Here's to poisongirl.

She comes from tragedy and hardship, as so many of us do. Not too many interesting people are in your life who grew up as spoiled children of priviledge who never had to overcome anything, now are there? No, it is adversity that builds character, and forges individuals who are genuinely unique, self-reliant and capable in a crisis.

She's had a couple of years now. It's been hard for her. And through it all she's found her center, worked to maintain a balance and defeated personal demons, legal issues and done it without the benefit of a relationship- just her friends to lean on a little.

And that's why we should celebrate this day. Because through all of it, she has been sardonic. She has been snarky. She has been sarcastic. But she has never yielded to defeat nor depression nor doom. She has continued to pull herself along, an inch at a time if she must, ever moving forwards even when life drags her back and her claws become bloodied from losing their purchase on her progress.

And throughout it all, she hasn't lost the battle to be nice, to be good to others, to be a friend to those in need, to take care of those around her and brighten their lives even when hers it at it's darkest.

So here's to you, Anastacia. Today is your day, and I stand and recognize you for who you are, for what you have accomplished and the indefatiguable spirit that will keep driving you forward against all obstacles and adrversity. Be very proud of yourself, cuz I got a feeling this is your year.