Tag Archives: Letters

Letter to Ronnica, 2015

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Have you ever written a letter to your future self?  I’ve done that several times, but I always remember to open them in time, not being as excited about them as I was when I wrote them.  I figured I might as well write this letter here as I’m much more likely to see it!

Dear Ronnica 2015,

Let’s not fool anyone…this is a tad bit ridiculous before an audience.  Reminds me of times when I’ve had to practice a speech before an audience of one.  Let’s try to put that silliness aside.

I have no idea what your life is like, Ronnica 2015.  Perhaps your life is closer to my dream future or my practically planned future, but more likely it’s something/somewhere I never thought I’d be.  After all, my 2005 self would have laughed at where I am today (and my 2000 self even more so).

If you are married or have kids, don’t take that for granted.  Remember well how much you longed for those things when you were me.  While I no doubt have no idea the trials that come with life as a wife and mother, I do know that deep inside of me, that’s what I desire.  Just as I work now to be content where God’s placed me, work to be content where God has placed you.

And if you’re still single, I know you’re handling it.  I have so much still to learn about how to honor God in my single life, and how to balance all the many areas I want to grow in.  Hopefully you’re excelling at that better than I am.  I hope that you have many more days that you are content than nights that you are not.

Don’t be afraid to love.  Hey, I could be writing this for my today self.  I know our tendency to be reserved when it comes to friendships.  It’s okay to put yourself out there…even if you get hurt.  Seek to love others (through word AND deed) as you’d want to be loved yourself.

Though no doubt our interests aren’t quite the same, keep learning.  There is so much to know and so much wisdom to be gained.  Learn from those who go before us and seek wisdom at God’s mercy seat.  Even though you’re 5 years further down the road than I, I know you have so much more room to grow.

Truthfully,

Ronnica 2010

Photo by Muffet

Dear Toothpaste Tube

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toothpaste_tubeDear Toothpaste Tube,

I’m sorry that I have not been fair to you over the last few months.  To be completely honest, you’re not my first.  This twice-daily relationship we’ve had has been sweet, but it’s nothing new to me.

Nor is it forever.  You might have noticed, but you don’t have much to offer me anymore.  Soon, I’ll be finding another, younger, flashier toothpaste tube.  I’m sorry if this is hurtful to hear, but I just want to be completely honest with you.

And that gets me back to the original reason to write this letter to you.  I feel guilty and must confess that I’ve not treated you like I’ve treated the toothpaste tubes before you.  I’m afraid that I’ve hurt you by treating you so carelessly.  In the past I’ve been a strict toothpaste tube roller.  It’s efficient and neat, after all.

But I’ve not given you that courtesy.  Instead, my actions have left you an utter mess.  I have made you look like a worthless piece of trash, albeit unconsciously.  And for that, I’m very sorry.

I promise to treat the new toothpaste tube with the care and respect that you  deserved.

A newly-recommitted toothpaste tube roller,

Ronnica

Reaching for the Goal(s)

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I about forgot to do my quarterly update on this year’s goals, but then I read Debra‘s post to the same affect.  So how have I done?

Goal #1: Read 60 books.

A quarter of this goal would be 15, and as of midnight of March 31st I had finished 22.  As of 12:15 AM on April 1st, I had finished 23, as I stayed up late to finish reading Life of Pi.  I did really great at this goal in January and February, but I slowed down in March primarily because of basketball.  (Check out the Books Read in 2009 page for updates.)

2.  Complete my novel.

I did great in January, writing 3 chapters, but then taxes hit big time and I found I couldn’t devote the mental energy to it in the evenings like I had previously.  Now that things are lightening up, I hope to rectify this.  I might not get done this year (just depends on how ambitious I get), but I really want to.  (Check out the Historian’s Writing page for updates on this.)

3.  Exercise 3 times a week.

I’ve been so-so on this goal.   It seems like it’s more like 2 times a week, and then the last couple of weeks 1 time a week.  I’m really going to push myself to go to the pool 2 or 3 times a week, and probably start taking walks in the evenings many other days.

4.  Write a letter once a week.

There’s probably a week or two where I didn’t, but this goal definitely has been kept.

5.  Memorize 4 chapters of the Bible.

I’ve struggled with how/when to implement this.  Really, I just need to get down to it and start.  I’ve decided that I want to memorize Romans (but obviously not all this year).

So, I’ve definitely had progress, but there’s more work to be done.

Snow ‘n’ Letters

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Ugh.  I totally had pictures to go along with this post, but they’re not uploading.

It snowed again last night.  What is up with this place?  It’s not supposed to snow this much!  I think a move to Miami might be in order.

Seriously though, I’ll enjoy it while I can…from inside.  I’ll have to venture out to go to work this afternoon, but until then I’ll enjoy a mini-snow day.

I was reading an article in Newsweek last night called “The Curse of Cursive.”  The author was arguing that there is no need for kids to learn cursive and that it’s good that penmanship is essentially dead.

Now, I love email and other electronic communication.  It has made my cross-country move reasonable.  There’s nothing like an email from someone you love…except a handwritten letter.

I don’t have a problem with the argument against cursive.  Writing changes through the years, and that’s fine.   However, I don’t think the written letter should die with it.  I love to receive letters, and try to write a letter or note at least once a week. 

There’s just something special about it, probably because you know the person took extra time to think of you.

Dear Paperwork

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Dear Paperwork,

Hiya, there. I’m a little bashful as I’ve never written a letter to paperwork before. Usually I just use paper to write letters. I suppose I should apologize.

But this occasion calls for extraordinary measures. As I look at you sitting right here beside me, I can’t help but sigh. You’ve really let yourself go these past few months, haven’t you? You should really watch what you take in. It can’t be healthy to be so large and disheveled. I’m concerned for your health, is all.

Also, you paperwork hiding in my computer, you’re no better. I get the idea of not wasting trees, but don’t you think for one moment that an electronic form is more fun to fill out than a paper one. It’s all about the same, really. Except electronically have the opportunity to organize better, but also have a harder time finding what I need at times.

So, Paperwork, I think it’s time for you and I to part. Go on now, that means you can leave.

Umm, you haven’t left yet. Are you going?

Please? I’m kinda on a deadline here.

Good riddance, I mean, farewell,

Ronnica

This post is a part of the SITS open letter mabob thingie!

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I’m thankful for my friends. They have to put up with a lot! I love that I’ve gotten to hang out a lot this week.

How to Write a Letter to an Elected Official

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Last week I talked about how I’m going to get more involved in politics. My first step was to write congratulatory letters to the 4 top officials that were elected from here: president, governor, senator, and representative. Several of you asked to see these letters, so here they are! I’d love it if you would join me in writing letters or emails to these men and women (or those that are represent you). In the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t vote for any of these 4 individuals. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever voted a more losing ballot.

I addressed each letter to the office that they are currently in. The address for mailing a letter to a US senator is:

Office of Senator (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

So that’s where I sent Barack Obama’s letter. Here is what I wrote:

Click the picture to see it bigger. Sorry these are a bit blurry, but I don’t have a scanner. As you can see, I hand wrote the letter. I didn’t use their appropriate titles in the letter (though I did on the envelope) since I felt weird since none of these people have officially taken their new offices yet. If I were to do this again, I would use their titles out of respect.

I also included my last name and address, though I took the picture before I wrote them in. I wouldn’t want my mailbox would be stuffed with fan mail from you all!

The next letter I wrote was to our newly elected US senator. Her current address is:

Senator Kay Hagan
NC Senate
300 N. Salisbury St, Room 411
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925

Here’s what I wrote:


Next up was our newly elected governor, Bev Perdue. She’s North Carolina’s first female governor, but strangely, she’s my 3rd (I lived in Kansas under governors Joan Finney and Kathleen Sebelius). Anyway, this is her address:

Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue
20401 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-0401

I just realized I spelled her last name wrong. Whoops. Don’t do that if you decide to write her. Anyway, this is what I wrote:


Finally, I wrote a letter to my representative, Brad Miller. He’s the only candidate here that was actually reelected, so I was able to send the letter directly to his congressional office. His address was the hardest to find; I guess they think that you just need to email your representative. It took me several tries, but finally Google helped me out:

The Honorable Brad Miller
United States House of Representatives
1722 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-3313

Here’s what I wrote him:

I hope you find these letters helpful as you seek to be an encouragement for your elected officials. Feel free to use any/all of my letters you find useful. Let me know if you decide to this!

This post is a part of Works-for-Me Wednesday. For more great ideas, stop by Rocks in My Dryer.

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I’m thankful for all those that work for the public good. It’s such a blessing to have reliable emergency services!

Dear Tongue

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Back by popular request…a letter! Okay, only Michelle requested it. How do you like that…she only has been reading my for a week and I’m already caving in to her request?

Dear Tongue,

I just don’t know what to do with you. I tried holding you, thinking that you’d follow my advice to keep quiet when what you were saying was unwise or unkind, but you just go ahead and say it anyway. What am I talking about? You know what I’m talking about. Specifically, I’m talking about:

Grumbling. Why do you complain so much? You have a pretty good life, if I do say so myself. I feed you all your favorite treats, and you really enjoy all the work you do. Why not be still in the less pleasant times and choose to pray rather than speak of our circumstances negatively?

Bragging. Come on, enough with yourself already! No one wants to hear it, and it’s just plain annoying to be around when you do. Drawing attention to yourself isn’t cool, and besides, even the good things you do are only because of God.

Gossiping. You might think you have this licked, but I hear some slip out from time to time. I need to have a talk with your friends Left Ear and Right Ear as well, as they shouldn’t be putting up with it from other tongues.

And while we’re on the subject of your work, I should let you know that there are other things that you simply don’t say enough. It wouldn’t hurt to be more ready to speak of our Savior or give an encouraging word to someone.

To show that you’re ready to grow, I would like you to print out these lyrics, because I think that they can speak better than I can. Can’t read? Maybe have your other buddies Left Eye and Right Eye help you out with that one.

Lovingly,

Ronnica

“Bite My Tongue”
by Relient K

I was gonna spell it out
In detail but
I dropped the call
Before I spilled my guts
The floor stayed clean
Like my conscience will be
‘Cause if you heard anything
You didn’t hear it from me

I’m sweeping up the seconds
That tick off the clock
Savin’ them all for later
When I’m too ticked to talk
And I need some time
To search my mind
To locate the words
That seem so hard to find

And sometimes I say things that
I wish that I could take back
The most crucial thing I lack is the thing called “tact”
And if you’re always so intently listening
Then the smartest thing to say
Is to tell myself not to say a thing

Yeah I gotta keep quiet quiet
Don’t let it all come undone
‘Cause if I dare open my mouth
It’ll just be to bite my tongue
To bite my tongue

I said I’m always close-minded
With an open mouth
And the worst of me
Seems to come right out
I’ve never broken bones
With a stone or a stick
But I’ve conjured up a phrase
That can cut to the quick

And sometimes I say things that
I wish that I could take back
And the smartest thing to say
Is to tell myself to keep

Quiet quiet
Don’t let it all come undone
‘Cause if I dare open my mouth
It’ll just be to bite my tongue
Yeah I gotta keep quiet quiet
Listen to Your voice
Because the power of Your words
Can repair all that I destroyed

And when I finally do
Let it come from You
The peace of understanding grips my soul
You’re the reason I
Have meaning in this life
Is so I swallow all my pride
And give You control
I give it all to You

Dear Philosopher, Part 2

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Dear Philosopher,

I’m rather mad at you that you never replied to my letter. Sure, I asked some tough questions, but you have been thinking them over for 5 1/2 months now. What kind of turn-around is that? If you worked at McDonald’s, you would have been fired months ago!

Regardless, I’m giving you a second try. Maybe this time you could reply in a more timely manner. Of course, adding to your work load may just increase the wait time, but once you’ve waited 5 months, it’s all the same.

So here are my questions for you:

How can some doughnuts not be round with holes? Isn’t a doughnut called a dough-NUT because it’s shaped like a nut?

Why do words look funny the more times you write them?

Why do we have to send our City of Raleigh water bill payment to Charlotte? Does Raleigh not have offices in their own city?

Why do we call children born out of wedlock illegitimate? Are they any less children just because of the situation they were born in? Are they somehow fake?

I would appreciate a prompt reply to these questions. Thank you.

Waiting,

Ronnica

Dear Self

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Dear Self,

Aren’t you glad that this is the last letter of the month? Tomorrow you will no longer be constrained by this format, but rather free to use it as you please.

Don’t stress this next week. Sure, you have a lot due next Tuesday, but after that you’ll (almost) be home free. There’s even the strong possibility that this will be the last big paper that you have to write EVER!

Though I know you’re excited about future free time and fresh air (or more accurately, having your nose stuck in a stuffy book), but don’t think on that too much. It will simply make you discontent in trying to write these papers. You enjoy writing blogs, so why can’t you enjoy writing a scholarly paper? Besides, the subject of the larger paper demands serious thought, not surfacy, flighty thoughts. Give this your best shot, k? Put in the time it requires, and don’t stress if it isn’t perfect. Stick to your schedule even when you don’t feel like it, and you’ll come out on the other side.

Alright, that’s all I can right for now. After all, I have more important things to write!

Finally,

Ronnica

Dear Common People

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Dear Common People,

Today I write you as one of those people, one of the elite. I have had the kind of day where I’m non-stop busy (even now, I’m doing a million things) with nary a break. I got up early, went to class, went babysitting, went to class, went babysitting, and here in a little bit I’ll leave babysitting for class (again). I’ve had to eat on the run, talk on the run, and happily avoid writing my big paper one more day.

It’s not just that today’s super busy. That wouldn’t make me one of the elite. I was also interviewed by a columnist for a big paper (I’m talking The Washington Post, people). It’s not quite the day-in-the-life interview I’ve always wanted to do, but it’s probably the closest I’ll ever be unless I accidentally strike gold in the city park or discover I had the hidden ability to fly.

While I was interviewed, I have no idea whether or not anything I said will be included in the column. The ironic thing is she found me through this blog because I happened to write about the dream I had about Barack Obama. Intriguing, isn’t it? I’ll let you know when it comes out. Who says blogging can’t make you famous?

An elitist snob for the day,

Ronnica