On Monday I had to go network hopping because my Internet connection was down. I started at Panera, then went to Barnes & Noble. I lucked out and got a great spot at Panera. It was in the corner, was a 2 person booth (nice ‘n comfy). Because I was in the corner, it was quiet.

At B&N, not so much luck. I couldn’t even get a seat with a plug (so I started praying that my battery life was as long as promised). I was perched at the counter facing the sidewalk and parking lot. I have to say that I LOVED the people watching. There was the guy walking back and forth, looking in the window as though he was looking for someone (or stalking them). There were the babies on parade (looked like a mommy “play group”. There were 7 or 8 mommies pushing strollers). There are the business folks (briskly walking, focused to get to their location), the retired folks, the students who are newly back in town. Even though the B&N seats are not very comfy and there are two plugs to service everyone in there with a computer (11 that I can count), You can’t beat the perch for people watching. I may have to come back when I need characters.

Do you ever realize that you are being “people watched”?

Today I was inspired to write a letter to myself. Not just any letter and not my current self – but my past self. This also comes on the heals of hearing about a mini-reunion by some high school classmates. I was reminded about some things that I can laugh about now… but also give me new things to apologize to my mom for doing. (Sorry Mom!)

Dear young six,

You will hate high school. You will have some really great times with some really great people… but get that vision of high school being the greatest time in your life out of your head. Your 30 something self keeps finding more and better times as we go, so while high school isn’t a high point (OK, it sucks), it gets better. Much Much better.

You will stick to your word about not having another beer after that last day in 9th grade. You will eventually promise your husband to have one when he opens his brewery.

That boyfriend you will have… Don’t expect too much, but he is necessary. If you don’t date him and learn a few lessons you won’t know exactly how great your next boyfriend/husband will be. Heck, you might not even meet him.

Boone’s Farm is not good. Don’t pretend it is.

Keep in better contact with your friends. Finding them later is much harder.

You do have a good body. Accept it now and learn a few tricks to keep it. Don’t stop all the exercise you do in day-to-day life. But maybe stop eating at Sonic. It also is bad. Spend those calories on more Mexican food – you will miss it later.

Quit stressing about Chemistry. Do what you can to pass it, then purge the info from your brain. You won’t need it.

Keep your dreams of travel and exciting adventures alive. You will have them, but you have to remember you want them. Your life becomes boring when you forget your passions.

Don’t start smoking.

If you don’t listen to me and start smoking, quit.

When you quit, don’t have another one. Not even one. Yes one does make a difference.

Apologize to your Mom for all the worries you are about to give her. Let her know that you will survive and become a productive member of society.

The rest is going to be a secret surprise. Enjoy it.

Love, future six