This is a first of a periodic series that I’ll be featuring on the blog this year.

Since I write primarily young-adult fiction, I thought it might be fun to revisit my own life during this time period. I’ve kept a journal since I was five years old (seriously) and I’ve uncovered some interesting artifacts from high school during the recent holiday visit to my parent’s house.

It’s funny because there are some things that never change for teens. Case in point, the “getting to know you” game boys and girls play. The medium may change (paper to email to text), but the content seems timeless.

Here’s an actual letter I received from a boy when I was a freshman in high school:

“Dearest Karen

You seem like a pretty nice young lady so far. I want you to know that what Ike has told me about you has made me very interested in you. So when you write back tell me a little about yourself. But first, I’m going to tell you a little bit about myself.

I’m Joseph. Age: 16. Sign: Cancer. Favorite Hobbies: Playing basketball, playing football, riding horses, hunting, talking to beautiful ladies. Birthday: July 7th. Oh, I also like to play my saxophone.

What I see in a girl: Intelligence, a good personality, good looks. That’s about it.

So when you write back, you tell me something about yourself. And give me a picture!

Love always,

Joseph, a.k.a J-Man #20″