Laura

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In the beginning of November 2006, I got sick. I took a few trips to the emergency room, where I learned that I had contracted e.coli. Soon after that, I was apparently in terrible pain from my swollen left leg. (I don't remember it at all.) I was taken to hospital an hour away, where they did opened up my leg and realized that gangrene was a few hours away from killing me. For that reason, my left leg was amputated above the knee.
To read more about it, go to this news article and this blog entry .
I've been in and out of the hospital lately, so please forgive me if I do not respond to messages or comments promptly.
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Singing and historical fencing are two of my biggest passions. I still try to catch the occasional class at the Diamond Rose Academie d'Armes , where before my illness, I achieved the rank of Usher, the yellow rosette. I also took voice lessons at the Vocal Arts Academy for about a year, and I can't wait to get back to singing my arias!
I love music! I'm trying to teach myself to play the electric guitar, and I'm receiving lessons for the violin from who else but a fellow fencer! As for music, I listen to pretty much anything nowadays, but my favorite band now is...
I also love fashion, aesthetics, graphic design, interior decorating, jewelry design, photography, modeling, etc.
My main pastimes right now are: learning Japanese and translating song lyrics as practice, going to school, taking photos, and watching my favorite crime dramas/documentaries. I intend to go a bit further with photography this year, and hopefully open an online shop to sell prints in.
Despite my inclination to art, I plan to work toward a degree in Business. I'm hoping to continue on with my dream of attending Temple University's Tokyo Campus someday, when I'm able to walk again... Until then, I'm taking classes at a local junior college.
I also love learning about foreign cultures. Things like traveling, experiencing different styles of music and art, and learning new languages are important to me. I'm always looking for new friends and contacts around the world!