knitting question

[2nite-is-a-drug.livejournal.com]

i didn't find anything in the memories to help me with this, but that's understandable because i feel like this question is so stupid i should be shot. i got a book from joann's and i'm just learning how to knit. i can cast on great and knit okay but i have a lot of trouble with purl. i after wrapping the thread around the needle i have the toughest time pulling the loop through the stich. i have to hold everything funny and it's really awkward and comes out looking wierd. i'm sure i'm not doing it right and theres some easy little trick to pulling it through. or i am just knittingly retarded. sorry if this sounds confusing but i had trouble putting my problem into words.

thanks sooo much in advance!