~ Amanda : January ~

I am not a model. I am a daughter, a friend, a lover, a writer, a television professional, and a Phat Girl Running. I am smart, sexy, silly, vivacious, adventurous, tattooed, loyal, passionate, and geeky - a little bit classical, and a little bit rock & roll. I am a study, really, in well-loved contradictions.

But I am not a model.

When I first became involved in the limesuckers project, it was as a producer. I was excited to be able to help create this amazing product, to help Heather kick cancer square in the ass. Unfortunately, life (as always) had other plans. The job that I started mere weeks after this project's inception left me zero time for anything else and I was forced to resign my position. At Avril's request, I agreed to stay on as an alternate model "just in case." We had all twelve months lined up plus a few alternates before me, what were the chances that I'd actually have to step out of my clothes and in front of a camera?

The chances were very good, apparently.

When Avril called me a few months later to let me know that I was officially Miss January, I admit that I panicked slightly. I'm not a model! At least, not in the classic sense. I'm a 5'7" brunette who is well above sample size; unless Jean-Paul Gaultier is hiring, I'm hardly runway material.

But who cares? Limesuckers is about raising money to help Heather fight the battle of (and for) her life, not about physical perfection. Why was I hesitating for even a second?

So here I am - strutting my stuff in front of the lens not to sell perfume or couture, but to help a friend and save a life.

I can't think of a better reason to take off my clothes, can you?

Contact Amanda: amanda@limeproject.org.