Agent Palmer

Not every geek is male. Not every poet is dark and brooding. Not every systems analyst wears a tie. Sometimes, they are female, thought provoking and wear skirts.

What follows is the declassified interrogation of Daisy Montgomery who is that sometimes.

Agent Palmer [AP]: Starting out easy, where do you reside?
Daisy Montgomery [DM]: Fayetteville, NC and I have been here 8 years.

[AP]: What landed you in Fayetteville? Was it for a job?
[DM]: No, haha. It’s not the best city, but I haven’t been shot yet, so that’s a plus. My family had to move here from Seoul, South Korea when I was a Senior in high school. My mom had cancer and they didn’t have the proper facilities to treat her in Korea. It was a tough move.

[AP]: Where did you grow up and what impact did it have on you?
[DM]: I have moved several times in my life, so I didn’t have a “home” in the traditional sense. I’m a military brat. Moving around has its pros and cons. You make friends all over, but you don’t get to spend a lot of time with them. You have to keep trying to fit into new communities. It gets exhausting. But I’ve experienced cultures and activities that most people only dream about, and that has definitely changed how I view the world.

[AP]: Do you have any tips for “fitting in” with a new crowd or environment, with all of your experience moving around?
[DM]: The best advice I can give is to be open to new experiences, and never change who you are to fit in with other people. It was, and can be, scary to put yourself out there and hope that people will think you’re cool or funny. Chances are, the other people are nervous as well and hope you think they’re cool too.

My nervousness comes out in sarcasm or jokes, and there have been times where it’s super off-putting to people, but the close friends I’ve made were able to look past that because they were very much the same way. When I was younger I tried to change myself to make friends, but I always ended up with mediocre friendships.

So stay true to yourself and everything will fall into place.

[AP]: What is your current profession and do you have any side jobs or professions?
[DM]: My current title is “Sales Operations Analyst” at an IT company based in DC. I consider it something I “do,” not necessarily who I am. I don’t have any side jobs in the sense that I get paid, but I do run a gaming group called “The Gaslight Gang” and I’m trying to put together a poetry book.

[AP]: Give me the Gaslight Gang origin story?
[DM]: The Gaslight Gang is definitely an underdog story, I think.

Originally, Barclay and I were in another gaming group, and we were pretty happy with it. Good people, lots of laughs. The guy who was in charge was a super experienced power gamer and a single 40 year old… That’s where the trouble started. A new girl joined the group who was my age (25), and the leader started hitting on her in a very awkward, hardcore way. She wasn’t interested, and he got, well, enraged is the best word for it.

He kicked her out of the group and called her a slut, bitch, whore, etc… And I was not having that. If you’ve ever been bullied, you want to protect anyone from ever experiencing that. You remember it the rest of your life. It hurts in a profound way. I told the leader that he was out of line, being a bully, and that the girl did not deserve that kind of treatment. She was a very gentle, sweet girl. He yelled at me and kicked me out of the group. That was December 2014, and we had been members for about 6 months.

This is where magic and karma came into play. The other members found out what happened and left the group! ALL of them left the group, and they asked me if I would be the leader of a new gaming circle. It was funny because I never intended that to happen; I was just trying to do the right thing. I came up with the name “The Gaslight Gang,” and we’ve been gaming since January 2015, every Friday at 6pm at our house.

The name came from the psychological term, “gaslighting,” which is when a person tells you something, and when you bring it up later, they act like you’re crazy. Eventually you begin to doubt your own sanity. The leader of the old group gaslighted us a lot, lied about what happened, and a bunch of other craziness. I think it’s a fitting name, and everyone digs it. It’s unique. Also, he never was able to rebuild his group, which I think is a poetic punishment. Word travels fast in the gamer world.

[AP]: And your favorite non-video games (card or board or otherwise) are?
[DM]: I have so many favorites, but they all played a part in how I game today. Operation, Clue, Sorry!, Don’t Wake Daddy, Candyland, Monopoly, Life, PayDay, Yahtzee… Those were staples when I was a kid. Loved them all. “Gamer” wasn’t really a term back then amongst my age group, it was just, “Hey, do you want to play this game?” I’d beg my parents all of the time to play. It was usually my mom that entertained me because my dad would be busy playing Wolfenstein on the PC!

As an adult, the list of loved games just gets longer. For me, it’s very rarely about winning. I love the social aspect of games the best. Talking, laughing, telling irreverent jokes… That’s what makes the game, even if we’re playing one I don’t really care for. That being said, I love Battle Wizards, Cards Against Humanity, Legendary, Firefly, Ticket to Ride, Sheriff of Nottingham, Arkham Horror, Red Dragon Inn… I could go on and on.

Games I hate: Small World, Chrononauts, and ESPECIALLY Battlestar Galactica. Barclay hates that game too, especially because I’m always Calleigh, a Cylon, and I kill him.

[AP]: You mentioned your father played Wolfenstein, what about your favorite video games and systems?
[DM]: I have three systems that really shaped me into a gamer: Super Nintendo, N64, and Playstation.

Super Nintendo was great, and I miss that system dearly. Sounds corny, but my earliest gaming memories come from that system. I loved Super Mario, Donkey Kong, 7UP (do you remember Spot? lol), and Scooby-Doo the best. I also loved Mortal Kombat, but could only play it at my friend’s house.

N64 was when I started gaming with other people. The N64 version of Smash Bros will always be king to me. DK64, Goldeneye, Super Mario Kart, Pokemon Snap, Pokemon Stadium are my favorites. I know they’re not the most popular games, but I feel an attachment to them in a way only a gamer would understand. A deep appreciation for the art and spirit of the games. I still have my Jungle Pack lime green N64. It’s plugged in up in the living room. Barclay likes to play Rogue Squadron on it. For some reason, I get motion sickness if I play it nowadays. I’m not sure if it’s the graphics or what.

Ever since Playstation came out, I have been an avid fan. I will never own an X-Box. I converted my husband! Sly Cooper, the Batman games, Fallout, Dead Island, L.A. Noire, Mortal Kombat, Scooby-Doo (I’m a super fan, ok?), God of War … there’s a ton of other PlayStation games I love, and will never get rid of. We’re getting a PS4 this year, and I finally get to play Arkham Knight. Super excited for Fallout 4, and of course Star Wars Battlefront! We haven’t decided how we will take turns playing yet. Maybe a thumb war is in order?

[AP]: Maybe a second PS4 is in order… As a female gamer, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you about your thoughts on the ridiculousness of the “GamerGate” stuff going on. Thoughts?
[DM]: Ugh, GamerGate. I have a lot of opinions, and not all of them are PC. I hate political correctness, by the way. What a waste of time. I’ll try to keep this short.

On one hand, I have experienced sexism in the gaming world. Hell, not just the gaming world, but in the computer nerd world at my job. What’s crazy is that I’ve gotten it from men AND women. Women tend to be more critical of each other than men, even though you hear about “girl power” and “sisterhood” all the time. I’ve actually had a woman ask me if I got a job by sleeping with someone at a company, as if I didn’t have the skills to qualify for the job. Women love, for whatever reason, to make life hard on each other, especially in the workplace. They’re just fucking mean to each other, they start rumors, and it shouldn’t be that way.

I’ve also had men make comments about my body, or say that women are too emotional to be good at math and science. Or they assume that I will be interested in their romantic overtures… So, I understand why it can rustle some feathers. It hurts, and sometimes it can be very uncomfortable or scary.

However, on the other hand… boo hoo. People seem to think that the world will someday be fair and all people will be equally appreciated in the gaming world, but they are just setting themselves up for disappointment. I have been to countries where certain foods, rituals, and animals are considered more important than women. Most people in America live in this microcosm where they believe we have the worst situation instead of being thankful for what we really have. They act like America is the only country and culture that exists. Things will never be equal because humans are selfish by nature. It’s shitty, but that’s life.

I’m not saying that mistreatment of females (or anybody) should be tolerated, but more women need to understand that just because a man or woman gets in your face and doubts your abilities doesn’t mean you have to listen to them or give up your dreams. It doesn’t mean every person is a misogynist asshole. Some people are just bastards, plain and simple. Painting people with broad brushes like that just hurts you in the end. You have to choose what battles you’re going to fight. Does it bother me there are not more strong female characters in games or movies? I have to say, not really. There are bigger fish to fry, like the wage gap. The best thing I can do is be a kick-ass lady computer nerd and gamer. The best thing I can do is pursue my goals and prove the naysayers wrong. The best thing I can do is believe in myself.

People are douchebags. If you’re a girl and you love gaming, then seriously fuck what anyone else has to say. Enjoy yourself, have a sense of humor, and kick ass. If someone makes a derogatory or negative comment about you, make them eat that shit sandwich. Hit them back with cunning and wit.

[AP]: If you were not an analyst, what would you be doing now?
[DM]: I would be a full-time writer, assuming I was making decent money. I gotta eat, too!

[AP]: What would you write?
[DM]: I would write whatever I have an interest in. I would write about geek stuff, travel, articles about fitness, general writing, psychology and coping with mental illness (I have anxiety, but my mom is Schizo-Affective. It always helps knowing there are others out there going through the same thing), crafty things, relationship advice, food, rants about random things… If I have an interest in it, I would write about it.

[AP]: What was your first choice for a career path?
[DM]: Growing up I changed my career path several times, simply because I have so many interests and love learning. Doctor, vet, chemical engineer…

I decided I wanted to be a criminal psychologist, but my parents were not receptive. I regret not following my dreams, but I make good money doing what I’m doing now. Technology is always changing, so it keeps me interested.

[AP]: Professionally or in your side projects, what are some of your big successes, public or behind-the-scenes?
[DM]: Writing wise, it was getting scholarly articles published and presenting them in NYC, New Hampshire, etc. That was a big moment for me. I ended up being an editor for my university’s first academic journal for a few years and I learned a lot.

Professionally…I’m not sure. I guess finishing my MBA and getting my first Cisco certification. I’ve gotten several certifications from companies like VMWare and Ciena, but passing a Cisco test was something special, because they are considered to be very difficult to achieve.

[AP]: Sounds like you keep yourself busy… What are some of your favorite ways to spend the free time that comes your way?
[DM]: Writing, exercising, gaming (video and board game), cooking/baking, exploring, laying on the couch giving commentary to B movies with Barclay… I have too many hobbies.

[AP]: This Barclay you speak of… Are you married? Do you have any kids?
[DM]: Yes! I have been married for almost 3 years to my husband, Barclay. We don’t have any kids at the moment, but we do have a furbaby named Rowdy. He’s a golden Yorkie.

[AP]: How and when did you meet Barclay?
[DM]: Barclay and I met online, ironically, in early March 2012. I say ironically because I was one of those people that swore I would never date online. Bars and clubs are “the” place to meet people here in Fayetteville, but that’s not really my scene.

I had been tossing around the idea of reaching out to him for a few weeks because he looked handsome, but honestly he looked like a huge douchebag in some of his pictures. He also looked angry! Plus, I had been on some god-awful dates (I mean BAD…think of your worst date and I probably have a worse one) through the website I was using, and was getting jaded. I was afraid this would be the same situation.

So, I gathered up some courage and sent him a direct message asking if I was the only one that liked to play the air drums while listening to Boston, haha. He responded, and we texted for a few weeks before he asked me on a date. It did not start off on the right foot, though. I had traveled from Greensboro to Fayetteville (I was in a friend’s wedding) to go on this date, and when I got to the restaurant, he told me he hadn’t even started getting dressed yet! So he was 30 minutes late, and it was raining.

When he did show up, he said, “Hi!” but didn’t pronounce his name for me, which was awkward, so I didn’t say his name the entire date. I also squirted lemon juice in my eye and wanted to die from embarrassment. He wasn’t a douchebag, and definitely the opposite of angry! He was the funniest, sweetest guy. There was something really special about him. It felt so comfortable. We talked about music, geek stuff, intellectual stuff and the restaurant ended up kicking us out, so we went to a coffee shop and kept talking about 3 a.m. We were smitten, and got married almost exactly nine months later.

It was definitely one of those “When you know, you know” moments. I distinctly remember asking my mom if I was crazy, because the way I felt about him was incredibly overwhelming. I had been in years-long relationships before, but they didn’t come close to the chemistry I had/have with Barclay. No regrets!

[AP]: Did your wedding have a theme?
[DM]: Our theme was: Get Married ASAP. Haha.

Well, since Barclay was on active duty at the time, he had a deployment coming up. We got engaged the day after Thanksgiving on top of a mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Boone, NC (go there if you have a chance!). He pretended his shoe was untied, haha. About 3 days later Barclay says, “You know…I’m going to be deploying soon…and we have to think of the possibility that I may not make it back. I want to get married before I leave so I know you’re taken care of if anything happens.”

It was something I didn’t want to think about, but in our world you have to. We got married literally less than a week later on December 1st, 2012, at our local courthouse, and my dad paid $20 for it. I guess unofficially our theme was gold, because I wore a gold party dress and he wore a gold tie. I still have our vows. We spent a weekend in Raleigh for our honeymoon, and ate McDonald’s as our first married and alone dinner; we drank champagne my parents gave us. It was perfect. The deployment was extremely painful for us, but we were glad we got married beforehand.

When he did return, his mom insisted we have a party to make up for our lack of “official” wedding. Barclay and I are geeks while his mom is very prim and proper. I was grateful for the effort she put into the party, but honestly, it was boring, and we didn’t know hardly anyone because none of our friends were invited. So, we got drunk and started acting out scenes from the show “Tim and Eric: Awesome Show, Great Job!” I’m sure I won over my mother-in-law at that point, haha. But hey, we got a shit ton of gifts, so that’s awesome. If I could do it over, Star Wars, Batman, and Mortal Kombat would have been floating around somewhere!

[AP]: Favorite movies?
[DM]: B movies, lol.

[AP]: You’ve mentioned those before… Any standouts that you have to watch every so often?
[DM]: I don’t know if standouts is the right word, but I love watching the Leprechaun movies. Warwick Davis Leprechaun. The best one has got to be “Leprechaun in the Hood.” I can’t remember what number in the series it is [5], but it is god-awful in the best way. Warwick Davis fucks a tranny to DEATH. He also raps. If that’s not a fantastic B movie, I don’t know what is.

[AP]: Favorite TV Shows?
[DM]: Criminal Minds/CSI

[AP]: You don’t see them as overplayed?
[DM]: I don’t watch TV that often, so I don’t get to see them enough to deem them as overplayed. CSI definitely has its corny, totally unbelievable aspects, but I love mysteries.

Suspension of disbelief is easy for me when I’m interested in the content. Criminal Minds is a great show to me. Even though some parts are a little outrageous, but the psychological aspects of the show are actually pretty accurate. You can tell (well, if you read about serial killers and psychology like I do, haha) that they have done their homework. I appreciate that effort. Besides, what shows aren’t overplayed? We have a ton of superhero shows, we’ve got cop shows, we’ve got reality TV…

[AP]: Since we’re doing favorites, what about music?
[DM]: Rock/Metal

[AP]: And what songs do you sing at the top of your lungs when they come on the radio?
[DM]: Oh man. I can sing the hell out of Tool and Rage Against the Machine. I love “The Pot,” “Calm Like a Bomb,” “Jambi,” but I also like Foreigner and LOVE Pink Floyd beyond conscious understanding. I just love music. If I know the words, you can bet I’m singing it and playing air guitar. I like to enjoy myself, and go to concerts as often as I can.

[AP]: Let’s get back to Daisy the Writer. As a writer, what inspires you to start a new project?
[DM]: Everyday life, honestly. I see relationships between inanimate objects or strangers. Many of my poems that seem like it’s about a person or myself is actually about two objects I imagine speaking to each other, like grass and a lawnmower blade. It’s hard to explain, but I promise I’m not crazy. Before I put a poem on paper, it’s in my head first.

[AP]: And when did you find your talent? Was it in writing in school? If it was a learned skill, was there a class that really boosted your interest?
[DM]: This is a hard question. I began writing on my own when I was 7 years old. I had this tiny little diary and I would write poems and short stories. I wrote a poetry book for my mom at that time, and she got it made into a real book, which was cool.

I just kept plugging away at it and it was 5th grade when some teachers were reading my work and requested I get tested for “giftedness.” I passed with a post-college reading level, which is crazy to me thinking back on it, but also made sense because I was bullied a lot during that time for being “weird.” I just didn’t fit in.

After that, I just became known as a “writer.” In 8th grade I started charging money to help my friends write papers, and in high school I had 4 poems published in an Asia-wide school art publication. Won some contests and was published in a newspaper. College just kept me so busy I didn’t have much time to write poetry, I was just focused on research.

My mom was/is a writer, although curiously enough she has never shared any of her poems with me. She would read my work, though, and give me pointers. I think that helped mold me into a better writer, for sure.

[AP]: So as far as writing is concerned, you came by that talent naturally?
[DM]: I think it is a natural talent I have, but also a lot of learning and practice. Writers can have natural talent, but if they don’t use it then they never grow. I don’t think it’s possible to “learn” to be a writer in the sense that you learn it in a classroom and suddenly you’re great. Anyone can write things, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. A writer’s mind is different from everyone else’s… They just see the world differently and you can’t learn that. I certainly don’t think I’m the greatest writer in the world, but I know I’m not terrible.

The biggest teacher for me has been practice and getting to know other writers.

[AP]: As a writer and a reader you must have some favorite books.
[DM]: Anything by Stephen King or Pablo Neruda.

[AP]: So you’re saying your favorite writer is…
[DM]: Stephen King has been my favorite since I was a little girl. I love him because he doesn’t sugar-coat human nature. His writing is dark, gritty, and his characters are true to life. I appreciate it when authors don’t shy away from who we are as creatures: messy.

[AP]: What about art? What are moves you?
[DM]: Art that is honest. It moves and motivates me when people bare their soul. It’s genuine and it makes me want to get to know that person. I hate having shallow friendships. I don’t have many close friends (I have a lot of acquaintances), but I feel very attached to the genuine spirit of the ones that are close. We can have deep conversations or be silly, but it’s always honest.

[AP]: We’ve touched on your education. I understand you went to Fayatteville State University on a bowling scholarship?
[DM]: I began bowling in the 6th grade, so by the time I was in college I was pretty good. Certainly not the best on the team, but I contributed more than my fair share.

My highest game was 273, and my average tended to be around 180-185 in general. I wasn’t always that high during the season, though, because collegiate sports are extremely stressful! Bowling for 8-10 hours a day for a tournament can wear you out and take a toll on your average. You don’t get to drink beer, which was a bummer.

But hey, I have 2 championships and 2 division titles, as well as 2 sweet rings. Not everyone can say they’re a champion.

[AP]: Besides bowling, what did you go to school for?
[DM]: I received a B.S. in Information Systems, so I did a lot of coding, database design, and network stuff. My MBA is in Project Management. Bowling fortunately paid for both of them!

[AP]: So what can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
[DM]: Well, I’m working on a poetry collection right now called “Time Speaks Loudest.” This is… I think the 9th full collection I’ve written. I’ve written about 500+ poems, but I didn’t start putting them together until high school. This is a special collection for me because it’s about memories.

Otherwise, work keeps me busy, and my husband and I are looking to buy our first home, so things are a bit crazy right now.

[AP]: And what hasn’t been checked off your bucket list?
[DM]: My biggest goal is to publish at least one poetry collection. In a perfect world, people would come to know my work.

I would also like to become a certified personal trainer, and go to Italy. I’d like to learn Italian so I can be multi-lingual. I already speak German.

I feel like I have done a lot in my life already, even though I’m young, so this is a work in progress.

[AP]: You have done a lot. You’ve also been around the globe a bit. What are some fun stories from your globe trotting?
[DM]: Yes, I’ve been all over! This story isn’t PC, but makes me laugh anyway. When I visited Thailand with my family, we went to a show called “PhantaSea.” The dancers came up on stage, and they were GORGEOUS. My mom was blown away by how beautiful they were in their elaborate costumes and makeup. Suddenly my dad, who was sitting next to my mom, puts a death grip on her arm in terror. All of those beautiful ladies were actually beautiful men! Changed the viewing experience a little bit, haha.

I also was mistaken for Ginny Weasley in a shopping area in Korea. In high school, I had very long (naturally red) hair, and for whatever reason some Korean schoolgirl got this idea I was that actress. She started shrieking, more people came running, and before I knew it, there was a mob around me taking pictures, pulling my hair, and asking for autographs. It wasn’t as glamorous as you’d think it would be!

[AP]: Is there a place in the world you would like to settle down? If not where you currently are?
[DM]: Probably Grand Cayman. It’s gorgeous there and very laid back.

But, I’ve moved around so much that I’m ready to find a spot to settle down and have a family. We’re leaving Fayetteville next year and heading up to Raleigh. It’s weird getting older, because you start thinking about good schools for your kids, if the area is safe, amenities, etc. But Raleigh is a great city, and I’ll honestly be grateful to be leaving the military life. My husband was active duty for 7 years, so he’s ready too.

[AP]: With everything you have going on how well do you manage your time? And how do you or don’t you manage it?
[DM]: I’m very organized and have a schedule for almost everyday. It’s flexible, but I mostly stick to it.

The first thing I do every morning is workout. Then eat breakfast. Then shower. Then work. Then… Well, you get it. It takes discipline to work from home, but I prefer working alone anyway.

[AP]: So, what is the most productive setting for you to accomplish your work?
[DM]: I like to be alone with soft music and a beverage. I write everything by hand in a special journal and edit it before I type it up.

[AP]: Technology has changed how stories are told. What are your thoughts on storytelling as technology encroaches on actual writing, replacing it instead with podcasts and audiobooks?
[DM]: I definitely believe that writing is becoming a lost art, and I find that disturbing and sad.

Podcasts and audiobooks are great and have their purpose, but to be able to write a story or a poem with carefully crafted imagery and diction… That’s something special. You can have a podcast and tell stories, sure… But will those stories move your listeners in the same way that a terrifying short story would? In my experience, no. I don’t remember the stories I’ve heard… I remember the ones I’ve read, hiding under the covers with a flashlight.

[AP]: Considering not all technology is about destroying the “lost art” of writing and it’s growth over the last decade has been exponential, what have been or currently are your favorite gadgets?
[DM]: Even though I’m a techie and I’m immersed in the computer/technology world all of the time, I’m actually pretty simple. I don’t like having a ton of gadgets, so I’m probably not the best to ask in that regard. I’d rather be outside or doing something active. I do use a Polar Loop during the day to track my activity. It’s cool because it’s pretty fashionable, and it comes with an app so you can track your progress and goals for the day. It also tracks your sleep. It’s like $70 on Amazon compared to $120 in stores!

I also love my Dell XPS 12. It turns into a tablet when I just want to surf 4Chan or Pinterest. It doesn’t have a disk drive, which I consider a con, but it’s super light-weight and fun to use. I used to use my Ipod all of the time, but I’m not sure where it is now. I love music.

Other than my work computer (it’s a dinosaur), I don’t really use much more than that. I use my phone, obviously, but I hate talking on the phone (even before cell phones came out), and use it mostly for work emails, Instagram, and Pandora, haha.

It’s an ASUS Padfone X, which I don’t recommend. It’s a piece of shit. I got it because it came with a tablet, but seriously, two cups and a string are better than this phone.

I would have a Go-Pro if I could, but then I don’t know what I’d use it for. Sometimes I miss the days before all of these gadgets and internet. Life seemed a lot simpler. Not as much unnecessary stress.

[AP]: You’ve mentioned fitness a few times and your Twitter bio says you are a “fitness junkie,” do you have any tips for the uninspired, overworked, or lazy people to get started?
[DM]: As someone that went from super-beast athlete to nearly crippled to athlete again, I’ve learned a LOT, and most of it isn’t even about fitness. Health and fitness is a mental game. A lot of people dive into exercise or “dieting” (ugh) and then give up because it’s hard or they’re not seeing results fast enough.

Start small. Use MyFitnessPal or something to track yourself. Don’t forget to hydrate! Do activities you enjoy and set goals. Don’t beat yourself up, progress takes time. 

There is a lot more I could say about this topic, but ultimately do what feels right for you and your body.

[AP]: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
[DM]: “So what?”

My husband is laid back and easy-going, whereas I can be anxious and very Type A. Sometimes I get worried about what other people think or self-conscious that I’m not “doing enough” (a by-product of my childhood, unfortunately).

One day I was afraid of what someone would think about a choice I made. Barclay told me “So what? Who cares what they think? If you’re happy, then what they say doesn’t matter.” I just never thought about it that way I guess. Now when I get anxious, I think that. It’s helped a lot, but I still have a lot of work to do in that regard.

[AP]: And conversely, what is the best advice you could give to someone?
[DM]: I suffered a spinal injury in college that ended up forcing me to retire from sports. I was surprised when I received a lot of flack for it… A lot of people didn’t believe I was “good” anymore or they were very condescending. Even though I was in a lot of pain, I pushed through it and my team won another championship as well as another division title. I felt vindicated and retired after that. I showed them that I wasn’t useless just because I was injured, although I did struggle with depression during that time.

I say all of that to say that setbacks aren’t failures. You only fail when you decide that you aren’t worth the effort. And, you never know who you may be inspiring along the way.

I am happy to say that once I started treatment last November (we had previously thought I had a knee injury, so my spine went untreated for 3.5 years), I am much better physically and I have been getting back into fitness to keep healthy!

[AP]: Where and how can people contact or follow you?
[DM]: Twitter and Instagram are the easiest ways to keep up with me in general, but my poetry is on Deviant Art.

Twitter: @BinaryBombshell
Instagram: @ParalyticProcess
DeviantArt: ParalyticProcess

I would say that each account is kind of like a different facet of who I am. My Twitter is more about my geeky side, Instagram is my life and a lot of fitness/encouragement, and DeviantArt is the writer aspect of my personality. So people can follow me based on their interests, I suppose.

[AP]: Having thoroughly been through the ringer, it’s time to let you leave and see your beloved Barclay and the light of day… I hope you enjoyed your interrogation and is there anything else you would like to add, or do you just want the bright light turned off?
[DM]: The last morsel I will leave with you, Agent Palmer, is that you can never go wrong by doing the right thing! You had to waterboard it out of me, but by God, there it is. Keep kicking ass, Agent!

End of Transmission