To My 17-Year-Old Self

Dear self,

You're 17 years old and your biggest responsibility is trying to figure out what you're wearing to Josh's party this weekend. Should you go with the Abercrombie tube top that shows off your mid-drift or the short denim mini skirt and a pair of platform flip flops? Other than homework, your biggest worry is not getting caught drinking and sneaking out on a weekly basis. Your mother will threaten to take away your car, your cell phone, your own "personal" phone line and your AOL privileges but that woman....she really knows what she's doing here.

Thanks to softball and volleyball, you're in the best damn shape of your life. You've got a tight little figure and can wear just about anything without worrying about the way it looks. This thing called "cellulite" doesn't even exist in your vocabulary and your stomach is as flat as your back. (So are your boobs, but don't worry...they'll come soon enough.) You're going to try to walk out the door in the middle of winter wearing nothing but a halter top and the shortest shorts money can buy but don't even try it because you know damn good and well your dad is going to make you march your happy butt right back up those stairs and put on something slightly less revealing.

You're young enough to be able to eat a Big Mac, fries and a large diet coke before your softball game without gaining an ounce. Take advantage of this because in just a few years, you'll gain 4 pounds just looking at those golden arches.{Stupid 26-year-old metabolism...}

You're going to get caught cheating in Government but just know that girl who took all the blame for you will become one of your very best friends. She'll stand next you in her wedding and you'll do the exact same for her. (Thanks, Ash!)

You're also going to get caught skipping lunch by your very own mother. She's going to take your car away for 2 weeks and drive you to and from school every. single. day.. It's gonna suck, and you're going to resent her for it but let's be honest, we all know good and well that you were up to no good anyways so it's just better off that she teaches you that lesson early on.

You're going to get called into the principal's office for harassing the girl your ex cheated on you with. Pushing her into walls and leaving her death threats on her car are going to get you no where but suspended. (Also see: You're not going to marry him anyways...) Keep it class, honey.

You're going to sneak out of your best friends house every other weekend and stay out until the sun comes up. You'll only "almost" get caught once but it's okay because your best friend's mom will cover for you no matter what. Just brush your teeth and no one will know a thing...

Oh...and that "older football player" you dated for a couple years, ya, it doesn't work out. You're gonna break up the day after prom and play the whole "let's get back together" card for another year or two but just know you're not going to marry him anyway. Your life is not "over" and you're going to live. Trust me...

Ya. You'll graduate from high school and run off to college and follow your cleat-chasing dreams when you meet a baseball player turned frat guy. You'll go through hell and back to win him over but once you do, you're set. He'll be charming and sweet and a family-man who will sweep you off your feet and will one day call you his bride.

You'll learn a lot this year in your life and make so many wonderful memories but just know you're life is really just beginning...

Love always,

Your 26-year-old self