Hey, you grown up. From your past self

Dear FutureMe, As you read this, you're probably sitting in your parents' fancy new house in Vegas. Are they happy? If not, tell them their PastDaughter says smile. I'm sure they're happy. Give them a hug for me. I hope you've had a good summer. You've graduated college and driven across the country. I hope it was all you thought it was going to be. Did you stand at the Grand Canyon all by yourself? I hope you did. You sure as hell better be packed to go to London. Remember that if you're not, I will never forgive you. I hope you have your plane ticket. I'm sure you're scared. I'm scared for you. But don't be too scared. It's time to go. It's been time to just go for a long time. As I, your now past self, am writing this to you, you have been drafting an e-mail to Tom. You probably won't send it, even though last night you drove around listening to the radio, making a tally of the songs that said "yes, send it" and the ones that said "no, do not." You had 5 tallies for yes and 4 for no. And 2 maybes, one of which was a song on WONC's FemFM show that said something about doing it on the bathroom floor. One of the nos was Turning Japanese. I hope you've started to get over it, or have started to live with it, because he don't love you girl, and you never knew him. (The e-mail was classy though, don't be ashamed of it). If you still think about him, it's ok. You think about him because you never knew him, but don't think sad things. Meet someone and shut up. And look where you are now, you're very far away. Wise up, but don't get too practical. Do you still think about Batavia? You left it in good shape, and it will always be there. It was time to leave, I'm sure you really see that now. Your past self has one week left at Barnes&Noble. Remember that place? Have fun in London. Don't be a wimp. And hey, when you get back, get some cash and a decent car and drive to Newfoundland. You've grown up a lot, I can tell, and think about all the growing up you still have to do. Don't be scared of that. Thank God for that. I love you. I know you'll badmouth me sometimes, and I'm sure I deserve it, but I'm pulling for you. Be good, but not too good. -Danielle Aug.3,2006