What did I miss? "What did I miss?" I remember asking myself that back in high school. What did everyone else seem to know that I didn't? What was the secret they knew? Why didn't I know it? I've often had that thought over the years. I'm almost 44 now and I finally know what "it" was, I finally know the "secret" and I also know why I didn't then. Tonight I was reading to my daughter and I paused a couple times to explain the actions of the characters, so she understood better. Later after she had fallen asleep, I laid beside her thinking about it. My mother never read to me, let alone ever explained any behavior of anyone for any reason. My father didn't really explain much either, although he did make a couple feeble attempts, mostly about my mothers behavior. I thought about my grandmother and it occurred to me, she probably never explained things to my mother, and maybe she wasn't ever taught much by her mother in turn. I don't think my uncle had things explained to him as well (my mother's brother). Neither of them, had much success with raising children, neither of them should probably have been parents. Just because you can reproduce, doesn't mean that you should. I do know about my mom only wanted me as an accessory for my older sister, she just thought it was important for Lori to have a sibling. Now, she wanted Lori, she wanted that child. I was just an add-on, mostly relegated to my father to care for. We were both adopted, neither of us actually related by blood to any other family member, yet Lori was special to my mother and I was not. Still, she wasn't warm with Lori and didn't teach her either. I think maybe it was more important to her to have children, so she fit in with society and what was expected of her generation. Anyway, I wondered if in other families it was common for the parents to stop every now and again and explain. Explain why someone does something, their motivations, reasons and other underlying stuff. I've read in books that characters occasionally explain, illustrate and teach each other. As most of my knowledge of "normal" family life comes from books, television and my own observations, I must conclude, that Yes, parents must have taught their children about life, about people, about what to expect in the future, reasons behind actions, motivations that on the surface aren't clear, deceit on the face of the honest and more of life's little lessons. Lessons the type which can only be learned through experience or from teachings; that was what I missed, the little observations, the tips, the explanations. ~Here is the big reveal now, the "Big Secret"~ Life Lessons Now I understand why people behave the way they do (for the most part!), I know what appropriate behavior is and what to do when I spot behavior that isn't typical. I can adjust my actions and reactions. Before, as a teen and a young woman, I was always confused, I didn't understand… I felt lost. Something important was missing. I now know how important it is to pass on life lessons to your children. Not just "sit up straight." "use a fork," "don't run with scissors" but advise on how to handle situations, deal with people and express yourself verbally and emotionally. I didn't realize this when my step-children were young. I wish I had. For my daughter, I'll be there to pass on the knowledge, to teach her, to give her the extra edge I didn't have, to be "in the know" and to share my wisdom and values with her. I didn't just figure it out tonight, but I am ready now to put it into words and to share so others may learn what I learned. Kit: Classy kit by Misty Cato Fonts: Times New Roman and Zirkon Template: ScrapTherapy6 (modified) Original Art by Sandra Zuck (used for illustrative purposes only) Date: 2/2/2007

My new ORP character, Indie Keats!! Once again Jenny and I are being roleplay partners, except this time our characters are very different. Here's a quick profile I tapped out for her... Character Name: Indie Keats Nicknames: None, she likes Indie Gender: Female Age: 19 Birth date: 25th June 1988 Place of Birth: Australia Interest/Hobbies: Indie has no particular hobby that stands out above all others. She likes to drum, and has been in a few bands, but only for fun. Other hobbies include doing imitations of television characters, laughing when people fall over, running with scissors, aimlessly doodling on used envelopes, and singing in the shower. None of which she takes seriously. Background: Indie grew up in Australia with her super-controlling parents and more animals than in the Amazon. She hated this limited, dog-hair covered covered existence, and since she left college Indie has spent her time trying to build herself a more interesting, independent life. Her travels have now brought her to Fairfield, where she's hoping to discover new people and relationships. Personality: Indie has been described by many as ecentric. At school she was simply known as 'that wierdo with the green hair who makes daisy chains'. However had any of herschoolmates dared to approach her they would have realised that she was simply a regular, moody teen. To this day Indie remains moody and reserved, however if you can gain her trust a whole new side will be revealed. When she wants to be, Indie can be as loud and happy as thenext person. She loves to laugh, especially seeing as it isn't something she gets to do often.