Dear 16 Year Old Self

Good Morning, friends! If you are a new visitor, welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you will feel right at home. Without further ado, let's take a journey on a blast from the past. Enjoy! :)  

Dear 16 Year Old Self, 

1) Do not allow your 13 year old self to talk you into highlighting your hair blonde. Just because all the other cheerleaders highlight/low light their hair does not mean that you have to do it, too. Plus, you do not know it yet, but you are allergic to hair color, tanning beds, and teeth whitening kits. You shall find all this out very soon through multiple years of dermatologist appointments. :) 

2) Take heart. Know that you will not always drive your mother's Buick La Sabre over there in the left hand corner of the photo. You will eventually get your very own car even though Steveo says you should devise a plan to walk to college. (He was totally lying.) Oh, by the way, you rocked that grandma car all up and down that senior parking lot. Humiliation at its best. 

3) Guess what? You will be able to attend LSU and UAB as a college student! Shocked? You will get to fulfill two dreams in one! Now, I know moving six hours south of where you wanted to be as a college Freshman seemed ridiculous at the time but eventually all will work out. Keep the faith. Give it time. Dream big, sister for at times it will not be an easy road ahead. Take things one day at a time and make smart decisions. 

4) Do not kill yourself for Patrician Academy. Let someone else take a stab at SGA, FCA, Honor Society, Beta Club, Junior Miss, and all that stuff that does not mean absolutely anything in your twenties. Your reputation will still be the same and once you are long gone and moved on, no one cares either. The heartache, struggles, and stress are really not worth it. Relax a bit. Enjoy high school. 

5) In a matter of years, you will find out who your real friends are. Some people make decisions that cause them to grow up too fast, others coast along in life and never mature, and some friends find that perfect mix to connect with you and where you stand. You will find your place at the perfect time with those who are meant to be part of your future life. 

6) You should really try to stay in shape. Coach Barr really knows what he is talking about in the weight room and on the softball field. One day you will look back and realize you were pretty fit although you thought your thighs were "big". Please, be real! Also, you will grow a booty and boobs once you stopping running those field posts. You must make it to college first, though.

7) Some of the hardest times of your high school career will allow opportunities to develop relationships with  some pretty awesome people. Savor these people, the moments shared with them, and all the journey thus far has taught you. Do not look back. From trials, weakness, pain, and desperation come hope, joy, laughter, and love. Just keep trucking. 

8) This little boy will be the reason that you change your major from Nursing to Early Childhood/Elementary Education. You do not know it yet, but he will be one of the most phenomenal, determined, wise, honest, smart, hilarious little boys you will ever meet and have the opportunity to grow to love. Cherish every single minute you spend with him. He will teach you more than most adults ever could. 

9) Joining the Dance Team single the.worst.decision. of your entire high school career. What were you thinking? Do NOT make this mistake! The experience will be forever embedded in your memory as one nightmare, scream feast, headache, stress mess right after another. Seriously, what were you thinking? And, your hair-- It is pumpkin orange! I told you the blonde would not last. What the crap? Get the hair thing together, girl! 

10) This hottie eventually becomes your Husband. Yes, you become a Randolph. This roller coaster ride will start in June of 2004. Although it may get bumpy, you will get through it together with a lot of help from the big man above. HE has it all planned perfectly. Hang on tight and enjoy the ride of a lifetime with your Prince Charming. The best is yet to come.

If you could send a letter to yourself, aged 16 what would you say? 

Until next time- Happy Blogging! :)