You know how most illnesses have symptoms you can recognize? Like fever, upset stomach, chills, whatever. Well, with manic depression, it's sexual promiscuity, excessive spending, and substance abuse - and that just sounds like a fantastic weekend in Vegas to me!

I probably have more male friends that talk about us in a way that doesn't thrill me. I sometimes get a bit surprised when females talk like that around men.

Still, the word "boyfriend" starts to sound pathetic after age 30.

I guess high verbal skills are highest in my list of necessary qualifications for a man - for anyone actually. I like to talk. And I don't necessarily move far, but I move fast.

I quote fictional characters, because I'm a fictional character myself!

I rarely think about my childhood. It's a slippery thing I can't keep hold of for long - it slithers out of my grasp. And a lot of the time I remember what was missing instead of what was there. I am a chronicler of absence.

I don't want to be a victim.