• 1.Your first post – almost 2 years ago -- was about Frank Zappa. If he had lived past 52, he’d be turning 70 on Dec. 21. John Lennon, if he lived past 40, would’ve turned 70 Oct. 9 (Coincidentally, Lennon shares my now-97-year-old grandmother’s birth date. I wonder if she knows that?). Last year, you wrote a post about Lennon. You seemed to have loved them both, Zappa and Lennon, though they are so very different, and had some very public differences. Are you more Zappa or Lennon, and why?

My first post was not about Zappa, but close enough to the first. I asked if I was strange for loving FZ. Was thrilled when I got a comment from Catamite Bastard who thought I was referring to Fahreed Zakharia, who he deemed HAWT!

More Zappa or more Lennon? I loved and love them both equally but in completely different ways. Cried at the news of each of their early demises.

• 2.Music is a big part of how you relate to life – or seems to be. I think I first noticed your blog when you posted about the anniversary death of Kurt Cobain (who would’ve turned 43 Feb. 20, 2011 if he had he lived.). I noticed the post because I heard the news of his death when my son was born. I was just out of the delivery room April 4, 1994. Kurt died April 5. I cried and wanted to rename my son Kurt. How do you relate to Cobain?

Cobain via Nirvana saved rock music in my estimation. No poofey hair. Hell, they didn't even use combs. No contrivances of any kind like drum machines or other studio trickery. Genius songwriting, insane use of the electric guitar, and ballsy stripped down performances.

But how do I relate? The angst I suppose, always the best place to write from in my opinion. Plus Kurt's struggles with dope, which I was also going through at the time.

• 3.You have a big fan base – since day 1. I’d wager you have more total comments than any OSer. Yet recently you pondered real writer vs. amateur. And I’ve noticed you no longer blog daily. How do you define blogging success? What makes a writer a “real” writer? And what are your aspirations concerning writing?

Ah Cindy, I suppose I do have a good readership. As far as 'fan base,' it's always changing. People come and go at OS. Several probably wish I would retire too.

Real writer v. amateur writer was just a response to other blogs I saw on the same subject. To me, if you write and publish you are real. Might suck ass, but still real. Getting paid is apparently the difference. It's not a question that keeps me up at night.

Blogging success? To make people think, laugh, cry, feel. That's on a good day. I have learned to economize words. Strip it down to the essence. At least I'm learning that I hope. It's a process as I'm sure you would agree.

Aspirations? I have had thoughts of writing something longer than a blog, but doubt that I have the discipline and patience (and can't afford an editor). But, who knows what the future holds?

• 4.What did you want to be when you were a kid? And if you could choose now, what job would you love to be doing?

As a kid I was peculiarly devoid of adulthood career plans. Just kind of muddled through.

I'm past wanting to do jobs at this point, but if I could go back, it would have been some kind of engineering I think. I have a mathematical mind.

• 5.Although you blog anonymously, your life is an open book in many ways. We know your career success and failures, the crazy mom to your son, we’ve seen pictures of you on vacation and in your yard. (It’s not just you – but all of us here on OS.) Why do you think we need to tell our stories? And why do you opt to be anonymous, since your family blogs here, and you’ve met a bunch of OSers (hosted and visited).

Yeah, yeah, I'm 'anonymous' but not really. Anyone interested knows my first and last REAL name. I entered this place soon after the elections of 08. I became Trig and figure why change now? My Mom even calls me Trig sometimes.

We should tell our stories... well, because they are ours. It's real life and as a wise person once said, truth is stranger than fiction. That theorem proves out on a daily basis as far as I'm concerned.

• 6.What’s your biggest regret, your greatest failure, greatest achievement and ultimate goal?

I'll skip regret, failure, and achievement as all those things are past and can't be changed and need no further naval gazing.

My goal is to live in peace in a pastoral setting near water. Growing old with someone I love. Being a part time fishing guide and full time hillbilly with a satellite internet connection.

• 7.You’ve been open about your financial horrors and you’re close to being evicted from your home. How are you coping? Do you have a plan B?

The financial horrors are not my fault. I've been plagued with bad timing in all things financial. Always been a work to live person anyway. I've written about it (go figure!). Of course I have a plan B Cindy! Move to New Jersey!

• 8.Your posts – like many of us here – jump from subject to subject. What’s your favorite thing to write about?

I freaked out when Cartouche came clean about her 'other voice.' Why I wondered? As you noted, I jump around in subject matter and mood. But, my favorite things are usually funny, or so I hope.

• 9.If you could change anything about OS – what would it be?

I'm way beyond the point where I spend time wishing about 'changes' at OS. It is what it is.

• 10.What do you want your life to look like 10 years from now?

I wish very little for myself. Heck, it's been a good run even if I croak at midnight. Truly, I wish for my son to do well and be happy. A grand kid would be nice. OK, two. Boy and girl. I always wanted a girl baby.

• 11.Oscar Wilde – who’s a writer and poet who died in 1900 at the age of 43 -- said this: “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.” What do you think?

Sigh... I suppose you are referring again to the 'mask' of writing under a pseudonym. I don't think that matters in the least. I have nothing to hide and would say that I speak in my own person all of the time. That, yes, what you read at my blog is very close to the truth on any given day... except when I lie.