things i'd tell my 11 year old self

1. Be nicer to everyone, including the people you're afraid of.
2. You are not yet afraid of speed and heights--enjoy.
3. Don't smoke those cigarettes during lunch.
4. School is actually for learning.  You'll regret all the things you aren't bothering to learn (geography!).
5. Please, please don't spray your bangs to stand up vertically. 
6. You're never too young to write a book.  Crank the Depeche Mode and do it, sister.
7. Fourth grade was the best year you'll ever have with boys.  Don't bother trying too hard.
8. Eat healthy.  Or at least healthier than a Nutter Butter and ice cream sandwich for lunch everyday.
9. Listen to the stories your grandfathers tell.  When they're gone, they're gone.
10. If your parents' cars are the worst things about them, you're doing pretty good.
11. Someday you'll have a daughter and she'll be eleven and she'll already know all of this.  She'll be wiser, braver and nicer than you.  And you'll love her more than you can imagine.

in honor of E, inspired by hula