Even a blind man has something to help him see the way!

* Don't argue with your parents unless you know for sure that you're going go win. But REMEMBER this: Until you are 18, you are technically still under their rule and they can (and will) punish you accordingly.

* If you have a customer services job (i.e. food service), stay calm when you have an unruly customer. And if the problem is that bad, let your supervisor take the flack -- it's their job.

* Even though the thought of doing drugs nags at your curiosity, DO NOT DO THEM! I've seen oh so many lives morph into nothing more than what's at the bottom of a port-o-potty. I know it's cliché, but just say no.

* WEAR YOUR FREAKIN' SEAT BELT! I've lost friends just because of this "forgetful" act. Seriously. Just because you think (and I do stress THINK) you are a good driver, it doesn't make you the only driver on the road. And even if you were, you live in the Midwest! There are all sorts of animals that happen to cross our paths everyday. I don't care what your excuse is, wear it. Oh and we all know someone who has the epic tale of someone who was in a car wreck and if they had had their seat belt on they would've died. Yeah, well, you've also heard a lot more stories about people getting killed because they didn't have their seat belts on.

* Listen to your teachers, councilors, parentals, grandparents, etc. Unless they have some kind of mental issues (which I assure you they all don't!), most of the time they know what they're talking about.

* Go with your gut -- especially if you're a young woman. You know, that voice inside your head and that weird feeling you get in your stomach when you know something's amiss. LISTEN TO IT! It's usually going to keep you clear from harms way.

* Make sure you check the little things on your vehicle regularly. Things like tail lights, oil, etc. Take care of your car and your car will take care of you.

* Don't drink and drive. A huge chunk of the population has done this, including yours truly, and may I just say listen to your elder (me) on this one! It does pay to drink and drive. Yeah if by pay, you mean the damage done to property, and hospital bills; oh and don't for get the jail time. Just don't do it. Call someone. Nothing good ever comes out of this scenario. Ever. Period.

* On that note, just don't drink alcoholic beverages. Also, don't go to bars until you are old enough.

* Get involved. If you keep yourself busy, you're less likely to get into mischief which will surely keep your cute little pattooty out of T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

* Don't act like you know everything, because you don't. You may have learned somethings along the way, but you sure as heck know a lot less than you think you know.

* Be nice to your peers. Ever heard of the golden rule? USE IT! Nobody said you were God's gift to Earth, so until you are dubbed the king or queen of the world, you have no right to tell people what for when they don't deserve it.

* Just remember that awesome song by Aretha Franklin called "Respect!" This one sorta goes along the same lines as the one above it. Everyone should be treated like a human being no matter what. Even if they are homeless, you don't know what their issues are, so don't hate.

* When dealing with drama, don't make a big deal about it. People are always going to say what they will, and a lot of the times the stuff they say isn't true. However, if you don't get sucked into the tornado of lies and scuttlebutt, the stories are only going to last for a week, if that. As soon as the weekend hits it'll all be over. The following Monday, everyone will be ready to talk about someone else's life. If it doesn't stop or people harass you, get help! Don't deal with it on your own, that only makes it harder.

* Don't ever feel like it's you vs. the world, because it's not. Atlas is the only person to actually be able to hold the world on his shoulders, and that was only because he was a God! You are not. Therefore, when it gets down to the nitty-gritty, you have people that can and will help you hold your world up.

* Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom to speak. If you think your mouth is going to get you in deep you-know-what, just don't say it. Feel free to test your limits, but prepare to deal with consequences.

* Always try to be the best person you possibly can, even when others don't treat you the same way. As long as you come away from something knowing in your mind that you were mature enough to not stoop to a lower level, that's all you need.

* It's OK to be stubborn in your beliefs. Don't like or believe in something just because your best friend does, like it because YOU trust it. This also shows that you are grown-up enough to have a reason behind why you feel the way you feel.

Alright well, I think that's enough advice for today. There's a lot more I could add, but I'll save it for you guys to figure out on your own! As long as one person reads and uses my advise, I'll feel good for putting it out there! Until next time, keep your chin up and your nose clean kiddies!

Peace.

Chassedi