18 things to do this year, according to a 1998 issue of YM
The only resolution you need to make is to have more fun!
Happy new year, honies!
I was going through my 2003 scrapbook (more on that later this year) and came across a list I’d saved from YM magazine, which, if you were around at the time, you’ll recognize as the absolute bible for prepubescent girlies to chart the course of their existences through personality quizzes, lip-gloss guides, and pull-out calendars featuring sexy shirtless and hairless youths.
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18 things you gotta do before you’re 18, written by Riann Smith for the September 1998 issue, is a pretty solid guide to making the most of life, pimples or otherwise. Learning self defence (#15) so that you can effectively guard your Marcy Playground CD from your brother? Timeless advice! I turned 13 in 1998, so I must have kept this list close for the five years that followed on the way to 18 in April 2003. There are check marks on almost every suggestion, which I guess means I slayed it (minus any bullet point relating to dating, since I was single for my entire teen life wah wah). I can absolutely recall doing the at-home spa day (#6) with my BFFAE Lori, concocting masks out of oatmeal packets that immediately came running down our faces.
2025 was extremely turbulent for me. On one hand, I finally moved to New York after ages of plotting and planning to make it happen. I celebrated turning 40 with not one but two incredible trips: one to a magical private island in the Dominican Republic with my sister, and another to a next level fab villa in Sicily with some of my closest pals. I started this very Substack, putting an end to a few years of creative blockage. On the other, I faced a relentless amount of instability, moving apartments five times in six months for various insane reasons. And worst of all, my hilarious, brilliant, absurd and adorable dad has been in the hospital for seven weeks, fighting a never-ending list of complications that has sent my family and me straight through the portal to hell.
Miss Piggy summarizing how I feel about saying goodbye to 2025.
If the roller-coaster nature of last year taught me anything, it’s that there is truly a limit to how much you can control on this earth, and that taking things one day at a time is sometimes all you can, and should, handle. Safe to say, I will not be making any New Year’s resolutions in 2026. That being said, aiming to throw grown-up sleepover for a few besties (#2)? That’s a goal worth setting.
Without further ado, here’s the guide.
1. dress to thrill
Save your pennies to pop for one knockout outfit. Just don’t pick something supertrendy—it might be outta style before you even wear it once.
2. slumber in style
Throw a super sleepover, where you and your pals can play Truth or Dare, munch on snacks, and confess your Say Anything moments.
3. conquer your fears
Stop being a scaredy-cat and fight your phobias while having fun at the same time. If you’re afraid of heights, for example, grab your best buds and ride the roller coaster at an amusement park.
4. make your own movies
Bring some pals and a video camera to the mall or the park. Film each other approaching hunky dudes. Not only will you have a giggle fest watching it, you may snag yourselves some dates!
5. take your guy on the ultimate date
Don’t wait for your dream dude to take you out in style. Make it happen! Splurge (but don’t go too crazy) on dinner and a moonlit walk. He’ll get the clue on how to really romance you.
6. be a beauty goddess
Plan a totally deluxe spa day at home, complete with a manicure, pedicure, bubble bath, and do-it-yourself facial.
7. make a difference
Make some time to volunteer for an organization in your community. Helping out will give you a new perspective on others and yourself, and it may give you ideas about a potential career.
8. plan a kidnapping party
On a Saturday morning, cruise over (or get your big sis to play chauffeur) to each of your friends’ homes, wake ’em up, and take your pajama-wearing pals back to your pad for a yummy breakfast. It’s a supersilly way to get your buds together.
9. just fake it
Get wild with a removable hair ring, funky false eyelashes, or a temporary tattoo. You’ll get real results without giving your parents permanent indigestion!
10. hit the road
Take a rockin’ road trip with your best buds and bring your cameras along. If you can’t venture far, don’t be bummed. It’s the people you’re with who really count.
11. face a fix-up
Let someone set you up on a blind date! Your stomach might do flip-flops until you actually meet the dude. But be cool, girl, ’cause we betcha he’s wiggin’, too. Besides, taking a risk could lead you down the road to boy bliss.
12. go international
And we don’t mean visit the nearest IHOP. Hit an exotic restaurant and order the weirdest-sounding foods on the menu.
13. pig out with pleasure
Give yourself a guilt-free pass to indulge in as much junk food as you want for a day. Don’t even think about counting fat grams and calories—just go for it. You’ll get back on your healthy-eating kick manana.
14. take a hike
Whether you go to the mountains or just stay in your ’hood, walking outdoors is one of the best ways to feel carefree.
15. get totally tough
Sign up for a self-defense class, ’cause it’s never too early to learn to protect yourself. Plus, knowing you can put him into a headlock might make your big brother think twice before stealing your Marcy Playground CD again.
16. have a blast like you did in the past
Play kid-for-a-day with your best friend. Go back to your childhood hangouts, hit the zoo, see the circus if it’s in town, or just romp around at the park.
17. ask yourself out
Spend an afternoon all by yourself. Catch that new flick or museum exhibit you’ve been jonesing to see—and discover what a great date you really are.
18. see the sunrise
Stay up all night with someone special and watch the sun come up together. It’s one of the most amazing things you’ll ever do—and an experience you’ll never outgrow.