Kristen

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things (besides food and water) would you want to have?

Kristen: Aside from having a working farm with an irrigation system to eat and drink, the other things I would have to have would be a library stocked with books. This way my mind would stay active, a gym so I can stay physically in shape, and pictures of my family and loved ones so that I never forget what the point of survival would be.

Q: Would you rather have a million dollars tax free, or a great job that you find fulfilling?

Kristen: This is an easy one for me.the million dollars! If I had that, then I could donate my time to charity (I have two that I contribute to: Alzheimer's and Breast Cancer, as they have both touched my life through relatives). And in doing so, I would then essentially end up with both.

Question: In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a great relationship?

Kristen: Great relationships for me include the basics such as trust, honesty, humor, great sex, a true admiration for your partner. You have similar goals yet have enough differences to make life interesting and not mundane. I also believe that the essence in the best of relationships is one that contains that "x-factor", that special "stuff" between two individuals. It's that chemistry between two people that can't be quantified. When you are with a special person, everything gets easy and becomes better. You know that you can always trust that person will always be there, supporting you, encouraging you, and just being with you. It gets to that point where you wouldn't even think of the possibility of there being anyone else for you.

Q: Do you get a chance to travel much? What are your favorite places to travel to?

Kristen: I have traveled to many places outside of the US. I've gone as far as Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore in South East Asia. Italy, France, The Netherlands, Ireland, and Turkey in Europe. Mexico to the South of us, and Canada to the North. And through it all, I've come to the decision that there is nothing like home - the USA. There are several cities that are very near and dear to my heart, all for their own unique qualities and energy that they bring to me. New York is so full of culture, diversity, incredible food, and the most eclectic mix of people I've ever come across, it gives me a special charge to my life. Washington DC on the other hand appeals to my intellectual side. The passion of the people who are there, striving to make a difference, they all have that burning desire to make the world a better place. Then of course there's New Orleans. Its history, delectable food, and culture that's so unique to itself, makes that city one hard to stay away from. Then you have San Francisco. What can I say? It's like no other city in the world; it never fails to take my breath away. After all, that is where I'm from. And then of course who could forget Houston, my shopping haven!

Kristen: I love to cook and bake. Sometimes I even enjoy washing the dishes and cleaning house - it seems to alleviate stress for me. I tour so much through the year that when I'm home, I love to take care of it. There is this sense of calm and peace that comes over me when I'm there.