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kastababy

46, Female

Nashville, TN

United States

Profile Information:

Relationship Status:: Single
About Me:: I'm a walking contradiction -- I'm peacefully violent, a popular nerd, wickedly innocent, and loudly quiet...in other words, I know how to make myself stand out in a crowd. I have an opinion about everything, and have an endless thirst for knowledge. One of these days I'm going to take over the world, but I have yet to come up with what I want to do when I get that small task completed. (That, and I haven't found a good sidekick yet to drive the getaway car!) I have decided that this year is the year that I start writing more in the hopes that I finally get a story published!!! Now that Barack Obama has been elected President, I'm content to stay in the good old USA for a little while longer, although I still have my escape plan to Canada in a secure location in case things change. I'm political, controversial, well-read, stubborn, opinionated, and determined to make an impact on the world, and maybe leave it a little bit better than it was when I entered it. I'm always updating and changing things, so keep checking out my page often!

About my alopecia: I was bald as a baby, and my hair didn't really grow in until I was about 2 years old, so it's impossible to say if I had alopecia then or not. However, after my hair did grow in, my mother noticed two bald spots when I was 4 years old. One was the size of a dime, the other was the size of a quarter. When she realized that I wasn't cutting plugs out of my hair and it wasn't coming out on my pillow or in the hairbrush, that was when we started going to the doctors. I wasn't officially diagnosed with alopecia areata until I was 6 years old; by that time, I was in the 3rd grade and totally bald. I stayed that way, albeit with brief periods of partial regrowth, until I reached high school. My hair started falling out again when I was a freshman in undergrad, and it has been persistent AA with brief periods of AT and AU. It's been that way ever since.

As a child, I was very comfortable with being bald, because I had two parents and a grandmother that went above and beyond to make me comfortable with myself and stress to me continually that I was beautiful inside and that being beautiful inside would translate to being beautiful outside; perhaps it is because of this that I have become somewhat of an overachiever -- not only do I have to be successful at whatever I do, but I have to excel in it. However, as an adult, the blind confidence bordering on arrogance that was so much a part of me has gradually disintegrated. I have become less sure of myself and depressed at times because I have felt the hurt and rejection that comes with not being appealing to most men. I have lashed out at the people who have supported me the most, because I feel sometimes that I was misled into believing that at some point I would outgrow alopecia, but like Krazy Glue alopecia is stuck to me and won't let go, and that fact has been more crushing than anything I have felt in a long time.

After nearly 3 years living and working in Atlanta, GA and Memphis, TN, I returned to my hometown of Nashville, TN in September 2008. Living away from home completely on my own really forced me to become more independent than I ever would be had I remained in Nashville. It has also enabled me to view alopecia with new eyes that haven't been colored by the opinions of my friends and family closest to me. Since discovering Alopecia World, I have found more healing and acceptance in the nearly 4 years of the site's existence than I did in 27 years of searching, for which I am eternally grateful!

My purpose on AW is to motivate and inspire others -- it is my hope that in leading by example and living my life to its fullest potential in spite of societal views on alopecia, bald women, and women of color specifically, others will come to their own acceptace of alopecia in their lives and let their beautiful, vibrant selves shine through!
Do you have alopecia?: Alopecia totalis
Are you age 18 or older?: Yes - I am 18 or older
Your Website (Leave blank if you don't have one):: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/kastababy

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

Shannon

I am good how are you???

Mar 18, 2008
PerfectoLady

Hello Yokasta,
Cute Name!!!
As for Norfolk, it's alright. I've lived in better places. (Your not missing much)
take care

Mar 18, 2008
Ingmar

Hi YoKasta,
Thanks for your comment in dutch! But I can communicate in English (I hope it's good enough) and it's good to practice this way! What a great site this is!! I just don't know where to start, there is so much to read! and it feels so good and friendly! You have such a beautiful name, can I ask you where it's from, and does it mean anything?? I really recognise your story. I feel very simmilar. Hope to hear from you soon! bye bye!

Mar 18, 2008
AMANDA BOYER

HI...I DO ENJOY IT HERE...ITS NICE TO SEE FELLOW BALD PEOPLE, IT MEANS IM NOT ALONE IN THIS CRAZY WORLD!

Mar 18, 2008
Angell

I share your struggle for acceptance - with myself, especially. People can be very cruel and this culture has taught that physical beauty is EVERYTHNING! I also struggle to even venture out to be accepted (notice I didn't say even loved) by another man. God bless you my new friend! God bless us all.....Angell

Mar 18, 2008
Tanya

Hey KastaBaby. I read some of your posts and I admire your attitude. You're the first person I've heard who became even more extroverted from alopecia! That's excellent! I know, alopecia is a downer at times. But then again, getting upset occasionally is just what everyone does, with or without hair!

Mar 19, 2008
Angelique

Thank you very much! Im glad i found Alopecia world :) x

Mar 19, 2008
Shannon

Hey!!! Just wanted to tell ya ... cant see your eyebrows real close but they look awesome!!!! are they tatooed??

Mar 19, 2008
Madisonsmom

Thank you for the welcome, and the nice comment on Madsion! Very sweet. You are very beautiful yourself!! How long have you had Alopecia?

Mar 19, 2008
Nefertiti

Bonjour Yokasta,
tu parles trés bien français ?
enchantée de faire ta connaissance

Mar 20, 2008
Roland

I defend in med mal matters, advise hospitals on every issue that can arise in a medical setting, and provide a lot of advice on and representation in labor matters (doctors, nurses and everone else employed in a hospital setting). I am in Michigan. Is there work out there for lawyers? Yes. There is always work for a good attorney.

Mar 20, 2008
JayB

Hi Yokasta, I truly appreciate the invite to your wonderful site, please keep up the good job.
JayB.

Mar 20, 2008
Yvonne~Yhoney

Girl, I love your page title! Keep giving your enlightenments!

Mar 22, 2008
Alina

Thank you for adding me as your friend!

Mar 24, 2008
Amanda

Yokasta, thanks for the add!!

Mar 24, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Hi, YoKasta. Since there are a number of you interested in chatting, perhaps it would be a good idea for all of you to put your heads together, work out chat times among yourselves, and let the rest of us know those times. ;-)

Mar 24, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Yokasta, just dropping by to show you some love ;).

Mar 25, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Depending on the lifestyle you are considering. We are experiencing a good growing economy, but the dips in the US are starting to affect us slightly this year. Montreal, is not a good bet unless you speak french. You don't have to, but your job choice will be limited. Ontario is a good bet too. If you like mountains then there is British Columbia and if you like small town folks then there is Nova Scotia. Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta would probably have the best work markets.

Mar 25, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Yokasta, are you sure about the snow?! This is a photo from my employers house, I think he took them last week. Welcome to Spring!

Mar 25, 2008
Barbara

Thank you YoKasta for the warm welcome! I'm glad to be in a community where people care and can also share!
-Barbara

Mar 27, 2008
Judie

Hi YoKasta,
Thank you for your welcome. This seems to be an awesome group of people that I am sure that I will enjoy communicating with.

Mar 27, 2008
Jennifer

You better not forget. But if you do it will be all gravy i have connections. I'll sneek you in with crowd i sure they wont notice one extra blad head.

Mar 27, 2008
Ruth McKelvey

Thank you for the welcome. Enjoyed your home page. Ruth

Mar 27, 2008
Melissa

Hey! Thanks for helping with my survey! You have to get at LEAST 30 for the statistics part to even work! Once I get it all figured out I'll tell everyone what the results are! :)

Mar 28, 2008
Kostas

Dear Yokasta
Many thanks for welcoming and communication , Kostas

Mar 28, 2008
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid

Peace Be Unto You,

Dear Ms. Martinez,

Your warm welcome to Alopecia World made me feel real good about myself, my your future be bright, and thank you again for making me feel welcome.

Yours In Peace,
Mr. Hasson J. Rashid

Mar 28, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

OK, Yokasta... Good answer. rj told me to tell you to check out the the new video.... look very closely.... ;)

Mar 29, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

in chat room now....

Mar 29, 2008
Janna

Hey YoKasta!

Thanks for the blog note! My babies are great, thanks. We had a fun day today - went to the playground...in the rain...lol - and then played for a while at their friends' place. Isley has a best friend, Jesse, who she has sworn her love to, and he to her - it's pretty cute. They tell us that they're going to get married someday. And his little brother, Jonas, is Lynnea's age, so they play too. She tells me that she might marry him, but no commitment yet. Pretty smart for a 2 year old. It's cute to watch all of them interact.

I'm so glad you rocked out to your play list! I'm enjoying it too. I love your eclectic mix! My husband would approve of the Metallica, Pink Floyd and Eagles... As for myself, listening to a little Duran Duran tonight made me smile :)

How've you been? Have you tried the chat room yet?

Janna

Mar 30, 2008
Kristyn

hey! thanks so much for the welcoming message. i love your About Me section, reading it makes me think i need to add to mine a bit, haha! hope all is well for you right now.

Mar 30, 2008
Michael

Thank you YoKasta for your kind, supportive words. I already feel that I have a potential whole new world of friends who will not wonder what's "wrong" with me because I'm losing my hair. It feels good to be here and thank you again.

Mar 30, 2008
JeffreySF

Hey Kat,

All is good. The weekend is nearing its end.
I hope you are enjoying your FlickFest

Chat Soon,
Jefferoo

Mar 30, 2008
DT Manno

Hi Yokasta!

I'm doing well thanks. Hope you had a good weekend!

Dan

Mar 30, 2008
Nicky Lam

Dear Kastababy
thanks for the surfing Info- I'll try the bald look
Nicky

Mar 31, 2008
Dotty

Hello my friend,
Just saying hello and hope you had a good weekend. I worked all weekend, like I do every weekend.....yuck, but, we do what we gotta do right? Talk soon, Love and hugs, Dotty

Mar 31, 2008
Brandy Forsch

Thanks for the welcome and thanks about my new son Cameron who was born on 9/23/07. I see you have a baby as well. Congrats!!

Mar 31, 2008
Ashley

Good for you YoKasta! I'm glad you're going to go bald to the beach some. I think you might love it, like i did. Its a cool feeling. Even though you don't know the people probably, you still feel like you're doing something. haha! Thanks about the mohawk! I'd like to think it's my trademark. haha.

Apr 1, 2008
Katherine Green

Heyhey Yokasta,

It was great to hear from you & thanks for the welcome post too.

Cheers

Katherine.x

Apr 2, 2008
Erin

Thank you!

Apr 2, 2008
Karen Trappett

Hi YoKasta

Thanks four you welcome, its great to hear from somewhere who knows what its like.

Regards
Karen

Apr 2, 2008
Michaela

hi:) yoKasta. Thank you for your willkome

Apr 4, 2008
DT Manno

Hey YoKasta,

Just stoppin' by to say I hope you have a great weekend!

Dan

Apr 5, 2008
DT Manno

Sorry to hear about all your flooding. That's a real bummer.
Sunny FL isn't so sunny at the moment. Just had some heavy rain/lightning move through. We needed the rain though. No flooding. I think most of the rain got used up over you and points west. Hope your not suffering too much damage.
Take care,

Dan

Apr 5, 2008
Kristen Ridenhour

thanks for the comment on my blog! it helps hearing from other people. who have gone through the same thing i know it will be alright and i know i can fight through it.

Apr 7, 2008
emily

i can tell we have a lot in common...i am so looking forward to reading more of your page/blog. you are beautiful! i am trying to get to be a little more computer savvy so that i can be on this site a little more.
thanks for your comments. xxoo

Apr 7, 2008
sgomez

Hi YoKatsa,
I'm new hear, and read your new entry. I was instantly drawn in by your story. WOW! You really have a great way of putting things into words. I have to say, I know exactly how you feel about accepting being bald, but at the same time just waiting for it to be over already. I have yet to post a pic of my bald head, but you really inspired me. I think that you and I look a lot alike bald! I wear glasses much like the ones you have. Your family is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Apr 7, 2008
sgomez

Thank you, and likewise. :)

Apr 8, 2008
sgomez

YoKasta
I did it! I took some baldy pictures of myself, and had the guts to post them on my page. I was starting to feel left out. You know, with all these other baldy pictures of everyone! lol! Just thought I'd let you know. I took one w/ my glasses on so that you can see the resemblance. Uncanny. Talk to you soon. Sarah

Apr 9, 2008
sgomez

Yeah! We make bald look good! Well, that's because we have those exotic latina features to go w/ our bald heads! lol!

Apr 9, 2008
sgomez

OK, I'm starting to feel concieted. But what the heck, bald is beautiful!

Apr 9, 2008