When 9/11 happened, 12 of our neighborhood firemen were killed. I looked around at the country that had adopted me and I became an American.

A self-esteem issue doesn't change whether you're considered beautiful or not because it's about what's inside you.

I believe in glamour. I am in favor of a little vanity. I don't rely on just my genes. Looking good is a commitment to yourself and to others.

Don't be afraid to walk away from things that are just not right for you.

Pulling off a zebra-print dress can be challenging for some.

I would rather Google other people than Google myself.

My saving grace was that I always knew when to leave the party.

My father taught me how to be a parent and gave me a positive connection with men because he is a gentleman.

For me, diversity whether you think of it as race or gender, it's not a trend, it's a human movement, it's a human feeling, it's a human desire.

We grew up as poor people but we never knew poverty. I still love and miss the Somalia I grew up in. Things changed, when my father became a diplomat later on.

Make sure your decision to have a child is based on the need to share your life completely with another little human being and not because of some personal need for validation as a woman.

The biggest gap in your life is that between what you know and what you do." - Bob Proctor

In the ten houses the police had scouted, I hadn't sensed anything more dangerous than a pot that prevents over-boiling.

So . . . what is this fire river called?”“The Phlegethon, ” [Annabeth] said. “You should concentrate on going do

All we need, really, is a change from a near frigid to a tropical attitude of mind.

I'm, I guess you could say, the Chinese-speaking, banjo-picking girl.

My yearn for home is broadened Patriotism expanded By callings from beyond So I pack my things Nothing precious All things sacred

I don't even want to think of myself as an actor because it's such an insecure place to go.

Even before I had a daughter, I was passionate about global women's issues, but now that she's here, I'm even more inspired to leave a better world for Evangeline.

I am thrilled when I read about fans using my stories as springboards to read about either the historical characters or the myths and legends in the books.

I go to goth clubs dressed as a frat guy so I can stand around and look terribly uncomfortable. At frat parties I do the same thing, but the other way around.