What advice would you give to a younger self?

Saw this thread in the Vogue forums. This post made me laugh…and think:

“- don’t get a credit card. You’ll have a shopping problem.
– accept help from others. You’re not alone
– as lonely as you may be being the only single person out of all of your friends between 18-23, you’ll meet the most amazing man when you turn 24.
– the other half’s problems are with you. Just stay positive and supportive, and all will be well.
– don’t overload at uni when you have glandular fever. That will screw you over for the next six years.
– money isn’t the most important thing in the world
– learn to forgive people. Nurturing grudges will make you very, very ill.
– remember that no matter how bad things get, your family are always there. You don’t have to tell them everything, but they’ll be there.
– parking fines and speeding fines are a waste of money
– don’t buy things on impulse
– seek professional help when you need it. Don’t think your psych degree will protect you. Especially after you swallow two bottles of prescription pills.
– look in the mirror and smile. Better still, smile at people. Even if you’re just brushing past them in the supermarket
– patience is a virtue
– learn to say sorry
– allow yourself time to be sad and time to grieve. Holding everything in causes a mental breakdown at age 18, 20, 21, 22, 22 and a 1/2, 23……
– quit your job when you feel it’s right. Procrastinating gets you nowhere.
– deep breathes

Other:
– don’t watch season 3 of Masterchef. Dani will give you the *****
– don’t curse the sky when it rains. For some reason you’ll be rained on every time you step out the door over the next few weeks
– don’t text and drive. Or play with your iPad when you drive
– tell the other half you love him when you feel it’s right. Procrastinating only ends up with a blubbery gargle of random words
– don’t impulse shop – what are you going to do with the hot pink vest in your wardrobe when you realize you only really wear black?
– wear heels as early on as possible so that you can wear heels to your bosses wedding without dying.
– manicures are important. Or at least, take something to strengthen your nails.
– whatever you do, no matter how cheap it is, don’t fly Tiger”

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The dreaded word

I don’t usually fret over packing for a holiday, and this one is still weeks away. But I’ve been troubling over the exact pieces of clothes I’m going to pack for this five-week trip in Europe. Three reasons. It’s not exactly a glamorous European sojourn,  take, for example, the 12k walk along the Cinque Terre coastline, trekking around the Scottish highlands and hiking in Iceland. Then there’s the weather issue, it’s going to be between 10 to low 20’s throughout the trip, and I hate packing for unpredictable fall weather, juggling between t-shirts and warm sweaters. Also, there are going to be occasions to dress up for, like going to a 3-Michelin star restaurant, and, hello Paris, anyone?

So what to do?

It seems to me that the most logical thing to do (and because I’m obsessed about being absolutely organised for any trips) is to start packing now. This means I can take things out, put others in and think about anything I’ll need to buy to perfect this set of clothes.

My goal is to fit all my clothes into this smallish packing cell.  This not only leaves room for me to buy more stuff in Europe 😉 but also helps when I have to lug my baggage across seven countries.

Anyway, off I go to another ‘packing’ session 😉