Huh. I got a lot.
- I know what you're going through. I know that people suck, and that no one really cares about you outside of your family. Don't worry. Things will change in the coming years. Just try and stay upbeat. And when Jon and Elliot (who you haven't met yet) become insufferable jerks, just ignore them. They'll come around.
- Don't stop playing piano. Seriously, I know you hate it. Just don't stop. Also, pick up guitar or something. I know you hate 99% of all music at this point (and that won't be changing much). But learn guitar anyhow.
- Get going and apply for jobs early every spring. You do NOT want to be mowing lawns all summer. This also applies for scholarships in grade 12.
- Put more effort into your karate classes. It's easy when you're the biggest guy in the class, but you can actually make something of this. Try and pick it up again after your summers away.
- Be proactive about the leftover flyers you deliver. Tell the company early that you're getting 25-50 extras each week. It'll save you getting fired later.
- Take good care of your braces. Wear the stupid elastics. For the love of all things good and holy, wear the stupid bloody elastics. You'll thank yourself come prom.
- You may think Aletta is into you, and maybe she is, but be careful. Spend more time with her outside of class, and decide if she's actually interested. If she is, act early. Otherwise, just ride it out, and stay friends.
- Anneke likes you a lot, but will never date you. Ever. Don't even try. She's a strange woman. And besides, she'll commit to a long-term relationship with someone else soon after you fall in love with her. She's a good friend though; don't neglect that.
- A certain girl named Elizabeth will waltz into your life shortly after you turn 20. I know it may be hard to turn her down, as it'll likely be the first time you'll be involved in anything close to an intimate relationship, but be wary. She will have some life altering experiences in the near future, and will likely leave you no matter what you do. Unless you can get her to fully commit, it isn't worth the mess it'll cause.
- Actually try at school. Yes, you can get an 80 without trying. But if you were to actually study and not procrastinate, that 80 could be a 90. Especially study when you get to university; those midterms will bite you hard.
- When you go to work at the camp, form strong friendships. I know you're very different from everyone else there (except Jordan), but that's the nature of your life. The people there will genuinely accept your differences without judgement - embrace this.
- Decide firmly at this point how you feel about religion and spirituality. I know you feel like you're committed, but trust me, that'll change in the coming years. If you truly want to stay committed, do so. If you decide that religion isn't for you, state your case early. Don't end up at a point of limbo.
- What you suspect is true. Alcohol tastes disgusting, and being drunk isn't much fun. Just avoid consuming any sort of alcohol at all, no matter how pressured you are.
- Don't bother with Facebook. It's a waste of time. If you do get Facebook, TURN DOWN FRIEND REQUESTS FROM PEOPLE YOU'VE NEVER SHAKEN HANDS WITH (except Ryan L. He's a cool guy). It'll save you a boatload of embarrassment later.
- I know your parents will force you to the polling station in the 2006 federal election. I know that you have no idea who to vote for. So, either do your research and pick who you think is best (not who your parents, teachers, and friends think is best), or submit a blank ballot. You'll be doing almost 40 million people a favour.
- There are probably more, but I think this has gone on long enough.
EDIT: Just thought of another two
- Don't be afraid of your hair. Yes it's a pain. But you can do better than "several inches with a baseball cap".
- When the white spots appear on your legs, GET THEM LOOKED AT RIGHT AWAY.