I think it's because, even though I had a lot of power over the small things in my life, I had no control over the larger issues. No kid does. And, as a kid, I was acutely aware of that. My parents were divorced and lived three-hundred miles apart. They had financial trouble, boyfriend/girlfriend trouble, new-marriage trouble, new-divorce trouble and new kids in turn. These circumstances meant that, for much of my life, I criss-crossed Appalachia to move in with one or the other of them for some undetermined period of time. I dragged a battered suitcase behind me and showed up to new schools with new kids and a new life every time. I never had any idea how long I'd be there so these periods felt (and were) temporary. I was always at the mercy of grownups and I couldn't wait to have control over the big decisions in my life. As a child, I made silent promises to myself saying, "Someday you will choose your own path. No one will be in charge of you. No one can determine your life but you."
It turned out pretty well. As an adult I took charge of my life and this blog (which I'm pretty proud of) is just one of the products of that action. So, when I go back and watch my TV friends roam around the Enterprise in their miniature outfits, looking awkward while they thwart a bunch of Ferengis, all I can think about is how glad I am that no one can turn me into a kid again.
I loved this episode, but I'm with you. There's no convincing me to going back to age 12. No way, no how.
ReplyDeleteYep. I think this is a great, charming episode and I especially love the interactions between the kid officers and Alexander but yes, no amount of adorable, bite-size Trek uniforms can make me want to be 12 again.
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more. While my home life was good, I would NEVER go back to my childhood because I was bullied endlessly. I still have anxiety issues just being around people (especially meeting new people) but otherwise I'm happy with who I am and proud of what makes me me (part of it is being ridiculously geeky).
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thank you for your story! As a weirdo (and perpetual new kid) I was bullied too and also still have a lot of social anxiety. That's one reason I'm so happy to be doing this blog and even happier when I get to hear from people like you!
DeleteI loved this episode! They were just so freaking cute!
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteI'm glad my childhood's over. It was okay...but meh. I'll have to revisit this episode again, been a long time.
ReplyDeleteYeah you should! You should show it to your boys. I'd love to hear what some actual kids have to say about this one!
DeleteSo true. There were things I enjoyed about being a kid, definitely, but I don't think I'd want to be one again. And you should be immensely proud of this blog and everything else you've decided for yourself - because it's wonderful and will turn into even more wonderful things. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you Katie! I really appreciate it! Knowing you as an adult, I bet we would've been great friends as kids!
DeleteI really appreciate this post, Ashley Rose, and your honesty. Isn't it funny how things on TV or movies or in a book bring us back to our childhoods--especially the less-than-savory moments that we vow never to repeat. But it seems, as you said, that you've done quite well at taking control of your life, pulling yourself up by the proverbial bootstraps, and heading down a path of your choosing. Well done. That's no easy feat.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Anna! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this comment. And yes, this journey back through my life by way of Star Trek has certainly been eye-opening. I'm anxious to see what else these episodes bring up.
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