Dear Mom and Dad,

Yes, we are all very proud of my brother. And I wouldn't mind reading through all the newspaper articles and even watching a news clip or two, but I don't really care to have them shoved in my face. I just got back from racing in the country's largest xc race . . . and I didn't do too shabby. It would have been nice if you feigned interest. Ask me how the race went, the weekend, etc. before bombarding us with all the spectacular! details of my brother's life.

I spent most of my childhood years being dragged to my brother's events. I'm not angry at you, it was alright. Sometimes it does make me sad. I can't help but wonder what I would have done had I been given the opportunities that he had. But I'm happy now. I had to move to a new town, but it worked. I managed to become someone other than "the little sister . . . he has a sister?" Did you even notice???

Dear SIL--Yay for you! You're married to my brother! It's like being Prom Queen for the rest of the life. You have achieved status! Woooooo!

Dear Self--wow, you're more bitter than I thought. Let it go. Let it go . . . this too shall pass. You're not 14 anymore. You've achieved many awesome things on your own and made a wonderful life for yourself Take deep breaths, count to 10.

Dear DH's friends--stop calling me "the little sister" or I will beat your @ss. Oh wait, I already did. I smoked you at Iceman! Hah! Hahahahahahahaha!