What I'd Tell My 1990 Self (Part 2)

You are just starting your freshman in high school, but your wife-to-be is just starting her freshman year of college.  Well played, young Brian.

Stop trying to make your main goal in life trying to hit a high percentage of the 10 Commandments or trying to be better than other people.  Just allow the Holy Spirit to live through you, you know, that whole Galatians thing.

Beware of Jacob Lytle. He's like a human Cheshire Cat.  Sure, he's got that big smile and it seems like he's helping you, but he's really just trying to get your head taken off. 


Junior year, don't try to learn how to drive a stick on the same day as the prom, because it is really embarrassing to be sitting in front of your date's house, trying unsuccessfully to put your dad's car into reverse, and then having the car die about 5 times that night, making you late everywhere (seriously, nothing happened!).  By the way, Jacob Lytle, I'm taking your future-wife-who-you-don't-really-know-too-well-at-this-point to the prom. So there. (But seriously, nothing happened.  Our future wives become friends and everything.)

Actually, go ahead and try to learn how to drive a stick with your dad.  It makes for a good embarrassing story with the car dying on the highway and all.  Plus, you've only got 19 years left with your dad.  Make them count.

Ask teachers and coaches what it will take to be successful in their class and on their team.  Nobody denies you're trying really hard, but its better to try hard in the right direction.

In about a month, your friend Tim is going to make what he thinks is a sucker bet with you, but you correctly pick the biggest upset in World Series history, with the upstart Reds not only beating but sweeping the heavily favored, roided-up, defending World Series Champ Oakland A's.  Tim will then deny the bet was official. He still owes you $4.  But not to worry- 20 years later another group of upstart Reds will sweep the heavily favored, roided-up, defending World Series Champ Yankees.

Just know that even though you're repeatedly getting turned down for dates right now, some day you're going to marry a tall, gorgeous, blonde haired, blue-eyed southern California girl who really loves you.  Not bad for an Indiana farm boy.