peace.
4. The Buddha taught that as we all go through the life cycle, we will meet with some inconvenience, not always satisfactory and there may be suffering. It depends on how we deal with the situation. The word "dukkha", has many meanings from suffering to dissatisfaction to inconvenience and so on.
5. Understand and research the concepts of rebirth and Karma.
6. Understand "dukkha" and Buddhist definitions of the many sufferings.
7. Join a local meditation group or Buddhist Temple
8. Determine which of the many paths of Buddhism you would like to pursue, whether it be Zen Buddhism, Theravada (a very traditional form), or Mahayana.
9. Practice the Buddha's teachings in your everyday life.
10. Participate within your local Buddhist community. Helping others helps you as well.


Tips
• Expect with heart and mind to achieve supreme knowledge, i.e. samma-sambodhi. All humans are capable of achieving buddhahood in this life, as the Buddha repeatedly stated, though many are not motivated or dedicated enough to attain the supreme goal.
• Be kind to all you meet for they are your equal.
• Practice meditation on a regular if not daily basis.
• Never ever lose sight of your goal.
• Some schools of Buddhism recommend to practice vegetarianism in respect for animals.
• Try to abstain from intoxicants (alcohol, drugs). One must truly overcome suffering, not avoid it.


Things You'll Need
• Only real requisite: Your mind
• Patience and perseverance
• Experienced teachers and friends with your same goal will be of great help
• Dharma, the lessons of Buddha, will also be of great help

How to Say a Buddhist Prayer
When you send the following loving-kindness prayer, visualize the beings you mention as really well, happy, and peaceful, and your thoughts of loving-kindness reaching them, touching them, embracing them and making them really well, happy, and peaceful.

Steps
May I be well, happy, and peaceful.
May my teachers be well, happy, and peaceful.
May my parents be well, happy, and peaceful.
May my relatives be well, happy, and peaceful.
May my friends be well, happy, and peaceful.
May the indifferent persons be well, happy, and peaceful.
May the unfriendly persons be well, happy, and peaceful.
May all meditators be well, happy, and peaceful.
May all beings be well, happy, and peaceful.
"Om Mani Padme Hum" (Hail to the jewel in the lotus)

Friends, I want to lay all of the cards on the table about my emotional health. I don't really like to put it all out there, but I feel that it would be healthy just to let it all out, as well as inform other people who may have similar problems that they're not alone. So, here we go:

-I was very shy as a little girl, and throughout my grade school years, was teased, tormented, and generally treated as an outsider by many of my classmates
-I was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was 16, and was medicated and counseled for years (I still have to receive regular treatment)
-I'm still very easily upset and started cutting a few years ago, but I have stopped
-I'm still very critical of myself and will beat myself up over little mistakes.

I'm not writing this just to garner attention or sympathy; just to inform people that emotional disorder like depression are real and do affect people from all walks of life, as well as to let people with similar problems know that they are not alone. I know that I need to not be so hard on myself (there wouldn't be a delete button on the computer if we all didn't make mistakes after all), and that I'm not weak for getting help. All other people should realize that, too.

This weekend, the Carson and Barnes Circus came to Gaithersburg. I only found out about it through an email from one of the animal welfare groups I support, which also told me of a protest. So I joined a few other protesters today and yesterday to protest the circus, one of many that brutalizes animals during training (see more at circuses.com). This was my first animal rights protest (and my third protest of any kind), and I enjoyed it. I definitely want to participate in more protest in the future.

... to help you all to learn more about me.

Who Should Paint You: Salvador Dali

You're a complex, intense creature who displays many layers. There's no way a traditional portrait could ever capture you!

You Are Fairly Normal

You scored 40% normal on this quiz Like most people you are normal in some ways... But you aren't a completely normal person. You're a little weird too! Why You Are Normal: You eat the frosting first You prefer a good meal to a good nap If given the choice, you would choose to have more money over more time You would rather be an astronaut than a movie star You rather be screwed over than screw someone else over Why You Aren't Normal: You prefer your family to your friends You prefer non fiction to fiction You think fishnet stockings are sexy You prefer the moon to the sun You'd rather have cockroaches than rats in your home

What Your Pizza Reveals

Your appetite is pretty average. You don't go overboard - but you don't deprive yourself either. You aren't particularly picky about pizza. It's so good... how could you be? You fit in best in the Western part of the US. You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods. You are dependable, loyal, and conservative with your choices. You have many conflicting and complementary layers to your personality. You should consider traveling to Australia. The stereotype that best fits you is hippie. You knew it was coming.

You Are 44% Politically Radical

You've got some radical viewpoints, but you aren't completely nuts. You're more of a visionary than a radical.

You've Been a Little Ruined by American Culture

Whether you live in the US or not, deep down you're a little American. And there's nothing wrong with loving American culture, but it may have negative effects on your life. Slow down and enjoy what you have. Reconnect with life's simple pleasures. You don't need to be in a consumerist rat race. Life's too short to overwork yourself!

You Are 47% American

America: You don't love it or want to leave it. But you wouldn't mind giving it an extreme make over. On the 4th of July, you'll fly a freak flag instead... And give Uncle Sam a sucker punch!

You are a New Age Girl!

You're bright, opinionated, and dedicated to changing the world. Even if it's one hybrid car at a time, you do you part to make things better. In fact, you may be so busy with your causes that you have little time for love. Take an extra yoga class or two, and you just might meet New Age Guy!

You Are 84% Open Minded

You are so open minded that your brain may have fallen out! Well, not really. But you may be confused on where you stand. You don't have a judgmental bone in your body, and you're very accepting. You enjoy the best of every life philosophy, even if you sometimes contradict yourself.

You Belong in the Baby Boomer Generation

You fit in best with people born between 1943 and 1960. You are optimistic, rebellious, and even a little self centered. You still believe that you will change the world. You detest authority and rules. Deep down, you're a non conformist.

You Were A Jaguar

A shapeshifter that understands the patterns of chaos. You are powerful and move without fear in dark places.

You Are Disturbingly Profound

You're contemplative, thoughtful, and very intense. Taking time to figure out the meaning of life is a priority for you. Because you're so introspective, you often react in ways that surprise people. No one can really understand how you are on the inside... and that disturbs them.

You Are Somewhat Mature

You definitely act like an adult sometimes, but a big part of you is still a kid at heart. While your immature side is definitely fun, you're going to have to grow up sooner or later.

You Are a Total Brainiac

You're amazingly brilliant. Some would even say genius. You're curious, thoughtful, analytical, and confident. You take on difficult subjects because you want to... not because you have to. No field of knowledge is too complicated or intimidating for you. You've got the brains to do anything you want. It's possible you end up doing everything you want.

Your Quirk Factor: 81%

You're beyond quirky... You're downright bizarre. You've lost touch with social norms and what's appropriate. And you're loving every minute of it!

You are a Hippie

You are a total hippie. While you may not wear birks or smell of incense, you have the soul of a hippie. You don't trust authority, and you do as you please. You're willing to take a stand, even when what you believe isn't popular. You like to experiment with ideas, lifestyles, and different subcultures. You always gravitate toward what's radical and subversive. Normal, mainstream culture doesn't really resonate with you.

What Ashleigh Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life. You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone. Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.

You Should Have Been Born Under:

Fierce and courageous - you are the king of every situation. You pounce and attack, until others give you want you want. Daring and magnetic, you inspire others to follow your lead. And while you're wild at heart, you have some hidden soft spots. You are most compatible with a Horse or Dog.

Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence

You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convincing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.

How You Life Your Life

You seem to be straight forward, but you keep a lot inside. You are always tactful and diplomatic. You let people down gently. You prefer a variety of friends and tend to change friends quickly. You tend to dream big, but you worry that your dreams aren't attainable.

You Are Downtown

You're a funky spirit that requires freedom to live. Your city girl persona needs adventure, diversity, and great pizza.

Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP)

Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive. Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all men You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.

Your Thinking is Abstract and Sequential

You like to do research and collect lots of information. The more facts you have, the easier it is for you to learn. You need to figure things out for yourself and consider all possibilities. You tend to become an expert in the subjects that you study. It's difficult for you to work with people who know less than you do. You aren't a very patient teacher, and you don't like convincing people that you're right.

The Part of You That No One Sees

You are compassionate, caring, and soothing. You like other people to depend on you... In fact, you don't feel right unless you are helping someone out. Underneath it all, you feel the burden of everyone's problems. Without your guidance, you fear that many people's worlds would fall apart. You like to feel in charge, even if it brings you a lot of stress.

You Are a Liberal Lady

Like Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore, you don't shy away from your liberal causes. You may consider yourself a feminist, and you definitely trust your heart to tell you what's right. You are likely to have a million issues you care about - and not nearly enough time to devote to them all.

You Are Mostly Virtuous

You are a good person, or at least as good as you can be. You try to do the right thing, and you have ended up with many virtues. While you are virtuous, you aren't a saint. There's definitely a bit of devilishness deep in your heart! Where You Are Virtuous You have the virtue of Humility. You don't boast or brag. You have the virtue of Cleanliness. You keep yourself and your home clean. You have the virtue of Justice. You treat other people fairly, even when you don't feel like it. Where You Are Not Virtuous You lack the virtue of tranquillity. Your life tends to be eventful and dramatic. You lack the virtue of Order. Many aspects of your life are chaotic and a total mess. You lack the virtue of Silence. You talk too much, and your words aren't as valuable as they could be.

Your Vocabulary Score: B

You have a zealous love for the English language, and many find your vocabulary edifying. Don't fret that you didn't get every word right, your vocabulary can be easily ameliorated!

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Your Birth Month is April
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You are trustworthy and highly ethical in all facets of life.

Helpful and steady, you are able to solve any problem.



Your soul reflects: Bliss, playfulness, and curiosity



Your gemstone: Diamond



Your flower: Sweet Pea



Your colors: Yellow and red
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What Your Bathroom Habits Say About You

You are a very considerate person, but that doesn't mean you let people walk all over you. Your look is put together, classic, and stylish. You always look fashionable without trying. You have the perfect blend of confidence and class. You're proud of who you are - but you don't broadcast it. In relationships, you are practical and realistic. You have a romantic side, but you only let it out when it's appropriate.

You Are 52% Gross

You're more than a little gross, but probably no more gross than the average person. Maybe it's time to drop some of those disgusting habits that could eventually embarrass you!

Your Heart is Yellow and Green

Your heart is caring and generous. You are kind, understanding, and forgiving. You bring objectivity and rationality to relationships. You're good at giving your partner freedom and space.

Your Personality at 35,000 Says...

Deep down, you prefer spending time alone to spending time with others. You enjoy thinking more than talking. You are good with your place in the world. You are confident and comfortable with who you are. Your gift is having a way with words. You know how to express yourself well. You are inspired by what is possible. Real life is often too ordinary for you. It's very easy for you to feel happy. You can find peace with any situation.

Your Power Element is Earth

Your power color: yellow Your energy: balancing Your season: changing of seasons Dedicated and responsible, you are a rock to your friends. You are skilled at working out even the most difficult problems. Low key and calm, you are happiest when you are around loved ones. Ambitious and goal oriented, you have long term plans to be successful.

You Are 76% Democrat

You have a good deal of donkey running through your blood, and you're proud to be liberal. You don't fit every Democrat stereotype, but you definitely belong in the Democrat party.

Your Love Song Is

Yellow by Coldplay "Look at the stars, Look how they shine for you, And everything you do, Yeah they were all yellow" You're so in love, it's like a drug.

Your Scholastic Strength Is Deep Thinking

You aren't afraid to delve head first into a difficult subject, with mastery as your goal. You are talented at adapting, motivating others, managing resources, and analyzing risk. You should major in: Philosophy Music Theology Art History Foreign language

If You Were Born in 2893...

Your Name Would Be: Imn Jiro And You Would Be: The Future's Last Hope

You Are the Ego

You take a balanced approach to your life. You definitely aren't afraid to act out on your desires - even crazy ones. But you usually think first. Morals drive you as much as hedonism does. You've been able to live a life of pleasure... without living a life of excess.

You're Totally Sarcastic

You sarcastic? Never! You're as sweet as a baby bunny. Seriously, though, you have a sharp tongue - and you aren't afraid to use it. And if people are too wimpy to deal with your attitutde, then too bad. So sad.

You Are a Tomboy

You're having too much fun to bother with nail polish and crazy diets. Guys are instead impressed by how much you know and do!

Your Independence Level: Very High

You do things your own way. Even if everyone else thinks you're wrong. You cherish your freedom, and you resent rules. No one knows what's right for you as much as you do. You can take care of yourself... and you do a mighty fine job of it.