[ASUADPi]

Oh man what I would tell my 13 year old self from my 34 year old self.

1. Don't pull your eyebrows

This might sound like an odd thing to say, but I have suffered from Trichotillomania since I was 13. Within a weeks time frame, at the end of 8th grade, I pulled out all my eyebrows. People didn't understand what I had done and why I couldn't stop.
I found out in about 2000 that this had a name of Trichotillomania and it is a form of OCD (as recognized in the current DSM V).
I struggle every day not to pull. I was doing well. I was at one point 75 days pull free this year but me not being able to find a job in my new city and pay my bills and living back with my parents took its toll and my hard work of not pulling went down the drain. It is a daily struggle!

2. Do better in school because you don't want to have 100k in school loans. You have the potential to make A-B's, DO IT!

3. If you really want to be a cheerleader you need to put forth the effort to a) practice your jumps b) increase your flexibility c) increase your dance memory d) learn gymnastics. If you aren't willing to put forth these efforts, then you need to find another sport to join.

4. If you really want to be in an advanced choir you also need to put forth an effort by a) learning to sight read by b) going to voice lessons. Don't expect Ludwig to "promote" you because he is "supposed to". It doesn't work that way.

5. DO NOT become friends with Meredith, Christy, Megan or Tori. All these girls do is make your life a living HELL. They use you. They know that you are desperate to fit in.

which leads to...

6. Don't be desperate to fit in! Find your own niche of people who like you for you. Don't be fake and change yourself.

7. Get more involved. They are so many clubs, don't just limit yourself to drama.

8. Try new things. Don't sit back and not do something because you think it is a) to hard or b) you don't qualify. You will never know unless you try. (This is particularly important advice in regards to the senior walk, you will regret not applying).

9. Don't be afraid around boys. They don't bite. It is okay to be their friends. It is also okay to ask them out. Don't be afraid to do so. The worst they can say is "no" and your life isn't over. Trust me, you will have much worse heartbreak in your life than a boy in high school saying "no" to go to a dance or on a date.

10. On a personal note, fighting with mom and dad over stupid crap is so not worth it! Stop being a total bitch and arguing with every little thing they say. Yes, mom may drive you absolutely insane with her passive-agressive behavior, but you CANNOT change that. Fighting with her is only going to make your life hell and make dad take her side. Completely and utterly pointless. Just don't do it. Choose your battles wisely. Know when to shut the hell up.