My name is Christen M. Roberts (I'm trying to be mysterious). I was born on the 26th day of May. I was a tenth month baby! (And as the ol' joke goes: I'm still catching up...that's why I'm late for everything). I am, of course, a Gemini, known to be vain, but also wise. Thank you very much.

I was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, under another name. I earned the Roberts name when I was two, adopted by my new father, JPR. Yes yes. Same initials as my gorgeous sister, JPR. My mum was a young squirt when I was born, but fortunately, she was also headstrong and had no intention of getting rid of me. My grandmother was quite glad and loved me much before she died two years later, when my mother was 7-8 months pregnant with my best friend.

We lived in the projects and have some funny and not so funny stories to share. I remember eating an entire bottle of Flintstones vitamins with JPR. We had a nice day at the hospital throwing up into fingerhut plastic bowls.

My first time in foster care was in 1987. It lasted about two to three weeks. Then, in February of 1990, all four of us were split up and put into other homes. Seven or eight foster homes later (for me, though more and less for my brother and sisters), the breakdown is this: JPR and I were fortunate and have been together since September of 1990. In November of 1993, we were fortunate enough to live with EYP and Phil and their three lovelies KPR, KMP, and JLR. By that time, they also had TAW. JPR and I found the home we'd been searching for. My mother could sense that, and that's when she told us she was HIV+. Currently, AJP has been added to our bunch. That's eight siblings in all, not including JPR Sr.'s three other children.

My sister LR and brother M-Joe were adopted by my aunt and uncle (my mother's brother). They never got to spend time with my mother and few moments with us, but since I've been old enough to drive, I've been fighting like a bitch. LR finally decided she would be happier living our mother before she died and so moved to Connecticut when she was 16. My little bro is in a tough spot, loving everybody, but JPR and I understand and we make the trip to see him as often as possible.

Currently (as of 11/01), JPR is going to be living with me in Rochester for a few months until she either 1) is accepted into AmeriCorps (cross your fingers!) or 2) enlists in the National Guard.

Quick change of topic:

Nicknames f�r mich? Croberts (Jon and now JPR call me this; they both say it lovingly and with much fun), Smoke (Jon), Sherbi (Family), Crobs (JPR and Jon), and Christen the Piston (once an insult cause I didn't know what a piston was, but now it seems almost appropriate, though it's still said in a taunting fashion. Thank you, JPR).

Education? Despite being to thirteen schools by the time I was in the seventh grade, I started college at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. I "studied" English Literature, but left after my first year. I stayed out for two years and lived in Connecticut working for Suncoast Motion Picture Company as a Third Key Manager (I love da movies!). That was my absolute favorite job. Then, in August of 1997, I moved to Rochester, New York, to start anew. I worked for Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) as a NUDE MODEL, and had a great, rebellious, built-up confidence time doing that. It was a great job actually.

In January of 1998, I showed up at the University of Rochester's admissions office with a three page essay, the sheet of paper with my name and address, and a promise to do good. I was accepted at the interview. Wahoo! Here I am again!

Missing two years was the best thing that could have happened to me. I had renewed strength. School was gonna be fun. And it was. I majored in Comparative Literature and German. I minored in Greek, but with two classes left, decided I didn't need to. I graduated in May of 2001 (yippee!) Phi Beta Kappa, highest distinction, highest honors in my major. I even have a thesis.

I'd love to go back to school, but I don't want to struggle anymore. I had two, sometimes three jobs while I was in college and I can't take the pressure anymore. Now that I've learned how to handle my stress, my plans are to deal with the stress. So for now, I work at the University in the building next to Jon's as an Editorial Assistant in the Publications Office.

Upon graduating, Jon and I made plans to finally move in with each other and it's a great thing. I love watching TV with a partner and having dinner at home.

I will update and add more fun and fantastic things as time permits, but for now, dear World: Das ist mich! (This is me).

Peace out, yo.