Quick Quiz, a snapshot of you

Wonderful snap shot ARTSPARK.

Artwork really is great and exists in all fields!!!!

Based on your history and interests you should fit right in here! Feel free to post away, anything you would like to share!

1. Name/Nickname: Cindy Gambill/ARTSPARK
2. Age: 62
3. Location: Hampton, VA, USA
4. College/University: Old Dominion/ Christopher Newport
5. Major/Concentration: Math with Computer Applications/ Industrial Design/ Electrical Engineering/ Oceanography
6. Favorite Topic: Art in all fields
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): 64 lbs to go, working on walking and floor strength exercise daily
8. What do you do for fun? Talk to you … when the time allows: journal, hike, read, movies, watercolor, garden, stargaze, board games,... fix broken things
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. Shop mad with skills. Lots of tools. Artwork is great
b. I was told when I led in Scout troops that I was impossible to compete against … when I wasn't even trying.
c. Taken care of my ex NASA Dad for last 5 years

Hi, Kat! I'm another math major pushing 50. I would think martial arts would be a great workout. I have a capoeira class at the local Y that I keep meaning to sign up for...
Glad to have you on the team.

Welcome!

I love that you built a cabin. You don't hear too much about that kind of stuff now-a-days!

I take it, you like the maths?

LV

1. Name/Nickname: Kathryn or Kat
2. Age: 49
3. Location: Charlotte, NC
4. College/University: UNC-CH - undergrad; App State - grad school
5. Major/Concentration: Math & accounting
6. Favorite Topic: game theory
7. Your Spark Goal: 12.5 down 26.5 to go
8. What do you do for fun? hike, crochet, play piano, duffer around in the yard
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I'm a shotokan blackbelt
b. I have a little cabin in the mountains that the hubs and I built with my dad on some land he gave us
c. my parents just bought a farmhouse near the coast because they're tired of the cold

very cool

Lorenver, wow, that's a great way to encourage literacy, and broadened minds in general! Sounds like a lot of fun, too.

Grebjack, that was over the course of 2006-2015 (2016 I was busy with my new job, which actually pays enough I don't have to drum up sidework anymore lol).
They were dealing with how to use software to aid in technical design (manufacturing, architecture and construction).
I spent most of my career in MEP engineering as a CAD coordinator, before I switched to customizing software for a living.

Welcome to the team, MISSDORKNESS. I can't resist asking about the textbooks you edited - what are they about? 14 is a lot!

Edited by: GREBJACK at: 1/2/2017 (15:40)

Love it! Those are excellent fandoms. I am actually part of a not for profit that supports literacy through reading science fiction and fantasy. We have a convention every year as a fund raiser. So even the fandoms I am not a part of, I at least have a passing introduction to.

So exciting to have another scifi/fantasy nerd :).

Lord of the Rings was my first favorite, then the Dragonriders of Pern then Star Trek. Now love Harry Potter and Firefly and Star Wars, too.

Basically anything sci-fi and fantasy I've come across. Love Sherlock, and other crime shows.

My youngest was into The Doctor for awhile, so I'm at least familiar with the language and memes. lol. My oldest is convinced he's actually Sheldon Cooper, so there's that, too.

Welcome to the team!!

Ohh fandoms. So tell me, which fandoms are you involved in or just like to watch out of fascination?

LV

1. Name/Nickname: Mistress of the Dork ness
2. Age: 36
3. Location: rural missouri
4. College/University: SLU
5. Major/Concentration: Computer science (wanted to finish a degree in mechanical engineering, but, there wasn't an equivalent program available at night)
6. Favorite Topic: Fandoms
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): It was initially weight loss, but, I'd like to build some strength and flexibility now, too.
8. What do you do for fun? ~snort~ It's been so long since I've done anything just for fun... hiking, reading, attending conferences with other nerds
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool! Ummmmm, I was conceived in Germany (My Dad was in the Air Force.) My oldest child was 10 1/2lbs at birth (and no, I didn't have gestational diabetes, he was just really tall). I have worked as a co-author or technical editor of 14 technical topic textbooks (side gigs, not primary work).

I haven't been to Canyonlands, but I love Arches. And Zion. Hope you post some pictures when you get back, Hannah!

Hi Hannah!

Welcome to the team. As someone that moved to the midwest for college, and then stayed I can say the midwest is nice :). We have NASCAR, in case no one told you.

Utah is on my list! I almost made it this year but the trip didn't fit....

LV

Hey, I'm new and I liked the structured quiz thing, so here it goes...

1. Name/Nickname: Hannah
2. Age: 21
3. Location: PA
4. College/University: Penn State
5. Major/Concentration: Mechanical Engineering
6. Favorite Topic: Race cars (NASCAR mostly)
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): My overall goal is to lose inches from my waist (haven't set a certain number yet, but being back to a 32 or 34 bra band would be nice!) and I plan on doing this by hitting my nutrition better.
8. What do you do for fun? I love to read, usually teen sci/fi, fantasy, or historical fiction. Working out is also fun for me, and playing sports like volleyball, roller hockey, golf, softball, and more!
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I have worked for my electric utility company the past two summer and really like it! I also liked the EE class I had to take so I will definitely look into mixing mech and electrical engineering when I graduate.
b. Although I have lived in PA my whole life, my bf and I plan on moving to a new part of the country after graduation next summer. Possibly the south or Midwest :)
c. I am going to Utah in July for vacation. Visiting Arches and Canyonland National Parks.

One great story: All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury. I read this is a kid - maybe 36 years ago - and it still haunts me on a regular basis.

Thank you very much for your welcome!

I'm reading right now the book #3.5 of The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer, it's a retelling of some famous fairy tales, the plot include people living in the moon, cyborgs, a very very evil queen and great plot twists, I'm enjoying this series so much! If you're into Sci-Fi you might enjoy this story.

Any favorite story you want to share?

Hi Pokey!

Fun fun! I did my first Nano this year, so happy to see another Nanowrimo on the team :).

So, what was your favorite cave and why?

Oh, I'm jealous of seeing the shuttle launch! What's the story behind that? And welcome, both of you, to this fun little team!

I forgot to introduce myself! Here goes nothing. :)

1. Name/Nickname: Helena
2. Age: 27
3. Location: Idaho
4. College/University: BSU
5. Major/Concentration: Geology
6. Favorite Topic: Volcanoes!
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): Training is the goal, with weight loss as a happy side effect.
8. What do you do for fun? I like to go outdoors, travel, read books, and talk about science!
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I've written a few novels NaNoWriMo style.
b. I tell people I was "raised in a cave", which isn't quite true - I just spent a lot of time in them growing up.
c. I got to watch a space shuttle launch!

Welcome to the team!

It isn't too late to jump in with some Feb goals if you like! I still have to make mine.

So what was the last interesting story you read? I enjoy a interesting story too.

Loren

Hello everyone! Found this team and I just couldn't let the opportunity to join pass by!
Here are my answers:

1. Name/Nickname: Damara
2. Age: 30
3. Location: Mexico
5. Major/Concentration: Software Development
6. Favorite Topic: Sci-Fi Movies, Books, Music, etc
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): I want to lose some weight, learn how to eat healthy and just embrace a healthier life style
8. What do you do for fun? Read, Listen to Music, Videogames, Take a walk
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I have an odd music taste, I listen from jazz, instrumental and classic to hip-hop, r&b, pop.. one of my actual favorite genres is Kpop
b. I enjoy reading about weird stories, not necessarily Sci-Fi only, if it has unique characters or an interesting story, I'm in!
c. I love cats!

I know Beckman. I work in agriculture and we use some of their equipment etc at work. Good stuff :). We actually have a Beckman Coulter group onsite to help us with our issues :).

I have not read the book but know of Henrietta. Such an interesting story and to think it all took place not that long ago... I hope the lessons we learned stuck.

LV

Thank you, Loren and Rebecca, for the kind welcome.
I promise to check out team goals, I need to get to business, the holiday vacation had way too much food!
I think I cannot actually say what I work on in too much detail, my shiny new industry job comes with confidentiality agreement. But Beckman makes most most common diagnostic tests available at doctor's office, immunoassays are available mostly proteins in plasma, those are the easiest, but also small molecules (hormones and vitamins).
I have been also learning about setting up clinical trials and this past month I read the book "Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks", which was fascinating combination of medicine, history, ethics, and human stories.

Love the "sometimes even complete garments" - I'm so with you there! I look forward to seeing you on the message boards.

Welcome! Glad your voyages have brought you back to us :).
You are just in time for some Jan. and 2015 goals if you would like to join.

So, do you design immunoassays for anything in particular or what ever comes along?

LV

Hi everybody, what a fun team? I have been MIA since I joined, but finally done with vacation travels and happy to be here!
1. Name/Nickname: Zuzana
2. Age: 34
3. Location: Twin Cities, MN, originally Czech
4. College/University: Graduated from U of Kentucky some time ago.
5. Major/Concentration: Degree in Toxicology, currently make immunoassays, as these things go
6. Favorite Topic: Travels
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): Weight loss, I still have not lost my graduation/dissertation twenty and it's been a while
8. What do you do for fun? Try to stay outdoors in cold cold MN weather
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I am into sewing, sometimes even complete garments
b. I love whitewater kayaking, I never thought I would be into adrenaline sports, but MOST FUN EVER
c. I am cultural mutt, originally Czech, been in the US for 10 years, my husband is Indian.

CTUPTON - enjoyed your quick quiz, and being reminded that you're my neighbor.

Hi Chris,

welcome. Biology/deaf that does sound interesting! Does this mean you are looking to teach biology to the deaf, or are they two things?

As a biologist, I think that is a great choice either way
;)

LV

Hi Chris!!

Welcome aboard. I think I also saw you posting in the November goals.

And a bio person eh? I think there has been a few biologists on this team from time to time.

And I have seen you water aerobics people ... it looks tiring! As for H2O Zumba ... is it easier keeping up in the water vs out the water? My wife tried zumba and got discouraged because she could not do the steps.

Again ... welcome to the team! (Though your name sounds familiar ... you have been here a while but been in the background?)

1. Name/Nickname: chris
2. Age: 67
3. Location: Connecticut USA
4. College/University: Canisius College, Buffalo, NY
5. Major/Concentration: biology/education of the Deaf
6. Favorite Topic: forensics
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): spark helped me lose 30 lbs--in 6 years....
8. What do you do for fun? read and watch TV forensics based stuff and lots of other stuff, too
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I keep planning to go geocaching again but have not accomplished this
b. I go to many water aerobics classes --including zumba in the water and kick-boxing in the water
c. I do love gardening and flowers and plants of any sort. But being in a condo limits my actual gardening now.

Thank you!

Oh, the pun gene is on the Y chromosome!!! It's good to have you back, Greg.

Ohh, I see what you did... Too funny

Sending a welcome too Kayla. (Though I've been gone a bit myself)

The varied major will give you a good all around experience ... I'm all for it!

And ... GrebJack ... uhhh ... Geology "rocks" .... though Astronomy is "heavenly" hahahaha ... I have not lost my goofballness!!! :)

Oh, yeah, clearly astronomy rocks!

Welcome Kayla! Those are some diverse majors :). I know some people on the team will pick favorites!

LV

Welcome Kayla. The social anxiety thing sounds pretty challenging to me, but it sounds like you have a pretty healthy attitude about it. Glad to have you on the team.

1. Name/Nickname: Kayla
2. Age: 19
3. Location: Northern California
5. Major/Concentration: In between Computer Sciences or Astronomy??
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): Weight loss and a positive life style!
8. What do you do for fun? Video games...
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I'm obsessed with Hello Kitty
b. Up until about a year ago I was convinced I was going to be an English major. Don't know what made me change my mind!
c. I have extreme generalized and social anxiety. Just makes my journey a little more interesting haha

Welcome to the team! i hope to see you posting on the pages!

Welcome, PURELYLIZZIE and ARTEMISTHEGREEK.

ARTEMIS, I want to hear about your favorite dark sky spots. I live in Springfield and have been trekking all the way to Vermont when I want to stare at the sky. Maybe you know someplace closer? Be well, and maybe I'll see you at a Bergental event.

1. Name/Nickname: Elizabeth Ann/Lizzie
2. Age: 19
3. Location: VA
4. College/University: Hollins University
5. Major/Concentration: Microbio
6. Favorite Topic: Diseases
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): lose 140lbs
8. What do you do for fun? draw, hang out with the dog
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. my favorite color is pink
b. I've had pets including deer, squirrels, dogs, cats, bats, fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, roaches, hamsters, hermit crabs. Basically everything.
c. I'm nervous about living in a dorm (stayed at home my first 2 yrs of college)

Welcome to the team! We are a team of like minded people but not a huge crowd :).

So this retirement farm, will it have chickens and sheep? Anything else?

Loren

Hello gang.

1. Name/Nickname: Real name is the Roman adaptation of the Greek name above... And I probably should have named myself ArtemisTheGeek rather than Greek because I'm really Germanic/English in heritage. And, I am a bit geeky...
2. Age: 60 years young. (Yes, and my hair is still naturally Brown, and only my left leg creaks.)
3. Location: Currently, Connecticut, but I am making my way to retire into western Massachusetts to run a farm and a graphic design/grant writing proposal biz combo thing. With luck, maybe I can even add local water quality testing into this...
4. College/University: Notre Dame
5. Major/Concentration: Biology
6. Favorite Topic: Does there have to be just one??? Ancient Egypt. Off-grid energy. Raising chickens and sheep. Speculative world-building. Native America. And sometimes, just plain outright giggles.
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): about 15 more pounds need to GO. Otherwise, get some good physical balance, which I seriously don't have enough of.
8. What do you do for fun? Cook (with a variety of ethnic spices and herbs). Photography. Hike. Read (mostly non fiction but not exclusively). Garden. Enjoy music from rock to classical with a lot of folk and world in there. Hang out with like minded souls, but seldom in crowds. Hike.
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a.I can't begin to remember how many times I saw the first Star Wars movie, or Rocky Horror Picture Show. But I've not seen ANY of the last Star Wars movies, and have no desire ever to do so.
b. Joined the Dark Horde in the Society for Creative Anachronisms back in the (ending) of that day. Medieval re-creationist group, if you don't recognize this.
c. As a small child, my first career choice was to become an astronomer. No, not an astronaut -- I saw the Gemini capsule at the Museum of Natural History in NYC, and decided being an astronomer would mean I'd never be caught by claustrophobia, but still have my hand in. (I gave up that ambition when I discovered how much math would be involved, but I remained in the field of sciences.)

Hi, Thom. Glad to have you join us.

Welcome to the team Thom!

1. Name/Nickname: Thom Burke/ BinonThunder
2. Age: 47
3. Location: Wisconsin
4. College/University: BS from UW-Stevens Point
MS from UW-Oshkosh
5. Major/Concentration: Mathematics
6. Favorite Topic: Science Fiction Classic TV like Twilight Zone, Doctor Who, Outer Limits, etc
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): to get down to 250 pounds
8. What do you do for fun? D&D, cook, listen to various styles of metal
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. Have over 1000 cd's of various styles of metal from a to z (yes I love hard copies. Way easier not to lose)
b. Have a collection of Doctor Who things (basically cards, videos, comics, books, sonic screwdivers, etc)
c. Have over 400 bison figures, paintings, art, etc in my house.

Hahahahahahaha .... I read this and if I had been drinking beer ..errr....I mean water ... I would have spit it at my screen.

(It's so very interesting how LV has gotten to know me a little too well haha)

Hehe. 12 on a good day :)

Hehe at "weed" them out.

(I am obviously at age 12 mentality!)

GHK, to answer your question re:forensic toxicology. Mostly for drugs of abuse like marijuana and cocaine but also prescription drugs like xanax, and hydrocodone etc. On the poppy seed question, an initial test could lead to a false positive but luckily, all labs have to have an additional confirmation step that helps weed these out.

Welcome Rachel! Feel free to jump on the Nov. Goals if you like.

Hi Rachel. Welcome to the team. I zeroed in on history of infectious diseases. My school does this fun unit teaching about viruses through studying the 1918 flu pandemic.

Greg, I did think of you (and Mark) when I read the craft beer comment.

Congratulations on the first 15 pounds, Rachel.

Welcome Rachel.

And ...reads your list ... and .... #8 ROCKS!!!...Looooook everyone. Craft Beer. Wooohooo.

*Does the hoppy errr....happy dance*

Bypasses the school and ND location and microbiology ... and LASERS in on "Craft beer" .... oh yeah!!!

Uhmmm.... errr ... again though ... welcome to the team :)

GRebJack - Our conversation on poppy seeds led to a conversation with wifey .... which led to a blog. haha.

1. Name/Nickname: Rachel
2. Age: 32
3. Location: Oswego, IL
4. College/University: Univ. MO-Columbia (BA) and Univ. IL at Urbana-Champaign (MS)
5. Major/Concentration: Microbiology
6. Favorite Topic: History of infectious diseases
7. Your Spark Goal (weight loss, training, other): lose 75 lbs (already lost 15, so another 60 to go)
8. What do you do for fun? Watch baseball and football; read; go birdwatching; try craft beer
9. Tell us 3 things about yourself that are unique and/or cool!
a. I have three part time jobs--2 teaching and 1 tutoring
b. I used to be an Epidemiologist (Tuberculosis and HIV)
c. My husband and I lived in North Dakota for over 3 years