Dear 41 Year Old Ria,

You didn’t really know what to write today. You were thinking of maybe sharing a song or maybe just skipping today but then you found this gem: “After The Death Of Their 12-Year-Old Daughter, Parents Find The Letter She Wrote To Her Future Self.” And of course you thought, hmmm… maybe I should write one of those.

I’m writing this on January 11, 2014. You were 31 and you’ve been blogging for 10 years already. You’re supposed to read this when you’re 41. It’s probably 2024 or 2025 now and here are some things I’d like to tell you.

First off, how are you? I hope you’re doing well.

Having menopausal symptoms already? If so, bear and grin it. Whatever is stressing you out, stop bitching about it. If necessary, break a few plates. Shout at that stupid gadget that’s so hard to figure out or scream at an annoying character of any movie or tv series. But I think what would work best would be to bake or cook. Or maybe just sleep it off.

I wonder… how much does a domain name cost nowadays? Is the internet still on Web 2.0, social media and all that shiz? I guess not. Whatever it is that the internet is on nowadays… I hope you’re on it. Or at least trying to.

Have you lost that weight already? Or did you gain even more? Please do try to go to the gym. You enjoy yoga, jazz dances, and basically most forms of dancing. You loooove ballroom dancing.

Do you still have the energy to work til late at night? Or do you sleep early and wake up early nowadays?

How’s your heart? Still single? How many boyfriends have you had since 2013? I hope you’ve had at least 1 that lasted a year or so. If not, oh well… c’est la vie.

Here are some movies and tv series you might want to watch again: FRIENDS, Moulin Rouge, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Julie and Julia, Kings of Pastry, The Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, Suits, 1990s – 2000s romcoms, all the Marvel movies… especially all the X-Men, Thor, and Captain America movies. You love all of these. If you haven’t lately, do try re-watching some of these soon.

And in case you’re wondering, you love pasta, steak, salmon sashimi, bagoong, fried chicken, balsamic vinegar, fish cakes, all sorts of seafood, chicharon, great pork, lamb chops, hearty stews and soups, cumin, dark chocolate, coffee, and ice cold water. Red wine, Red Horse beer, and all sorts of alcohol also make you happy. JUST REMEMBER STAY AWAY FROM TEQUILA AND BACARDI 151!

How about kids? I’m pretty sure don’t have any but life’s unpredictable, right? Make sure you’re treating them right and you give them as many awesome memories you can give them. If you don’t have any of your own, you have more than enough kulit nieces and nephews you can borrow.

Do you still live in your most favorite place in the world, Davao City?

Where have you been? I hope you traveled a lot. Who inspires you today? Who are your new friends? What did you last write? What’s you favorite movie, tv series, or song?

ALWAYS KEEP ON WRITING! Don’t ever abandon blogging. Or writing. It keeps you sane.

Here’s what I really want to tell you… I think you’re living a happy life now. We’ve learned that life can be very, very shitty and people will screw you over for no good reason but you’ve always risen from every bad hand dealt to you. And you always did so coming out stronger, better, and wiser. Not to mention, even more beautiful than ever. Don’t forget to thank the people around you. You owe them everything.

So whatever (or whoever) it is that’s making you happy or sad right now, remember that you have a beautiful smile so always put it on. Let yourself be emo for a moment or so but never forget to smile and be grateful.

Live. Love. Learn. 😉

Love lots,

31 year old Ria <3 PS You have never done illegal drugs. Don't do drugs. Maka haggard na. Mawala imong kagwapa.