That’s pretty much what pregnancy has done to my nails. It took about four months for my new-and-improved nails to grow out from the nailbed, but now they’re longer than they’ve been in aaaages and no signs of breaking or splitting. It’s my favourite pregnancy side-effect so far.

To my dearest future spawn,

If there's anything you should know, you should know that at 21 years old your mother dear is a total and complete lightweight in regards to alcohol. As in, screaming and flaming drunk within a couple of shots kind of lightweight. But, to my benefit, I don't do many shots of anything.

If there's anything I have a bone to pick with myself it would be my perpetuating awkwardness. It is carved deep into my bone and it doesn't seem to erode over time. I'm the Grand Canyon of awkward and my whole body has been shaped by the sands of time (and the awkward moments it presents). What I hope for you is that you are comfortable in your skin unlike your mother here. I hope that you know that you are a person worth knowing and that whatever strange ideas come out of your mouth are as valid as any small talk conversations ("what course are you in?" "where are you from?" "where did you get your shirt?"). And, even if you don't have any strange ideas and you're particularly adept as witty banter, you are still a person worth knowing and you are you. And being yourself is the best that anyone can get. Really, its true. 

You are beautiful and unique and whatever else that Young Adult books tell you you should be. Because it is true. Because every human being is uniquely beautiful and utterly fascinating. By exploring the depths of another person you discover your own. Do not depend on alcohol to reveal yourself and be proud of who you are with or without it.

I cannot deny that it does help. It eases the tension, lowers inhibitions, and turns 5s into 10s (regrettably or not). But what it doesn't do is help you to love yourself when you're sober. It doesn't carry you through the rest of the day when your mind has been lifted away from the hazy fog of cheap rum and lemon green tea chaser. It doesn't reveal to you who you are because who you should know who you are even before the liquid courage melts into your veins and diffuses through your system.

Liquid courage is what it is, but real courage is what's important. Remember that always.

Sincerely, Me

ANGELA FELICIA WOLFF