I am a retired veterinarian, with 6 years experience. I graduated from the University of Illinois in 2000. I used to enjoy surgery and animal behavior work the best. I retired in 2006 to become a mother of 2. I currently have 14 years experience at that and counting. I crochet at an intermediate level. I am a very neat and precise cross stitcher even if I'm not very fast. I can do basic mending by hand. . I garden at a beginner level. I volunteer at my church's donation garden. I read extensively, particularly fantasy and fiction. Lately I've been reading a lot of non-fiction about progressive topics. My hobbies are organic gardening, sewing and crafts, themed kids parties, environmental activism, animal and human rights, and baking bread. I have been a Girl Scout leader and continue to assist with the area service unit. I am involved in Transition, Food and Water Watch, The Green Party, and the ELCA women's group at my church. I am home alone most days during the school day and busy as all get out at night and on weekends running mom's taxi service to after school activities. I am working on developing my computer skills and I'm interested in becoming proficient in database use, and using a Mac. I like to go camping when the weather is nice and walking (not running) outside when I can. I have an analytical mind and I love working on complex problems, particularly in my areas of interest.