The teen picture?

I was 16 and heading out somewhere. It must have been a special occasion because I'm wearing my faux suede jacket. It had fringing along the arms and around the back - western style. Mum made it for me with a skirt to match. It's still in my cupboard, waiting for an appropriate event to make its return to public life.

What were your dreams as a teenager?

I dreamed of a life less ordinary. I had high hopes of escaping the suburbs and landing the dream job - travelling the world and writing about my experiences . . . probably for National Geographic.

Are you where you imagined you would be?

I'm happily living in the suburbs with a husband, two cats and a great job. It is what I imagined, but I didn't imagine I'd still be in Brisbane.

Most memorable/embarrassing teen moment?

I was a self-conscious 14-year-old invited to a semi-formal with an older boy from a private school. After dinner, Mum picked me up outside Lennon's in the city (I was allowed out till 11pm for the first time). I thought I'd survived . . . until my older brother and sister jumped out of the car in their pyjamas yahooing and yelling my name in front of all these people I'd been keen to impress. I considered never again leaving my bedroom.

Most valuable teen lesson?

Be yourself and believe in yourself. Don't worry what others think about you.

What do you wish you had known?

Don't let your girlfriends pierce your ears three times using frozen peas as an anaesthetic.

What do you miss from your teenage years?