While we may all be our own people, it's undeniable that each of us is shaped entirely by the people we are surrounded by.  As humans, we adapt.  If we have grown up with callous, cruel people, we learn to be cold and defensive.  If we group with bright, cheery loving people, we learn to be happy-go-lucky...  if naive.  I can't imagine what I would be like without the people I show below...  I am simply a composite reflection of them, with a personal spin...  they have all influenced me in some grand way...  for better or for worse.

This is a picture of Tom, Lindy and I (from left) at the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Lindy and I share the role of Magenta (obviously, she was playing that nite...  I decided to take the nite off to be a born-again virgin...  hence the V).  I don't know Lindy terribly well, and I am only barely acquainted with Tom (who plays Brad and Rocky occasionally) but I put them here to represent the St. Louis cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as a whole.  The Rocky Horror Picture Show, if you have never been, is a magical place.  Rarely in society do you find a location where such a wide variety of people can gather, all dressed outrageously (although this picture was one of my "straight" nites) and not be judged at all but have an amazing, hysterical time of fun and laughter.  Sadly, our cast is currently homeless, but for a long time, Friday nites were a solace to the week's pain.  Visit the St. Louis Rocky Cast here - Angels with Hardons.

I don't know what I'd do without Alison.  One of the best friends, if not the best friend, I have, Alison is so fucking kewl I can barely describe her.  When I Went through some rocky times in the beginning of 2001, she was one of the people who were why I get through it relatively unscarred.  She's almost perpetually cynical and sarcastic, but in a very very endearing way.  She also happens to be the most beautiful girls I know.  These arn't the MOST flattering pictures of either of us, but you get the idea.  She's a senior at the high school I go to...  and I must add, she's got amazing style and tastes that I wish I could touch.