Cherry, I don't think you can separate those two things. Your experiences change you to some extent and your inner self tries to make sense of it all. It's the age old question of nature vs nurture. Scientists have tried to find which has the stronger influence on a person, their DNA or how they are raised. But really, we need both to become ourselves. Tough times are hard but often make us wiser and more resilient.
Are you happy with the new chair?
Could have been much worse, so that's good news.
Im trying to be . Its not as bad as when I first got the leather chair
name is Pearl ... we shall see if she is meant to be mine... 
That was my grandmother's name!A friend contacted me today and said she knows someone who may have a spare cat. Spayed female, lilac point, Siamese cross, about 5 years old, sweet and cuddly, good with other animals ...
IT'S A SIGN!
