UP CLOSE -- Suzanne Smith

-- Compiled by Torus Tammer, photo by XXXXX

* AGE: 35

* FAMILY STATUS: Married to Gary, and mother of daughter Allison, who

started kindergarten this year; stepdaughter Stephani, a college

sophomore; and stepson Brandon, a high school senior

* EDUCATION: High school and some college -- I learn something new

every day

* EXPLAIN YOUR JOB: I plan special events, special projects and

provide support for the board secretary, and am the tour guide

coordinator and audio visual coordinator.

* YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Wise choices throughout life, leading to

a wonderful family, a good job and a blossoming hobby

* PERSONAL MOTTO: Never wonder “what if,” just try it.

* MOST HUMBLING MOMENT: Development and growth of my daughter

* YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: Travel

* MOST INFLUENTIAL MOVIE YOU’VE SEEN: “The American President”

* WHAT CASSETTE OR COMPACT DISC IS IN YOUR CAR RIGHT NOW? A whole case

full of eclectic CDs and Disney’s “Princesses” cassette

* YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION: My heart pendant and grandfather’s

bolo tie

* WHICH WORDS OR PHRASE DO YOU OVERUSE? “Excuse me?” “XQSUZME” is my

license plate.

* WHAT CAN YOU COOK? Enchilada specials (Disneyland employees know

what I mean)

* A HABIT YOU WISH YOU COULD CONTROL: Shopping

* THE COLLEGE MAJOR YOU ALMOST CHOSE: Law

* YOUR LAST CHARITABLE ACT: Helped PartyLite raise $1 million for the

American Cancer Society

* AS A CHILD, WHAT DID SCHOOLMATES TEASE YOU ABOUT? My height; I

towered over everyone.

* WHAT IS IN YOUR CAR TRUNK RIGHT NOW? No trunk; I drive a Suburban,

but PartyLite kit

* THE FIRST THING THAT ATTRACTED YOU TO YOUR SPOUSE? His looks and

smart mouth -- can’t get better than that

* THE WORST IDEA YOU EVER HAD: That my three sisters and I could cook

dinner for 150 guests at my parents 40th anniversary party last

September.

* WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN VOTED IN HIGH SCHOOL: Party coordinator

* WHO ARE YOUR HEROES? My parents and grandparents; they taught me the

importance of family

* FAVORITE ESCAPE FROM REALITY: The river with family and friends

* ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD IF YOU COULD: Find a cure

for cancer

* YOUR IDEA OF EXERCISE: Softball

* I HAVE A DREAM THAT: I have loads of money, stay home and take care

of my daughter and become a group leader for PartyLite Gifts.

* PHONE OR ADDRESS WHERE PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU: Orange County

Sanitation District, 10844 Ellis Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708-8127;

(714) 962-2411