30 Before 30 Progress

#8- Write letters to the people who mean the most to me.

I can cross this one off my list. On Friday, August 30th I sat down and wrote letters to people who mean the most to me. While I'm not going to share the contents of these letters, I will tell you that I sent them to my mother and my two best friends: Kristin and Erica. I've known them both for at least ten years. We went to college together, we were in the same sorority together and we've got years and years of memories. They aren't just friends, they are family.
Letter writing in this day and age has became a lost art. I make it a point to send out cards multiple times a year. This gave me a great excuse to put pen to paper and write real letters to some people who mean the most to me.

Number 8 is complete.

Dear So & So: The Bad Service Edition

Dear Comcast, 

I love how I turn on my television and my screen has turned black and white and the only channel that comes on every channel is now QVC. Then finally the next day when you say it's fixed and I go to turn it on... it's nothing but a blue screen. Not cool. Then you tell me you're going to show up from 9:00 am- 11:00am and then never show up. So now I've went numerous days during prime fall television without CABLE! 

Screw you CSR Wayne, unplugging the box and counting to 20 did not work. 

Dear Bob Evans Restaurant, 

I was hungry. No, let me rephrase that, I was famished. When I called in that Carry Out order that meant that I was ready for it to be done when I got there so I could take it home and dig in. I loved standing around waiting for food while complete strangers gawked at me. Then when I finally did get my order and made it back home, I was shocked to find that the bacon was raw. As in left it on the grill for maybe 20 seconds to make it feel luke warm. The potatoes were sill raw and the pancakes were burnt..... black. 

Exhibit A & B

I Will be thinking twice before going there again

Dear Target,

Stock your Missoni collection again. You should have known that fashionistas would invade the store. Too bad many of them just bought clothes to sell on ebay for enormous prices. 

Bitter. 

Dear DMV,

When going to get your car inspected for a new inspection sticker it is important to have your registration. I gave you my money, now give me my registration. It's been 5 business days and I'm still not seeing that slip of paper in the mail. Wonder how well it would go over if that's what I said about a payment you were wanting. Oh you'll see it in 5 business days from now. 

Don't pull me over because of my inspection sticker

Friday Confessional

I confess... this is the first time I'm participating in Friday confessions and I'm doing it because I have a lot to spill.

I confess... I've been seeing a guy for a few weeks and I like him. Is this a bad thing you ask? Well I'm moving 2,500 miles away so make your own decision on that one. 

I confess... I got a Borders gift card for my Birthday and couldn't wait to spend it. I bought Bethenny Frankel's A Place of Yes and the new Charlaine Harris book, Dead Reckoning. 

I can't wait to read Bethenny's book. I love her and I watch her show anytime I see it's on. I even want to find a bottle of her Skinny Girl but no where around here has had it! 

I confess... I'm thinking of ordering HBO just so I can get True Blood Season 4 on Sunday. 

I confess... I'm behind on reading a commenting but I swear I'll catch up in the next few days! 

I confess... I'm going out of town again this weekend for my friend's Birthday. We're suppose to be going to the Beach Water park in Cincinnati but it's suppose to rain. If it does we'll be heading to the Aquarium, which I love! 

Dear So & So: The Obsessed Edition

Dear Beef Jerky, 

I am obsessed with you. I had never tried any kind of beef jerky till about 2 weeks ago and since then I have become your #1 fan. I am especially fond of the Jack Link's Teriyaki flavor. In fact, I may have admit that I ate two bags in two days. Must get more...

Dear Dexter, 

I am obsessed with you. I had been hearing great things about you for a few television seasons. This past weekend, I purchased seasons 1 & 2 on dvd and finished season 1 in two days. You are awesome! You're a killer and I actually want you to not get caught. Can't wait to see what keeps happening! Keep those blades sharp.

Dear American Idol,

You surprised me this season. I thought with the new judges and the same ol' rules that you'd be just another snooze fest. Then something happened and you found a few great singers and performers! I'm loving every Wednesday and Thursday. I even text in my votes. Now if only the tweens would quit voting for who they think is cute instead of who can actually sing. Crossing my fingers for James.

Dear Forever 21, 

I am obsessed with searching on your website! At work, at home, in the morning, in the evening, I'm all over that site drooling at the cute dresses and fun tops. The accessories are fabulous and so inexpensive! I wish I had tons of money. I would shop till I drop. Come on down!

The Good, Bad & Ugly

The Ugly...

Have you seen the weather lately? I don't know about where you live but it's been balls freezing cold every single day here for as far as my over worked mind can now remember. Winter started way too early and now it feels like it's never going to go away. I'm also extremely over snow. It can stop now.

The Bad...

I have become addicted to shopping for cute jewelry on ebay. I can't help it. I find so many cute rings and bracelets. I like them so much I don't even want to share my links to them haha! However I will show off a cute bracelet I found...

It's cute, right? Sadly, even though I'm addicted to jewelry on ebay, I've curbed my spending and just follow the auctions drooling over the items till they end. 

The Good...

My savings plan and get out of debt plan for 2011 has started off on the right foot! I've been able to meet all of my goals for the month of January. I've also chipped away at my book reading goal (50 for the year) and have finished 3 books and currently started reading my 4th. Now if only I can keep this up for the rest of the year! 

Dear Santa

Santa, I'm really hoping you can bring me all my wishes and dreams this year. I feel I've been a nice girl for the last   day or two 11 months. I know there's been times when I've been naughty but who hasn't been? And isn't that what karma is for? I feel the karma takes care of the bad decisions and poor judgement skills. So basically I feel there's always room on the nice list. Go ahead Santa, put me on the nice list... pretty please? I don't ask for much. 

I'd like to get a few materialist things but I'd really love to spend the day with my family, eat some good food and have friends reach out to me. Because in the end, I could be dirt poor and have nothing but still want for family and friends to show me they care. Lately, I've been struggling with that and I feel like I need it more than ever. It's never fun to feel forgotten, unwanted or unneeded. 

So Santa, if you could can you come through for me? Thanks. I'll work on being nice more of the year. 

Dear So & So

Dear Vacation, 

You begin at the end of today's work day. Please hurry up and get here! Sincerely, Dying to go on vacation! 

Dear Hot Weather, 

Did you not get the memo? It's fall! Go away! No one wants to sweat through their clothing in September. People want to wear their cute clothing and boots. Stop putting a damper on the season! Sincerely, bitter that I can't wear my ugg boots yet. 

Dear Memphis, 

Watch out! I'm going to go hog wild while I'm there this weekend! I plan on pillaging your vintage clothing stores, taking a 1,000 photos at Graceland and being that person who asks 30 questions on the Sun Studio tour. Be warned, I also plan on trolling Beale street looking for cheap eats and souvenirs. Sincerely, Buckle up Memphis! 

Dear Admirer,

You know how to reach me. You've creeped me on facebook. You know my name, you know where I work, you even have that mutual friend to introduce us properly. I hear your really great. So what are you waiting for? Give me a call. We're not getting any younger and if you haven't heard life is meant to be lived. Sincerely, getting impatient. 

Dear Jag, 

Where have you been all my life? Mark Harmon, you are one hottie! How did I ever miss you when you were on television originally. That wrong has been rectified. Thank you CBS for putting the seasons out on dvd. Sincerely, a new fan! 

3..2..1...Meltdown

Honestly, I feel like I've become Daria. No joke. I'm lacking in serious motivation right now. I'm so over everything. I want so many different things right now, I feel like I can't think straight. I feel like I'm sinking in things that I need to do. All of my friends have moved away. I have a stack of books 22 deep that need to be read. My dvr is almost at full capacity. My google reader number is slowly getting higher and higher. My work schedule is getting chaotic.  

This time last year I had at least half of my Christmas shopping done. This year... I've bought 2 things so far. This time last year I said I wanted to have all my credit cards (5) paid off and my car loan almost repaid. Um... yeah, I owe on 3 more cards and still have my loan. Granted I've paid off 2 cards and another one is almost done. The car loan... yeah I'll make that a carry over goal. 

I'm frustrated too because I feel like I've lost apart of my nerve. There's this gorgeous guy... he's adorable. If I could pick my jaw up off the floor, I might actually try to talk to him. However, his amazingly good looks, perfect personality and built physique intimidate me. Frankly, I think he's out of my league so before I even speak, I think why bother why would he be interested in me. 

Not to mention, I'm over the summer and ready for it to be fall. I'm tired of sweating all.day.long. Even with the air blasting, I'm sweating. I have never sweated this much in my life. I'm tired of pitting through every shirt that I wear, no matter how much deodorant I've put on. 

Finally, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, so far is all hype. I'm on page 50 and it's boring. I still don't get why they're making a movie out of it. I'm hoping it gets better... Tomorrow is a new day!

Dear So & So: There Must Be Something in the Water Edition

Dear Celebrities,

Has someone put something in the water? I repeat, STOP drinking the kool aid. We've got crazy Mel Gibson with his rants (again), hottie Levi Johnston getting engaged (again) and Lindsay Lohan going to jail. Who's next?  Sincerely, let's clean up the water & our acts. 

Dear News Channels, 

I remember why I stopped watching real news. It's never anything good. You only focus on the negative. I'm sure somewhere, some kid fell into a well and got rescued. Why not talk about that? Sincerely, spice it up with a little positivity. 

Dear Summer Heat, 

I blame you. I think it's a proven fact that you bring out the crazies. Seeing a pant-less adult walking around in the shopping complex parking lot, is not a good show. So summer heat I'm going to need you to either cool down or become the pants fairy. Sincerely, not wanting to catch his second act. 

Dear Summer Travelers, 

I get that the lines are long. I get that everyone's in a rush to get to their destination. Remember though, that yelling, tapping your foot, taking deep sighs of angst and giving me the stink eye, isn't going to get you going any faster. We're doing the best that we can. Sincerely, a very busy worker bee. 

Dear So & So: The Entertainment Edition

Dear Eclipse,

You rocked! You were by far the best movie is the series so far! Loved it! I've already seen you twice and I'm ready to see you again! The tent scene and the proposal were everything I hoped they would be. Thank you! Sincerely twihard.

Dear Team Jacob, 

I have to give you guys props. Even though you know he doesn't get the girl you still cheer for him. He did have some good one liners in the movie, plus I've got to hand it to you... he is pretty hot. Now that he's legal I feel I can say that. Sincerely, 18 never looked so good.

Dear Team Edward,

You're still as beautiful as I remembered you. I can't wait to see the things you do in the next film. Sincerely, hurry up November.

Dear Vienna (Sausage) and Jake, 

I can't wait to see you guys Monday night on your special after the Bachelorette. I really hope they play On the Wings of Love just to spite your failed relationship. Sincerely, I might laugh is tears are shed. 

Dear Levi Johnston,

I'm not gonna lie, I use to think you were a complete douche tool. However, after seeing you on Kathy Griffin's show this week, I just think your ignorant. Strangely, I did find you very attractive... well until they showed you dipping. Yuck. Sincerely, lose the dip and get a job.

Dear So & So

Dear Guys, 

Having skid marks on your underwear will not attract the ladies. When you flirt and look all cute, we're still thinking of those skid marks and wondering if you just are not capable of cleaning your butt. Just saying.

Clean your undies. 

Dear Birds, 

I know you just made that long flight back. I get it, I really do but must you make all that noise while it's dark?!? Haven't you heard? You're suppose to be quiet at night! Maybe it's just the locals around but really please be quiet, isn't it enough that you wake me up at the crack of dawn? Must you keep me up at night as well?!?

Shut your traps!

Dear Ex, 

This town isn't big enough for the both of us. You know this, I know this. Hopefully we can coexist in this town without incident for a few more weeks before my departure. Do you have any duct tape because we can draw the lines all over town. Haha, just kidding (kinda).

Find the tylenol.

The Art of Letter Writing

Let's face it, writing a letter has become a dying art. In today's technology we've progressed past the point of taking pen to paper. We have texting, e-mails and instant messaging, even when it comes to paying our bills we can pay them without ever having to look for a pen. 

In my opinion this is sad. 

I love getting mail and I love getting e-mails...don't get me wrong. But I just think it means so much more when someone sits down and takes a pen to paper. Maybe it's because it makes me think of another world. It makes me feel like I'm apart of history (think Pride & Prejudice). I just love the idea of it. I love that someone has to take time out of their day to sit and think about what they want to say. There's no backspace, there's no spell check. It's just you, the paper and the pen. It's such an amazing way to communicate feelings.

I've always said it and I'll say it again, someone could never buy me a gift ever if they just gave me a heartfelt letter in it's place. 

So I leave you with this:

Henry IV to Gabrielle d'Estrees From the battle field before Dreux

June 16, 1593  I have waited patiently for one whole day without news of you; I have been counting the time and that's what it must be. But a second day--I can see no reason for it, unless my servants have grown lazy or been captured by the enemy, for I dare not put the blame on you, my beautiful angel: I am too confident of your affection--which is certainly due to me, for my love was never greater, nor my desire more urgent; that is why I repeat this refrain in all my letters: come, come, come, my dear love.  Honor with your presence the man who, if only he were free, would go a thousand miles to throw himself at your feet and never move from there. As for what is happening here, we have drained the water from the moat, but our cannons are not going to be in place until Friday when, God willing, I will dine in town.  The day after you reach Mantes, my sister will arrive at Anet, where I will have the pleasure of seeing you every day. I am sending you a bouquet of orange blossom that I have just received. I kiss the hands of the Vicomtess if she is there, and of my good friend, and as for you, my dear love, I kiss your feet a million times.