I was a smart alec and a back-talking handful. There's a big surprise! Did great in school but I was compelled to push the limits at home. The "strong-willed child," I've seen it termed in books. As I was telling a friend last night, I'm a little amazed my mother didn't put a bullet through my head before I reached the age of 12 or 13. She took it in stride. And she laughed and laughed when my own son went through his mouthy phases.

I stood out in stark relief from my older sister by six years and my younger one by two, both of whom were well-behaved, docile little angels.