Growing up, I didn't feel cool; I didn't fit into any crowd.

I always felt like I was a freak when I was growing up and that there was something wrong with me because I couldn't fit in anywhere.

I'm always looking for something new: a new inspiration, a new philosophy, a new way to look at something, new talent.

On the one hand, the idea of marriage and the sort of traditional family life repulses me. But on the other hand, I long for it, you know what I mean? I'm constantly in conflict with things. And it is because of my past and my upbringing and the journey that I've been on.

The walls of our upstairs hallway testify that we once had photogenic children. There are rows of framed pictures that show them playing baseball, basketball, holding a toad, and smiling in the sunlight at their eager parents. Everything is orderly and bright.

I was the first one in the family, on either side, to go to college - much less graduate school.

I love art more than anything in the world except for my family.

I write songs all the time in my room. I play them for my friends and family.