Day Ten:

-What would you say to teenage you?-

Dear Self, 

You're on your way, just breathe. 

First off, stop cutting your hair. You say you want it long, but you get bored so you chop it. I promise that if you have patience, it will grow. So just stop. Don't let you talk yourself into getting that perm. I know you want curly hair so bad, but it killed your hair. And while you don't care about your hair, this will be the one phase that bugs you. Stop the tears, losing friends isn't the biggest deal. Truth be told, you won't care about them in a matter of months. Sure they were fun, for the moment, but they will grow out of that. So just move on, and don't let it take you back in life.  Realize your close friends early in life, and keep those ones. Like Rachel, she will always continue to support you and be there for you. It doesn't matter who you're friends with. You know who you are deep down, just own up and show it. You probably will enjoy high school if you do.  Don't worry about the small petty football games, the bonfires, the dances... they aren't important. Just style up every day Annie. I know basketball shorts and sweats are comfortable, but it wouldn't hurt to get ready every so often. Enjoy 4th period English class Junior year. You are surrounded by some really great people, and friends that you enjoy. So just love it. Read ALL of the books so that older you doesn't have to go back and read them. They are amazing books, and your teacher is pretty awesome. So just enjoy. Remember how you curse mom daily for forcing piano/music on you? Well stop. She loves you, and honestly it is something you have going for you. Don't stop now, and don't stop your first year of college. Continue in your musical talents. They will be your stress relief. Sometimes the piano and singing, will be your one happy outlet. Continue to grow at it. Get up everyday and practice. I know that 4 am is way early, but you will be glad you did it. It will save you from so many arguments with Mom and Dad, and also from a lot of groundings ;). Enjoy Goldtones, and enjoy Concert Choir. Don't get bogged down in the drama of everyone. Just go to class everyday happy to be there. Its an amazing opportunity. Appreciate Schehera. I know you already love her to death, and aspire to be like her and her cute family. But show her more, do more for her.  Join the newspaper at Vista. It is something you are good at, and will want to do it for your life. The more experience, the better you will be when you decide to go into Broadcasting/Journalism. Learn as much Portuguese as you can and eventually you will want nothing more than to be fluent in spanish. So even though your options for spanish teachers are limited, stick through it and actually study it. You will want it later in life. And as for Portuguese, you will NEED it. :)   You have an amazing seminary class all 4 years, with some pretty awesome teachers. Ok, sophomore year-- not so much. Continue to do what you want in that class, your teacher hates you anyway, haha. But the rest of the time, show up on time, put your phone away, and pay attention. Those teachers know what they are talking about. And don't forget to do that Krispy Kreme early morning 5 am donut run. Always appreciate your grandparents while they are with you. They love you, and are your biggest support system. There is no love greater than a grandparent loving their grandchild. Consider that, and appreciate that. Take every chance you can to visit, to listen to stories, to take their advice. And when that day comes that breaks your heart on a daily basis, you leave as fast as you can and get there. Those last words spoken will stay in your heart forever, leaving you to question for the rest of your life. 

There will be that dreaded News Year, and you can't do anything about that. But the best way to handle that is to keep things as are, go to the dance. Pretend that everything is ok, because really...it is. Always love your siblings, always be there for them. Spend less nights out doing pointless activities, and more nights with your mom and dad. Strengthen that relationship. Say thank you more. Appreciate those days that mom takes you out and basically spoils you rotten. By the way, that one friendship you hold on to so tightly, not worth it. So just stop. Let me spoil the ending for you, it is a roller coaster of a ride, and you are miserable the entire time. So just let go. You will be fine, and so will he. There will come a time when you will piece together some pretty awful news. And it will make your heart hurt every time you think about it. But rather than suffering through it, take it as a lesson learned. Realize that you don't want that, and strive in every relationship to stay clear of it. Just remember the happy stories, rather than the reality of it. Ditching class is not a big deal. Mom and Dad don't even care. So don't let that scare you out of a longer lunch ;) Get a job earlier, you want the money, and you'll appreciate it in college. Dream big things Annie, don't be scared. You can push yourself, and you'll make it. So do it. 

Bend God's ear more. Talk about your problems with him rather than your 'friends'. He knows more about how you feel more than anyone ever will. Rely on him, call upon him. Count your blessings with him, let him know of your gratitude for your life and agency here on earth. Serve others and study your scriptures more. Strengthen your testimony as much as possible, even on the little things. 

But most of all Annie, try not to grow up so fast. Life is difficult now yes, and you'll be aching to get out of Colorado. Life will always be its own little personal struggle. So ride it out, appreciate the small stuff.  But right now, its honestly not that bad, and if you take this advice, you'll be set for life. Yes, College is something you dream it to be. It takes a bit of warming up, but eventually, you'll call Rexburg home, and the friends... you will call them family.