zafodsgirl's profile

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Hometown

New Kensington, PA

Places I've been

I attended college in River Forest, Illinois, for two years in the late 1960s. It's just outside of Chicago, a city I lived in for just under a year in the early 1970s. I made my home for 30 years in Laurel, Maryland, and, while there, kept the same phone number for those 30 years. That's quite a feat since I moved 5 times in those 30 years and lived in different parts of town. I lived in Boston, Mass., in the fall of 1991 while attending MIT. I loved Boston, but missed having a car when I had to go grocery shopping. I've visited England twice, and loved London. I stayed with some friends in Cheltenham, England, while there, and, on my first trip, had to go to Liverpool to pay tribute to The Beatles. If I had to move out of the U.S., I'd move to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's a wonderful city. I didn't see much of Montreal while I was there because the airline lost my luggage and I spent most of my trip shopping for clothes to wear. I've been to Houston, Texas, a few times, including in July, which I don't recommend. Too hot and humid. But, Johnson Space Center is there as are a few of my friends who work there.

Education

• Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois, Education - 1967 to 1969
• Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois, Psychology - 1971 to 1971
• University of Pittsburgh, Psychology - 1972 to 1974
• MIT, Cambridge, Mass, Center for Advanced Studies - 1991 to 1991

Work

• National Security Agency, Analyst - 1974 to 2001
• St. Paul Evangelical Church, Braddock, PA, Organist - 2006 to 2008
• Self, Freelance writer - 2006 to 2008

More about me

I was born and raised in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, "The Aluminum City". Alcoa pretty much owned the town back then and if you didn't work in a steel mill or in a coal mine, chances are you worked for Alcoa like my dad did. When they pulled out to find cheaper labor, the town began to die. 

That's why I ended up moving away after college. I settled in Laurel, Maryland, half-way between Baltimore and D.C. on Interstate 95. I picked Laurel because it was close to where I worked, the National Security Agency. I spent nearly 30 years as a federal employee and, when they offered money to leave early, I jumped at the chance. By then, I was disillusioned with federal service and, since it was just after September 11, I wanted out. 

I eventually moved back to southwestern PA, where I now own a townhouse/condo, do a bit of freelance writing, and play the organ for a local church. I also watch the Steelers every Sunday (or Monday or Thursday or Saturday) and catch all the local pre- and post-game shows. I missed the Super Bowl years of the 1970s, so I'm just enjoying being able to root for them without going to a smoke-filled bar.  

Activities

I like to read all kinds of books and magazines. I also love the "Washington Post", which I buy every Sunday at the ridiculous out-of-town rate of $3.50 since I can't get delivery here. I also like watching Pittsburgh Steelers football, including pre- and post-game shows and the various players' shows. I've loved the team since the days of Franco and Bradshaw and Mean Joe and, even if they have a bad season, they are still my main men!

Favorite Music

I am stuck in the 1960s when it comes to music. My favorites are The Doors, The Who, The Beatles, and Jefferson Airplane. Of course, I like a good polka now and then, too.

Favorite TV Shows

There is no better TV show than "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". The writing was top notch and the continuity from season to season was incredible. Joss Whedon is a genius! My current favorite is "Countdown with Keith Olbermann", especially his "Worst Person in the World" segment. It's the only network news show I watch. New additions to my list are "Mad Men" on AMC and "Torchwood" on BBCAmerica, two very different, but well-crafted shows. I'm also a sucker for a good makeover show, whether it's a house or a person being made over.

Favorite Movies

Casablanca - 'nuf said.

Favorite Books

The Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. I love imagining what the men in the books look like, especially what their hair looks like. Most of the guys have very long hair and, since I am a child of the '60s and have bad hair, I am envious of any man who has hair that's nicer and longer than mine.

Favorite Places

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Favorite Animals

Dogs. We had dogs when I was growing up and some of my most vivid childhood memories center around them. I don't have a dog now, but probably will someday. Meanwhile, I play with any dog that I see walking its owner.

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