: About Me

My name is Melissa but I'm called Missy by nearly anyone who knows the slightest bit about me. Tomorrow (Jan.10) I will be 36 years old. I feel like I've always been one age - I remember being a small child feeling this way. I was told I've got an "old soul", but that hasn't stopped me from being immature when necessary! I've been married for 15 years and have three wonderful sons, ages 10, 12, and 15 (going on 21, I think!). Life is good. Looking back on my life, I went to public school, private school, and attended private college for one year before becoming pregnant and deciding to become a mom. I loved the college life - being a college cheerleader, making new friends, learning so many new things - so I cherish that one year.

I have been writing stories since I was a very small child. My mom has pictures of me "reading" books when I was a baby. Reading is one of my favorite passions. In kindergarten, my teacher had me tell a true-life story - all the children were asked to do so. I told a story as it came to me, as I recalled it - all true. My teacher thought it had to be a fabrication, and asked my mom - but it was true. Writing has come to me easily throughout the years, and has helped me in school. I always had a sense of guilt because A's were easy to come by when writing papers, essays, etc. I felt it was more fun than work, and getting an A didn't seem right. I love writing, but have only been doing writing randomly over the years. I've won some contests, been picked to be featured in the June 2007 issue of Redbook, but that is about it. I've never taken my writing to the next level.

I became an Accounting Administrator seven years ago, and recently lost my job due to the economy and the company closing. Losing my job was hard, but I'm taking some time to think about what I really want to do with my life. I may end up working again, doing something that isn't my true love in life, but I resolve to take the time to write and do what I love best (in my free time, if it comes to that). Helium seems like a dream come true. Even if I get horrible ratings, and people hate my work, I know it's just helping me improve as a writer. This is about becoming more than I am now.

Hobbies & Games > Video Games (Other) Does violence in video games contribute to real life violence?

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Video games are mere entertainment for our children. Just as violent books don't create violent people, violent video games don't create violent kids. Video games are a break from reality for children. They are able to let out their aggressions in a non-confrontational way, and understand that doing so is acceptable. The format of video games is no different than allowing a child to play cowboys and robbers with friends, or using toy guns in play. With that said, parents need to take an active role in allowing the games into the home. Discussions with children regarding the violent aspects...

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