i think i see the vast majority of the people in my life as a hero of sorts. if i may give a shout out to a few for starters ...

my writing hero: sugarshock. no one quite wields the digital pen like she does. the words float off her xanga and lingers around me like a hazy dream sequence with sequins and sparkles. on top of this, she is one of the most empathetic people i know.

my bread hero: cheungabuh. i've never seen a woman quite as committed to her baking as her. in case she changes her mind about med school, there is a special spot for her in the cheeseboard collective.

my bestfriend hero: ev. no one knows me quite like she does. she invites honesty and authenticity and liberally kicks me in the ass as necessary. she loves me freely and whether she wants it or not, she's definitely got a spot in the bridesmaid lineup bagged. lucky her.

my knitting hero: boo boo. she has gotten me hooked on the age old craft. she buys me profane t-shirts. she keeps it real. she knows what a fashion disaster i am and loves me anyway.

my proficient hero: kachiu. no one in the world is as administratively gifted as mah roommate of three years. given my penchant for road rage, only she will have the cah-jones to say "dude, the other way would've been much faster."

my faith hero: shouzah. her first response is always "i'll pray for you" and she actually really means it. and when she asks you to pray for her, she always asks so earnestly, because she really believes in the Lord's power to answer.

my tenacious hero: heeday. i don't think i know anyone else that lives his life as passionately or with as much boldness as my team does. lots of people, myself included, talk about being sold out for the Lord -- he is sold out for the Lord and the way he lives reflects that.

my genial hero: muck. my little brother has got to be one of the nicest people i know. very few things will ruffle his feathers. he gets along with pretty much everyone. he's a great team player and most important of all -- he knows how to handle and deflect our mother's queries about whether or not we're eating vegetables.

my authentic hero: turdie. i'm so glad the Lord blessed me with a sister that wasn't prissy. she may still suffer from multiple bouts of TACKS, but no one can hold a candle to her burping, farting, or poo humor. she lives out loud, and doesn't give a damn if the boys know she's a member of "team manly."

my spiritual hero: lhones, beating out bigtook and phattacus by a hair or five. really, all three of the pastors at baylight rock my world, including the way i think and the way i want to live my life. i think this particular shoutout goes to lhones because i identify with her more as a girl, but probably because she's amazingly brilliant and insightful and manages to juggle 50 thousand balls like it ain't no thang, all the while being gracious and smiley and always so honest. i want to make a fan club button for her. and now i think i've embarrassed her horribly.

more to come ... i'm just starting to grade the horrid papers ...