I wanna go back to my room and find a message in dry erase pen on the door.

Dear Baby Bro,

I don't like to make pointless guarantees and empty promises, but mark my words: today is a Very. Big. Day.  First and foremost, congratulations on making it 18 years without choking or being choked by our darling parents.  No one else on the planet understands this feat quite like I do. 

Ten years ago, we parked cargo van in our front yard, and loaded it with suitcases and yaffa blocks, coordinating sheets and throw rugs, communal bathroom supplies, an 8 year old you and an 18 year old me.  I can't believe it's your turn, though something tells me your move to college will be much simpler and less dramatic.  (But that's pretty much par for the course, and a key difference between you and me.)  Speaking as the elder sibling, I'd now like to load you up with some advice that will help you navigate through the next four years (and probably beyond) successfully. 

1) Parties are great.  DDs are better. 
2) Speaking of drinking, the myths are true.  Tequila is always bad, but especially if the night began with Natty Light.
3) Speaking of Natty Light, always spend the extra money for better beer.
4) Enough about drinking.  Go to class.  Seriously.  Go to class.
5) No one works best under pressure.  It's just a lie we all tell ourselves so we don't feel quite so pathetic for procrastinating. 
6) Make new friends.  Don't forget about the ones you already have, but make new ones, too. 

(Sidebar: Mom just called as they drove home.  They're child-free for the first time in 28 years.  Let the celebrating AND the empty nest syndrome set in.)

7) Speaking of Mom calling, call her.  She won't hover, but she will be curious what you're up to and it would be nice if you'd update her.
8) I am deeply jealous of you for going to a big university.  Make the most of it.  Promise me you'll go to as many football games as possible, when you're not busy running circles around the other track kids.
9) Please don't let your room, or especially your bathroom, smell like dude.  Trust me, it's not manly.  It's just gross.  And for the love, change your sheets regularly - has Dad ever told you about his first college roommate?
10) Find the perfect greasy spoon, open 24 hours a day diner/coffee shop/whatever.  Visit at least once a month, preferably between 11 PM and 3 AM.  Some of your loudest laughs and happiest moments will take place inside. 
11) Roadtrip.  Best idea ever.
12) Remember your roots, but don't be afraid to grow new branches. 
13) Take at least one class a year that has nothing to do with your major.  And audit something that does but you don't necessarily need - you'll enjoy it more and apply it better.
14) Keep playing bass.  Chicks will dig that.
15) Go to concerts but never, EVER wear a tshirt for the band playing, or a band you saw playing with the band playing. 
16) Take complete and total advantage of being a student.  Things are cheaper and easier because the world feels bad that you have to spend hours a day studying instead of working.  Truth is, most of us no longer in school wish we still were so no pity should be involved.  That being said - go on the trips offered, and take the discounts available. 
17) Don't fall in love in the first 2 years. 
18) Don't be afraid to ask for help.  In life, in class, in any challenge you encounter.  No one expects you to go at this world alone and people are generally willing to help if they know you need it. 
19) Life never ever ever works out like you planned.  Stop putting energy into planning it and start being ready to just live whatever is thrown your way. 
20) You are loved.  

And above all else, study hard and have fun.  Blink and it will all be over.  These will be some of the best years of your life, but only if you never take yourself all that seriously. 
Of course, to me, you will always be my little Evie-Boo-Boo, lover of M&Ms, fly-feet, Trains Planes and Automobiles, and Buzz Lightyear. 

Roll Tide Roll,
Your Big Sis

Rock on, rock on with your fashionable frown

Despite what my previous post may have suggested, I'm fine.  Not crushed or depressed or in a bad place or anything.  I mostly just needed to vent and to remember cliches are overused for a reason and that I'm not the only one who's ever felt this way and that I (hopefully) won't feel like this forever.

Oh and also, that no man is worth the tears and the one who is won't make me cry.  Whoops.  Sorry.  Had to slide one more in.

I've rejoined both match.com and okcupid recently.  And this time I think I'll be a little more open to dating for the sake of dating than dating for the sake of sensing immediate sparks, getting married, and having babies.  Safer approach, yes?

Work is insane right now.  Not bad, just busy.  (And if it's like this now, I'm a little terrified for November/December.)  I have a 60 hour week waiting in the wings, and at first I was nervous but if I just focus and take it day by day, I'm pretty sure it won't be the end of the world.  Instead of eating like crap and not exercising enough, I've decided to up the yoga to twice a day and try a new diet.  Don't worry, nothing quick, no fads.  Just a really basic, simple, common sense approach.  You see, I went to the doctor and she recommended a little something called the Rainbow Diet.  The key thing to remember?  White isn't anywhere in the rainbow.  So, no white bread, sugar, salt, etc.  She also recommended I cut back on my dairy intake which...well.  I refuse to ever stop eating cheese but ok, I can eliminate a little milk and yogurt if I have to.   She wants me on rice or almond milk, neither of which I'm crazy about, so we're compromising on one serving of soymilk a day. 

Best part?  She told me, specifically, to eat a lot of pineapple.  Confused?  Please direct your attention to the web address of this very blog.  Yup.  Eat a lot of pineapple?  I got this, Doc.  I'm a little concerned that the diet is relatively fruit heavy and lacking in veggies, protein and carbs but...we'll see?  I'm pretty sure eating lettuce, fresh fruit, and chicken all week isn't exactly going to make me gain. 

For the first time in my life, I have been silent for over 24 hours by my own choice.  (I've done it several times before due to necessity, or double-dog dares.)  It's been lovely.  I think I'm going to enforce one Mute Sunday per month, in addition to the No Pants Sunday rule already very much present each week.  Mmmmm.  Good idea, me. 

I could really use a wish right now.

In the wake of my most recent boy-crazy fueled disaster (seriously, why do I even bother believing anymore?) I've had a whole slew of words of wisdom, friends' advice, song lyrics and cliches running rampant through my head.  Of course, seeing that I'm the one home alone with my cat on a Saturday night, wearing a t-shirt I've had at least 10 years, eating Chinese takeout, watching chick flicks and brooding over my stupid mouth, I guess I'm the real cliche here.

And now I'm going to put all these words and lyrics out into the world in hopes they're true and I'll listen next time.   Hell, here's hoping I'll listen THIS time, as I'm not exactly out of the woods just yet.

love hurts 

love bites

I find a fatal flaw in the logic of love

  

Love is never having to say you're sorry

Everything happens for a reason

How many times can I break till I shatter?

Time heals all wounds

But time takes time, you know?

You're better off without him

Boy, you're better off with me in your head.

He doesn't deserve you

It'll happen when it happens

I just haven't met you yet.

He's just not that into you.

Shit happens

I'm tired of being alone.  So hurry up and get here. 

Whatever will be, will be 

Let it be.

It is what it is

Let it ride.  Let it roll, let it go.

Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe.

 

love conquers all
Love conquers all    

Love conquers all.

(Never say never.) 

And when you figure out love is all that matters after all, it sure makes everything else seem so small. 

The funny thing about hope is that it's inextinguishable.   

You see, sometimes I'm a woman and sometimes, a mess.