Interesting childhood you've had. Mine was a fighting ring as well but, without fists, or with just once that I can remember and it involved everyone. LOL. Now that I think about it, it's funny. Turning out all right is really the best 'revenge.' After all, they say it's an adult's responsibility to take responsibility and grow up. Unfortunately, not everyone is as strong-minded, or strong-willed, if you'd like, and optimistic as me or you or the rest of our kind.

I've found that I expect more from people, in accordance with their own standards. Rather, the standards of their profession or vocation. Well, if they chose the path, the standards must be theirs too. Anyway, I have the attitude that doesn't get disappointed when people, such as nuns, act below expectation. I tend to reduce them to the fallibility of being human. You know, to err is human... I guess I give the benefit and assume it's only a bad day or a bad situation and they're better at other times. When it's cops though, corrupt cops and corrupt politicians, I seldom have high or any expectations. Most of them have lost things as simple as a moral compass.

I only miss my tom-boy childhood era, because instead of being looked at as a snack, I got to play many many games with my neighbours and my little brother, including racing our dogs and racing each other. It was so much fun.

I have found that I know how to shut out the negatives around me when I'm in the positives to enjoy the positives while they last. At least on most occasions.

Cheers!