Well first, I'm a lucky girl. I have a great family, great in-laws, an amazing husband and the cutest kitty in the world.

I'm also a practicing Buddhist, which, since about a year ago, has really become one of the most important things in my life.

I was raised Christian and stumbled across the Dhammapada in my college years. I've studied Buddhism for about 10 years but really didn't practice seriously until a year ago. Now, I meditate every day, increase my knowledge on a daily basis and try my hardest to practice loving-kindness in everything I think/say/do.

I guess I'm part of that small (but growing) new wave of young, crazy Buddhists. One book that I really identified with was Dharma Punx by Noah Levine. About a punk rocker who got into drugs, drinking, trouble (and even jail!) until he found Buddhism. Now, he's a Buddhist teacher (tattoos, shaved head and all). His life reminded me of mine (the partying, not the incarceration) and how this way of life can really transform you. Plus, I love his tattoos (I have them too) and his love for punk.

I'm also a novelist. Writing has been my talent and passion my entire life. I'm working on my first novel now! My interest is fiction but exploring different philosophies (Western & Eastern) and watching how it affects my characters' lives and the outcome of the story. I miss those philosophical books like Metamorphosis, Crime & Punishment & The Stranger!

I'm also getting more into philanthropy and volunteering. My BIG job coming up is media relations for:

RARE BUDDHIST RELICS VISIT MIAMI
Maitreya Project Relic Tour

A precious collection of sacred relics of the Buddha, his disciples and many other Buddhist masters is currently touring the world and will be in Miami on December 9 to 11, with the opening ceremony on Saturday, December 9 at 10 a.m. The relics will be showcased at the Thai Buddhist monastery Wat Buddharangsi in Miami.

This is a rare opportunity to view these relics, which were found among the creation ashes of the historical Buddha, his disciples and other Buddhist masters. They resemble beautiful, pearl-like crystals. Buddhists believe relics embody the master's spiritual qualities of compassion and wisdom and are deliberately produced by the master at his death.

Visitors often report experiences of inspiration and healing when in the presence of these relics.

The relics will be clearly visible inside display cases that encircle a life-size, golden statue of the Maitreya Buddha, who, according to Buddhist scriptures, will be the next Buddha to bring teachings of loving-kindness to the world.

Eventually the relics will be enshrined in a 500-ft. bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha that is being built in Kushinagar, India.

“The very name 'Maitreya' means loving-kindness - in today's world, we really need loving-kindness. This project is really wonderful and is the result of great courage and determination, and from the depths of my heart, I appreciate and applaud this wonderful project.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Dates                    December 9-11, 2006
Times                   Saturday 10 a.m. opening ceremony
                               Saturday, Sunday & Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Venue                   Wat Buddharangsi of Miami
                               Thai Buddhist Monastery
                               15200 SW 240 St. Miami, FL 33032
Contact                Shannon Rodriguez - scrodriguez@mac.com

No charge to see relics; donations welcome