FAQ.

Here are some of the answers to questions I've been getting since the inaugural post of this blog.  

Q:  Why are you such a dork? (truth be told, this one is from my own sister)

A:  If the fact that I read real books and publications that are not chick lit or Cosmo makes me a dork, so be it.  Unfortunately I live in a state where the stereotype of beautiful women needing to be seen and not heard (while ugly women are forced to work in the bookstore/library/become 8th grade Algebra teachers) is perpetuated.  I do like to read.  I do like to see independent film.  I do not watch Fox News.  And yes, I enjoy the SciFi channel and horror movies.  And according to the people of this state, that makes me a dork/nerd/shrew/troll.

Q:  What the hell is John's deal?  What attracted you to him in the first place?

A:  John's "deal" is that he is a spoiled brat who doesn't like it when the women in his life (mom, sister, friend, ex-girlfriend) tell him he is an idiot.  He's insecure and hides it with the bravado usually reserved for hip-hop stars like Jay-Z.  That being said, he is a sweet lost little boy inside and he is very cute.  And he actually does like to learn new things and talk and try to help people whether they asked for his advice or not.  I don't know, he's kind of just like a mole that you get so used to you forget that it could be cancerous.  

Q: What is your religious affiliation?  I see you say you are an 'agnostic leaning towards atheism' on Facebook?

A:  Agnostic and always, always questioning everything.  Even when I was little.  I don't like to align myself with organized religion and I feel very suffocated inside a church (I subscribe to the theory that if there is a G-O-D he would rather be appreciated amongst his own creations rather than in a kiss-ass piece of architecture).  

Q:  Really, though, why are you so weird? (again from Lisa, my sister)

A:  I am not weird.  I'm eccentric and quirky and adorable.

Q:  So are you like some troll with no life in her parents' basement in her pajamas typing mean gossip on your blog?

A:  Actually, I think I am pretty attractive if I do say so myself.  Do I have a life?  That's debatable.  I go out and enjoy myself but I'm not a party girl (anymore).  There really isn't that much to do around here, though. Parents' basement?  Our basement is a scary, scary thing that I would imagine houses a crazy cannibal.  I stay in my area, he stays in his, and there are no problems.  As for my parents... well, having been divorced for many many years you can guess that they do not have a house together anymore. 

Q: Do you really have a job?

A: OF course I do.  Otherwise I wouldn't have this blog to keep me busy while I'm at it!

Q: You make it sound like Ohio is so isolated and backward.  Where do you live, exactly?

A:  I live in a lovely little town called Chesterland and it is in Geauga County.  This is the county immediately east of Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located and I spent a good portion of my life going to school.  Geauga County is mostly rural and includes small towns (like Chardon) as well as vast expanses of farm land (Amish country in Middlefield).  Most of Ohio is actually rural expanse like Geauga County.  What makes it interesting is the stark contrast in (this is why it is such a hotly contended for Battleground State) the inner-city populations of Cincinnati, Cleveland, and kind of Columbus (Columbus is actually a microcosm of its own with Ohio State).  We got it all here: backwards religious conservatives, mormons (Kirtland), rednecks, large Jewish populations, large Slavic and Russian populations, large African American populations, large Hispanic populations, young liberal college-educated elites, wealthy old money, wealthy new money, poverty, a booming crack-cocaine market, poor educational system, a failing industrial sector, a dirty polluted river that caught on fire, racial tension, and the ghosts of 4 dead college students from 1970.  And Lebron James.  It's pretty much a hodge-podge of political issues.  I love Ohio.

Q:  Why do you continue to give PVille guy the time of day? (this coming from a friend- actually all my friends)

A:  Because it is my gift and my curse to always see the good in people.  Even those that continue to walk on me and/or spew hate my way.   I think he is a really good guy and I think that he deserves better than what he has arguably accepted as his fate.  That being said, I do have my dignity and this blog and many, many of you making sure that I don't lose myself in this whole ordeal.  

Q: Do you have pets?

A: I do.  Oh, you want to know what kind?  I have a British bi-color blue named Sir Thomas of Chestershire (TomCat or TC for short).  He has six toes on each paw, which I guess is a breed standard.  He was a barn cat that my mother took in.  He has since become very accustomed to the indoor life.  And I have a lab named Lucky.  Well, lab/pit mix.  I saved him from a shelter. He has a gimp leg from a hit and run incident and abandonment issues.  He may or may not be mentally retarded as well.  He's 2 1/2.  They are my faithful companions and provide me with daily entertainment.  

Q: You need to do something with your life. (this one is from my ever-loving Dad who now resides in Scottsdale, AZ but was born in the projects in Boston).

A: That wasn't exactly a question as much of a statement.  Yes, I know I need to do something with my life.  In five years, I see myself doing exactly that: something. 

Ok, well if anyone wants to know anything else about me, you can email: carlyrowe@gmail.com or post your question in the comments.