Dear Me,

 Oh boy.  This is not likely to be worth it.  For the most part anyway.

So, here's the good news: that obsession with chastity that you currently have? That will serve you well.  Don't let anyone get on your case about it, those people will be sorry later.  You won't keep that obsession forever, but taking your time is good.

You will not become fat by the age of 30, unlike most of your classmates, so be happy about that. Think about it when they call you names, and smile.  Smile more, by the way.

Maybe take a shot at telling T. he's hot and that you fancy him, sometime before graduation.  It might not work out, but then again...who knows!  On second thought, scratch that. If it does work out, that might prevent you from doing all sorts of awesome stuff.  Oh yes, you get to do some really cool stuff. 

Let's see...  don't get all worked up about that douchebag you're going to prom with. He is a major tool.  You can do way better than that and you will. Trust me.

Back to the good news. Stick to your guns on that business of being a teetotaler.  I know you will, you can be a stubborn gal when you want to.  

What else? Geez...you're like, so YOUNG!!! 

Oh, work on saying 'no' to people.  You're going to need it.  

Also, please make sure not to lose Amber Brown's address. Please? 

Oh, and put this in some sort of a time capsule to be opened in the summer of 2001: That hot Asian guy is not the one.  He isn't.  He's a friend, and not even a particularly good one.  And he will be gone in the blink of an eye.  It sucks, but there it is. 

I can't tell you about the good guys, because I know if I do you'll start looking for them all over the place and trying to make them show up sooner.  Patience is a virtue.  Try and master it.

I realize this has been almost entirely about men and relationships, but that is because I know that is your primary interest right now.  Aw, you're blushing.  Don't be embarrassed, it isn't a crime.  

On a more important note, talk to Uncle Matt more often.  And your cousins, while you're at it.  Get to know them better and enjoy their company.  

Also, please continue to meditate, at least often enough that you don't forget your sutras.  You'll want them when you finally succeed at reclaiming them from Dad.  Oh yes you will.  Don't tell yourself you can just take a refresher course, you know you won't.  

Pet Frankie.  Pet him lots and tell him you love him. He's a sweet kitty.

Keep an eye on your barbie dolls, by the way. Mom really wants to throw them out, despite what she tells you.  Also, print out all your stories right now.  All of them. And keep them someplace safe. 

There's nothing else of importance that I can think of that won't ruin stuff for you.  In a nutshell, hardly anything turns out the way you think it will, but you'll find you're happy the way it does turn out.

Ok. So, as Forest likes to say, grab a helmet and jump in!