Hey party people! I’m stoked to share Courtney’s LWL list with you today! Courtney and I have just been introduced, but have many mutual friends. Reading this list told me a LOT of awesome things about her, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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Life Well Lived

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#1- I have lived in the land of Shakespeare.

Yup, The Bard himself and I have shared the same sod. Well, maybe not the exact same, but close enough for me. From 2005 to 2006 I was an ex-patriot, living the glamorous life of a non-profit volunteer. I worked for a drug and alcohol abuse prevention organization that toured dozens of schools in the poorest neighborhoods of northeast England. It was the most rewarding and challenging experience of my life. I learned so much about the future of American adolescents from spending time in a country that, though breathtakingly beautiful, was on the verge of complete socioeconomic failure if the drug culture was not stopped. I saw stunning landmarks, drank (far too many, yet remained responsible) pints of Guinness, and discovered a shade of green in the foliage that no Yankee has ever seen. Parting (with England) was such sweet sorrow.

#2- I have shared the stage with my very best friend.

After a rather lengthy hiatus from theatre, and my tendencies to be very picky about roles, I was cast as Hero in Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ at Onstage in Bedford. I had the great pleasure of playing alongside my bestest friend, Emily Kate Hardy. It was an experience I will never forget. I consider myself very lucky to have been given the opportunity, and look forward to treading the boards once more (but not anytime soon…I’m still very picky.)

#3- I stood up for what I believed and it cost me my job.

I was raised in a conservative (yet very open and understanding) Southern Baptist home. Enough said. So when I accepted a job at a large Southern Baptist church, I did so solely to make a point: Jesus loves EVERYONE. I was tired of the pious, cold, and rather hypocritical way “the church” addressed everyone, specifically the GLBT community. So it was when a co-worker of mine (at the church) expressed to me that he was, in fact, a homosexual that I relished the opportunity of having an ally in the fight against bigotry and hate. Unfortunately he had chosen to confide in a member of the congregation (whom he thought a friend) about his sexuality it sparked a witch hunt within the office. Long story short, because I refused to divulge personal details about my friend’s life and relationships to superiors…I was fired. Well “resigned” because churches don’t fire people. They just bully them into resigning. I have never been so proud to be a human being (and a Christian) than I did that day. NO ONE bullies me or any of God’s children.

#4- I have found the kind of love they write stories about.

Nickolas Logan Jones. I can’t even begin to say all the things I feel for this man. He never ceases to challenge me spiritually, love me unconditionally, and make me laugh more than I ever have before. He is my rock, my lover, and my very best friend. Imma gonna marry that man someday (soon).

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Thanks Courtney!

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