LissaD

Hi, I'm Lissa. I am a 40 year old cancer researcher living in the midwest USA. I live with 3 kitties in a city where I don't really know that many people. I moved away (my own fault!) for a job (which I do love and that allows me to travel), and I'm not too far away from family and friends, but it's always nice to connect with others.

Over the last four years I have become an ardent participant of GISHWHES, the greatest international scavenger hunt the world has ever seen. I have participated in four hunts and I can't imagine a time in the future when I wouldn't participate. I love so many things about this - I love that it helps RandomActs.org and that there are several RAK opportunities to complete for the event. I love that it helps me be more creative and pushes me outside of my normal bubble to go out into the community more. I love the fun I have during and after when talking about the great experiences.

Favorite Books

I love fantasy and sci-fi for the most part. It's my escape from the sometimes depressing world to be able to immerse myself in someplace completely different. Some of my favorite authors are Jacqueline Carey, Anne Bishop, Jim Butcher, Sarah Monette, CS Friedman, Juliete Marillier, and Robert Jordan. I almost always try to find long books - I read quickly and have been known to devour new and highly anticipated books in under 24 hours. However, for whatever reason, I have not been able to get into the Game of Thrones books (much to my displeasure, these are books I WANT to like). There is just something about the writing style that makes me lose interest. Which is sad, but at least there is the show, even if it is likely inferior to the actual books.

Favorite Crafts

I enjoy many crafts, mostly those having to do with thread/yarn/fabric. I enjoy sewing and have made several outfits to wear at a local Renaissance Festival. I like to crochet, tat (anyone else here even know what that is?), and have just started dabbling in some needlework. Usually most of my projects are geeky or pop culture themed; my first needle point project was a summoning sigil from Supernatural (and I have decided I must make more of these).

Favorite TV

This is where I will seem a bit out of touch. So for >10 years, I didn't have access to any tv shows. I had a tv and would watch movies on dvd, but didn't watch anything new. Ever. Why? I was in grad school, first for a MS and then a PhD. I know myself and knew I would get distracted, so I wouldn't hook up my tv and that just carried on even after graduation. Then I succumbed and subscribed to Netflix. So I am slowly going over years and years of neglected shows and finding all the fun things I miss. Top of my favorites would be Supernatural - I love the show as well as the actors and the various charities they support. I also like Dr. Who, Arrow, Buffy, Angel, Futurama, and have also been known to watch some old Japanese dramas from time to time (they can be so corny but I still like them). Still on my to watch list is Sherlock, haven't quite gotten to that yet, and I'm only on season 4 of Game of Thrones; if there is anything you think I've missed and should watch, let me know!

Likes and Dislikes

Likes: pins, magnets, postcards from all over the world, coloring pages (yes, I still color when I have a chance and love how relaxing it is), anything relating to kindness/happiness, pretty much all animals, photography, traveling, architecture (whenever I go somewhere I like to wander, especially if it is an old city, and to see all the beautiful buildings), most things geeky or nerdy, and pretty much anything dragon related.

Dislikes: coconut (I love the flavor, can't stand the texture!), white chocolate, coffee, and religion (agnostic, but very tolerant of others beliefs).