I was born on July 31st, 1984. Those of you familiar with astrology will know that makes me a Leo. In some ways, I can be very different from the typical conception of someone born under that sign. I’m not really a social person, and I absolutely abhor being the center of attention. I have only been to one party in my entire life, and I hated it, and spent most of the evening as far away from everyone as possible. However, in some ways I am very much a Leo. I’m argumentative, stubborn, very loyal and protective of the people I care about, way too generous at times, very liberal and extremely impulsive. I’ve got an awful temper, and I can be very jealous and possessive at times. I’m very moody, and I can be manipulative as well. Surprisingly, I'm quite emotional and can be too sensitive at times. When I'm happy, I'm extremely happy, but in that same respect, when I'm sad I go into these depressions so deep that I can basically lose my will to live, and they can last months. I’m the nicest person in the world until you anger me, but if you do, you might end up regretting it indefinitely. While it doesn't really seem to fit in here, I'll also say that I am globophobic, which you may not believe, but I tell you, keep those damn things away from me, or you will regret it. Moving on…

From ages two until about twelve, I was a complete spaz. I couldn't sit still, I didn't want to pay attention, and anyone who tried to make me suffered. I got better about that as I got older, but I was never one for school. I lost interest in it about the time I started the eighth grade. Don’t for a second mistake my lack of interest for lack of intelligence, though. I was a major thorn in many of my teachers’ sides, mainly because they knew that if I had the desire, I could make the highest grade in the class on practically any given assignment, but chose not to because I thought the assignment was pointless and absurd. I was more likely the one person in the class who would take the time to talk to the teacher, and treat them as an equal while doing it. In addition, I was the type of child that always seemed to find trouble every where I went, and was always in the office for one infraction or another. The day I received that diploma, I went out into the world and never looked back, not even considering higher education.

My life after that resembled a roller coaster ride. I’ve been homeless, and lived on the beach. I’ve gone without food for over a week. I've had to start over with nothing but the clothes on my back. I’ve come very close to ending everything a couple of times, but thankfully I‘m just too damn stubborn for that. I’ve clawed and fought for every bit of satisfaction and success in my life. I take one step forward, and I go two steps backward. There are times that I’m determined that things will work out, and there are times I’m sure they won’t and I’m awake at two in the morning with racing thoughts and a sense of panic so severe inside of me that I can’t stop shaking. Deep down, however, if I’ve learned one thing from my life, it’s that as dark as things may seem at any given moment, this too will pass, and I will be stronger for it.

What do I expect from you after reading this? Absolutely nothing. I don’t want to be coddled. I don’t need your pity or sympathy or empathy. I’m simply an honest person. The bad times in my life are just as important as the good, as far as I’m concerned. Every day that goes by is another step closer to discovering who I really am. Sometimes, I find out things about myself I don’t really like, but I’m starting to accept things as they are.

If you have taken the time to read this, I thank you kindly. I do have a tendency to ramble.