This One's For You

A letter of my choice.

Dear friends, family and other blog readers,

This is my last letter for January. I've really enjoyed this writing challenge. It feels good to tap into this part of my brain and to push myself to think of words. Something I would do differently is give a little more thought to each one. I really only had about 24 hours to think about what I would write and reflecting back, I wish I had a little more thinking time. Something I enjoyed was the comments left on my Facebook and Twitter posts and the couple that I got on my blog.

Thank you for reading. I'm going to take tomorrow off and hopefully find something new to write about for the month of February.

xoxo

Susan

Susan "I Had Nothing To Offer Anybody Except My Own Confusion" B.

Today Was A Good Day

Write a letter to your day.

Dear January 29, 2017,

Today was a good day. Not very different from any other Sunday. The weather was great! After all the rain and awful wind, it was a clear, beautiful, 75 degree day. Perfect. Well, I've been watching Parenthood on Netflix and LOVING it. What a great show. I started off my day with an episode and got myself ready for church. I also enjoyed preparing my favorite crock pot chicken tortilla soup. YUM! It made the whole house smell incredible.

Church was long. What did I learn? Um, Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam. I don't know. I'm drawing a blank. Church has become very difficult to sit through lately. But, I'm not sure what else to do if I don't go so, I went.

I'm all ready to go to work tomorrow. Lunch is packed, kitchen is clean and I am enjoying a few more episodes of Parenthood. Why did no one tell me about this show when it was on TV?

I have one more letter to write tomorrow and then I will have completed the letter writing challenge. I'm sad. I'm not sure what to do for February but I'll figure something out. I really enjoy writing. Maybe a post everyday is a little much but I really enjoyed pushing myself to put words to page.

Well, Sunday, it's been real.

Susan "Netflix Sans Chill" B.

Helen

A letter to someone you barely know who has impacted you in some way.

This is so difficult. Writing everyday. I have really enjoyed this challenge but there have been moments where I just don't want to think about it or I get too tired to bust it out. Anyway, I racked my brain for more than an hour with this one, but I know who I want to write to. The thing is, I know her more than "barely". However, I haven't see her since I went to London to walk with my graduating class.

Dear Helen,

You were an answer to my prayers. I felt very alone and scared when I first lived in London and when I first went to the Hyde Park ward. I didn't know anyone. I really wanted to feel accepted and needed but it just seemed like no one really knew anyone since the ward was so transient.

It's been five years since we met and I felt an instant connection with you. You were like this instant friend to me. You understood me. You opened up your home to me and made me feel okay about the flaws that I have. When I moved back to the U.S., I was heart broken. I was heart broken over leaving London and I was heart broken leaving such a great friend like you.

Being around you a Tim made me feel hopeful. The love and respect that you two have for each other is so evident. I hope that I find someone who looks at me, the way Tim looks at you. I'm so happy for the both of you and your cute, growing family. I don't think I can fully express how grateful I am to have met you. I often think of the next time we will see each other in person. No matter where you live in the world, I will visit you. I don't want the last time that I saw you, to be the last time that I ever see you again.

I miss you terribly,

Susan

Susan "From The Other Side Of THe Pond" B.

My Heroes

A letter to your idol, hero or someone you look up to.

This letter is ridiculously hard to write. I'm trying not to have repeat recipients. The truth is, I don't really "idolize" anyone. I look up to everyone, cause I'm only 5'1". Ba duh da! I'm here all week folks, try the veal! Also, I try really hard to be my own person without outside influences. But that doesn't mean that I don't have people in my life that I admire, or yes, look up to.

So, to narrow down who to write to, I asked myself, "who would I want by my side during the Zombie Apocalypse?" Well, of course, my family, cause I know they'll have my back and we're pretty much like the Incredibles when it comes to fighting crime/zombies. More specifically, both my sisters-in-law.

Dear Christa and Abby,

You are both strong, courageous, smart, funny ladies and both my brothers hit the jackpot when they married the two of you. I see the sacrifices you make for your families and for your friends. You are both well-rounded and dependable.

I've learned so much from both of you. I learned to be generous with my tolerance and love for others. I learned to be more gracious and grateful. I learned that it's so fun and I love to receive and send hand written thank-you notes. We've shared recipes, home-remedies, laughs and tears.

You both have everything that I want in life. I admire and I'm in awe of the incredible patience you have with your children (and my brothers). The two of you make me aspire to be a better person.

So, thank you and I love you.

Susan

Susan "Double Tap" B.

Stranger Danger

A letter to a stranger.

Well, this might be my weirdest letter yet.

A few years back, before I moved to London, I regularly went roller skating a few cities away. I learned how to roller skate when I was three and I've loved it ever since. I went to all the skate parties my elementary school had at Dave's California Skate. I still miss that place. Anyway, I decided to start roller skating again because I wanted a different and fun way to get in my cardio. So, on Tuesday nights I would drive to Grand Terrace and take advantage of their $2 skate night. I just re-read all of that and I'm realizing how lame I sound. This is kinda embarrassing.

Okay, so here is the real dirt. There was a young girl that I saw regularly. She was your average pre-teen girl. She often wore a Hello Kitty backpack that I thought was totally unhip, but what do I know? Here is the weird part. I felt oddly protective of her. I would see her and I would hope that she had a good home life. I would hope that she was thriving in school and that she had good influences to guide her daily. These feelings always confused me. I have no idea why I felt this way about a complete stranger who was more than half my age. I have never experienced that kind of concern for any other stranger. I often wonder how life turned out for her. I hope well.

Dear Hello Kitty backpack sportin' roller girl,

You are really good at backwards skate. I've been trying to perfect it for years but I just can't get the speed or confidence that you have. Uh, you don't me which isn't weird because I don't know you either but I hope you are well. Are you happy? I mean, I hope your parents are good to you. I'm sure they are, they let you go roller skating regularly so, how bad can they be, right?

I suppose by now you have probably graduated high school. Do you have any plans for college? Look, I don't know why I felt so protective of you. I'm not a stalker and I never wanted to take you home or anything. I just wanted to be sure that you had everything you needed to be successful in life. Yeah, I know that's weird. I don't really understand it myself.

I hope you are well,

Crazy old roller skating lady

Susan "Want Some Candy Little Girl" B.

I'm Driving, Here I Sit

A letter to someone who pisses you off on a regular basis.

Up to this point, I've really tried hard to make these letters upbeat and positive. This letter is a little more difficult. While I do have people in my life that irritate me regularly, I'm not going to write about them. Mainly because I want to keep my job. Also, I recognize that I shouldn't give anyone the power to bring me down or to get under my skin. I try really hard to feel the anger, recognize why I feel it and then move on from it.

I wanted to blow this letter off, but I never back down from a challenge so I'm going to muster up some energy and write to something that pisses me off daily.

Dear traffic,

You are the absolute worst! You know how we all slow down just before Limonite so everyone can read that marquee? Pointless. Absolutely unnecessary. You can read and still go 65 mph. And I know that fog can be a little disconcerting, but we don't live in the bay area. It's not that thick. Just keep going.

So, I learned in traffic school that you should keep at least one car distance from the car in front of you. I stick to that rule. So, please don't mistake that little bit of room as an invitation for you to cut me off just so you can swerve back in the lane you came from after cutting off a smart car. And to the guy that wants to tail me because you think it will make me go faster. I can only go as fast as the guy in front of me. I have no other option.

When I see your blinker on and slow a little and give you some room to move over in my line, would it kill you to give a little wave? I mean I have places to be to and I'm just trying to make it easy for everyone to go where they need to be.

I have to give a shout out to the motorcycle riders. First of all, you terrify me. Really. But when I pull my car to the left a little to give you room, 85% of you give me a little wave. It's nice. Thank you. Also, one morning I hung back so a semi could move in front of me. Once he was over, her tapped his breaks twice. I knew that meant thank you, and it actually put a smile on my face. See how a little courtesy can go a long way.

Alright, we have another early morning tomorrow so lets all take our time and show a little kindness.

Susan

Susan "Avoiding Potholes" B,

Kara

A letter of your choice.

When I was in the third grade, I had a best friend, Lisa Peacock. One day after school I went home in tears. Lisa told me she was moving. I was heartbroken. It was 1980-something and Mark Zuckerberg was being potty trained. The convenience of cell phones was still reserved for Hollywood execs and their drug dealers. If you didn't get a forwarding address from the people that moved away from you, you better hope they updated their Yellow Pages profile.

Last Saturday, a very good friend of mine told me that she is moving. To Utah. I have cried everyday since she text me. I am writing this letter to her.

Dear Kara,

Since you told me you were moving, I've come to the realization what an awful friend I am. One of the first thoughts I had was, "If Kara moves, how is she going to teach me to use royal icing on cookies?" and another thought I had was, "She better not move before I help Ty get his Bear!" Awful. I know how hard this decision must be for you and your family. I want to be supportive, but I'm not there yet. I'm trying to be understanding. The thing is, I just don't want to you go.

You're such a good friend to me and I hate that you won't be living up the street. I hate that I won't be able to look around at church and be able to see you and your family. I hate that when I go on my Sunday afternoon walk, I won't be able to stop at your house to say 'hello'. I hate that you won't be my visiting teacher anymore. I hate that our time as friends, friends living in the same city, was so short.

This seems so silly. I mean, we live in a day and age of cell phones, emails, Snapchat and text messages. I could probably contact you 21 ways a day while you are living in another state. But for some reason, it just doesn't bring me comfort. I want to be able to see you and to laugh with you while we sit in the same Yogurtland, and give you a hard time while we eat tacos at Rubios.

I gonna miss you so bad. You are such a wonderful friend. It's not often that you meet someone who ask you how you are, and genuinely cares. You are always so sweet to learn about me and my interest. And the generosity! Who knew so much generosity could exist in one person.

Thank you. Thank you for being a true, genuine friend to me. Thank you for teaching me and being an example to me.

We must never let our Snapchat streak die! I look forward to your snaps everyday.

xo

Susan

Susan "Reach Out And Touch Someone" B.

The Little Engine That Could

A letter to my best quality.

Just one? Oh, there are so many to choose from. It's like Sophie's choice. Ha! I feel like I'm at an interview. I hate this question. So, here goes. This letter is to my determination.

Dear Mighty Sue,

Thanks for keeping me strong. I've been through some hard, dark times. You make me like the Little Engine that could. When people doubt me, as a woman, as a person, you step up and whisper, "Let's prove 'em wrong" and then I do. You also show me the bright side, which I sometimes ignore but you're kind of persistent so I get it. Some people would call me stubborn. I like to think I'm determined.

I couldn't face some of my hardest days without you, so thanks for not giving up on me. I'm still looking for love, so try to keep me on my toes, cause my other quality, discourage, has been hanging around a lot lately.

Let's stay focused and continue to work towards world domination.

Susan "I Can Do Anything Better Than You" B.

Creature Of Habit

Write a letter to your worst habit.

As far as habits go, I don't have many. I crack my knuckles, I grind my teeth when I sleep and I say "dude" more times than one should in a conversation. I actually looked up the meaning of the word, habit, to make sure I knew what one was.

a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. -Google

What interested me more were the synonyms listed: custom, practice, routine, wont, pattern, convention, way, norm, tradition.

I am the epitome of most of these words. I love having a routine. You could, literally, set your watch by me. That makes me sad. I should do something to shake things up in my life. So, okay, worst habit.

Dear Routine Susan,

Oh, hey! So I see you are keeping your schedule predictable. Here's an idea. Get a new schedule. Try a change of scenery. Maybe start little. Instead of eating grapes at 9:15am, try eating yogurt at 9:30am. Dont' be scared to mix it up!

I know, I know. You are doing the best you can. I understand that. Adult life sucks. Just try to enjoy it more. Here's a challenge: walk into an airport and buy a ticket to anywhere. Don't plan it, just do it. Don't over think this. Do it.

Send me a postcard,

Unpredictable You

Susan "Can't Kick The Habit" B.

I Believe The Children Are Our Future

A letter to your children (or future children or children in general).

Dear future children,

On more than one night, I have dreamt of you. I know you are real. I know there are three of you and I know that one day, I will be your mom. Now, it may seem to others that the baby ship has sailed for me. Don't you worry. It hasn't. I'm still a spring chicken and I will bring you into this world no matter my age as long as I am physically possible. I love you that much already. Just from the dreams that I've had about you.

The world can be a scary place, but remember I'll be here to guide you and help you make tough decisions. There will days, weeks, maybe even years where you feel beat down and picked a part. When that happens, I will be your rock. You never have to feel alone, lonely or defeated. What ever the world throws at you, I will be there for you.

Did you know that children are innately curious? Children constantly question the world around them. How and why things work, where things come from and why things exist. It's important to hold steadfast to that curiosity. You should always question what people tell you. Question authority and question the world and it's intricacies. Never take 'beacuse' for an answer.

Never stop learning. There may come a day where you would rather veg in front of T.V. or space out when being told something valuable. It's understandable. Just know that everything new you do, makes you smarter. Learning is not confined to text books. Go outside and look at things you never noticed. Make it a point to travel the world and meet new people from different places. Learn how others live their lives.

Don't be afraid to talk to strangers. At the very least, smile at them. Don't share personal information, but ask them how their day is. Be cautious, but also, be trusting. Most importantly, be kind. You will learn that no one lives the same way. Everyone is trying to make their own mark on the world. Be respectful and supportive.

One day you will have to make a lot of decision about who you are, who you want to be and what you want to do with your life. It is good to have a plan but keep in mind that more than likely, life will not turn out how you plan for it to. It does not make you a failure, it makes you stronger. Be flexible, but be determined.

Dream big. You are my child. Which means, you are probably fierce, stubborn and headstrong. Use those attributes to your advantage. If you are none of these, that's okay too. You will have the tools you need to do great things.

A few things I want you to expect from me. I will never judge you. No matter what kind of trouble you get in, I will help you as lovingly as I can. I will bake you cookies and throw you outrageous birthday parties. If you want to watch The Simpson, you most certainly can. I will watch them with you. I will push you on the swings and hold your hair back when you are sick. I will wake you up in the middle of the night and take you to Denny's for an ice cream sundae. I will cheer the loudest at your sports games and be the team mom. I will guide you to your father when you have a bloody nose, cause to be honest, those are an enigma to me. I have absolutely no idea what to do when someone has a bloody nose and also it's gross. But after, I will ask you if your okay and wash the blood out of your shirt if needed.

I love you and I can't wait to meet you. Please don't give up on me.

xoxo

Mommy

Susan "I Love You Forever" B.

Shake It Off

A letter to someone who has bullied you or seriously hurt you.

Just like I don't let people boss me around, I certainly don't let people bully me. What does that word even mean these days? I mean, no one is sending me scathing Facebook posts and as far as I know, I don't have any hate web pages about myself out there on the world wide web. I have, however, been hurt by more than one person in my life, at varying times. This letter was a little harder to write. I mean, have you met me? I'm a pretty awesome person and it's not everyday that I make enemies or give anyone the opportunity to hurt me. However, one incident that happened more recently did come to mind. I will not be naming names.

This is to a letter to a couple of girls that I tried REALLY hard to befriend. I kinda felt a lot of push back and I don't understand why really. When I was around them, they seemed to like me enough.

Dear You,

I'm sorry we couldn't make our friendship happen. When we hung out in the past, I felt we made a connection but maybe you were just being polite. When I first realized that camaraderie was not in the cards for us, I felt hurt and little angry. Especially since I had tried so hard. I kept trying to make plans with you only to have you cancel at the last minute, more than once. It didn't bother me so much at the time, but it built up.

I tried to provide us opportunities to get to know each other better, to be creative and to plan things that we all enjoyed and had in common. The thing is, I sometimes felt like the fact that I'm not married held us back from being friends. Which, in my opinion, shouldn't matter.

Well, no worries. I will not bother you anymore with my endless fun plans and exciting adventures. Maybe later on in life we can wave to each other as we pass on the street.

Not your friend,

Susan

Susan "Haters Gonna Hate" B.

Bossy Pants

Write a letter to your boss, or someone who bosses you around.

Ha! As if I would give someone the opportunity to boss me around. I'm usually the one doing the bossing. I like to get things done. So, I will write a letter to my boss.

Dear Doug,

First, let me say 'THANK YOU'! I looked and looked for a job for NINE MONTHS after I moved back from London. You put an end to my misery. Looking for a job is a job in itself except you don't get paid to do it. I was very grateful for the opportunity you extended to me. And look at us now! We rule the marketing world!

Second, as my boss, I am grateful for all the things that you do for me. I hear you fighting for the cause. I know that you stand up for me and for our team. I know that you step into the ring and sometimes go 18 rounds against the higher ups. It's very admirable. I'm just glad I have you in my corner.

Third, thanks for making my job a hoot and half! We have days where we laugh a lot, you take David and I out for treats, lunch and breakfast to rejuvenate. You always ask us how we are doing and if there is anything you can help us with. You let us vent when we need to and then offer a way to get through tough days. Most of the time when I go to work, I feel like I'm hanging out with two of my good friends. It's great to get along with you co-workers. It makes for a better work day.

Cheers,

Susan

Susan "Boss Man" B.

Scientology, Not For Me

Write a letter of you choice.

I've been watching the Leah Remini show about Scientology religiously (see what I did there?) since it first aired. It has been brains-on-the-wall mind blowing! The first couple of episodes contained information that I had learned from the HBO documentary that released a year or two ago. I was a little disappointed thinking she had created a series with information that can be found anywhere. But, the more I watched it, the more mind blown I become.

It made me think about my own religion. Every episode I would think, "Am I in a cult and in denial about it?" Then, Leah would reveal some absurd tidbit about how The Church of Scientology (TCS) would force Sea Org members to have abortions. Or, children as young as 12 years old being taken away from their parents and taken out of school, living on their own. My religion is so not into that. In fact I kept thinking "Wow, my beliefs are the exact opposite than TCS."

Now, I'm not one to knock any ones religious beliefs. Please, have you ever studied the LDS religion? I know what it sounds like. So for my next letter I want to write it to Leah Remini. Not to put down a religion she belonged to for 35 years but to offer a little love and hope.

Dear Mrs. Remini,

What a wild ride you've been on, being a part of TCS and then leaving it. It seems you have faced many difficult trials in life. However, you seem to be taking everything in stride. You seem to be gaining strength from a tough situation. Kudos to you. It must be so disconcerting, realizing that something you believed your whole life was not what you thought it was. I bet that shook you to your core.

Well, I think you are very brave, strong and an admirable person. You've stood your ground and you continue to help others and educate as many as possible. That takes a lot of courage. It is my hope that you find solace and peace. Remember that it's not over, until everything is okay. And it will be. One day it will be okay for you.

If I could, I would give you a really big hug! It seems like you need one. Also, you tend to cuss like a construction worker. I'm not judging, but, a group of sailors called and you offended them. No, I'm just kidding.

yours,

Susan - Your new Mormon friend who is not trying to convert you.

Susan "I Never Liked Tom Cruise" B.

That's What Friends Are For

Write a letter to your friends as a whole.

Dear friends,

When I was in high school, I was convinced that my friends were just as important to me as my family and there was no way on God's green earth that there would ever come a day that I would not be friends with my friends. Sadly, it just wasn't true. As much as I would love to have remained friends with everyone, life doesn't always give us what we want.

Not too long ago I was watching my old dance recitals. As I sat and watched, a flood of emotions, mostly loyalty, overcame me. I started to wonder about each of the girls that had made such a huge impact on my life. We spent hours dancing, laughing, whispering, confiding in one another. It made me a little sad that I hadn't seen or talked to most of them for years. I don't even know where some of the are now.

While I'm sad for the friendships that I no longer have, it makes me so appreciative of the ones that I do. Some of my friends I've known since I was in elementary school. The friends that I have in my life now entered at different stages and have stuck around despite that sometimes I'm bossy. I love cake more than most people. I have a tendency to wave life Forrest Gump and every once in a while when I get excited, I reach high school cheer leading captain energy. I'll try to reel it in.

As I've gotten older I now have the knowledge and wisdom to be able to decipher my true friends with my fair weather friends. To be honest, I love them both. Now I have friends across the globe. I miss my London friends. I know we are all scattered now, but there isn't a day that I don't think about you fondly. I hope this world throws us back together.

I want to say 'thank you' to all my friends, old and new. You have all helped to make my life colorful, fun, sentimental and beautiful. I love you all.

xoxo

Susan

Susan "Keep Smiling, Keep Shining" B.

Mi Loca Familia

A letter to my family as a whole,

Dear Dad, Mom, Jason, Abby, Eric, Christa, Maddi, Lily, Eric, Lizzie, and July,

I love you guys. I don't know if I tell you that enough, but I 100% do. Do you ever hear people say, "I love my family!" or "I have the best family!". When I hear someone say this I usually think, "Do you?". Then you haven't met my family. Cause if you had, you would realize that I have the best family.

How much fun do we have? Huh? LOADS! I love our family time. We always do something fun. We always laugh and joke and act silly. I enjoy that our beliefs differ sightly but never cause contention, judgment or arguments.

Thank you. For supporting me, for feeding me, for always having a place for me to rest my head. Thank you for letting me spoil your children and attempt to be the best aunt this world has ever seen. Thank you for making me feel a part of your individual families. It has been my honor.

I'm so glad we don't argue. You don't know how much I love that we aren't the type of family that stops speaking to each other. How sad would that be? Awful.

I love you all. With ever fiber of my being.

xoxo

Susan "Families Are Forever" B.

Crown Town

Write an letter to your community.

Dear Coronians,

Home sweet home. I don't know about you, but I've called Corona, my home for most of my life. When I was in high school it was my main goal in life to move as far away as possible. I'm not sure why. Must have been my teenage brain thinking it knew everything. Truth be told, I love living in Corona.

How great is it to be running or walking in our neighborhoods and receive a guaranteed 'hello' from each other? It's one of my favorite things. No matter how much sweat is dripping down my face or how hard my Darth Vader breathing sounds while I'm out for my run, I am always joyed when someone I don't know acknowledges me with a simple 'hi' or even just a head nod.

I miss our orange groves. We have the best oranges this side of (and including) Florida. You know what else I miss? Gingerbread Cottage Bakery. Man, all of my birthday cakes came from there. They had the BEST frosting. When I was a little girl, my mom would take me there and we would watch them decorate the cakes and then I would get to pick out a treat. I was heartbroken when I found out they went out of business. It was a dark day.

How great is our town's history! I mean, Grand Blvd. used to be a race track. Ever since this city was built the inhabitants had a need for speed! Of course, we know that ended kind of badly. But, we kept the Circle and on most days you can catch a few of those town hooligans driving way too fast around it.

We have THE best school district around. That says so much about us as a city. I really enjoy the friendly rivalries between our high schools. It brings out a wonder school pride that fills our streets and encourages everyone to strive for success!

I think we can all agree that we share common ground when I say, Miguel Jr.'s is a staple in our diet and in our community. We have been truly blessed. I always feel a bit nervous when I take an outsider there for the first time. It makes me feel like our friendship will be determined on how they react to the food. Also, I know more than one Coronian, myself included, that has had Miguel's frozen and shipped to out of state locations. When I lived in Utah, my mom would buy me burritos and drive them up when she visited. Those burritos were the tastiest.

How great is Gingerbread Lane and Candy Cane Lane? Year after year they display great and beautiful Christmas lights. They hand out candy canes and play festive music. It really adds to the spirit of the season. I wonder if they know how grateful our community is that they are willing to pay extra in electric bills just so we can enjoy giant blow up Santa's crowding their lawns.

And of course we have a wonderful Facebook page, What's Up Corona. Every member of that page is willing to post traffic, give advice, answer questions and make business suggestions. I have read countless comments of encouragement. There was that funeral for the homeless person that so many donated to to ensure a beautiful service. Some post about nice service they receive from local business and kind citizens, spreading hope and reassuring that there is still human kindness in the world.

We are a pretty great community! Thanks everyone for doing their part.

Crown Town Citizen,

Susan

Susan "I Feel The Need For Speed" B.

Ode To Murray Woodfield

A letter to my favorite teacher/professor

I racked my brain over this one. I've been so fortunate to have so many wonderful teachers in my life it doesn't seem fair to only choose one. I already shouted out to my 6th grade teacher and my dance teacher so I decided to choose one from University. He made an impact on my education.

Dear Murray,

How are you? It's been too long since we saw each other in person. I will have to make a point to visit London soon. We'll grab lunch or something.

You should know that I really enjoyed your class(es). There were some of my favorite at University. I never wanted to skip your class. I learned so much about script writing (very fun!) and voice over acting (also fun!).

You should know that I am very grateful for the friendship that we developed while I was at uni. You never failed to challenge me and I always love a good challenge. That doesn't apply only to my education, you also challenged me as a person. You made me question life in ways that no else has. Thank you for adding colour to my life! (I added the "u" in color just for you).

Thank you for being such a wonderful professor. I am so lucky to have been taught by a great teacher and friend.

yours,

Susan

Susan "London Is Always A Good Idea" B.

My Body Is A Wonderland

An open letter to my body

Dear Body,

Boy, have we had our ups and downs over the years. I know I was only 12 when I put you on an on again off again diet. Speaking of which, I know some of the diets have not always been favorable or even fair. It's this society that I live in. It's given me false body image issues.

Let me start with an apology. I was not so kind to you in my teenage years. I'm sorry I pumped you full of diet pills, ipecac and laxatives. The thing is, I always had a skinnier friend and I felt like I needed to keep up. It wasn't fair to you. I know I exhausted you with hours and hours of exercise on nothing more than an apple and a Dr. Pepper. I was confused. It was not your fault. Actually, you were super cute! The way you wore my clothes, man, you worked it. Let's never have that kind of relationship again, okay?

Lately I've been trying really hard to be as good to you as possible. I even gave up soda! I know, right! I used to be one Diet Coke away from consuming it intravenously. I overcame that devil years ago. Now I try to get as much water in you as possible. With lemon. I know you like it. I make it a point to get in my 5 fruits and vegetable (usually more fruit) a day. I make you eat fish because it's good for you and we love sushi.

Exercise is so much fun! I try to mix up. Sometimes we go to the gym, sometimes we work up a sweat outside and you are always up for a challenge. That's what I love about you. Usually the thing that holds me back physically is my brain, not you. Thanks for being such a trooper. To reward you, I get our nails done, I let you eat cake whenever you want, I also make sure you get plenty of fiber. You're welcome.

Thanks for helping me age so gracefully. I'm super appreciative. I will continue to take good care of you and tell my mind to lay off giving you such a hard time.

xo

Susan "Diet Coke Survivor" B.

Will There Be Cake?

My last two letters have been kinda heavy so it's time for one a little lighter. It's another letter where I choose who to write to. In this case, what to write to.

Dear Cake,

We've come a long way, baby! I don't remember the first time I fell in love with you, however, I was always that kid at the party who didn't care about the games or the gifts. I was the one who asked more than once, "Can we cut the cake now?".

Did you know there are people in this world that don't like cake? The humanity! I often coil at confessions such as, "I don't really like frosting" or "I'm more of a cookie/brownie/insert other inferior dessert here, kind of person". After the shock and amazement subside, I actually feel a little sad for those people…and for cake.

I have an unnecessary fear. So, in high school I knew this girl who got pregnant and one day she told me that she couldn't eat Miguel Jr.'s anymore because it made her sick. Don't even get me started on that. So then I started to fear that when the day came that I was pregnant the same type of fate would befallen me. Only my worst fear would be that for 40-ish weeks, I wouldn't be able to eat cake because the demon child inside of me would make me sick. Perish the thought!

I LOVE CAKE! I'm not talking about that emotion that one feels when they say, "I love puppies", or "I love the snow". No, when I say, I love cake, I mean I love cake the way I love oxygen or the way fire loves dry brush. I love cake MORE that Kanye West loves Kanye West.

You've never let me down. But, you know who has? Those people that invite me to their parties and then serve me tarts or parfait. I'm always up for a party, but you better believe that when I walk through the door I look for the guest of honor and I look to see that there is cake. If there isn't, I might as well have stayed home.

I have had my share of cakes I do not like. I'm looking at you Carrot Cake. But, I figure in order to really appreciate the good cake I have to experience some bad cake.

See ya at the next party!

Susan "I'll Have The Corner Piece" B.

Are You There God? It's Me, Susan

A letter to the head of your faith (God, Allah, The Pope, The Universe)

You know what I hate discussing just as much as politics? Religion. I have faith. It is my own and I'm not really one to shout it from the mountain tops. I'm more of a silent worshiper of sorts. This letter is a difficult one to write for me. But, it's part of the challenge and I'm not backing down.

Dear God,

It's been a while since we've spoke. Or rather since I've poured out my heart from the discomfort of my knees, blubbering and crying about my trials in life. I can only pray the same prayer so many times. I guess I'm at a loss for words or thoughts. Actually, I find myself growing more and more confused with every prayer muttered. Sometimes it's best to step back and try to gain a different perspective which is what I've been trying to do.

I am appreciative for everything that I have in my life and for the prayers that I feel have been answered in the past. But, I can't help but question my beliefs. That's nothing new. You know me, I don't just believe things willy-nilly. I mean, when celebrity gossip is thrown around the Internet, I never believe it until TMZ has reported it. So you can imagine my apprehension on Sundays when Mark Mormon is preaching from the pulpit.

I haven't given up on my faith or beliefs entirely, but I got to tell you, there are days I struggle. I know, the devil and all that. Funny thing, when I lived in London, the church was not as accessible as here in the states. The wards I belonged to were not all that warm and inviting but I kept soldiering on. It would have been very easy to become inactive, but I wasn't willing. Now, the church is much more prominent and I find myself less than interested. Gosh, this makes me sound awful.

I like to think that this is just a phase in my life. A moment where I need to question everything and search for answers. There have been moments in my life where I felt I had an unwavering faith. Faith is a funny thing, amirite? It's like fog. It can be very thick and blinding. But then, it can also dissipate quite quickly before your eyes.

Thank you for my many blessings.

Susan "This Is Not A Cry For Help" B.

Lord Help Us All

A letter to the leader of your country.

I am not a political person. Meaning, I don't sit around and discuss the current state of government affairs. For one, I'm not that smart when it comes to politics and second, I don't want everyone jumping down my throat, telling me what to believe is right and wrong. I vote. Every election. It is my privilege as a citizen in this country. I research before and I vote how I see fit.

Today's letter is to the leader of my country. Since we are so close to inauguration day I have chosen to address Donald Trump.

Dear Trump,

It is my belief that the 2016 election inflicted an ulcer inside my belly. I am not a "Trump supporter". I am not "with her" either. From the day I learned that the two candidates would be you and Hillary I started to feel sick to my stomach. I absolutely could not stand to think about who I was going to vote for. I would rather live in Canada than have either of you yahoos in the White House. I did, in fact, apply to several positions back in London in a attempt to escape this governmental circus. But alas, America voted and in less than 10 days you will assume the nations highest office.

I'm scared. I'm scared for women and their right to decided what to do with their body. I'm scared for the millions of immigrants who escaped unthinkable living conditions and sought refugee in a country that could help. I'm scared for freedom of expression and the war it will bring about if you alter our constitutional rights. I am scared for just about everything that you stand for.

For the next four years I will pray. Everyday I will pray that if there is a small scrap of dignity hiding underneath your bleach blond coiffed hair, that you will confer and draw inspiration from it. The world has developed into an ugly place. School/airport/church shootings, terrorist, Kanye West, national disasters, hate, hate crimes, religious hate and on and on. Instead of adding to the destruction and negativity, please, for the love of all that is good and holy, attempt to make this nation better.

If you should fail at doing so. I will not fall in line. I will continue to raise up and support my fellow men and women in this nation. I will make it my mission to show love to the ones you show hate to. I will not let your demeanor become a reflection of me.

A concerned citizen,

Susan

Susan "Don't Screw This Up" B.

To Two Of The Greatest People I Know

A letter to my parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

It's understandable that the two of you stopped having kids after I was born. I mean, once the Sistine Chapel was built no said "We should build another one."

I owe a lot to the two of you. First, thanks for keeping me alive all those years that I depended on you to do so. Thank you for providing me with so many luxuries in life. My cup runneth over.

Mom, thanks for teaching me how to cook my first turkey, make a killer pie crust, measure liquids in the correct measuring cup and my dry in the other measuring cups.

Dad, thanks for introducing me to Toto. Some of my greatest memories are of us driving around and listening to Rosanna and Africa. I will forever associate you with their music.

Mom, thanks for teaching me how to handle a hammer and nail. Thanks for not letting me cut off any fingers when you taught me how to saw wood. Thanks for helping me with all my 1/2 completed craft projects (and the 100% ones too).

Dad, thanks for believing in me as a gymnast when I was little. I remember one day you took me in the backyard and helped me with my back handspring.

Mom and Dad, thanks for showing up to all of my cheer leading games, dance recitals and gymnastic meets. I didn't know how important it was to have you in the audience until you were actually there, smiling down at me. Thanks for your encouragement and support.

Most importantly, thanks for showing me what a successful, loving marriage looks like. Your example has taught me so much and I'm grateful for the love and respect that you show each other daily.

There is so much more that I owe to you, so as a thank-you, you can live with me instead of an old folks home. You're welcome.

Your loving (and nearly perfect) daughter
Susie

Susan "It's Gonna Take A Lot To Take Me Away From You" B.

They're Not Just For Skaters

Write a letter to a brand or company

Dear Vans Shoes,

Thank you for being so dependable, my old friend. I remember as a child going to the Vans store at the end of summer to pick out a pair of new school shoes to carry me through the year. I can still smell the sent of rubber soles. I was first introduced when my skateboarding brother added them to his skater uniform of Thrasher shirts, tight rolled Levi's and of course black and white checkered classic slip on Vans.

I remember in junior high when I had a pair of green classic Vans while my best friend, Devon, had a bright yellow pair. Man, we were cool.

Currently, I own four pairs of Vans and consider them my comfortable shoe. They were the first pairs that I packed when I moved across the pond. There, they protected my footsies from the harsh, rainy London weather. I have had many adventures in Vans. Stomping around Disneyland, strolling the streets of Salt Lake City, riding a camel through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, exploring the city of Reykjavik, Iceland and hustling the streets of New York City. So many memories!

When I see the familiar, easy to identify, waffle impressions anywhere, I feel a sense of joy that others are also reveling in the comfort of a good, dependable shoe. I even bought my niece two pairs of her first Vans when she turned one year old. A proud moment in deed.

I also plan to make them part of my groom's wedding attire so I hope he's on board with that.

*raises glass* To Vans!

 Imprint in Iceland snow

 Enjoying a camel ride through the Atlas Mountains

Susan "Off The Wall" B.

The Juice

Write a letter to a celebrity to despise.

As I've mentioned before, I have an aversion to celebrities. I just don't buy into their "glamorous" lifestyle and I couldn't care less about what they eat for breakfast. Contemplating this letter I came up with more than one celebrity to write about. Namely, Kanye West and the whole Kardashian/Jenner family. But then I realized that had it not been for one man in particular, these celebutants would not pollute my media platforms so much. So, I give you my next letter. BUT, I will not include a photo of him on account that he doesn't deserve it.

Dear OJ Simpson,

Where do I start? You successfully ruined a lot of things. It is because of you that "paparazzi" is now considered a "job". If you hadn't, how do I put this, got into the legal trouble that you did, not many people would know who Robert Kardashian even was. But, because you needed to hire the Dream Team, Rob K. became a household name. From that stemmed his psychotic, narcissistic, limelight hogging family, who by the way, I can not stand.

It is also because of you that we now have media platforms like TMZ, OK! Magazine, JustJared.com and the king of Hollywood gossip, Perez Hilton. All of their mission in life is to provide adulterated, mind-numbing, pointless celebrity information. Now, it's even spilling over into the actual news shows! Right after I get an update on the Blue Cut Fire I have to endure some lame story about how celebrity X had a nip slip in some West Hollywood restaurant.

I'm also holding you responsible for Kanye West being prominent. Look, Imma let you finish your current jail sentence, but the Menendez brothers had a way more interesting trial than you.

Oh, the awful treatment that Marcia Clark had to endure during your trial, sickening!

Also, the best orange juice I ever drank was in Mykonos, Greece and I didn't think about you once while I drank it because I would never associate something so wonderful and tasty with the likes of you.

Rot in jail.

actual orange juice enjoyed in Greece

Susan "Next At Eleven" B.

Dealers Choice

Today's letter is my choice!

*Curtsy*

Dear Queen Elizabeth II,

Are you alright? Let me start off by saying, thank you. I had such a wonderful time living in London. WOW. I never knew a human could fall in love with a city, but I did. My heart is still broken from our break-up. I know it's been a while since I've visited and I'm sorry. I'll be sure to make 2017 the year that I return.

You and I have a lot in common! I too love dogs, wearing pastel, extending my pinkie when I drink, carrying my purse on my forearm, telling people what to do, and a piping hot cuppa.

Congratulations on being the longest reining monarch. What a feat! In your face Queen Victoria! I had a great time at your Diamond Jubilee in Richmond Park. It was a little wet and rainy, but when you drove past me and waved from the inside of your very dry and assumably warm vehicle, well that was my crowning moment.

I have a couple questions for you. Now Bitsy, how does one become a Dame? Is there an application I need to fill out? What exactly do you carry around in your purse? A retractable sword for impromptu knightings, maybe? What are the names of your corgis? Are you mad about that whole 1775 thing or is that water under the Tower Bridge now?

I'm sorry we never had the opportunity to sit down for tea. I am happy to schedule something. I'll contact one of your ladies in waiting.

Anyway, your doing a great job. You should be really pleased with all the reigning you've been doing. As far as queens go, you are one bad ass lady and I have mad respect for you.

Forever your commoner,

(Dame) Susan

Susan "Her Royal Highness" B.

The Story Of Us

For my next letter, I am to write to a celebrity I like.

Dear Taylor Swift,

Can I call you T-Swizzle? Look, the thing is, since first listening to Love Story, I have felt that you have a direct line to my romantic alter ego. Since I'm not in a relationship I tend to suppress that personality. BUT, when I listen to your music and belt it out to a live audiance on the 15 freeway like they paid to hear it, it is as though your lyrics are my own.

Then I found out my nieces also liked you and your music and BAM! It became a gateway for a strong, unshakable (see what I did there?) bond. The first time I bought three tickets to your concert, I almost had to sell my soul to the devil to pay off the debt. But then the three of us were in the middle of the Staple Center, looking up in awe and rocking out like stars and I glanced down and saw my nieces singing every word to your songs, and it all became worth it.

We have a lot in common! I too love to bake, and sparkly things, red lipstick, hanging my purse on my forearm, parties, and acting like a thug. Also, I would never turn down the chance at a dance party. Any dance party. Solo, with friends, with strangers, with strangers and friends. It's all a good time in my book.

I admire you. That's actually saying a lot considering I have an aversion to celebrities. I'm not one to get caught up in the star struck sillieness of it all. But, for some reason, your story is so inspiring and if I ever met you in person, I might cry. I have been one of your biggest defenders for years now and unless I find out you drown puppies for sport, I got your back girl.

Hey if you want to hang out sometime, I could probably swing it. Let me know.

Love, love love,

Susan

http://teylors.tumblr.com/post/101383770817

Susan "THANK YOU, INLAND EMPIRE!" B.

You Are The Wind Beneath My Wings

A Letter to the person who has influenced me the most.

This letter has haunted me since I read the list of open letters I'm suppose to write. I'm having a hard time nailing down one person who has influenced me the most in my life. I discussed the topic ad nauseam with my two wonderful co-workers. Doug, David and I had a meeting of the minds and came to the conclusion that the two of them, are in fact, very influential in my life. No one is denying that. However, I gently told them that writing a letter to them would be an obvious choice and I need to dig a little deeper. It was a very successful group think in my opinion.

So I began by thinking of teachers that I've learned from, friends that I've made, co-workers and bosses that I have worked with, church goers that I've worshipped with and even strangers that I sat on the London tube with. I've come up with three teachers in my live that have influenced me in different ways and helped to shape who I am today. So here goes.

Dear Mr. Sweet,

Although 6th grade was many years ago for me, I learned a lot from you. Starting with geography. We spent a lot of time discussing and memorizing the names of every country. I rather enjoyed that. As an adult, that part of my knowledge came in handy while living abroad and playing world traveler. Today, I can not look at a map or globe and not reminisce of the nights I spent learning those names.

You also taught me to draw. As your student, I often found myself frustrated learning to draw and the art of shading. I do not posses the talent to sit down and draw anything free style. BUT, I can doodle the prettiest collages AND this past year I discovered my love for chalk art! I'm pretty proud of some of the chalkboard creations I have been able to express myself through.

Lastly, my love for John F. Kennedy. Ever since we learned about him, I have made it my life's mission to know absolutely EVERYTHING! Which is a lot. The one thing that I hate is that I do not know who assassinated him. I have promised myself that after I die and once I have politely chatted with St. Peter, I'm going straight to The Big Guy and asking him who is responsible for robbing this world of one of the greatest presidents.

Thank you for being such a great teacher!

Dear Tina,

It feels strange to write you a letter. I think about you often. It baffles me how short a time you had on this earth but also how big an impact you made. You were more than just my dance teacher. You were my mentor, my confidant and my friend. You were also the most emotionally strongest person I have ever met. I feel that one of your favorite past times is laughing at my expense and I really didn't mind that. It helped me to learn to laugh at myself. You never judged me and you only scolded me when it came to the art of dance.

 I miss you everyday.

My last letter is to one of my professors at the LDS Bussiness College. Now I can't for the life of me remember her name, but she influenced me to write more. I always liked to write but after taking English with her, I loved to write. She taught me to be creative when I write and to research before I write. Ever since that class, I have made writing one of my passions.

Susan "Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You" B.

A Letter To My Best Friend(s)

This is tough. Todays assignment is a letter to my best friend. That implies that I have only one. The truth is I have more than one so this letter is to ALL my besties.

Dear BFsF,

I hope this letter doesn't embarrass any of you. Or I hope you are utterly humiliated and this becomes another one of those things that years from now we talk too loudly about in a public place and then laugh until it's uncomfortable for the strangers around us.

Each one of you has a special place in my heart (yack!). Okay, for real. Here is the thing. When I'm with any of you at any given time, it is the funnest. Our inside jokes are by far my favorite and if I had a nickle for every time one us said "Why don't more people want to hang out with us? We are so fun/great/funny!", I could afford to buy my own home.

I like schedules and structure and reliability in life. Having best friends like you gives me that. I know that I can rely on anyone of you to help me bury a body or bail me out of jail or be the person sharing the cell with me. Your friendships are priceless antiques.

I feel grateful daily to have you in my life. To know that I can count on you and you in turn can count on me provides me comfort. Thank you for never judging me, for asking me if I'm okay before you laugh at me for falling down, for being unapologetically honest, for forgiving me when I'm being a boob and for keeping me cool.

I am in the process of making matching bracelets for all of us!

xoxo

Susan

Susan "Your BFF Payment Is In The Mail" B.

A Letter To Myself As A Child

Dear Young Susan,

Hey kid! Good news, you're still alive in you thirties. So, that outbreak of cooties that your worried about is really nothing to lose sleep over. Put your mind at ease. By the way, the presence of quicksand and lava are not as abundant as you've been thinking.

Here it is, I'm just gonna be honest. Everything you plan for you life starting at the age of 14 on will not turn out the way you want it to. Don't worry. You travel the world and see and meet people you never would imagine! You actually see the Queen of England up close! It is a rare and wonderful moment that you will never forget.

I know you think your parents are like totally lame, but it turns out, they are actually pretty cool. In a few years time, they become your best friends. It's true. Cut them some slack. They actually know what they are talking about. Also, it turns out, it's not uncool that they aren't divorced. Be thankful for that.

Remember when you were younger and you didn't like taking naps? Or, when you were a little older and you struggled to stay awake till all hours of the night. Well, there will come a day when all you want to do is stay in bed longer, get in bed earlier or shut your eyes for a quick power nap. No joke.

One more thing. As an adult, you don't exactly have it "figured out". But from what we can tell, not very many people do. Spend less time comparing yourself to others and focus on what is right in front of you.

Oh yeah, in high school you will delusional-ly think your "fat". Shut up. You aren't. In fact, there will come a time in your life when you wish you were the size you were in high school.

Alright you little scamp, go play hide-and-go-seek a little longer, don't be scared of sushi and it's okay to march to the beat of your own drum.

xoxo

A very wiser, older Susan

Susan "Olly Olly Oxen Free" B.

30 Day Open Letter Challenge - Day 1

I feel as though I have failed this blog by practically abandoning it in 2016. I mentioned before that I was in a dark place. I'm going to attempt to pull myself into a lighter state of mind. I feel it's important that my blog have some sort of "theme". My whole objective was to share my adventures while I lived abroad. Keeping with my original theme, I want to continue to go on and share my travel and life adventures. But, I also want a place to record my thoughts and bare my soul from time to time. So this month I'm going to experiment with a challenge. Not only will I share my adventures but I'm going to participate in a 30 day challenge that I found on Pinterest. It is call 30 Day Open Letter Challenge.

I love letters. I love hand written letters especially but we live in the day and age of electronics so I will oblige.

Day 1 - A Letter To Your Significant Other (Or Future Significant Other)

Dear FSO,

I've been thinking about you. I often wonder if I already know you or if we will meet in a unexpected manner. I also wonder if we will be that couple that says, "I didn't like him/her at first, but…".

Let me catch you up to speed. I have been searching mercilessly for you for the greater part of my adult life. I often times become really frustrated and discouraged because we are not together yet. Do you ever feel that way?

Up to this point of my life I have been trying new things, learning to cook, kick box, dance, be patient, take good photographs, wrap a present that could impress Martha Stewart, paint, sew, pick winning NFL teams, bench press, play racquetball, weld, tie a cherry stem in my mouth and other things that I think will contribute to us having a fun and adventurous relationship.

It has been a long time since someone has loved me. At this point, I can't imagine anyone loving me. I find fault in myself multiple times a day and pass them off as reasons why I'm not loved. Forgive me if I'm shocked at your interest in me. Please be patient with me as I acclimate myself to someone giving me attention and caring about me.

I want to love you with reckless abandon. I heard that phrase, reckless abandon. I'm still trying to figure out what it means to me, but I promise, when we are together, I will love you with reckless abandon.

Love,

Your FSO

Susan "A Jane Of All Trades" B.