Who was the best teacher you've ever had?

My GT (Gifted and Talented) teacher in junior high (who later became the school librarian) changed my life for the better. Mrs. R. understood that I was different, and that being different didn't mean that I was broken. I am very grateful for her kindness and inspiration. If only I had had more like her.

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What message would you want to put in a fortune cookie?

"Create your future from your future, not your past" or, if I was being goofy, "Support your local psychics"

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What was the best job you've ever had?

I worked as an on call Standardized Patient for four years. I helped train and test medical students (doctors and nurses) several times a year. It was some of the best work I've ever done and I was heartbroken when a new program director "cleaned house" and let go of just about everyone that had been working there for more than six months.

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What's the best place near you to get some ice cream?

I strongly prefer gelato, and I usually get mine at Echo Gelato in Nob Hill. (www.eccogelato.com)

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What's the oldest piece of clothing you still own and wear?

I have a tee-shirt from the first grade that I wore last week. Most of my favorite pieces of clothing are older- I try to treat my clothes well and I hold on to most things with sentimental value. I recently judged a Leather Bar contest in a jersey my dad handed down to me in elementary school because it felt fun. I also have some vintage pieces from my grandmother, and a World War II army jacket from my grandfather. (Huh, it sounds like my uniform fetish started early...)

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Chocolate or Vanilla?

I've said this before and will say it again: vanilla is my favorite flavor- of ice cream, caramel, desert sauce, butter-cream, soda, cookie and much more. It's a complex, exotic flavor when done right. (Chocolate is also good, and I prefer mixed with vanilla.)

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What's your favorite condiment?

I recently discovered the English import Curry Catchup and I'm absolutely in culinary love. Very versatile.

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