1. What are you hoping to learn from seminary?
I really need to get some grounding in pastoral counseling. I've been mostly flying by the seat of my pants in this area for the last few years. Having some formal training in the area is a must-do, for me. I'd also like to broaden my general experience with ministerial issues, and get some pointers on working with people whose belief systems are different than mine- whether a different sort of paganism/heathenism, or people who aren't pagan at all.
2. What are some things you do to feel relaxed / stop stressing / unwind after a busy day / etc?
Reading tops the list, often rereading something familiar and well-loved. I also like to change into different clothes, especially if I'm coming home from work- it helps separate me from the stress. Sometimes, doing some small domestic task like taking out the trash or doing a load of laundry will help. Hold Brutus on my lap and listening to him purr is always a great help. And there's always single-malt scotch.
3. Do you have any comfort foods?
Triscuits and cheese, especially Swiss. Beef stroganoff. Pasta with clam sauce. Good bread. Dunkin' Donuts apple fritters. These pastries called "sugar crisps" that Giant Food carries.
4. Who are some people (and/or other beings), alive or dead, that you deeply respect - and why?
Some folks, in no particular order:
The Dalai Lama- for caring for his people, transforming the public face of his religion, and (most of all) facing the terrible trials of his lifetime without fear or hatred.
Jacques Cousteau- for doing everything it takes to realize his dream, and spending his life opening up a new world for all to wonder at.
My parents- for raising three sons on one government salary, providing us with every need, and paying our way through college... all the while managing things so we never really registered all the scrimping and saving they had to do.
5. How much sleep do you like to get? (And do you generally manage it?)
I seem to need 7-8 hours a night, but it's been way too long since I established a baseline. And no, on the average, I don't get it. ;-)