Meme time
In lieu of real content, here's a bit I gakked from rustmon .
You know how sometimes people on your friends list post about stuff going on in their life, and all of a sudden you think "Wait a minute? Since when were they working THERE? Since when were they dating HIM/HER? Since when?" And then you wonder how you could have missed all that seemingly pretty standard information, but somehow you feel too ashamed to ask for clarification because it seems like info you should already know? It happens to all of us sometimes.
If you feel like playing along, copy the topics below, erase my answers and put yours in their place, and then post it in your journal! Please elaborate on the questions that would benefit from elaboration. One-Word-Answers seldom help anyone out.
What follows is more about me than you want to know.
NAME: It depends on the context in which you know me.
• My modern, legal name is Alice Francene Quinton. Alice, after a friend of my mother, and Francene as a combination of my grandmothers’ names - Francis and Irene. Quinton is my maiden name: we’re the founding family of Quinton, Oklahoma.
• My SCA persona name, as registered with the College of Heralds, is Alison Gray of Owlwood. I am allowed the title of Mistress as a member of the Right Noble Order of the Pelican. I am, however, in the process of changing my name to Alizon de la Fontaine: the change passed Kingdom and is currently with the Pelican Sovereign of Arms. Alison is a name that I just happened to fall into by default: Alizon is the persona I finally decided to be.
• My nickname, courtesy of a young friend several years back, is Ali. That’s the name that is used when I’m working a Kimberly Trip show, and the name that most people outside my office know me by.
• My role-playing character names have included (in no particular order): Nikki Lee; Marie Renee Fontagne; Shehana Li; Alyosha of Three Trees; Laura Veritas; and Roseluna Vandre.
AGE: I am on my 43rd trip around the sun in this incarnation.
LOCATION: Sacramento, Ca. I started life in Coalinga, CA. From there we went to Clovis, CA; Carson City, NV; finally settling in Orangevale, CA. After I left home I moved to Sacramento, then to Rancho Cordova, CA, and back to Sacramento.
OCCUPATION: Associate Administrative Analyst, Accounting Systems, for the State of California. Currently assigned to the Medi-Cal Fiscal Intermediary procurement project (see http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/rfa_rfp/Pages/OMCPcammis-fiDNLD.aspx). My current assignment first involved analyzing the prior contract and developing the Request for Proposal, with my focus being the payment provisions (Exhibit B) and Other Requirements (Exhibit E). My focus is now turning to analysis and processing of the Takeover phase of the new contract. In addition, I handle all budgetary issues relating to our Project Office, including but not limited to payroll, budget forecasts, and inquiries from the legislature.
PARTNER: I haven’t had anything resembling a life partner since my last love was killed in a motorcycle accident in March 2007. I am looking and have a couple of prospects in mind but have not had any romantic contact with either of them.
KIDS: None, unless you count my cats and my housemate. I have one “adopted” daughter, Erin Dimond (Chandra O’Dimond in the SCA): she’s now in her 20s and living in the Los Angeles area. I also have a few children in my extended family, but those I would consider more like nieces and nephews than my own kids.
SIBLINGS: I have one brother living, one deceased. My living brother, H~, lives with his wife and our mother in Orangevale, and I’ve gotten to know him better over the past few years than I ever did growing up. He’s 13 years older than me and left the house when he turned 18, so…
PARENTS: Dad - Clifford Virgil Quinton, born in Dewar, Oklahoma, 1931: passed from this life in 2001. Never graduated college but made it to GS13 in the Federal Bureau of Reclamation. Mom - Jesse LaVal Quinton nee Fontaine, born in Wichita, KS, 1931. Received a teaching credential in the 40s, and taught grade school for a few years before and after marrying Dad.
PETS: Three cats: TigerLily, LunaMoth, and Smokey. All three found their own way to my home.
Lily was a feral whom we had been feeding along with her mother and sister, until Momma’s second brood came along and started bullying Lily and her sister. We adopted Lily: her sister, Smudge, was adopted by the couple across the street.
Luna, like lily, came in through the back door. Luna was just a stray, though, and quickly adapted to being a house cat. He still tries to roam (and occasionally succeeds).
Smokey was originally my late love’s cat. But when he passed she came to me because she couldn’t get along with the other cat in the house.
LIST THE 3-5 BIGGEST THINGS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE:
1. My house.
As has been the case for the past 11-ish months, my house is the biggest thing in my life right now. When I bought the place, in January, it needed a lot of minor repairs and renovations. It was mostly cosmetic, though: flooring, paint, lighting, that sort of thing. I spent three solid weeks working on it, with only two days off. There are still a lot of little things to be done, and still three or four major projects I want to do, but the maor projects will be spread out over the next few years.
2. The Kimberly Trip.
A few months ago I struck a deal with a local music group called The Kimberly Trip. I was already watching their merchandise table while they were onstage. I told them if they'd put me on the guest list and get me in for free, I’d work the table. It has since evolved into my becoming the Merch Queen (Jeffry’s term) for them. I cart the whole setup with me, set it up, sell, and tear it down. I coordinate ticket sales for shows where we *have* tickets, such as the CD release party this past October. I also act as road crew when necessary; I’ve traveled with the band to one out-of-town gig so far and anticipate more road trips in the coming year. It's been a fun ride and I hope to be able to tag along for a while longer.
3. My job, and its associated learning.
For many years I have been a leaf on the wind, blowing into whatever role happens to open up and never truly choosing a direction. But finally this year I realized I was not heading down a particularly appealing path and that it was time to finally decide what I want to be when I grow up. Having decided such, I now am researching options on attaining tha6t goal and should be starting school again come the new year.
4. The SCA, always.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA is, as Aaron said, the home that took me in and made me believe with 100% of my heart that chivalry, honor and courtesy have a REAL place in THIS world. It gave me the family that I’d never had, and, by extension, helped me find a new family outside the SCA. It is the one hobby out of dozens that I have been with the longest. I dropped out of Girl Scouts in my junior year of high school after a 9-year run: I’ve been in the SCA for over 17 years and do not foresee ever leaving it completely behind. It has helped shape who I am, and for that I am ever grateful.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
(I’m going to plagiarize the hell out of Rusty’s post here. Compliments to him on his writing.]
Plenty of personal stuff which I’d have no problem discussing. I just ask you to be careful what you ask... I don't mean that in a bad way: I mean that in a very direct way.
I can be insightful and deep-thinking, but I'm better at subtle and small talk.
I try to practice diplomacy, but that doesn't mean I am non-confrontational. I try to have a perma-filter on 99.8% of the time, because I like keeping my friends, and I do not like offending them unintentionally.
I am not a neat freak, contrary to what my housemate might tell you. I don’t dust and sweep and mop every week. My bathtub gets scrubbed when it shows signs of need. But I do try to keep things orderly and neat out of respect for my housemate’s potential need to use a space and just because when I don’t I hear the echo of my mother’s voice. Besides, I am rather proud of my home and like it to be welcoming if/when people stop by.
I like people. I am quiet as a defense mechanism. But being able to listen to people has earned me some very good friendships as well as allowing me to learn things people don’t think I know. ;-)
I LOVE shopping. I like to look at stuff. I especially like exploring thrift stores and flea markets. But I am a compulsive shopper and find it hard to stick to a budget. So I don’t go into stores any more unless I have a specific purchase to make.
I am very observant of my surroundings at most times. And I multi-task in every situation. So if you think I’m not listening when you’re speaking just because I’m looking in another direction, you are usually wrong. And even though I can be quickly and easily thrown onto a different subject, I will return to the original subject. Please be patient, and if I lose you please ask me to clarify.
I am insecure in a lot of departments. My looks, my intelligence, my level of interesting-ness. I use self-deprecating humor to cover my insecurities. I also use self-deprecating humor when I am feeling uncomfortable about the attention I am receiving.
I do not like confrontation. I do not like being forceful, either verbally or physically. But back me into a corner and you will see just how strong I am.
I punch with my right. But I have never punched a living being, and there are dents in a few walls because of this.
I am working on talking less about myself (except here). I don't want people to think I'm more self-centered than I really am.
I lovelovelove Dr. Pepper. I was sorely disappointed when the company decided to not mass-market a caffeine-free version of the non-diet Dr. after using Sacramento as its test market.
I do not like mead. I know, I know, I’m in a medieval organization, so I’m supposed to like mead. I don’t, so just get over it. I like both apple and rasperry ciders. I like cyser. I like a good ale or beer from a small brewery. I love apple martinis, raspberry margaritas, and strawberry daquiris. I like red wines but can’t drink them so I content myself with good, dry whites. I do not drink Bud, Coors, Corona, or any beer-like substance that requires a lime or lemon to make it taste good. And do NOT give me Jaegermeister: it makes a u-turn the minute it hits my stomach.
While I notice height first, I think the sexiest external, physical part of a man is a pair of well-toned arms. Seriously. This of course must be combined with intelligence and a sense of humor to make a man fully attractive.
While I am very fond of men, I do not share when I am in a committed relationship. :) I like hugging, though, and I am affectionate with those I trust.
I am very tolerant of people. I am a FIRM believer in you do what works for you, as long as you don't intentionally hurt anyone in any way. I think people should be happy and do the things that they want to do.
I believe that I should stand for the right and the good. So I do. I don't care if you do or do not. Someone has to, I'd rather it be me.
I love music. I also love to dance, and have been known to spontaneously (and sometimes unconsciously) start moving to the beat any place and any time.
I like singing, and have been told I have a good voice. If it weren’t for severe stage fright I might perform more. I am comfortable singing in front of others only when I am not the center of attention. I’m fine as part of the chorus, or in a casual setting. Just don’t ask me to stand in front of a crowd and do a solo.
I like to ride, both horses and motorcycles. I want my own - one of each - but haven’t the money or time for a horse, and haven’t been able to find just the right bike.
That's all of I can think of at the moment. I don't mind questions. Ask them if you want.
You know how sometimes people on your friends list post about stuff going on in their life, and all of a sudden you think "Wait a minute? Since when were they working THERE? Since when were they dating HIM/HER? Since when?" And then you wonder how you could have missed all that seemingly pretty standard information, but somehow you feel too ashamed to ask for clarification because it seems like info you should already know? It happens to all of us sometimes.
If you feel like playing along, copy the topics below, erase my answers and put yours in their place, and then post it in your journal! Please elaborate on the questions that would benefit from elaboration. One-Word-Answers seldom help anyone out.
What follows is more about me than you want to know.
NAME: It depends on the context in which you know me.
• My modern, legal name is Alice Francene Quinton. Alice, after a friend of my mother, and Francene as a combination of my grandmothers’ names - Francis and Irene. Quinton is my maiden name: we’re the founding family of Quinton, Oklahoma.
• My SCA persona name, as registered with the College of Heralds, is Alison Gray of Owlwood. I am allowed the title of Mistress as a member of the Right Noble Order of the Pelican. I am, however, in the process of changing my name to Alizon de la Fontaine: the change passed Kingdom and is currently with the Pelican Sovereign of Arms. Alison is a name that I just happened to fall into by default: Alizon is the persona I finally decided to be.
• My nickname, courtesy of a young friend several years back, is Ali. That’s the name that is used when I’m working a Kimberly Trip show, and the name that most people outside my office know me by.
• My role-playing character names have included (in no particular order): Nikki Lee; Marie Renee Fontagne; Shehana Li; Alyosha of Three Trees; Laura Veritas; and Roseluna Vandre.
AGE: I am on my 43rd trip around the sun in this incarnation.
LOCATION: Sacramento, Ca. I started life in Coalinga, CA. From there we went to Clovis, CA; Carson City, NV; finally settling in Orangevale, CA. After I left home I moved to Sacramento, then to Rancho Cordova, CA, and back to Sacramento.
OCCUPATION: Associate Administrative Analyst, Accounting Systems, for the State of California. Currently assigned to the Medi-Cal Fiscal Intermediary procurement project (see http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/provgovpart/rfa_rfp/Pages/OMCPcammis-fiDNLD.aspx). My current assignment first involved analyzing the prior contract and developing the Request for Proposal, with my focus being the payment provisions (Exhibit B) and Other Requirements (Exhibit E). My focus is now turning to analysis and processing of the Takeover phase of the new contract. In addition, I handle all budgetary issues relating to our Project Office, including but not limited to payroll, budget forecasts, and inquiries from the legislature.
PARTNER: I haven’t had anything resembling a life partner since my last love was killed in a motorcycle accident in March 2007. I am looking and have a couple of prospects in mind but have not had any romantic contact with either of them.
KIDS: None, unless you count my cats and my housemate. I have one “adopted” daughter, Erin Dimond (Chandra O’Dimond in the SCA): she’s now in her 20s and living in the Los Angeles area. I also have a few children in my extended family, but those I would consider more like nieces and nephews than my own kids.
SIBLINGS: I have one brother living, one deceased. My living brother, H~, lives with his wife and our mother in Orangevale, and I’ve gotten to know him better over the past few years than I ever did growing up. He’s 13 years older than me and left the house when he turned 18, so…
PARENTS: Dad - Clifford Virgil Quinton, born in Dewar, Oklahoma, 1931: passed from this life in 2001. Never graduated college but made it to GS13 in the Federal Bureau of Reclamation. Mom - Jesse LaVal Quinton nee Fontaine, born in Wichita, KS, 1931. Received a teaching credential in the 40s, and taught grade school for a few years before and after marrying Dad.
PETS: Three cats: TigerLily, LunaMoth, and Smokey. All three found their own way to my home.
Lily was a feral whom we had been feeding along with her mother and sister, until Momma’s second brood came along and started bullying Lily and her sister. We adopted Lily: her sister, Smudge, was adopted by the couple across the street.
Luna, like lily, came in through the back door. Luna was just a stray, though, and quickly adapted to being a house cat. He still tries to roam (and occasionally succeeds).
Smokey was originally my late love’s cat. But when he passed she came to me because she couldn’t get along with the other cat in the house.
LIST THE 3-5 BIGGEST THINGS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE:
1. My house.
As has been the case for the past 11-ish months, my house is the biggest thing in my life right now. When I bought the place, in January, it needed a lot of minor repairs and renovations. It was mostly cosmetic, though: flooring, paint, lighting, that sort of thing. I spent three solid weeks working on it, with only two days off. There are still a lot of little things to be done, and still three or four major projects I want to do, but the maor projects will be spread out over the next few years.
2. The Kimberly Trip.
A few months ago I struck a deal with a local music group called The Kimberly Trip. I was already watching their merchandise table while they were onstage. I told them if they'd put me on the guest list and get me in for free, I’d work the table. It has since evolved into my becoming the Merch Queen (Jeffry’s term) for them. I cart the whole setup with me, set it up, sell, and tear it down. I coordinate ticket sales for shows where we *have* tickets, such as the CD release party this past October. I also act as road crew when necessary; I’ve traveled with the band to one out-of-town gig so far and anticipate more road trips in the coming year. It's been a fun ride and I hope to be able to tag along for a while longer.
3. My job, and its associated learning.
For many years I have been a leaf on the wind, blowing into whatever role happens to open up and never truly choosing a direction. But finally this year I realized I was not heading down a particularly appealing path and that it was time to finally decide what I want to be when I grow up. Having decided such, I now am researching options on attaining tha6t goal and should be starting school again come the new year.
4. The SCA, always.
The Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA is, as Aaron said, the home that took me in and made me believe with 100% of my heart that chivalry, honor and courtesy have a REAL place in THIS world. It gave me the family that I’d never had, and, by extension, helped me find a new family outside the SCA. It is the one hobby out of dozens that I have been with the longest. I dropped out of Girl Scouts in my junior year of high school after a 9-year run: I’ve been in the SCA for over 17 years and do not foresee ever leaving it completely behind. It has helped shape who I am, and for that I am ever grateful.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
(I’m going to plagiarize the hell out of Rusty’s post here. Compliments to him on his writing.]
Plenty of personal stuff which I’d have no problem discussing. I just ask you to be careful what you ask... I don't mean that in a bad way: I mean that in a very direct way.
I can be insightful and deep-thinking, but I'm better at subtle and small talk.
I try to practice diplomacy, but that doesn't mean I am non-confrontational. I try to have a perma-filter on 99.8% of the time, because I like keeping my friends, and I do not like offending them unintentionally.
I am not a neat freak, contrary to what my housemate might tell you. I don’t dust and sweep and mop every week. My bathtub gets scrubbed when it shows signs of need. But I do try to keep things orderly and neat out of respect for my housemate’s potential need to use a space and just because when I don’t I hear the echo of my mother’s voice. Besides, I am rather proud of my home and like it to be welcoming if/when people stop by.
I like people. I am quiet as a defense mechanism. But being able to listen to people has earned me some very good friendships as well as allowing me to learn things people don’t think I know. ;-)
I LOVE shopping. I like to look at stuff. I especially like exploring thrift stores and flea markets. But I am a compulsive shopper and find it hard to stick to a budget. So I don’t go into stores any more unless I have a specific purchase to make.
I am very observant of my surroundings at most times. And I multi-task in every situation. So if you think I’m not listening when you’re speaking just because I’m looking in another direction, you are usually wrong. And even though I can be quickly and easily thrown onto a different subject, I will return to the original subject. Please be patient, and if I lose you please ask me to clarify.
I am insecure in a lot of departments. My looks, my intelligence, my level of interesting-ness. I use self-deprecating humor to cover my insecurities. I also use self-deprecating humor when I am feeling uncomfortable about the attention I am receiving.
I do not like confrontation. I do not like being forceful, either verbally or physically. But back me into a corner and you will see just how strong I am.
I punch with my right. But I have never punched a living being, and there are dents in a few walls because of this.
I am working on talking less about myself (except here). I don't want people to think I'm more self-centered than I really am.
I lovelovelove Dr. Pepper. I was sorely disappointed when the company decided to not mass-market a caffeine-free version of the non-diet Dr. after using Sacramento as its test market.
I do not like mead. I know, I know, I’m in a medieval organization, so I’m supposed to like mead. I don’t, so just get over it. I like both apple and rasperry ciders. I like cyser. I like a good ale or beer from a small brewery. I love apple martinis, raspberry margaritas, and strawberry daquiris. I like red wines but can’t drink them so I content myself with good, dry whites. I do not drink Bud, Coors, Corona, or any beer-like substance that requires a lime or lemon to make it taste good. And do NOT give me Jaegermeister: it makes a u-turn the minute it hits my stomach.
While I notice height first, I think the sexiest external, physical part of a man is a pair of well-toned arms. Seriously. This of course must be combined with intelligence and a sense of humor to make a man fully attractive.
While I am very fond of men, I do not share when I am in a committed relationship. :) I like hugging, though, and I am affectionate with those I trust.
I am very tolerant of people. I am a FIRM believer in you do what works for you, as long as you don't intentionally hurt anyone in any way. I think people should be happy and do the things that they want to do.
I believe that I should stand for the right and the good. So I do. I don't care if you do or do not. Someone has to, I'd rather it be me.
I love music. I also love to dance, and have been known to spontaneously (and sometimes unconsciously) start moving to the beat any place and any time.
I like singing, and have been told I have a good voice. If it weren’t for severe stage fright I might perform more. I am comfortable singing in front of others only when I am not the center of attention. I’m fine as part of the chorus, or in a casual setting. Just don’t ask me to stand in front of a crowd and do a solo.
I like to ride, both horses and motorcycles. I want my own - one of each - but haven’t the money or time for a horse, and haven’t been able to find just the right bike.
That's all of I can think of at the moment. I don't mind questions. Ask them if you want.