I was raised a Witness, but "made the truth my own" when my parents both left it during my teenage years. I finally broke down and got honest with myself and the facts in September 2003, and since then have been figuring out what to do with my life. Very unfortunately, my mom came back *into* the organization before I was able to leave, so both she and my sister shun me. Recently I've taken up guitar and am loving it! Besides studying that instrument, I enjoy hiking, a bit of piano, studying about almost anything, and talking politics and philosophy. I formally disassociated myself in a letter dated December 6, 2003: My new birthday. :) I welcome messages. Please feel free to write!