It's not just you. There may be other thick-headed Flashers out there who don't fully understand everything about Flash the first time they read it...
Personally I think that this process is one of the most engaging things about learning Flash: Frustration, Confusion, Frustration, Confusion, Frustration, Frustration, Frustration... Aha!
Unlike graphic design there is a definitive "puzzle-solving" thrill in Flash.