Sick of hearing about the dearth of women in science? Why don’t you step over to Snaps & Bits, because Stacie is a P freaking H DEE in biology.  And a breast cancer researcher & survivor.  And hilarious.  And a great writer to boot.  She nominated me for the Sunshine Award because she accurately perceived that I needed a few extra rays after someone asked me if I was pregnant last week.  Scientists– they just know stuff that the rest of us don’t.

Well, I love Stacie and awards and sunshine, so it’s a winning combination for this gray Chicago day.  Imma gonna answer these questions and then get on with the terribly important business of ignoring my children.

Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy….– John Denver

1.  What is your favorite Christmas/Holiday movie?

When Harry Met Sally.  Remember where Sally is dragging that Christmas tree off the lot when she is so sad and alone? No one does pathos like the perky.  You know how they could make that movie even better? Do a remake starring Andrew Garfield (he’s my Ryan Gosling) and me. But that would actually be more like The Graduate since I am so much older than he is.

2.  What is your favorite flower?

This one’s easy.  The flower of my youth.  It has precisely 3 petals left, and they are turning brown.

3.  What is your favorite (non-alcoholic) beverage?
Fresca– plain and old school from a can.

4.  What is your passion?

I just looked up “passion” on dictionary.com.  It is defined as “any strong or compelling emotion.” I am passionate about the size of my ass, the shape of my career, and the smell of roasting vegetables.  Less superficially, I am passionate about friendship and connections with others, writing a good story/blog post, and making sure everyone loves me.  (Hey, not all passions are healthy.)

5.  What is your favorite time of year?

Any time as long as it’s really sunny– no clouds, lots of sunshine– don’t care if it’s zero degrees or 100.  Just let the sunshine.

6.  What is your favorite time of the day?

I love that 15 minutes of peaceful snuggle right before my kids pass out at night– their defenses are down, mine have been beat down (by them) and the sweetness of life seeps in and covers us all.

7.  What is your favorite physical activity?

Spinning but only if the music is good.  Hall & Oats B-sides ain’t gonna cut it, nor will taking my favorite songs and making them sound like “house” music.  Make the spin mix clean, old school and add some Grandmaster Flash if you want me to join your fitness cult.

8.  What is your favorite vacation?

New York City.  You can have the beach and the passports and the hassle of Transatlantic flight. Give me Manhattan, any time and any day.