I sat at my desk, staring at my computer screen. “When I’m done with you, there won’t be anything left to snore,” I heard the cowboy outside shout. I smiled, remembering my prank with Connor. It seemed like so long ago.

As the gunshots fired off outside, I gently tapped my toes on the keys and hummed “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” to myself, thinking about what I should write.

Thanks so much to everyone who visited Stagecoach Pass for our festival yesterday. It was a wonderful day and one I know I won’t ever forget.

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been getting more and more emails from other kids like me—kids without arms. A lot of them are looking for advice about all kinds of things, but I’d say most of the emails are about school—everything from making friends to handling homework assignments to dealing with mean comments and the “looks.”

I’ve thought about it a lot, and I came up with a list of twenty supplies you need to survive middle school when you don’t have arms. So here it is:

1. Good shoes. Ease of removal is of utmost importance here. Ease of reapplication—equally important.

2. Sense of humor. I’m being very serious here—you’ve got to have one. Seriously.

3. A sizeable daily breakfast. You never know when you might chicken out in the lunchroom. Get your daily fuel requirement early in the day.

4. Easy-to-eat bagged lunches. Do you really want to carry that giant tray through the cafeteria? And forget about bringing stuff like chili and clam chowder for lunch. Really. Forget. That.

5. An easy-to-carry/open/close/get-things-out-of book bag.

6. Lots of cute shirts. This really applies to both people with and without arms. And when you’re ready—tank tops.

7. Bully spray. Similar to bear spray, only better. Would be great to have for those nasty little comments. I’m totally inventing this.

8. Thick skin. More like armor. Armor skin.

9. An e-reader is super helpful. And no more toe paper cuts.

10. Some kind of sport or recreational activity—soccer, dance, swimming, professional hopscotch. You can do it! I’m trying out my motivational speaking skills here.

11. Pants that button easily. Trust me, when nature calls at school, you’ll be grateful you listened.

12. Your handy-dandy hook. From buttoning pants to lifting a dollar out of your pocket, a good hook is essential.

13. A wide variety of nail polishes. Boys probably don’t care much about this, but when people are staring at our feet as much as they do, we want to look our best. Am I right, ladies, or am I right?

14. Nunchuks. At least until bully spray becomes available.

15. An open heart and eyes. You think you’re the only one out there who feels different? What about that kid sitting alone in the library or out on the sidewalk?

16. Awesome parents. This is a must.

17. Friends who listen.

18. Friends who laugh with you.

19. Friends who are brave.

20. Friends who love you just the way you are.

These last few supplies are hard to find, but when you do find them (and I sincerely hope you do), hold on to them forever. Don’t ever let go.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up to find Mom standing behind me. “I didn’t know you were there, you sneak,” I said.

“I like your latest post.”

“Thanks. Oh, and I finally thought of a good name for my blog. Aven’s Random Thoughts is kind of lame.”

“So what will this world famous blog be called then?” she asked.

“The Unarmed Middle Schooler’s Guide to Survival.”

She laughed. “I love it. And I can guarantee there’s not another blog out there like it.”

“Nope,” I agreed. “I’m totally an original.”