And Kristen, you are right to put Nora in her place there. Some people are just plain ignorant about the flaws of people in general.

I agree that imperfections are intriguing. I like finding out what they mean to a person and how they got them. It makes me feel that much more close to them. It's almost like asking how they got their “war scars”.

Thank you, you're beautiful too!

I actually believe that imperfections are intriguing, but it's difficult to turn that belief on one's self (my eye disorder certainly wasn't intriguing to me!). I'm reminded of that scene in “Slumdog Millionaire” when Jamal kisses Latika on the cheek where she has a knife scar. Accepting, respecting, and learning to live with another person's imperfections is the ultimate definition of love, I think.

I think it's admirable that you have enough class not to go postal on the guy who pulled your pants down. People are so unbelievably cruel sometimes. It's interesting that you still see him now. I wonder if he remembers or has remorse for what he did? I hope so. But nevermind him – you're beautiful. And thanks for the nice comment about my memoir. You've always been so kind and supportive, and I really appreciate that.

OMG! I think I should change my name!! Is Simone a standard name for the grotesque persona? Or was it just the name of Nora's character?

My physical hang-up is on my thighs. I have terrible varicose veins, they're hereditary and also caused from many years of waitressing.

I remember once when I was still in high school, a few friends came over after school, both guys and girls. One of the guys pulled my pants down as a joke in front of everyone. He looked at my legs and told me that I had the ugliest legs he'd ever seen. I've never forgotten that day, and every time I cross paths with the guy that's the only thing I seem to recall about him, and of course the way he embarrassed me.

I still have issues with my legs today. I barely wear a bikini, shorts or a skirt because of them. I hate it. I really do.

I don't know if I'll ever hang up this hang-up.

Kristen, I'm sure that your memoir will inspire us, and most certainly change us readers for the better. You just have that way about you.

Good on you for putting Nora in her place! Sometimes the ignorant do need a kick up the ass to make them aware of things outside of their little boxes.