I only have a few hours left in my 20's.  Over the last few days I have really been thinking about the past 10 years. So I thought it would be interesting to have a little conversation...my 30 year old self with my 20 year old self.

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20 year old self:  "Clarissa, is that me?"

30 year old self: "Hey, miss thang!"

20 year old self: "You look really different, like I don't even recognize you."

30 year old self: "I know what you mean.  Did I really look THAT young?"

20 year old me: "What happened?"

30 year old self: "Well...I'd like to say it was the braces."

20 year old self: "WHAT?  I get braces?  When?  How long do I have to wear them?"

30 year old self: "Yeah...not gonna tell you that.  You might change your mind."

20 year old self:  "Hmmm...ok.  So what other things are you not gonna tell me?"

30 year old self: " How much fun would it be for me to tell you exactly what happens in the next 10 years of your life?"

20 year old self: "Well, I guess that's true. Can you tell me one thing, though?"

30 year old self: "Maybe..."

20 year old self:  "Are you pregnant right now?  Because I am and I feel humongous, swollen and I'm totally scared about becoming a parent.  I don't know what to do...what to expect..."

30 year old self: "Whoa...slow down, honey.  Everything will be just fine.  Remember to breathe.  I will tell you that you will survive this whole first baby thing...I promise."

20 year old self: "Doesn't feel that way.  But if you say so.  You seem like someone I can trust."

30 year old self: "Cute."

20 year old self: "There are so many things I want to know."

30 year old self: "I know.  OK, I will tell you something.  You, my friend, are totally happy.  Like, deliriously over the moon happy.  Like, wake up and pinch yourself to make sure it's real, happy. You are going to have some significant events, some that will test you, some that will blow you away with delight.  Disappointments, ups and downs, ins and outs, and on rare occasions you will surprise the heck out of yourself.  But no matter what...you will have people there who will help you and love you.  And when you are facing the number 30 you will be in a good place, surrounded by the most incredible friends and family and children and the world's most compassionate, understanding and forgiving husband, who absolutely adores you."

20 year old self "Wow...that's amazing.  I'm crying."

30 year old self: "Oh honey...those tear have only just begun.  And, yes, it really is amazing."

20 year old self: "Before you go, is there any advice you want to give me.?"

30 year old self: "Sure...update your wardrobe sooner.  Those mom jeans are a terrible thing.  Just because you are becoming a mom doesn't mean that those things have a place in your closet.  And don't be so hard on yourself.  You really are a fantastic person, who only gets better.

20 year old self: "Well, I will say that I agree with you on that.  I kind of like you."

30 year old self: "Thanks...I kind of like you too.  Oh...and don't worry about those 74 pounds you put on during this pregnancy...they come off."

20 year old self: "YAY!!  That's the best thing you could have told me!!"

30 year old self: "I thought that might help!"