To: Eleanor (age 18 - Spring 2004 .. and always)

Don’t be afraid to be confident & approach someone. What have you got to lose? Would you prefer to look back in a week, month, years, and wish you had just gone up and said hi? You go out to meet people and experience something new. Don’t shy away from experiencing eveything that is offered in these settings. Be open. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Show your true personality. Laugh if you find something very funny, like someone dancing to “Turn Me On” in a not-so-seductive way. Slap someone or throw a drink at them (and be prepared to run) if they really offend you (they’ll hopefully get the point by then). Don’t steal someone else’s license plate or fire pole. Have a DD or cab fare. Listen to your instincts. Pink eyeshadow is tacky - don’t wear it - use it as blush, instead. Befriend owners of the places you like. Wear what makes you you feel confident, even if it means changing 10 times. Splurge on something that you’ll never get to experience again. Are you not having a good time? Go home. You’ll just regret staying there later. Joaquin Phoenix is NOT going to show up. I promise you. Although, some sleezy professional athletes may. They’re not less sleezy because they’re talking to you. They may be funny, but that’s all. Move along. They’re not for you. Don’t second guess who you are, what you have to offer, and your self-worth. Wear the hot heels. You’ll regret NOT wearing them for the rest of your life. This will be your only regret. Be realistic - yes, you’re an Aquarius, but you’re also grounded. Have high expectations, but don’t idealize them. It’s not true that only bad things after 2am. Take lots of pictures, for laughter’s sake, your future children’s sake, and to remind you of what happened after 2am. Turn your phone off after 1am. Or midnight. Or just leave it at home. Dancing with your girlfriends takes the pain away. Learn your limit and be there for your friends that don’t have one or will never learn what theirs is. The following day, remember everything you did and make a conscious decision as to whether you want to have those experiences again. Don’t regret any experience that you don’t want to have happen again. You learn as you go. That’s all that you can do. Making mistakes is what makes you who you are. You can also learn from other people’s mistakes, but ultimately, you make your own path. Champagne. Enjoy each step. Don’t let the influence of others affect you too much. Don’t let their advice go in one ear, and out the other. Remember to be patient with everyone and everything. Be safe. Smile. Have fun! Isn’t that what life is about?