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Your name: Stephanie Schmaedeke

Your profession: Before moving to New Mexico I worked as teacher's assistant for kids with disabilities. Right now I’m temporarily helping out at the Quay County Sun.

Your age: 29 Hometown: Westminster, Colo. Your family: Husband- Chris Schmaedeke, 30. No children yet but I'm hoping that will change...Perfect day: I'd start with a Starbuck's white mocha! Mom & I would see a cheesy romance matinee. I'd spend the day shopping with friends on a bottomless wallet. Have a night on the town with my hubby for dinner & dancing! Then curl up with my cat & a good book before bed. Your pets: My cat, Bear, is black but I'm convinced she's a good luck charm. I've had her for 12 years and spoil her to no end. She's also my protector - many a pizza man has run away screaming. It took awhile but she finally came around to my husband. Your theme song: "Won't Back Down" Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Most people wouldn't guess because I'm usually so nice & quiet. But I learned a long time ago others will walk all over you if you let them. It's a fine line but you have to be true to your own character.Quay county: Small towns can be hard for a newcomer. I miss the restaurants & shopping in Denver. But theres a feeling of community here. People are very friendly, they hold open the door & stop each other on the street to say hello. Not something you see in the city. Favorite entertainer: Conan O'Brien. I was pretty upset on his behalf that he got cut from the Tonight Show. How can you not love a guy with big poofy red hair like that? Most embarassing moment: When I first turned 21 I used to love going dancing with my girlfriends. I thought I was pretty hot stuff in my tight little pants on the dance floor...right up until I split a seam down the back of my britches! Childhood story: I grew up in the country with my brother. My parents didn't believe in just sitting around and watching t.v. so we had to use our imagination. I remember building the Starship Enterprise on my dad's trailerbed using all the scrap materials we could find. Story about Mom and Dad: Recently I got married. My dad practiced & practiced so he could play his guitar & sing “Butterfly Kisses” at the reception. Neither one of us is good with showing emotions so this was a very special moment for me and I really had to hold back the tears. World better place: There are two things I really care about - education and women's rights. I would use the money towards developing facilities to help children with disabilities receive a better education, and create shelters and programs for women who've been abused. If I could do anything, I would: Travel around the globe, see the Seven Wonders of the World and anything else there is to see. Preferably by boat. Greatest fear: FLYING! I used to love it but ever since 9/11 I've developed a fear of crashing. Greatest hope: That people will realize it's okay to be different. What's important is being kind. Favorite taste: Chocolate. Favorite smell: Coffee.Favorite part of job: As a TA I've seen some difficult cases. One student really gave me a hard time, literally pulling out my hair on a weekly basis. After months of working together we built up some trust & had a lot of fun. Seeing how far they had come was a great feeling. Met your spouse: A mutual friend set us up on a blind date. Our first date was a little awkward. But the sparks began to fly on the second date when our competitive sides were showing after a heated game of miniature golf. Most prized possession: My husband Chris is the greatest guy I know. He's a little tightly wound but only because he cares so much about everything he does. I don't really think of him as a possession but he's definitely the best thing I have in my life.

Harold and Deb Sloan of Tucumcari, and Dave and Kwang-Chi Sorenson of Colorado Springs, Colo. would like to announce the engagement of their children, Zak and Annette. Zak is the grandson of Dale Wiest and the late Thelma Wiest. Zak is a graduate of Texas Tech University and is currently attending law school at the University of New Mexico. Annette received her bachelors from the University of Denver and is currently working as a wellness teacher at High Point Academy in Aurora, Colo. The couple will be married on June 26 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Gracie Leann Otero will celebrate her 7th birthday on Feb. 14, 2010. She will celebrate with a Valentine’s Day Party with her family and friends. Gracies's parents are Gino and Miquela Otero of Tucumcari. She has two little sisters, Emily and Melanie. Her grandparents are Charlie Valverde, Judy Martinez and Gene and Evelyn Otero. Her great-grandparents are Vera Cordova and Rose Otero.