If I were to write my past self a letter what would it contain? You have to understand that this is a little hard for me to remember everything that I would want to address because I am not at home with all of the snap shots of childhood and stuffed animals and other such memorabilia (including the most awesome pensile collection from the 80’s ever. I have three words for you Lisa Frank, and Glitter! YESSSSSSsssss!) But despite the lack of nostalgia, I will begin.
Dear Jenni (in elementary school),
(Which was what everyone called me before college, a strategic move to sound older, it didn’t work so well)
It has been such a long time since I have seen you. (And I am kind of glad because I don’t know if I could handle all of the hyper activity any more) I can imagine that you are doing well as a happy kid. I just wanted to let you know some things for future reference so that you will have an extra bounce on what is to come.
On the subject of family.
Dad will finally finish his schooling. He will get his PHD and then everyone will call him Doctor Hope for a while, and he won’t like it. (But inside I think he might). Just to let you know, he still will be fun. Sometimes to the point of mild embarrassment, but never too much. (And he will stop talking about the deficit, but he will never stop repeating what mom says.)
Mom will stop home schooling, (yah, you end up at Elyria,) and eventually she will get a job at Body and Soul (which will be your first legitimate job. Remember to smile and be nice to the annoying guy from the Christian news paper. Even people who break and then do not buy expensive merchandise deserve a second chance, but never more than one.) She will like work and the people she works with, except when Jean punches out the computer screen (twice, thinking it is a touch screen). Oh yah, and mom still looks like she is 29.
Don’t worry about how much you fight with Kati; it is only going to get worse. In fact in the years between your junior high and high school differences you will not be physically able to say anything nice to each other at all. But then after she goes to high school you will start to get along. (Do not insult her feet, or tease her about how she is afraid about sock monkeys it will only set you back) You will really start to like her a lot after you leave for college, but that doesn’t mean that times will be easy. Just don’t get discouraged
Now about you.
Don’t worry about your hair, it will be better once you learn how to use a curling iron and blow drier. Makeup will help, but once you get to college you will be sick of it, so don’t wear it unless you have to.
Make sure you don’t throw away all of your leggos. You will want them when you are older. But you can get rid of the Barbie that you chopped the hair off of. And please don’t make the mistake of forcing Wedding Doll Midge into your cool 80’s fanny pack, her head will fall off I guarantee it.
Don’t hold your breath about the trampoline and porch swing that you want. You don’t get them till your last two years at home. (Then you break the trampoline the night before your graduation from high school because your sister thought she could mow the lawn)
School at Elyria will be fun. Make sure you get to know Mr Siemens, he is a good one to have on your side. And don’t let Mr. Nelson or Mr. Franklyn get to you. You know that they enjoy making students mad.
About the whole guy thing, I know that Bret Jantzen looks good now, but just wait till you meet Jacob Lynn. (I know that he will be shy, but make him talk to you). In fifth grade you will find the perfect man in Jacob Kaufman, but he will resent you for your mad music skills and will insult you behind your back so don’t fall for him like you want to. When the world brings you Dusty Pruitt just keep telling yourself… “He will become an insulting egotist even though he will grow up to be tall dark and handsome.” You will forever refer to him as your arch nemesis, and you will create a black hole just so that you can mentally throw him into it whenever he calls you fat, or loud, or ugly. Perhaps someday even now he might be maturing just inch by inch. There is only one guy who you meet in high school who will be worth all of the admiration you give him. Even though the end will be painful the relationship is the most exciting in your youth. You will be able to call him your first love, and although he chooses another in the end, you will still mean a lot to him. (Just make sure Amy is there when he calls to tell you he is engaged so that when you freak out you are not alone)
When you get to College the guys are nicer and better looking. Just don’t fall for the first guy that hits on you in Theory class, you don’t wind up with him anyway.
College will be the best! Don’t get upset about your major, you will wind up liking it in the end. Start thinking about pranks not, because you are going to need the ammo. Don’t study too hard. It is taxing on the brain. Keep your friends close they love you and would do anything for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things (like the Clarinet you are going to like it.)
Song: The Time of my Life
2 comments:
What do you mean,"Mom still looks like she is 29?" How old do you think she is anyway?
Forty-something
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