Melinda's Question and Answers (mtv)

1. Why did you audition for The Real World?
I wanted to live some place other than Wisconsin. I also wanted to meet new people and have them as friends for the rest of my life.
2. Describe a typical day in your life, pre-Real World.
Get up after a long night of drinking around 2 p.m. and get my lazy butt to school...and then work...Not fun, but whatever.
3. What are you passionate about? What do you love? What inspires you or makes you happy?
I'm passionate about people. I'm a really compassionate person and I like to lend a hand or ear to make people happy. Being in love makes me happy. It's a beautiful time.
4. What's your guilty pleasure?
Baloney sandwiches. Yum yum. Oh yeah, plus Flaming Hotts. And cuddling with Danny. I want to cuddle with someone with my baloney and Flaming Hott breath!
5. What do you find attractive? What turns you on?
A sense of humor and a guy who goes out of his way to make me smile. When a guy does those little things to let me know he loves every part of me -- baloney-eating and all! Obviously Danny.
6. What is your dream vacation spot?
Probably Barbados. Or even Puerto Rico. I love crystal blue waters and white sand.
7. Before moving into The Real World house, what roommate experience did you have? Were you nervous about living with Seven Strangers?
None, besides my fish. I lived at home. I was definitely nervous, but more excited than anything.
8. What would you say are your best and worst qualities?
Best -- Caring and humorous
Worst -- Passive. I don't say what I want right away...I wait until someone figures it out.

9. Describe your Real World experience in three words.
Dramatic, exciting, and enticing
10. When you first met your roommates, what were your first impressions of each?
Danny -- Gorgeous and sweet
Rachel -- Outgoing and loud like me
Nehemiah -- Confident
Wes -- Oh God he's wearing a pink shirt!
Lacey - Artsy
Johanna - Reserved and quiet

11. Were there things that you were embarrassed to do on camera? If so, what were they?
Definitely go to the bathroom or shower. Also being intimate...
12. Who is your favorite celebrity? If you could hang out with any celeb, who would it be? Do you have a crush on a celeb?
Gwen Stefani...I'd love to meet her. She's so confident, secure and real. I have a huge crush on Danny from Real World Austin.
13. Which former Real World cast member would you like to meet and why?
Pedro...unfortunately I will never be able to, but he brought a strong awareness to the AIDS issue at a time when it was sort of hush hush. He will forever remain a role model.
14. Do you have any nicknames? What are they and why?
Mel-Pop-a-Squat...I pee everywhere and anywhere when I need to go!
15. If you could have brought one person to Austin to live in the house with you, who would you choose?
My mom. She's my closest and best friend who would've been able to help me out when things got nuts.
16. What's the one thing you want people to know about you after watching the show?
That there are a lot more sides to me. I'm a pretty complex person, not just what you see.
17. What's your favorite thing to do in Austin?
Walk around Congress, Guadalupe, and 6th Street...Plus the Dizzy Rooster and Blind Pig Pub!
18. Favorites:
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookie Dough / Vanilla
Favorite Movie: Stand by Me / The Notebook
Favorite Holiday: 4th of July, Long Line Day in Costa Rica!
Favorite Sport/Sports Team: Volleyball
Favorite Band: No Doubt
Favorite Food: Crab legs

19. What's your porn star name? (Your childhood pet's name + the name of the street you grew up on.)
Candy Courtland
20. What are you looking forward to in life? What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Having a successful career as well as a happy healthy husband and kids. I hope I'm just happy and in love.