I wish someone would have told me..

Has it been 10 years since I was 18? I know to some of you I am still a youngster' and to some of you I am getting old, but the fact is: 10 years has gone by in a flash! So, to celebrate my birthday here are some things I wish I would have known at 18:

• You are actually far better off if you don't follow the crowd.
• High school-love works out for very few people. You are not one of them!
• College is NOT about the grade. Enjoy your classes, read your books, LEARN! 
• Just like your grandpa said when you were 10, you should pursue art. It isn't as impracticable as you think. And you will always enjoy creating
• You are beautiful, just how you are. You don't have to pretend that you like laying out and tanning.
• Jesus is totally worth it. All of it. Not just your camp-emotions and Sundays. AND- if you dedicate your life to pursuing Him and His glory, it actually brings you more joy. 
• Be careful with your heart. It is more precious than you know. And there is a great guy in the future who will give it more love than you can imagine!
• When you go to Europe, pay the money to go see how they blow glass in Venice!  And go to a pub in Ireland. The devil does not live in the pub. I promise. Also- never never take the bus. Just take the train.
• Spend a lot of time with your brother and sisters this year. You won't ever live in the same town as any of them again. (well, at least not for the next 10 years)
• Keep up with your friends from Argentina. It will be 10 years until they discover Facebook, and a lot can happen in 10 years.
• Enjoy all the green chile you can. No one does it like they do in New Mexico and you aren't going to have such an abundance again.
• When Kasi says "I have a guy friend you should meet." Don't make up excuses for a year. Just meet the wonderful guy and save yourself a year of heartache.
• You really really enjoy dancing, and don't do it enough. Go dancing as often as you can. It's a lot harder to do when you have kids.
• Save all that money you get for graduation. Or at least use it all to buy something really cool!
• Don't be so shy about speaking Spanish, use it every time you get the chance.
• Even with all the mistakes you make, you have a wonderful 10 years ahead of you and a great future! You are so blessed and have such wonderful friends and family that love you. Enjoy every minute you get with them.