Four.4.IV...

Things have been really awesome. :) Let me tell you the fantasticness that has been my weekend:

#1. The radio show this week was ridiculously awesome.

#2. Went to a dance that I thought would be terrible, but it ended up being AWESOME.

#3. Hung out with Ames, Susi, and Chris all week, which is always a bright spot in my life.

#4. Leo FINALLY came home...another bright spot. :)

#5. Bought a new mattress that is AWESOME. Best sleep ever!!! :)

#6. No Kidney stones! lol.

#7. Got to see a bunch of friends I haven't hung out with for a while... and got to meet some new friends. :)

#8. Cheered up friends after LONG days for them (and me). :D

Anyway... it really is the little things that matter. This week has been a bunch of little things that just made everything awesome. Thanks everyone! Here is the challenge post... and music. :)

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

1. Stay as independent as possible. This means emotionally and financially. Don't make stupid choices with money. Pay your bills and save as much as possible. You are going to have to do a lot by yourself. Don't sweat it. You are stronger than you think.

2. Build your testimony of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. You have a crazy road ahead of you, but He will help you through it.

3. Whether you like it or not, people are watching everything you do. I know you don't think it's fair, but that doesn't matter because it is true. You ARE an example. Be the best person and friend you can be.

4. Stay away from anything that will harm your body, mind, or spirit. For real. It matters.

5. Your closest friends will betray you in the near future. All of them. Don't let other people define your happiness or what makes you matter. You are amazing and fantastic just the way you are. Never forget that. Make friends with people that are genuine and who support your dreams. It gets better.

6. Stay away from people that make you feel bad about yourself. You don't need them. Oh, and stay away from boys that say mean and hurtful things to you. Their negative behavior is not masking a deeper love for you, and they will not come around in the end. Relationships don't have to hurt to be good. You deserve to be with people that love and appreciate you. You deserve a man that will love you unconditionally and treat you with love and respect. It will happen. I know you hate to hear this--but be patient. ;)

7. With regards to #6--LOVE with all your heart. You will have people betray you, hurt you, step on you, belittle you, bully you, and make your life a living hell...but you can transform them with your love. Love them no matter what. You make an impact on the world through your love. Never stop...ever.

8. Love goes hand in hand with forgiveness. Not only do you need to learn to forgive the people around you, but you need to forgive yourself as well. Remember: Forgiveness does not equate trust. You can forgive someone and never speak to them again. You can also forgive people and close them off emotionally if you are required to be around them. Don't be a martyr because you are "forgiving" someone.

9. Your parents and brothers really do love you. They all want you to be happy. They will be there when the world comes crashing down on you. They will also continue to do and say hurtful things, but you should try your best to keep positive relationships with all of them. Don't take it to heart. You are a strong, beautiful, intelligent girl. You will achieve success on your own terms.

10. Spend as much time with Grandma Nani as possible. Go to see her as much as you can. You are the only person that will be there for her in the end. Make as much time as you can to spend with her. She is a huge part of who you are today.

WOOT! :)