Dear Me...

No, seriously. I have been tagged by Simply Curious Girl to write a letter to my 13-year-old self. Normally, I wouldn't dream of doing something like this, but after I read hers, I have been thinking about the advice I would give myself (and how my 13-year-old self wouldn't take it!). So here's my letter. Dear Ann: This letter is from you, yes you, in the distant future. I'm a much older and wiser you, so listen up! I know you think you've had it pretty tough these last few years, but you wouldn't know a struggle if it hit you over the head! TRUST ME! There will be times when you think you can't go on, but you will. Let me go into some specifics for you: when you're 16, you'll start dating a guy you just recently met through Chris. His name is Bob (yeah, you know who I'm talking about) and he's got a fast car and he really likes you. He'll treat you like gold until you marry him. Then it all goes down hill quickly. But make sure you still marry him, because you'll learn a lot through those terrible experiences, and you'll be a stronger person when it's over. And you'll meet your true soulmate after it's all over. Your friend George introduces you to him. He's wonderful, and he's got 3 beautiful kids that will love you instantly! He is definitely the man of your dreams - no question about that. Make sure you spend a lot of time with Dad. He won't be around forever, and you'll cherish those memories of him when he's gone. I know he can sometimes be a bit overbearing, but he loves you so much - you cannot even begin to understand it! Forget Colleen and Nancy - they are true bitches and you will have no contact with them after junior year anyway. Kathy is the only friend from high school that you will keep in touch with in your later years. And when there's a 'Barn Party' at Christine's house - make sure you go and have a great time - but don't leave your purse near the stairs, because someone pukes all over it towards the end of the night - and it will be a total loss! I know you're reading this and thinking, "This is crazy - why should I take this seriously? This can't be real." I'm here to tell you it's real. I know that Dad had to shoot Candy because it was a holiday weekend and the vet wouldn't be open until Tuesday when she got hit by a car on a Saturday. (Now they have 24 hour emergency animal hospitals.) My final words of advice to you (and I strongly suggest you take these words to heart!): Things are not always as they seem, and times are not as tough as you think they are. Don't ever pass up a chance to live life on your terms. You'll be a lot happier that way. It is, after all, YOUR life! And don't ever forget to work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like nobody's watching. Love, Me/You