About Me: Words to my 16-year old self

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

Hey mini Alisha! =) Have I got some tales for you! In the meantime, here's some little tidbits that might be helpful to know.

• If you haven't already, you're going to start getting burned out playing so much tennis. That's OK, just be sure to stay active! You're going to want to go to the donut shop more frequently and have junk food parties in journalism class... Just. Say. No. You won't be working out enough to pull that off anymore.

• You might as well start liking orange now. Get used to seeing yourself in it. It has to be bright (not to be confused with neon) orange too. The brightest orange in the nation. In a couple years you're going to buy your first orange t-shirt and are going to feel a little ridiculous wearing that thing. Never fear, you were born to wear that color and you will continue to do so proudly. 

• I know you've been hearing this for a while now, but seriously, slather on that sunscreen. Then do it again... and again...

• Don't laugh, but you're actually going to like regular ol' iced tea one of these days. IIIII KNOW. Can you believe it? Sure, sweet is best, but it's ok to like both.

• Over the next few years you're going to feel a little awkward about the fact that you don't drink when everybody else seems to. Hang in there - you have another ten years of this. The good news is, you still have lots of friends along the way - most of them (and all the important ones) don't give a care about whether you drink or not... they just kinda like you for whatever reason. =) You also end up with a pretty cute husband (yep, same guy) and the most precious child you'll ever meet. You're life is pretty good - drinks or no drinks - so don't worry about being an outcast. Just be you. 

• You are currently considering a career in journalism (I think at this particular moment you're probably leaning more towards broadcast journalism but you consider all forms. Anyway, you're going to ultimately pursue a public relations career. This sounds like you're going to make lots of money... and you could... just know that not all PR jobs are created equally. Pick and choose wisely. PS - save your money too. Being broke is the pits.

• This is important. 2010 is going to prove to be a rough year for you. You're going to lose a couple people who are close to you... staples in your life. Take the time now to talk to your family and friends. Spend more time with them. Do everything you can so that you won't have regrets later. 

• You might think about going to the gynaecologist now instead of when you have to. You'll save yourself a whole lotta pain (now and all through your twenties too), uncertainty, and more pain and uncertainty. It's too long of a story to go into, but just trust me, and do it.

• The world is going to change a lot in just the next few years. You wouldn't believe half of it if I told you. Just know that the world becomes a little scarier and you'll have more fear and doubt than you should. You won't be the only one, just don't let it eat you up. Know that there is still good in the world... so much good.

• See in yourself what you see in the people around you. You are good to give people the benefit of the doubt and to see the beauty in them. Throw some of that grace back at yourself occasionally. God doesn't make mistakes and He loves you in such an incredible, un-comprehendible way.

Hang in there, enjoy your life - you have a great one!