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kastababy

45, 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:

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Carmella

Love the stewie background!
XOXO
CAR

Jun 30, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Hi, YoKasta. I was thinking about how you're such an outstanding member of Alopecia World and just want to thank you for your intelligent, inspiring, and invaluable contributions to our beloved community. I certainly appreciate all that you do in and for Alopecia World and hope that the time and energy you expend here is truly worth it. Wishing you great joy and good success, rj :-)

Jul 2, 2008
Roger

Hi.

Duran Duran is awesome.

Take care, Roger.

Jul 7, 2008
Dawn

Hi Yokasta, How was your 4th??

Jul 8, 2008
Mandy

Hey chica,
Thanks for commenting my blog. ;o) Yeah I'm totally done looking, too. If it's meant to happen, it will happen. As far as wearing the bandanas at work goes...no, no flak. Just a lot of sympathy...which I didn't want. But now that it's been over a week, people are getting used to it and talking to me like they always did. I think they just needed to adjust to the change. But everyone has been super nice and saying that I should do whatever makes me feel comfortable, so I'm glad for that.

Jul 9, 2008
Mandy

Jul 10, 2008
Janna

Hi YoKasta!

It's been so long since I've popped on to the site. How've you been? Thanks for the sweet comments about my little girls. I've got some great pictures from a recent trip to add to my page soon (we went to a wedding and Nnea & Isley were a hit on the dance floor. Isley had found a little friend, but Lynnea just boogied on her own, or would stand, smiling, - all 2 &1/2 feet of her - between a couple until they noticed her and started dancing with her). Good to hear from you - my first friend on alopeciaworld!

Jul 10, 2008
Wesley Marr

Hiya..thanx for adding me as a friend. I have met so many wonderful people here on this site. I wrote the blog for two reasons, 1. To share my story and 2. I love to write and it keeps me in practice. Nice comment to thanx. Take Care Wesley

Jul 11, 2008
Janna

Lol - Just rockin' out to Bon Jovi as I write this - awesome! I miss the 80's. That was an era that wasn't kind to anyone in the realm of fashion. I shudder to think of the flourescent pink gym shorts I used to wear in 7th grade...and my two pair of 'slouch socks' worn with my high tops to match my dual flourescent t-shirts, rolled at the cuff and tied at the side. Yikes.

Yes, Lynnea does have some new growth, actually! Nothing significant on her scalp, yet...some fuzz, but she has her eyebrows back completely, and her eyelashes are coming along nicely. She's pretty happy about her 'eye-bowws'.

Jul 13, 2008
claire

hope your ok................

Jul 13, 2008
Roger

Hi there.

Hows life over there?

Jul 13, 2008
claire

im ok thanks back in work tomorrow and hows your weekend been....

Jul 13, 2008
George Blackwood

Man, I don't know if I just added you as a friend or not; I'm puter challenged; too short attention span to learn alot of stuff!' I'd rather be out running or playing with my cat, away from computers! (Must be the PTSD I developed doing my Master's thesis) ;)

Jul 14, 2008
JeffreySF

Hey Miss Kat,

Haven't chatted in awhile.
Hope you are doing good.

Jeff

Jul 25, 2008
Cindy

Hi Yokasta, Hope you are having a nice summer. I really could use some advice from someone who has lived the Alopecian life. Samantha was invited to a swim party for two classmates and I don't want her to go. Her classmates have never seen without hair and I am not sure what they or know about Sam. I think they know she wears a wig, but may not understand why and I have never been questioned. I don't like to draw attention to her hair loss and we live in a small town of busy bodies. Basically, I keep my business mine. Am I wrong to not let her go to the party? We do have another party that afternoon so I do have a good reason to tell her we can't go and do both. Any suggestions. Samantha's hair is growing and she gets her new wig in two weeks. Once we get that wig she will be golden since it can stay on forever if she wished..Cindy

Jul 26, 2008
Mandy

Hey chica! Haven't talked to ya in a while. How are things?

Jul 29, 2008
rj, Co-founder

Hey, Yokasta. Both Cheryl and I may be in Detroit, which isn't too far from Pontiac, this weekend. So, be sure to give us a call, if you have a moment to spare. I can't wait to meet one of the very bright stars of Alopecia World. :-)

Jul 29, 2008
kastababy

Hey everyone!

For the next couple of weeks, please send all messages to me at sxyscorpio901@gmail.com. I will return all of them promptly.

Jul 30, 2008
Cindy

Thank you for your response and I truly appreciate your feedback regarding my situation. I did however decide that a b-day party for someone else would not be the ideal time to come out. But, I will certainly consider you advice for a future class discussion at school. Enjoy your summer..Cindy

Jul 31, 2008
Mandy

Yokasta, I haven't heard from you in ages. Is everything ok? I don't see much activity on your site either. I hope everything is ok! I miss you!

Hugs,
Mandy

Aug 5, 2008
Casey

Thank you soo much!!!

I just love this community! its soo great!

talk to you soon!

Aug 6, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

Hi Yokasta, I heard you were moving, are you moving far from where you are now? Do you have to change jobs...? I hope the move went smoothly. Cheryl xo

Aug 6, 2008
Bob Hershberger

Hey YoKasta...I was looking at my first messages on this site,and I thought Id say hello and see how ya'll are doing?? I just had a Va-Ca with my only son,and I had such a great time..I hate'd to see it end,but ohhh well..Hope your doing great..Bob

Aug 8, 2008
JeffreySF

Hey Kat,

How are you? I havent heard from you in a long while.

Jeff

Aug 9, 2008
Bob Hershberger

I saw you at the featured profile thing-ee..Lookin good..Thats really nice..They couldnt have found a better person to feature..Hope your day is going well..Bob

Aug 16, 2008
Linda

Okay, Kasta, you're are invited to the Thrasher Family Family Reunion in 2010, lol, we have an old school party that is off the chain. I'm just here jammin' on your page, don't make me cabbage patch, run joe, and jordache, lol. You are da bomb diggy ask biggy!

Aug 17, 2008
carl

you are great help to all with alopecia your big friendly smile encouraged me to be a part of this site and see how others cope and get through their lives with alopecia

Aug 17, 2008
JeffreySF

Hey Kat,

Thanks for calling yesterday.
I'm glad you are doing well.
How was dinner?

Hugz,
Jeff

Aug 17, 2008
JeffreySF

Did they serve Lobster Thermidore?
I need to find a local restaurant serving that.
Yum Heart Attack on a plate. Lol

Jeff

Aug 21, 2008
traci

hey yokasta, thanks for the add! how are you? i hope you have a beautiful day! =)

Aug 25, 2008
Rozalin

You are simply beautiful.... we are kinda neighbors I am about an hr frm memphis.. live in coffeeville MS

Aug 28, 2008
Cheryl, Co-founder

YOKASTA! How the heck are you?

Sep 14, 2008
JeffreySF

Hey Yokasta,

Stopping in to say Hello.
How is Nashville treating you? Did you get the transfer?
I miss you.

Jeff

Sep 15, 2008
Steve

YoKasta,

The vikes start the season 0-2 and Gus Ferrote is now at the helm. How is Kastababy handling this? Steve is not taking this season too well so far.

Steve

Sep 18, 2008
Drew

hey yokasta, hows everything going? i haven't been on much and am just getting back to checking up on everyone.

my bills are 4-0 hahaha

Sep 29, 2008
Drew

yeah everything is goind good, how about you? Well besides the vikes, but they could turn it around they got some teams coming up that they could hand it to. Their defense looks decent, just there offense has to score more often.

Did you ever get a prize for the fantasy league? It doesn't really matter much to me, but I am sitting in second right now :p

Sep 30, 2008
JeffreySF

Knock Knock
Are you home Kat?
Whats up?
Miss you lots!!!

Jeff

Oct 3, 2008
JeffreySF

Hey Kat,

Glad you stopped by I wasstarting to think something had happened to you.
Congrats on your brows growing back Yipee
Leo is doing good thanks.

Talk soon,

Jeff

Oct 6, 2008
terrence

glad to added as a friend, you seem VERY positive and that will always keep you in demand! peace & respect

Oct 8, 2008
Hugh Palmer

Hi Kastababy,

Thanks for the word of encouragement and the music on your site is great. You have a great story and i know when my wife Mistie reads tit she will be encouraged.
Have a great weekend.

Oct 10, 2008
Galvin

Your desk looks very similar to the Verizon desk I had in
Pittsburgh...about 10 years ago. I was tech support too.
For 5ess and EWSD.

Oct 16, 2008
Galvin

All the Bourne movies were really cool.

Oct 16, 2008
Carol

Hey Yokasta
You're new guy sounds great, I really do hope everything works out, you deserve it! I know what you mean about relating with each other, I've noticed we do share a lot of the same ideas about what we've been through and and what is going on now. It's great to have that understanding with someone, you are my sister from far far away! My ex did finally move out and so far so good. I'm learning my new limits but best of all doing what I enjoy doing. I'm looking forward to Julia's book coming out (I beleive you wrote a story for her as well if I'm not mistaken) and I really hope that I will be accepted to go to CAP's conference in August as a guest speaker. So really it's not just learning my new limits but learning how high I can soar! I do have my low moments from time to time but who doesn't and if you didn't fall you couldn't pick yourself up and try harder. That's how we got this strong in the first place. Anyways, glad your back, keep in touch! :)

Oct 17, 2008
Megan

Hi,
I'm Megan,thanks for the add :)
How are you?
Howz your week been?
Just wanted to let you know that the things you requested prayer for on the group are in my prayers :]
Megan x

Oct 19, 2008
Mandy

Hi chica! How ya doing? I haven't been on in quite a while, so wanted to stop by and say hello!

Oct 20, 2008
Jenn

thanks! i love your page and the way that you describe yourselve. actually i think that is how most people are. i will read the discussion when i get time but i appreciate the comment and am glad to meet you!
jenn

Oct 20, 2008
Dee

Wow, your musical selections are ridiculous!! Prince, Luther, Sade, New editon etc.!! Yes girl, I love your selections!!! I have got to learn how to set this feature up on my page!!

Oct 23, 2008
JeffreySF

Meow,

I love my Kitty Kat

Meow Meow Meow

Oct 25, 2008
NINI

Hey girl, I too am from Tennessee, I am from West Tennessee, close to Jackson and I am having a hard time finding a nice wig boutique. I have to be in Nashville on Friday of this week for my Dermatologist's appt. and I was wondering if you could give me the name of a few so that I could visit them while I was in town. I would really appreciate it.
Thanks girl. I really enjoy reading your blogs. You really have a way with words.

Oct 28, 2008
NINI

Thanks for the suggestions for the wig boutiques. I see Dr. Horowitz on Patterson. I really like him. I am beginning to see some regrowth. I am still new to this so I don't know if this is normal or not. I still have several bare spots that do not have any regrowth at all. I did not completely shave my head when I shaved. I only used a #3 blade so what hair I do have left I think is growing a little. My husband and daughter says they think it's growing also. I still don't have any regrowth anywhere else on my body so maybe it's just our imagination. I have only had 2 shots so far. Friday will be the third. He says he will give me 6 and no more. I am still hopeful but I have almost come to grips that whatever happens happens. This board has really been good for me. Oh well I have written a book here but I really want to tell you thank and I will check out the shop in Madison. Thanks again.

Oct 30, 2008