I feel very blessed by how many people have supported me through this journey. First of all, I want to thank my professors including Tom Furness, Bill Winn, Phil Bereano, Scott Iverson, Bob Markley, Kal Kapur, Richard Storch, and of course, Earl "Buz" Hunt. You have all been role models for me. There are many people at the lab to thank, but for brevity's sake, I will just mention Suzanne, Ann, Toni, Kimberley, Howard, Ari, Joel, Alden, Dace, Joey, Jerry, Peter, Sharon, and Scott. I also wish to thank people no longer at the lab including Dav, Dan, Colin, Sus, Random, Squish, the many Mark(c)s, Tak, Andy, Max, Gina, Glenna, Ryoko, Daniel, Steven, Catherine, Julian, Karen, Kymerie, Mary, Don, Bob, Paul, Meredith, William, Jesus, Brian, and Geoff. Thank you for the passionate conversations and for finding missing parentheses for me. I didn't even take it personally that most of you left in the middle of helping me. Your presence was missed more than my parentheses.

In the past year, my new colleagues at Philips Research Laboratories have helped me through the last stage of this process. Mark Stewart and all the students and teachers from Garfield, Kennedy, West Seattle, and the Pacific Science Center were invaluable for my projects over the years. Furthermore, US West provided my financial backing during the course of my schooling.

Mom, Dad, Cheryl, Garey, Joe, Robin, Karen, Brooks, Steve, Marie, and all the kids provided a strong base for me and said a lot of rosaries. Rach's family didn't say rosaries for me, but they also provided support. (This acknowledgment obligates Ruth to mention me in her next book). Amy knew me when. Laura and Barbara created a space for me and my heart. Michelle and Bernie provided a mirror. Tess (the artist) and Subway sandwiches were a wonderful Wednesday afternoon ritual. OK, Subway sandwiches were more than just Wednesday afternoons. Tawnya and all the actors added balance to my life as well as putting me off-balance. Many more friends gave of themselves and although I will leave them as anonymous, I do not do so out of a lack of deep connection. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes to Rachel and Blue. You know.

iv

To: Raven, Rowan, Fairy, & Flax