Girl at the Laundromat

Dear Girl at the Laundromat,

I'm of the belief that if something is stuck in someone's teeth, they should know about it sooner than later.  In fact, I would consider it a sign of true friendship if someone (hopefully discreetly) informed me that I had a piece of food in my teeth. 

With that, I feel obligated to politely inform you that you have a fanny pack stuck on your back that I'm sure you would like to discreetly remove.

Please don't misunderstand, I regretfully do see the functionality of these unfortunate accessories, however there are other options: small backpack, pockets, across the shoulder strapped purse, etc.  I too, can understand the specific temptation to don such an item when going to the laundromat ("it frees up my hands", "I always know where my quarters are"), however I assure you the risk is not worth the reward.  Don't think that I don't see that lovely skull and crossbones decal on your fanny pack - I do!  Unfortunately it seems that you have bought into the lie that if it has a cool, slightly edgy design on it, it's ok.  Oh, dear friend, please hear me: fanny packs are NEVER ok.  Acid-washed denim, flourescent pink, skull and crossbones - they're all the same!

I hope that you will heed my fervent warning and I trust that one day you will even be thankful for it.

Most Sincerely,
Fellow Laundry-Doer

Lindsey Vonn

Dear Lindsey,

You da (wo)man.

As a fellow Minnesotan, let me congratulate you on your amazing performance in the downhill; that - was - gutsy.  I admire your mental focus after so many wipe-outs preceding your race. And I can't imagine the pain that you were in with your shin injury. 

I wish you all the best on your next events, and hope that you're not too disappointed in the fall yesterday.  At least you went down swinging, so to speak.

I was hoping that once your schedule opens up after the Olympics we could try and meet up sometime - perhaps during a visit to your old stomping grounds?  I'd be happy to buy you coffee (or a protein smoothie) in exchange for your signature on the cover of my Sports Illustrated. 

Your #1 Fan,
Julie Oostra

P.S.  Do you have any old skis lying around that you don't use?  I wear a size 8.5 shoe...

Blogging World

Dear Blogging World,

In the words of a wise sister (literally, she's a nun), "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em".  Here I am, joining.  The blogging world that is. 

I've been skeptical, hesitant, even critical of you bloggers at times.  I didn't get it.  Maybe I still don't.  It still seems an awful lot like posting one's diary entries on a billboard for all to see - and worse yet, comment on!  That might be the equivalent of allowing a Q and A time after someone shares their testimony (insert previous blog post link here - oh wait, this is my first).

But I'm here.  I've been the occasional blog follower for almost a year now, and have decided to take the plunge into blogger.  As the title explains, I'll be using this space to write some letters to friends.  I've always been a believer in the art of letter writing as well as the power of words.  I've written many a letter to friends as well as government officials and corporations as a means of encouragement and exhortation. (M&M Mars Corp. responded to my letter with a letter AND complimentary M&M's!) 

So my first letter, as you can see, is to you, the blogging world. My apologies for my skepticism, I hope we can be friends.

Except that I don't really know how you'll find me.  I didn't take the time to take the tutorial that was offered me as I set up this account, so I'm pretty sure no one knows I have a blog. 

Hmm....  Maybe I'll mail you all a quick note and let you know of my blog.

Fondly,
Julie