[ Frequently Asked Questions ]
. General Questions .
Why have a "personal" site?
It's quite therapeutic. Even if no one reads every word, knowing that they could makes me feel as if I've been heard. For a brief history of this site, click here.
Where did you find the pictures for the banner?
For the layout design credits, visit the links page. For the layout details, click here.
Why don't you update your sites more often?
The short answer? I have a life. I enjoy website work, but I don't spend all of my spare time doing it. Sometimes I read, talk to my family, watch a DVD, go for a walk, etc.
Did you say that you review TV shows? Why do you do that?
I began reading some reviews of TV shows on a site that I stumbled upon. At first, I thought, "Does this guy have nothing better to do?" Then I found myself critically questioning the plots of other shows, and I wondered, "Why *shouldn't* we think about what we're watching?" Why shouldn't we question whether the plot makes sense or if the writers are being consistent with their writing?
Are you going to write any more reviews?
Not on a regular basis. After reviewing shows from 2001 through 2006, it started to feel like quite a chore. If I do feel compelled to share my thoughts about a show or a movie, I'll post them at my forums.
What is your last name?
My real last name is classified. ;) On the 'Net - since there are so many people named Anne - I use the last name Bristow.
Do you have any identifying marks?
I have a scar on my right index finger and a scar on the back of my upper right arm.
Scars? How did that happen?
The one on my hand is from when I was in fifth grade. I was hammering a metal pole into the ground with a sledgehammer (i.e. "building a club house") and my hand slipped.
The one on the back of my arm is from a sturdy piece of wire that protruded from our old couch.
What year were you born?
1972. I'm not ashamed of my age, but I don't post it everywhere because I don't want people to judge me - for lack of a better word - because of it.
Aren't you a little old to be doing websites? (No one's asked, but I'm sure someone's thought it.)
First, I'm not that old. Second, it's always good to develop a wide variety of skills/interests. Third, designing websites is no less appropriate than collecting things or playing video games. Fourth, why should the younger people have all the fun? *g*
Are you married, or do you have a boyfriend?
I do have a boyfriend. :)
. Vegetarian faq .
These are answers to the questions people always ask when they find out that I'm a vegetarian.
What made you become a vegetarian?
I never liked the idea of eating animals. One day in 1995 (I think) I considered how I hadn't eaten red meat for two weeks. I thought, "I'm going to give it up." So I did. A couple of years later, I gave up chicken. A couple of more years later, I gave up fish.
Has your health been better since you've stopped eating meat?
My health is overall pretty good, although I can't say for sure if it's due to vegetarianism. I'm sure there are a lot of factors that contribute to good health, and I believe good nutrition helps significantly.
Do you eat chicken or fish? Do you eat eggs?
No chicken, no fish. I do eat bread and cake which contain eggs, but I never liked the taste of eggs by themselves.
Do you eat dairy products?
Yes.
Do you like tofu?
In Knoxville, Tennessee, I had the best tofu sandwich at a little restaurant called Sunspots. I thought that I could buy tofu at the store and make a sandwich and it would taste just like that. It didn't. I do make a vegetarian chili with tofu. I like it, but my family unenthusiastically calls it "interesting."
Have you ever eaten meat? Does your family eat meat?
Yes. Yes.
Do you go out to eat? How do you find something that you will eat on the menu?
I do eat out when I'm away from home and can't or don't bring my lunch. As for finding something to eat, I haven't been to a restaurant yet where I can't find something. If nothing else, I'll politely ask them to leave the carnage off of a sandwich. :)
Do you eat sweets?
As my dentist will affirm, I do eat sweets, although I try to limit consumption to a minimum.
. Message Board Questions.
These are some of the questions that I've answered on various message boards. Most of them are the "getting to know you" type, so I thought I'd post them here, too. Then if I need them again, I can copy and paste.
What is your favorite Winter Sport?
To watch, Ice Hockey. To play ... none really. I'm from the South, where our favorite winter pasttime is complaining about the cold. :)
Of yourself, what is your favorite physical trait?
My eyes.
Do you own a tool kit?
I do! If you need a picture hung or a shelf installed, I'm your girl.
What was your last Art/Artistic Project?
The redesign of my personal website.
Describe your dream home.
I *love* to talk houses! I'd want my dream home to be a good size that I could maintain and fill with nice stuff. A cottage-style design would be good; I'd sponge paint - or maybe rag-roll the walls in a beige tone and most of the furniture would be dark wood. The floors would be wood - or laminate - with oriental rugs, and tile in the kitchen and bath. The one thing it would have to have would be an extra-nice bathroom, with a whirlpool tub, generous counter space and storage, plus a shower and a skylight.
Describe a little of your personality and character traits. (Are you funny, laid back, more serious, open, shy, etc.?)
I would describe myself as easygoing with a dry sense of humor. I'm open to new ideas. I like learning things just for the sake of learning. I like to express myself by writing - email is an ideal way for me to communicate. Face-to-face, I'm usually pretty quiet until I get to know a person.
What are your favorite activities? (Including sports, leisure, artistic/musical, etc.)
I like to read, work on my web sites, do sudoku puzzles, exercise and watch tapes of my favorite old TV shows. (I don't watch many current television shows: I'm waiting for the so-called "reality" trend to pass. :) My newest hobby is digital photography; I'm still very much an amateur, but I really enjoy it. When I have the time, I love to go hiking on nature trails or just walk outside when the weather's nice. I also like to sit on the porch and drink coffee when it's raining. I *love* to sing; I am a member of the choir in our local church, and I'm always singing along with the radio while I drive. I like just about all types of music: classical, country, opera, rock, pop, contemporary Christian.
As far as television shows go, what are your guilty pleasures?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel - they're great shows, but I get some weird looks when I tell people that I like them.
What's your least favorite Household Chore?
Putting stuff away. (What's the point? I'm just going to have to get it back out again.)
What's your favorite film with Will Smith?
Tough one: I love that guy! I'll say Men In Black.
What's your favorite Pie?
Mmmm... pie. Again, it's tough to pick, but I'll say Peach Pie a la mode.
Who's your favorite from the Justice League?
I had a JL comic book when I was little - or was it the Super Friends? - and Aquaman was always my favorite. (He used to ride around on a giant seahorse: how cool is that?)
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Without a doubt: the ability to fly. Up, Up, and Awayyyyy!
Can you juggle?
I can, but no more than two objects.
Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex?
Forgive me for being vague, but it depends on the guy. (Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about!) Sometimes I notice that a guy has a nice physique, or another has a great smile, or nice eyes.
Ever been in a car accident?
Yes, but it wasn't too severe.
Croutons or bacon bits?
Fresh sourdough croutons that they serve at Cracker Barrel. Otherwise, nothing.
Favorite Fast Food Restaurant?
Taco Bell, all the way!
Favorite Restaurant?
Olive Garden
Favorite Cold Drink?
Sweet iced tea
Favorite Hot Drink?
Coffee
Preferred type of ice cream?
Chocolate
How many times did you fail your permit or driver's test?
Once and the car failed once: during the vehicle inspection, the horn wouldn't blow, so I couldn't test.
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
One speeding ticket - does that count?
Which single store would you choose to max out your credit card?
Best Buy to support my computer hobbies.
Things that annoy you?
Internet spammers. Being interrupted (or ignored) while speaking. People that ask a question and then challenge your answer.
