Beyond Insane is also known as Fortunate Few, occasionally. But the name my momma gave me is Michelle. I'm "The Other Michelle" as it were, cause Bamberrific was on earth first.

"The Other Michelle" is Bamberrific's partner in crime. If by "crime" I mean "all things regarding Jamie". Which I do. So I'll continue. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Beyond Insane (or appropriately, Bi) lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, further proving the truth inherent in my internet name. Actually, Milwaukee is quite nice and is home to the greatest concentration of (rabid) Jamie Bamber fans in the world. I knew there was something in the water. *Downs another glass*

So, my story. How did I "Come to Jamie?" I would guess that it was the most typical path, no road-less traveled-by here. It all begins with Firefly. I was coerced into watching it by a friend, who know how much I hated Spaceship shows, but thought I should give it a try anyways. I did, and became an ardent fan. I tried converting my friend Creampuf, who would only agree to watch it if I watched season one of BSG, although the title squicked me out as I have never been a Star-Trek, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Farscape, or any other Spaceship Show fan.

Creampuf made me watch the show under the pretense that it had the most stunning woman I'd ever see (Starbuck, played by Katee Sackhoff.) She was right.

What she failed to mention was *watch as he takes of his helmet, freeze frame.* This man *points* Lee Adama. Now, I grew quite a rapid fondness for Lee; I loved his hair, his arrogant little walk, pretty much everything about him. Then I watched the bonus features and SHOCK! This floppy haired, fluffy coat wearing, mischievous impish grin having man was lilting at me in a delightful accent. After seventeen cold showers, and three sets of batteries (for the REMOTE CONTROL you nasties!) I registered at scifi.com to try and learn more about this mysterious Jamie Bamber actor-fellow I was so taken with.

The Bunnies did not disappoint. I lurked on the thread for months, never really knowing what to say or contribute. Then something amazing happened. I met Jamie in Real Life.

It was at a convention, of course, at Gen Con in Indiana in August of 2006. I waited in the autograph line like a good fan girl, trying desperately to keep my cool. Of course, about 12 of my guy friends - and my then fiance - had shown up and were waiting for me at the end of the autograph section well within eye and earshot. Jamie and I discuss whether or not he is a Cylon, and I say "my Fiance is always saying you are one just to get at me." He looks over at the group of men and says "Which one is he?" I point him out and the two of them do this play fight thing, Jamie being all like "Why don't you come up here and say that" and Sean is all "You're lucky you're on that side of the curtain" as Jamie sinks down in his chair, looks at the looooong autograph line and says "I don't know about that" and grins at me. Meanwhile, I have died.

So naturally, I have to share this story, and the picture that corresponded, with the girls on the Jamie Appreciation thread.

It was love at first post. Over the last year, I have made the most amazing group of friends. And the "band of obsession and love" continues to grow. The highlight of the year was DragonCon in Atlanta. Not only was Jamie nice to look at ,(intentional understatement) he was eloquent, intelligent, and willing to play along with our shenanigans. The experience is well chronicled here if you are interested in the story from my slightly askew point of view. The madness goes on, as plans develop for more fan meet ups, more conventions, and more bunny sleepovers. I always have some sort of madcap scheme in the making.

I have to say that being a fan of someone that is as talented, brilliant, charming, friendly, and accessible as Jamie Bamber is insanely rewarding in itself, and getting to know and befriend his other fans has been the cherry on the sundae. If you like cherries as much as I do. If not, substitute the noun in that analogy to something else that belongs on a sundae that you are very fond of, like chocolate sauce or pecans.

Jamie once said to me that he doesn't think he is that good, just lucky. If he is lucky, we are simply blessed.

Let's see, outside of the internet, I work as an estimator for a construction company. I am married, very recently and very happily to my love of 8 years - who is very understanding and supportive of the whole "fan club thing" as he says. I have four younger siblings ranging from 24 to 5. I am on the board of directors for a local theatre group; I'm very in to acting and performing. It's what I wanted to do before I realized how unstable it was and craved a regular paycheck. I'm a coward, I know! I write, I write, and I write.

To contact me, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Any fan of Jamie's is a friend of mine.

Bunny Luv,

Michelle

(Beyond Insane)