From the age of 40, I went through illness for four and a half years. I tried to keep working through it as much as I could, but I was physically not able to do it as much, and if you look sick, it's hard to get a job.

Animals weren't put on this earth to entertain us.

I'm grateful for anything that brings me back to Colorado.

I was the kind of kid, I'd sit in the back row of the class with my head practically under the desk. I was incredibly afraid of people and very shy.

I grew up in a bookless house with a father and brother who have spent most of their lives in prison, psychiatric hospitals, or living rough, and a mother who has spent her life slaving and scrimping to pay the bills, living a nervous and troubled life.

Elective office and public service are obviously something that have long ties with my family, and something I'm definitely interested in.

Deepavali is my 'favouritest' festival. More than Pongal or New Year's, this is the time we all come together as family and celebrate.

If your parent is deployed and you are that young, you spend the whole time wondering where they are and waiting for them to come home. As time passes and the absence is longer and longer, you become more and more concerned - but you don't really have the words to express your concern. There's only this continued absence.