Did you ever wish you could go back in time and give yourself some pointers? It's interesting to think how your life could have turned out way differently if you'd made a couple of small changes along the way.

Here's some advice I wish I could have given myself.




Dear Elementary School Adrian: Here is one great piece of advice for you - MAKE FRIENDS! Lot's of 'em. Who knew that after six years of elementary school, you would only remember three of your friends. You would have had a lot more fun if you'd gotten your nose out of a book and gotten into the thick of things. Also bug your Mom to get out of the house more - a LOT more. You are going to spend almost every evening and every weekend reading books and watching TV and that's really not any fun. Pester her to put you in ballet, or soccer, or any other activity you can think of. Or at least set up some play dates with your friends. Another evening with Mom's friend Zelda and her collection of cats is going to drive you nutty!


Dear Jr. High Adrian: Yes, I know you love your "Angel Dress", but honestly, it's getting a little short! Time to retire it and get Mom to buy you a new more grown-up dress. But watch out for the mini dress with the go-go boots she is going to make for you to wear on the first day of Jr. High. It's really cute, but she cut it way too low and too short. You're going to spend you're entire first period with a guy staring down your top - ew and you will NEVER wear that dress again.

I know you love your first Jr. High, but you're going to move halfway through because it's just not a safe neighborhood. It won't be as much fun, but you'll have a lot less chance of getting beaten up or shot! Trust me on that one. Kathy Grant is going to be your best friend. She's a nice girl, but she's a little weird, so you might want to spend a little less time with her. Otherwise, you're going to have that "weird" label rub off on you too and that will last clear into High School. Oh well, at least she was a faithful friend, until her Dad moved her off to Hemet. And she'll introduce you to Calvary Chapel, which is probably going to save you from doing drugs or getting into trouble in High School.


Dear High School Adrian: High School is a wonderful time, so let your hair down, stop worrying about who does or doesn't like you and enjoy yourself. Again with the advice from Elementary School - make LOTS of friends. It's really sad to know that when they have your 35 year reunion, you not only won't be missed, but most of the people wouldn't have remembered who you were if you had gone. You should have tried out for all the school plays, joined as many clubs as you could join, and been in the dance group even though you looked hideous in a leotard. And you definitely should have skipped the 2 years in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) program. Didn't really do anything for your popularity, but it did gain you your first and second boyfriends.

Speaking of which - Mike Ringler was a very poor choice for a first boyfriend. Yes, he was a Senior and you were a Freshman, but he was a BUTT UGLY redhead and he couldn't kiss for beans! On the other hand, Frank Hospers was a fabulous kisser and you had a very close call with that one. Breaking up with him was definitely the right thing to do and I'm sure he is sitting in jail or a bar somewhere at this exact moment!

PS: Go to the Prom! Yes, I know it's very expensive and your Mom says she can't afford it, but go anyway. There will always be more money, but you'll miss the memories you could have made at Prom. Same thing for senior pictures, your class ring, and lots of other stuff. She would have found a way to come up with the money if she'd known how much you really wanted it.



Dear College Adrian: First of all, don't rush things. You were so anxious to go to college that you got special permission to start going part time at 16. That was WAY too early and probably a big mistake. It made you grow up too fast so you would fit in and made you not enjoy your last two years of High School by comparison. Oh and stop feeling like a loser because you never get any dates. You're a Performing Arts Major, so most of the guys you know are GAY. That kind of narrows the pool of possibilities. And when you do find a boyfriend (like Stan and Mike) who is a complete loser, DO NOT stick with him for years just because you think you'll never get a good boyfriend. While you were tied down to them, you weren't available to go out with any of the nice guys - duh! And don't let Mr. Raab break your heart when he kicks you out of the choir because you weren't up to his Nazi standards of perfection. He's a dead ringer for a white Sammy Davis Jr and short to boot - probably has a Napoleon Complex. It's sad that it made you dump the music that you had loved your whole life. On the other hand, it did get you into computers - hmmm. Maybe that was a good thing because that's how you've earned a good living for the last 35 years. Oh and thank Mom for making you take typing. I guarantee that one will come in handy!

PS: Don't stress out about your weight. You won't believe it as you're posing for that Jenny Craig "before" photo, but these are your "skinny years". Don't say I didn't warn you. There are a lot more pounds in your future. Enjoy it while you can!


Dear Young Adult Adrian: You actually got it right for once. You sowed a few wild oats, but not too many. Worked hard, but weren't a work-a-holic like you are now. Had some good friends and some decent boyfriends. Got married at a reasonable age - not too early or too late and didn't rush into having kids. Couple of pointers - you could have been a better stepmother. I know it wasn't easy being newly married and the full-time mother to a three-year-old, but he was a darn good kid and you could have done a lot better. You also could have been a much better housekeeper. Flylady - there's a word to remember. But then again personal computers won't be invented for a few years, so I guess you did the best you could. But you would have had more fun and friends over if you hadn't been so worried about your messy apartment. Spend more time with your boys and take lots of pictures and movies. You have a terrible memory and you're going to forget most of those early years and fun times with your kids. And don't feel bad about moving to Utah. Yes it was hard on your in-laws, but it was totally the right thing to do for your family.

Love always,



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