Advice to my 16-year-old self

(This was gacked from someone who posted it flocked.)

1. Performing will always be part of your life, but it will never be a career. You're using it as an escape from reality right now, and deep down you know that. But still, start taking voice lessons now. You'll be happy you did.

2. Boys your age really are asshats. (And yes, that includes Kevin -- stop making out with him whenever he snaps his fingers, because he's using you until he can get back together with his ex.) Older guys are better. Hint: There's an older guy in your future.

3. You're just starting to ignore what other people think and be yourself. Be brave! In twenty years, you won't remember why it was such a big deal to be considered different because of the way you colored your hair or artfully tore your clothes.

4. Ellis is gay. He will never ask you out, so stop mooning over him. Besides, he's a pretentious, racist jerk, and even if he were straight, you could do better. Oh, and Patrick and John are also gay, so forget about getting it on with either of them. What is it with you and gay boys? (This comment will seem very ironic in about 15 years.)

5. Take that $1500 you have in your savings account and on June 22 of next year, invest it in a company called Dell.

6. You think the 1980s are the worst time anyone could have been a teenager, and sadly, you're right about that.

7. That decision you made to wait and to lose your virginity with someone you cared about was a good one (see point 2), so hang in there. But after that, go tell mom and go on the pill. She'll understand (really, she will), and you'll save yourself a year of sneaking around and taking unnecessary risks.

8. Spend as much time with your grandparents as possible. Call them every week, and ask them about their childhood memories. Spend the night with them on a weekend, just for the hell of it. Learn how Grandma makes those amazing biscuits.

9. Learn to play a musical instrument. Might I suggest the guitar?

10. You are NOT fat. In fact, you have a perfect body right now. Wear that bikini, seriously.

H/D rec!

A gift fic was posted for me in hd_holidays tonight, and I have to say I'm thrilled by it! It's written from the perspective of a portrait hanging in Grimmauld Place, and it tells the story of the search for Slytherin's locket. It's such a unique approach, and it's really a fantastic read. I especially love the fact that this particular Black ancestor was a bit of a voyeur, heh. ;-)

Check it out: Room With a View, by Anonymous.