imroy's Journal: Advice to a 12-year old me

Because I have the disadvantage of living 7 hours behind (really 17 hours ahead) of the US and sleeping at odd times, stories here on Slashdot may be 10-12 hours old before I see them. I have little chance of posting a comment that many people will see.
So here's what I would say to my 12-year old self:

• Tell people how you feel about them, especially the ones you like.
• Don't let the bullies get to you. Don't let them turn you into a recluse.
• Get out a little. Really.
• Talk to girls. You really need the experience.
• Don't focus so much on IT. Learn some other skills. They'll be useful some day and you might actually like them.
• Stop thinking about the future or you'll never get anything done. Do things now.
• Don't try to plan things out too much and don't worry so much about the possible consequences. Don't be afraid of just doing things for the hell of it.
• Don't worry about doing stupid things or making mistakes. Everybody does. One day they might make amusing anecdotes.
• Don't be so hard on your parents. They're not out to ruin your life. One day you'll grow up to be just like them.
• That being said, do try to leave home as early as possible and get away from your parents. Don't go to the local university. Get away from mum's well-stocked pantry and fridge. Having to work and pay for your food, and having to walk to and from the shops is a great way to lose weight and exercise.
• Don't blame your parents for everything, learn to be responsible. Like I said, they're not to ruin your life. They're probably doing the best they can.
• Learn to like yourself. Eat right, get some exercise, and learn to like your body. It might never be great, but it's yours and you'll never have another.

And on a lighter note:

• Don't count on getting laid before 30.
• Go easy on your brother Glenn. He'll have several girlfriends before you even have one.
• Don't get so annoyed by people asking you in highschool if you're an albino just because you're blonde with fair skin. You may not have pink eyes, but odds are you do have hypo-pigmentosa.

backwards

[bellus quies]

Yes, it's easy to see what to do in reverse. But it seems lile you have a great start to work off of from here on out.