Laura Volpini, 36, Attorney
Hidden talent: I'm a ballroom dancer. I dance every week and compete a few times each year.
Biggest fear: I believe in God and he's going to take care of everything, so I don't really have a lot of fear.
My bad habit: I have a hard time saying "no." And I am a diehard people-pleaser.
My guilty pleasure: I do not walk my dogs. I drive them around and take them on car rides. These are planned car rides. I have two [dogs], a Pekingese toy poodle named Cesar and a Yorkshire terrier toy poodle named Brutus.
You'd never guess: How good I am at football. I played in the Cleveland Sport and Social Club [Cleveland Plays] league for a little over 10 years. I tore my ACL in 2009 and had to retire.
I can't live without: My iPhone. Or my gym workouts.
My hero: My mom. She came from Italy when she was 17, married my dad six weeks later without speaking the language and she managed to become a very successful, very reputable real estate professional.
On my bucket list: I would like to go hiking at the Grand Canyon.
Biggest accomplishment: Starting my three businesses in one year.
When I'm not working: I have a 5-year-old son, so he's my first priority. I'm very involved in my church and I spend a lot of time either volunteering at the church or in [the] gym. I'm a foodie, so I like to frequent restaurants.
Find me here on a Saturday night: I would either be at a salsa club dancing or I'd be at my favorite restaurant, Dante in Tremont, enjoying an awesome dinner.
If I had one wish: My dad's in a wheelchair and if I had one wish I think I'd ask for him to walk again.
Once-in-a-lifetime moment: Graduating from law school and getting my MBA on the same day — a double graduation of sorts.
On death row, my last meal would be: It would be gnocchi in red sauce — my mom's red sauce — and meatballs.
If I won the Mega Millions, I'd spend it on: I'm a saver so I would probably save quite a bit of it, whether it's for myself or my son. I'd make a sizeable contribution to my church, and other than that I would just pray and ask God to direct me in what's the best use of the money. I have everything I need right now. Could I have a fancier house and car? Sure, but I don't need anything. The other thing I would do if I won the Mega Millions is to move my family closer to me so we could all be together, since we're scattered.
My No. 1 dating rule: On a date, he can't get drunk. The guy can't smoke cigarettes and the guy cannot chew tobacco. I guess that's three.
Deal-breakers: They can't be a Debbie Downer. Maybe we should say a Donnie Downer.
The perfect date: I like activity, so I would say some sort of sport-related activity.
I'm a sucker for: I'm a sucker for someone who is witty.
Most romantic thing you've ever done: I'm waiting for the most romantic thing.
What I look for in a significant other: I look for someone who is motivated, mentally strong, secure and who has a servant heart and strong faith in God.
Celebrity dream date: Maksim Chmerkovskiy from Dancing With the Stars. Dinner and a waltz or a tango after would be fine!
Celebrity look-alike: Most often I get Sandra Bullock, though I don't believe it. During a trial, one time a juror told me I look like Sandra Bullock in Two Weeks Notice. That's what she was paying attention to — not the evidence.
Dogs or cats: Dogs.
Beach or mountains: Both. My grandparents live in Italy and they live in the mountains, but the beach is only 30 minutes away. The best of both worlds.
Signature dish: A gnocchi dish in an olive oil sauce with chicken, hot sausage, peppers, lots of herbs and Parmesan cheese.
How I stay healthy: I eat right and exercise. And I encourage other people to do it as well. I have a Facebook page where I promote fitness-related things for free to my friends and followers. Strength training is No. 1, so I usually do three days of strength training, lifting weights, and three days of cardio [per week].
Favorite ... love story: I don't think I've ever heard one. I don't have a favorite. ... book: The Bible. ... TV show: Grey's Anatomy. ... movie: Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts classic. ... blog: I don't have one, really. ... music: Anything with a good dance beat. ... restaurant: Dante in Tremont. ... app: I think Facebook's my favorite app. It's what I use the most.
What I'm reading: Ohio case law. That's really what I'm reading.
iPod embarrassment: I have "Cupid Shuffle," which is that Chuck E. Cheese song.
I'm so over: I'm tired of selfish. I just think people need to stop being so selfish.
Dream job: Mine. I have it.
Dream vacation: The French Riviera.
Best date I've been on: I was actually in Italy. I was much younger and I met a young Italian guy and he took me out for dinner. And then we strolled the shopping district and then the beach [of Tortoreto]. I was just really nice, beautiful, romantic. That was really it. And the guy was really good looking. That always helps. And I was young — that always helps too. Young and impressionable.
Worst date I've been on: I went on a date and the guy brought his girlfriend. That's harsh.
