Dear So and So

[Becky]

Dear self-

Take a vacation already, before you flip out on the wrong person (not that there's really a "right" person for that situation). The work will be there when you get back...

Oh, and going to FLETC for training as a civilian is a pretty cool opportunity- suck it up already and stop worrying.

[jessmarimba]

Dear new guy:

Yelling at me after I just saved your butt wasn't a smart decision. You underestimate me at your own peril.

[Owlie]

Dear self--
Why didn't you learn the first time that adding milk to melted chocolate is a bad idea?

[tulip]

Dear tulip,
I am so proud of you for learning to be financially responsible. Better late than never. Even though money has always been a source of angst and terror, you have learned that it's in your power to control it, not the other way around. Knowledge really is power. You've come so far since January, and I know you are on a permanent path to financial responsibility and freedom from debt. It's amazing how far a good software program, some basic knowledge, a few reachable goals, and a bit of courage can take you.

Yours truly,
moi

[indysteel]

Dear tulip,
I am so proud of you for learning to be financially responsible. Better late than never. Even though money has always been a source of angst and terror, you have learned that it's in your power to control it, not the other way around. Knowledge really is power. You've come so far since January, and I know you are on a permanent path to financial responsibility and freedom from debt. It's amazing how far a good software program, some basic knowledge, a few reachable goals, and a bit of courage can take you.

Yours truly,
moi

Way to go, Tulip! That's awesome!

As an employee of the US Bankruptcy Court, I'm thrilled that you will not need our services!!!!

[marni]

WOW, I'd pursue this further. That's terrible. Is there another gym?? What a bunch of aszhats. to pick on a woman like that!!!

I will sic trainer john on them tomorrow if they are there or the next time I see them. He too is a senior though not quite as senior as me, but he is one of the lead trainers and has more years at this gym than anyone else so when he speaks to someone it usually brings results.

Yes there is another gym but this is the one where the trainer that both my 90 year old resident FIL and I like, so moving to another gym is not an optimal solution. When the weather cools, I will just run outside on the sidewalk, but with feels like temps in the triple digits, that is not an option right now.

I don't think they were specifically picking on me, as much as showing off for each other and generally being the selfish inconsiderate louts they are in real life. There seems to be a lot of that "what's up with you b****" attitude among certain groups and ages and persuasions of youngish males around here- might have something to do with the strongly prevalent football culture. Our local high school has a football facility that is the envy of the local professional football team, but they just laid off 250 teachers. Go figure.

sigh....

[alexis_the_tiny]

dear gym studs,

yes I get that you are young and fit full of yourselves. Yes I understand that most people choose to run 20 minutes on the treadmill instead of around the perimeter of the basketball court, but since there was no one in the court I decided to indulge myself. I told you I only had five more minutes to go and that I would stay out of your way. Why then did you decide that it was imperative to occupy all four of the courts simultaneously trying as hard as you could to make sure you were shooting at the wall or crashing into me while running for the ball, every single time I passed any one of you at any of the court areas.

And dear gym management,

Yes I know, they pay gym fees too but really, it is not fun to be bashed into repeatedly by guys who are 40 years younger and twice my body weight whether "accidentally" or "on purpose."

Incidentally this group is also notorious for smashing their free weights to the ground repeatedly and never putting away any of the equipment they use.

sore and bruised and irritated.

Sounds like they sorely need a few good tight slaps. NOT that I'd advocate senseless violence against strangers though.

[Crankin]

Not to offend native Texans, but Marni, I don't see how you can stand living in that football culture after being in Acton .
Heck, I couldn't even deal with the suburbs of Miami, because of similar type people.

[limewave]

Dear DH,

For nearly 3 years now I have worked a second job to make up for lost income during the economy. The confidence I've gained and knowledge I've accumulated have been invaluable. I can't express how good it makes me feel knowing that when my back is to the wall, I can create my own productive and profitable business.

It was all great until I found out the real reason for the lower income. When we are in it together, that is one thing. But when you make decisions on your own accord that have that great of an impact on our family . . . All I'm going to say is that it's time for you to take care of the situation you independently created.

Yes I'm still mad. If I was mad at you every single day and every single hour from when I found out about your situation to when you'll actually be able to resolve it . . . well, we wouldn't be able to function as a family. You made a doozy of a mistake, but I still love you and we can move forward from this. I do see the positive steps you are taking the integrity you are showing.

So . . . I'm selling my business. It's done. I've set the wheels in motion. It's time for you to step up and do what you need to do.

Limewave

[tulip]

Limewave, you have alot on your plate. I will just come out and say it: Please, please please get some couples counseling. Do it for your kids if not for you. Whatever it takes to get you there. You don't deserve this crap, and your kids deserve to have a better relationship model.

While I'm on a roll here, please also start putting money away for yourself.

There, I'm done. No more advice.

Okay, I lied. I'm not done. Marriage is a team sport. You are having to be the referee.

Okay, now I'm done. For real.

[limewave]

Limewave, you have alot on your plate. I will just come out and say it: Please, please please get some couples counseling. Do it for your kids if not for you. Whatever it takes to get you there. You don't deserve this crap, and your kids deserve to have a better relationship model.

While I'm on a roll here, please also start putting money away for yourself.

There, I'm done. No more advice.

Okay, I lied. I'm not done. Marriage is a team sport. You are having to be the referee.

Okay, now I'm done. For real.

Done. Done. And done. We're on an upswing. He's actually been handling the situation for awhile which is why I have some money to buy my new mountain bike. Selling my business just eliminates the safety net. I think it will be good for all of us.

[indysteel]

Done. Done. And done. We're on an upswing. He's actually been handling the situation for awhile which is why I have some money to buy my new mountain bike. Selling my business just eliminates the safety net. I think it will be good for all of us.

((((Limewave)))). I'm glad you're taking some positive steps on your own and within your marriage to get things sorted out. I hope the upswing continues.

[Owlie]

((Limewave))

[marni]

Not to offend native Texans, but Marni, I don't see how you can stand living in that football culture after being in Acton .
Heck, I couldn't even deal with the suburbs of Miami, because of similar type people.

sometimes one ends up somewhere out of necessity- like a job for dh and being close to overseas educated daughter as she started in the American education system in college in Texas because short of NY, University of North Texas had the best music education available within her field.

Maybe someday we will get to live where I want to live, but in the meantime....I don't begrudge the years overseas, but .......Texas- well.....

[jessmarimba]

My ex boyfriend is at UNT for grad school. Denton is one odd little town.

Dear whoever built the wall upstairs:
What were you thinking? It's a gazillion degrees up here in the summer...we'd have a lovely little cross breeze from the windows at either end of the house except that there's a giant slab of drywall in the middle.

Dear self:
That second room upstairs isn't a legal bedroom anyway. Learn how to do electrical work and take that sucker DOWN.