Blog Minx

Lazy Man has a post on this topic and it’s a good idea. However, my first reaction is to respond, “I wouldn’t say anything!” simply because I’ve seen Back to the Future and know what can happen when you start messing with the past.

But the exercise isn’t literal, it’s more a way to reflect on what you’ve learned from your mistakes experiences. So here goes:

1. Don’t buy a CD a week.
I know you want to, but it gets very expensive and that money would be better spent on travel savings. Share CDs with friends. One day soon you’ll be able to do something called ‘downloading MP3s’.

2. Don’t spend all your money on alcohol.
I know you like underage drinking with your friends, but… well, at least buy something cheaper. Coruba also gives wicked hangovers.

3. Well done with all your part-time jobs.
Those jobs may seem crappy but you’re avoiding the high-student-loan trap, learning independence and acquiring valuable skills.

4. Look after your health a little better.
All your drinking and late nights will take their toll. Eat better and exercise.

5. School grades are not that important.
It’s nice to get good grades, but in a few years those grades will count for little to nothing. Don’t obsess. And I know you get taught by rote, but try not to learn by rote. Think critically.

6. Do what you love.
I know you’ll do this anyway. It’s the right way. Just save a bit more.

7. When you’re 18 you’re going to learn more about something called ‘internet’ and ‘email’.
It may seem a bit boring but make an effort to learn a bit more. Start your own site. Or at least keep that ‘blog’ site you’ll start in 2001 going. Don’t quit!

8. Go easy on your parents.
They worry about you and only set curfews because those older boys you like make them nervous. Respect their feelings and help out more around the house. Keep seeing those boys but be assertive with them, and be yourself. Don’t clear your calendar or wait anxiously for their calls. Call them, or be confident they’ll call anyway.

9. Give yourself a budget.
Shopping is okay but keep track of your expenses! Save a percentage of your income. Consider how much time it’s taken you on your low wage to buy that CD or that top.

10. Value your friends.
You won’t stay in touch with them for long after high school, so enjoy the high school camaraderie while it lasts.

11. Like yourself.
Everything you dream of will come true in your 20s. Life will get a whole bunch more interesting. So stop lying around listening to Nirvana and feeling tragic. Get out of the house. Take up more hobbies.

12. One day the opportunity will arise to buy a cheap bike with dodgy brakes and crooked handlebars.
Don’t buy it.

13. Buy Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway.
You spend a lot of time feeling afraid. This book will soon get rid of all that. Buy it now.

14. Don’t quit French.
You are really good at it! Don’t quit at 15. Classical Studies is fun but you can learn that stuff later. French is more important.

15. Don’t believe everything you are told.
When you are young (and all through life) people tell you things that they think are in your best interests. 90% of the time they are wrong. Listen politely but don’t take it to heart.

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