40

I'm 40 today.
The following are things I have learned during my 4 decades on this earth that I would tell my 14 year old self if I had the ability to travel back in time:

1. You will not marry John Taylor of Duran Duran.
2. You do not become a famous actress.
3. George Michael is gay. Seriously. So was your first kiss.
4. Try harder in school. Seriously, hanging out with your friends at McDonalds can wait.
5. Take typing in high school. I know you think it’s just for secretaries, but when you’re 40, everyone should know how to type on a keyboard, (that’s what they’re call now. No one knows what a typewriter is.)
6. You will have some amazing teachers. Show them some respect. You will have some stupid teachers. Show them respect too.

7. Wash your face every day and moisturize.
8. Spend more time with your family. Especially your Grandparents. They won’t be around when you’re 40. Your parents too, (don’t worry, they’re still here).
9. Don’t be in such a rush to grow up.
10. Don’t be so boy-crazy. It makes you seem ditzy. You aren’t.
11. A little less backcombing of the hair might be a good idea.
12. Do NOT shave your eyebrows into zebra stripes in grade 9. They will never grow back properly.
13. Maybe don’t hit your sister in the head with rings on your fingers every time you walk past her.
14. Participate in sports. You may suck now, but you could at least practice. It would be nice to be part of a team.
15. Don’t worry… you are just a late bloomer. Your boobs will eventually grow. A lot. And they will be spectacular!
16. The bitchy girls in high school? They don’t matter. Really. And once you find everyone on Facebook years later, you'll realize you have a lot more in common than you’d ever thought.
17. Don’t go in the sun as much… and stay out of the tanning beds.
18. Buy Apple stock. Lots of it.
19. Sex for the first time really kinda sucks. In fact, it doesn’t get good for at least another 10 years.
20. Those guys that don’t call you back? They’re really just not that into you. Get over it. You deserve better.
21. Be happy when you get stuck for a few extra days in France due to a train strike; something fantastic comes out of it.
22. You will get your heart broken, several times.
23. Don’t apply for every credit card you can when you turn 19. It takes a long time to reestablish your good credit.
24. Learn how to make a budget and stick to it.
25. Not everyone you meet is going to like you. That’s ok.
26. Classy is always better than trashy.
27. Don’t drink too much; that’s when the classy disappears.
28. Don’t sleep with him. Or him either.
29. Instead of spending cash on “stuff” that you won’t care about the next year. Either save it, or spent it on experiences that you will always remember. Go back to Europe.
30. There will be friends that are only in your life for a certain time; that’s ok. Cherish the good times, let it go, and move on.
31. Even by the time you turn 40, the Canucks will still not have won a Stanley Cup. Do NOT bet on them to.
32. Kindness and empathy should come naturally to everyone, they don’t. They take practice; start practicing now.
33. Don’t ever stop being active, walk, run, hike, do yoga, go to the gym. When you stop, it’s hard to get back going again.
34. When you get your weight down to 100 lbs and you think you look good. You only look sick. Dieting isn’t about being skinny, it’s about being healthy.
35. Buy real estate in Vancouver in your 20’s. As much as you can.
36. Practice cooking. Guys like a good cook.
37. You’re still not married when you’re 40, so don’t be disappointed. Just be thankful when all of your married girlfriends complain about their husbands.
38. Always trust your intuition.
39. Facebook will steal way too much of your time that you will never get back, (unless you are a time traveller, which you might be).
40. Just wait until you meet your nephews. Your heart will melt.