Born and raised in New York, I am the product of two twice-divorced non-religious Jewish intellectuals who loved to eat, talk (often lecture), laugh, travel, and curse.  I love to cook, bake, eat, travel, and dine out, and I am a staunch supporter of civil liberties, education (critical thinking), and cheese.  I am extremely casual in my dress and nature, and am called mom and wife by those who I love the most in this world.  I have a paperwork organizing business (Orderly Affairs, now based in Burlington, VT) and am in the process of launching a travel podcast with a friend.  And I believe in living every day as though it could be my last because I do not want to be on my deathbed with regrets (and so far, so good -- knock on wood/ puh, puh, puh).