Tuesday, September 29, 2009

5/254: Dear Alex,

Dear Alex,

If you're curious about why you're getting this letter, check out the address above.

There's one thing I have to start with: THANK YOU. You, without knowing, totally got me into David Bowie. I had heard his songs before on the radio, but I hadn't really given him much thought until you talked and talked about how amazing he was. So...thanks for that. That glam-rock god definitely shaped me into the person I am today.

Also -you're pretty awesome. You were always so sweet to me in high school. You were tolerant of everyone and got along with everyone (pretty much). You had an amazing drive and you seemed to get so much stuff accomplished.

And your sense of humor is top-notch. I always laugh when I'm around you - of course, your infectious giggle definitely contributed.

Finally - I love, love LOVE that you say what you mean. It's so refreshing.

Thank you for everything,

Love,
Kaylen

4/254: Dear Aletta,

Dear Aletta,

I don't even know if you remember me, but I babysat your kids once or twice this past year. I'm working on a blog project (for details, look at the site above).

You are a wonderful mom. I loved spending time with your kids. Johnny is so smart and sweet and he's not mean about it. I've been working at Wilson for over two years now, and most kids that are as smart as Johnny are rude and condescending about it. He is such a great kid.

Louisa is also wonderful. She's adorable and up for anything and is ridiculously polite, in the best way possible. I can't imagine her ever getting into an argument with anyone (although you may disagree?). She just has the sweetest disposition. I wish I was more like her!

And of course, Annie. What a cutie pie! I think she was a little scared of me at first, but once we watched enough Barbie movies, she was better.

The three of your children get along wonderfully, too. The couple of times I babysat for them, they were so well-behaved and they played well together.

Anyways - I know this is random and I hope you don't find it unsettling, but the project I'm working on is writing a letter to every person in my cell phone address book - and you're in there!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your kids. You and your husband (whose name escapes me at the moment) have done a wonderful job at raising them. I can only hope that I raise kids half as well as you did :)

Love,
Kaylen Hoffman

3/254: Dear Alba

Dear Alba,

Long time no talk! I hope you're doing well.

I'm working on a project (check out the website above) which involves writing letters to everyone in my cell phone address book. And of course, you're in there from good ol' Gries staff!

It was really great getting to know you the nine months we worked together. All of the girls from your floor that hung out on my floor had nothing but good things to say about you. It made me sad that I hadn't gotten to know you better.

I really admire the way that you carry yourself - you always looked confident and as if you were in control. Now...whether or not you actually did/do feel that way is another story, but it always seemed like you were on top of things - I was a little bit jealous of that.

I hope you're doing something now that you love. You have such a hardy spirit and I hope that your happy vibes and strong energy is used towards something amazing.

Love,
Kaylen Hoffman

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

2/254: Dear Aimee

[I've decided to not use fake names, except for some people.]

Dear Aimee,

I just wanted to take a second and tell you how much your friendship has meant to me over the last seven (SEVEN?!?!) years. We had so much fun in high school, goofing around and making jokes in Ms. V's class. I always felt safe at your side, because you were always so smiley and chipper.

There are a couple of things I need to tell you. First of all, I'm sorry I'm so flaky. I'm really good at making plans and being excited about doing those plans and then forgetting, having other things come up and forgetting about the previous plans, or just feeling cranky and pissy. But in all, know that I LOVE YOU and care about you and 110% enjoy spending time with you. And I am so sorry about this summer.

I also want to thank you for being so wonderful to me the last seven years. Whenever I was angry or cranky or unhappy, I could always depend on you to "turn the frown upside down". I can think of many times when Sr. Judy was being difficult and it got the best of me and I just caught your eyes from across the classroom and all you did was smile and shrug your shoulders. And that simple act made me feel so much better.

And lastly - I have always admired you. And been a bit jealous, honestly - but in a healthy way. You're gorgeous. You have the best smile. You are super-duper smart and you apply yourself ALL THE TIME - not just sometimes, but all the time. You are industrious and confident and have so many interests, and you go after those interests. Like your kick-boxing class this past summer? Awesome. I wish I would get myself together enough to be able to do things like that.

So, anyways. In short - you are a wonderful woman (that feels weird to say, but hey - that's what we are now, right?) and I am so fortunate to have you in my life. We've been though many good times and I can only hope that we will have more fond memories in the future.

So much love,
Kaylen