Dear ___ {Friday's Letter}

I's been forever since I have linked up with Ashley for this wonderful Friday tradition and its much needed, so without further ado I give you  Friday's Letters.

Dear Clients, please, please remember I work for more than just you. I understand you want it done yesterday, but we are a team here, I can't do my job if you continue to keep things from me or choose to engage in passive aggressive behavior; Dear Critter in my House, GET OUT. You are hereby evicted from the premises; Dear Sophie, please grow up, just a little, Mommy loves you, but man girl you are a menace; Dear Chloe, sweet girl, I know your sisters annoys you to death, but its not ok to then crawl onto the dining room table to escape her; Dear Jessica, One week til I get to meet you and baby Caleb; Dear Vacation, I need you now; Dear Winter, are the season I just didn't  know I loved and needed in my life, looking forward to all you have to offer; Dear Jesus, thank you so much for allowing me walk into the darkness only to be shone the light. Your continued grace, though hard to understand and feel, is the driving force in my life.

Friday's Letters {in flight edition}

This week's Friday's Letters are brought to you by the good people of American Airlines (not) and GoGO in Flight Internet! So here we go...

Dear AA- You suck! Yes I said it! I have Elite status so please give me free bags and priority access... or at least be smart enough to tell me before I check in that my gate has changed from D to A and need to huff it to make it on time... Just sayin.... Dear Airport - Thanks so much for making me drop my laptop and shatter the screen... Yes my poor MacBookPro is broken... computer works, screen just flaking off like mad... and its glass people! (Can you tell this trip has not started off great?) Dear Vegas - Be kind to my waistline and wallet. Dear Miss America- I have only wanted to see you in person for like a million years and its finally happening! Yay!!! I am stoked! Dear M - Thank you for being patient with me as I packed and huffed to the airport this morning. I know I was a b*tch less than pleasant. Dear Lovely - Vegas baby! Get here soon so we can play! Dear Work - Slow down for .2 seconds so I can get my shit together. Dear Boss - I totally respect you and what you are teaching me, but I do have a copy of the local rules and do read them... a lot. Thanks! Dear 2013 - Ok, so you're ok thus far, but I little less stress would be nice so my face calms down which leads me to Dear Face - wow, what are we like 14? The infestation of zits is so not ok with my 30 year old skin.... However, facial yesterday was heaven! Everyone should indulge and use Dermalogica. Dear Grey's - could you be anymore dramatic! Like whoa... (I know silly girl who loves Grey's still...) Dear Chloe- You are such a fun lil  girl to watch. I love when you are so excited when I come home! That face just gets me everytime.... Dear God - Thank you for showing  me grace and faith, forgiveness and hope. Please continue to bless me with the patience to deal with those things I cannot change and providing strength to carry on. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, is just a long tunnel.

As for God, His way is perfect: the Lord's word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. - Psalm 18:30

Friday's Letters

It's a new year and a new me! So I am starting it off by linking up with Ashley at her totally revamped blog The Sweet Season! Check her out and get to writing people.

Dear 2012, Peace out! Not sad to see you go, perhaps bittersweet, you were kind, you were mean, you tested my marriage, tried my patience, put undue stress on me, pushed me to the brink, showed me I can succeed, and went out with a bang! Not sure I knew what you had in store for me a year ago, but I can truly say I have grown tremendously, oh and you brought me that great 30th bday! So... so long, farewell 2012. Dear M, I know this has been a trying time and year for both of us. You started  a new position and travel a lot, I work a lot and we have both experienced growth. I apologize for the harsh words we've exchanged, the grudges held and the resentment in my heart. I promise to let go and move on. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. --Ephesians 4:32 Dear Lovely, Thank you so much for being there for me no matter what! I could not ask for a better friend, confidant, sister. I cannot wait to see what 2013 holds for both of us as we begin a new chapter. And we leave for Vegas in a week!!!!! YAY!!!! Dear K, So proud of you. You started  a new job, new apt., new guy... You have accomplished so much and I am blessed to know you. Thank you for being a constant light in my life. Dear V&D, I know I say it a lot, but thank you. Thank you for loving me no matter what, and because you choose to and not because you have to. I am constantly amazed at the warmth and grace you show me and I know I would be be the woman I am without your support and love. Dear Aunt K, I am so glad to have gotten to know you better this past year. I love our lunches, talks, learning to "exercise" vegetables and enthralling Brussels sprout cogitation. Cannot wait for more to come. Dear Chloe, not sure what I would do without my puppy girl! You bring joy to my life, kisses to my face, and yes I even miss when you don't hog the pillow to sleep. Best thing I ever did my 3L year of school was to bring you home! Dear Mom & Bubby, Love you both so much. Thanks for being there, loving me and accepting my faults. Dear 2013, Be kind to me. teach me, but allow me to grow. Provide me patience to deal with things unknown, help me to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Provide me with a healing heart and open mind. Guide me to a better life and personal and spiritual fulfillment. Test me gently, but emblazon me with the strength to carry on. Provide me a consistent, constant rock that cannot be moved because its roots are so deeply entrenched in love, in spirituality, and in honor.

Friday's Letters {to God}

In case you missed it or are not friends with me on Facebook (my personal one not the blog) then you may not have noticed that I have been quite the state of reflection this past week. I have been looking inward and analyzing my life. I guess its apropos at this time of year to stop and have a moment (or 5) of deep thought about where you went in this past year and where you want to go in the next one.

For me, it includes a lot of writing, soul-searching, and one-on-one time with God. Instead of silent prayers, I have found myself writing and then I realized I was writing to Him. It is yet another cathartic experience.Although I would love to share my inner thoughts with all of you, I decided instead I would share something my best friend shared with me. It makes you stop and realize that sometimes what we ask God for he gives us just not in the way we wanted. He knows us better; He gives us what we need, even when we don't ask. So, whatever holidays you celebrate, whatever faith you subscribe, take time during these last few days of 2012 and reflect. Take a self-inventory, set goals, vow to make a change for the better whether in your life or another's.

Friday's Letters {Dear Santa Edition}

Dear Santa-

I'd be fibbing if I told you I had been good all year long (and we all know you can see for yourself); however, I was pretty good and that counts, right? So this year I'm only asking for a few things.

This year I want you to bring me patience to endure the trials next year will bring and forgiveness to heal the wounds left by last year. I pay you grant me peace to lay to rest any anger, guilt or grudges I still hold. I ask for you to bless F with a gorgeous ring to go with her wonderful man; to give K the confidence to see the phenomenal woman I see as my best friend; grant my brother the ability to continue to be a loving father even miles away; provide Mom with many more years of health (and through in some wealth; and shower V&D with my love so they know how much I truly appreciate them.

Send my friends in blogland a little piece of joy from my heart to theirs and let them know how much I love sharing my life with them. Give the love of my life the ability to see what I need out of life and grant him the power to see my life in its truest form. Show him kindness and humility (and Lord give him patience to endure me).

Santa, place in every one's stocking a little bit of love and kindness, wrap presents of compromise and humility and put it under the White House Christmas tree and send angels bearing joy throughout the world.

So, dear sweet Santa, I do not ask for much this year except that you bring good tidings and cheer to those I love and cherish, to those less fortunate than I, sweep the world with love and hope for better years to come and let us all have a joyous Christmas time.

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday: I am so glad you are here you don't even know it! Dear Bootcamp: How is it that I am love with something that kicks my butt and makes me practically cry? Well I do! And I have made some great friends in the mix. Dear Chloe: You have been needy lately, I feel like you need to go to work with mom! Dear Lovely: I know nursing school is kicking your butt right now, but I have so much faith in you. Hang in there, hold on and know that soon we will be Vegas baby! Dear K: Again, you are the best and I love and miss you! Dear Hubs: Just as you get back, I leave, seriously key to marriage never been in same place. Dear Office: You are taking shape, now just need to put up my diplomas. Dear Co-workers: Umm, love ya! Blessed to work with some funny amazing people. Dear CU: You make my day! Thanks for letting me be me and showing what it means to appreciated. Dear JW: Good Luck this weekend! You are going to rock the Miss Ok USA stage!!!! Dear Fall: Welcome to Texas! My boots, sweaters, and scarves appreciate you.

Friday's Letters

Dear Hubs - I apologize for expecting you to know what I need, want, etc... all the time. I mean you are not a woman and how on earth would you know these things? Dear K - You are my best friend and I love you to death! I'm always just a phone call away.And yes we legit cried on the phone last night because we missed each other. Dear Men Whom I work With - Hi, i work here, I am intelligent, bright, genuine and can carry on conversation just as well as a man, so do not leave me out of things. Dear Body - Yeah we have a PT test Saturday so get with it! Dear Lovely - I am more than blessed to have you in my life, just sayin I'd be lost with out you. Dear Grey's - I mean come on! How many tragedies can one woman surmount and keep going? And please get Christina back to Seattle Grace. (spoke too soon she just appeared) Dear Glee - Being on while I'm at bootcamp sucks. Dear Chloe - bath time is so much fun, right? Dear Blog Friends - Thank you for being constant supporters of me, my life and my tribulations. I am thankful for all of you.

Back in Action Friday's Letters

Yes, I am back! Still tired, exhausted and stressed, but I have just a minute to catch you all up on my week via Friday's Letters.

Dear Hubs - Yes, the Rockettes are coming to Dallas and yes we are going, I know you are thrilled! Dear LM - We deserve wine, champagne, vodka and a bubble bath after the week we have had! Dear Work - Whoa there, let's just remember I am only one woman who can only accomplish so many things in a day. Dear Body - Yeah, let's get it together, as in I know I'm 30, but I'm only 30 so work correctly. Dear Chloe - You cannot come to work with mommy or daddy, I know you want to just so you can cuddle all day,  but we have to work for your kibble, so stay out of the car in the morning. Dear Friends - I need you. I need some fun in my life. Dear Weekend - So ready for you and excited for Steeplechase. Yay for formal dresses and dancing (and yummo breakfast buffet) Dear Trial prep - you.suck.the.life.out.of.everyone. Dear People in this office who will remain nameless - Get it, just get it ok? Dear Fall - Thank you for arriving! I am doning my black suede boots and purple (Go Frogs) sweater today complete with wool skirt! Dear runners (in our office) You all save my life and I am grateful for all the things you do! Dear Hubs - get your tux out and put those party pants on!

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband - Come home. For good. As in stop travelling and leaving the puppy girl and I home alone to fend off crazy noises and flying leaves. Dear Sleep - Hopefully I will meet you again this weekend. Dear 30 - So far so good. Dear Bootcamp - You are amazing. I may not be able to walk correclty, but you kick my booty and it feels so good. Dear Fall - Yo, where are you? I've got sweaters and boots to wear. Dear Chloe - Sleep through the night at our house! Do not bark, chirp, squeal, move around or sleep on my pillow. Dear Hubs - Seriously, come home.

Have you seen this man? Because he is MIA!

Friday's Letters {to 20 year old me}

This is a bit different letter this Friday. Today,  this last day of my 20's I am writing a letter to 20 year old me.

Dear Me,

Enjoy the next ten years because they will blow by. Take in every moment, every step, every memory. Don't think that every guy you date in college has to be "the one," chances are he will just be the one that night, day, week. Listen to V. She knows what she is talking about when she says you are the adult in your family. And don't show up to lessons hung over from the night before. It's not only a waste of your time and hers, but disrespectful to her. She loves you, no matter what, I promise. Don't be so hard on yourself in school. It's ok to get a B, heck even a C won't kill you. You don't need that much stress in your life at 20. Realize that friends are the ones you hang out with you no matter what, not just when its cool. Keep them close and dear to you. So, the whole pageant thing, I know it seems like you will never win a prelim or compete at Miss Texas, but trust me, when you really want it, you'll get there. But when you do, don't sacrifice your morals and standards to please anyone but you.

You will change your mind about what you want to do about 5 times and its ok. I know you came in as pre-law, and you will get there, but meanwhile, explore other opportunities. It's these experiences that will help you become a better person and eventually help you reach that goal of practicing law. Meanwhile, that on-campus job you took, well soak it up. These women you work with will become your family. They have so much to offer you, so learn from them. Take their advice, and enjoy becoming apart of their families. They will throw you wedding showers someday.

I know you feel left out in this TCU world sometimes. Remember, its not about how much money you have or what clothes you wear, its about the person inside. I know this sounds cliche, but the struggle and strife over this never goes away, so learn it now. You don't need nice things to succeed in life.

Trust your instincts. Know that even when you feel like everyone else if going left, right is best for you. Love your family, but don't let the toxicity into your life. You can love from arm's length and still be loved by them.

Lastly, no matter what, don't measure your life by the success, but by the steps you take to get there. Enjoy the next ten years and try not to grow up too soon. 30 will be here before you know it (and you will be married, have a good job, and live in a house that you own!).

XOXO 29 year old me

Friday's Letters

    Looky, looky new Friday's Letters icon from Ms. Ashley! Love it and thus we begin:

 

Dear Rain - whilst I am glad you decided to grace us with your presence, you were not great for my perfect hearing hair I had this morning, nor great for the drive home while on a conference call. Dear TCU Football: I am sorry I  missed you last weekend for the A&M  game, and sad I will not be in Lawrence this week, but next time, its on Go Frogs! Dear Hubs: well you are awesome. Thanks for getting up early with me this  morning to make me breakfast before I left for my hearing. Dear Chloe:  not sure what you got into on Tuesday, but it stunk. Please stop rolling around in foul-smelling things. Dear Pretty: Umm I love you and our lunch dates and well just having you in my life. Dear V: Happy Belated bday! Dear 30: One month before I meet you, til then this 20something is going to enjoy life! Dear Operation Evening Gown: I will fit into you in two two weeks. Dear Weekend: I soooo need you! Dear Work: As much as I love you, a small break would be nice, but guess busy is better than unemployed so blessed I am for you!

Friday's Letters

Dear Hubs - SHHH! Seriously, you might be the loudest person I know. I like quiet, quiet TV, quiet music, quiet evenings. Dear Weather - Thank you for the reprieve, I can totally handle mid 90's instead of 100's. Dear Headache - Go away, I have you from about 9am til well I go to sleep and you are now infilitrating my right eyeball. Dear Chloe - I love you, but must be you be in the middle of everything, I mean I can't even steal a kiss from hubs without you jumping in the middle thinking you are missing out. Dear Hair - Grow just a few more inches and I may be happy with you. Dear Food - Taste bad so I will not want you, or perhaps I will blame it on stress and continue to consume ;) Dear S. Rose - Thank you for all your help this week with my family law case, I truly appreciate your advice and help! I am blessed to have made such good friends in law school. Dear Lovely - I love our lunches and love you! So glad I have you in my life. Dear Hubs - You. Me. Mexican Food.

Friday's Letters

Dear Chloe - I am so glad you are feeling better, but seriously, you cost me and arm & leg (but I would not have it any other way); Dear Office - It was nice knowing you, but I have moved on to a warmer office! Yes, third move in less than a year for me Dear Hubs - So since you will be really busy these next few days I have decided that I get to shop, thanks Dear Mom - Happy Birthday! You do not look a day past 29, well ok maybe a day since then you would look younger than me; Dear K - It was so good to see you this week, I miss our time together, must have BFF weekend soon; Dear Summer - GO AWAY! It is too hot for my poor baby girl to even go outside, much less for me to enjoy the sunshine. Dear readers - I am sorry I have been a tad offbeat this week, super stressed at work, hope to be back to normal soon.

Happy Friday loves!

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband - Why glad to have you home. Too bad you will probably be gone again soon. Dear Dessert - Why must you taste so good on the lips, but linger on the lips, thighs, abs, etc...? Dear Vacation - You cannot get here quick enough! Dear Blog Friends - I love reading about your lives everyday! I look forward to it so much and I always know I am in for a good laugh, cry, snot, chuckle, etc... when I read you. Keep it up! Dear Ann Taylor Loft - Umm love when you have a 50% sale, the day after I spend money at you causing me to return to you to buy more. Dear Brain - Good job today recalling random knowledge regarding the DTPA that you stored there a year ago for that lil test you took to become a lawyer. Dear recent law grads - The bar is done! Yay! Now please return to normal and realize that its over and done with so harping, worrying, crying, whining about it will only annoy me more. Dear Suits - I love you so. You make my Thursday nights, yes Harvey Spector I mean you! Dear Hubs - Seriously we need this vacation so bad,  because it requires is to be in the same room for more than like 3 hours! Dear Pageant Family - I am so excited to join you and be the new AD for Miss Tarrant County! Dear Potential Sponsors - I need donations! If you think you have anything a pageant girl needs, let me know! Or if you want to donate to the largest provider of scholarships to women, let me know. Dear Chloe - Daddy is home, so please return to sleeping under the bed and not on my head.

Happy Friday Luvs!

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday - thank you for coming oh so quickly this week. Dear face - yes I know I went and had you sandblasted, but stop peeling, like now... its gross and people are starting to stare at work. Dear Cake - yeah well I love you, but hate what you do to me, I  mean you just jump in my mouth without asking whenver I see you. Dear Hubs - when you come home late from baseball, please do not turn on the brightest light in the bedroom and proceed to wake me from my slumber. Seriously, I'm not nice when I do not get my beautyrest. Dear Chloe - get off my pillow! Dear Work - I will be away from you, but not next week as I hike it to Arkansas for trial. Dear Tone It Up - My abs and legs are killing me from your workout, I love/hate it!

Happy Friday all, I'll be MIA next week while in trial, but don't forget me!

Friday's Letters

Dear Anna - You are doing so well this week at Miss Texas! I am so proud of you! Dear Mindy - Sweet Teen! You've come so far and I am so proud of you. Dear Lovely - Thank you for being there for me no matter what, for having wine at 10pm, and never judging. Love you! Dear Hubs - Thank you for dealing with me when I'm tired and grouchy. Dear Food -  go away! Dear Chloe - You have go to find a new place to sleep because Mommy wants her pillow back and I cannot stand the licking! Dear Hubs - Ya know sometimes I need to do things just because I want to. Dear Friday - Thank goodness you are here.

Friday's Letters

Sorry, I'm a little tardy late to the party, but here we go!

Dear Heat- Lay off... seriously, my poor skin, a/c bill, puppy, yard are dying out here! dear hubs - yes, you're gone again and its ok, but you totally owe me several Friday date nights! Dear Anna- You have prepared for this next week and I am so proud of you! And ummm. Taco Bell date next weekend? Good Luck my Miss McKinney! Dear skin - yeah let's get with the program... I look like I'm 50 lately or 12, let's stick with almost 30, ok? Dear People who feel the need to huff and sigh at work - it does not score you points, it annoys me, and its loud! it's your job, just do it, I don't sigh when I get handed stuff to do! Dear August 1 - get here so I can be in Puerto Rico Dear Chloe - you are getting a cut this weekend, say goodbye hair hello skin! Now you will hopefully quit panting up a storm. Dear LC Collection @ Kohl's - I love you. Like almost all of you... your tanks so cute, your jacket's and the mint half midi/maxi skirt I just got! Dear metabolism - yeah where'd ya go? Dear Blogger friends- I apologize for the lack of insightfulness this week, I've been in a rut.

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband - Why yes I love the new pottys that you decided we needed for our home... Dear Chloe - You have got to find a new place to sleep because taking mommy's pillow is inhibiting my sleep. Dear Rain - Thank you for making my husband happy. Dear Husband - Your attempt at buying me underoos may have failed, had you kindly asked the plumber to move his car you would not have had to go purchase said items, and P.S. Do I look like someone who wears peace signs on my undergarments? Dear Friday - Thank goodness you are here! Dear Texas State Twirlers - Good luck this weekend as you compete in the State Championships! Dear Office Thermostat - Seriously, its like an igloo up in here. Dear Work - slow down just a tad on Tuesdays so I can get back to turbo kick. Dear Starbuck's - I have replaced you with the local place that charges me less and has more sugar free syrups, I'm sorry, but our costly love affair had to end one day.

XOXO

Friday's Letters

Dear Hubs - Don't worry I will handle everything while you travel for work again. Dear Chloe - Not sure if I am proud that learned how to open the door to the dining room or upset that you broke out! Dear Work - Seriously I'm not ready this for. Dear Big Girl Panties - I've been wearing you a lot lately and I am not in the least bit happy about it. So this weekend back in the drawer you go, its all about my inner child! Dear Hubs - Love the Cubs gear you got me in Chicago! Besos mi amor! Dear Past Associate - Please come back to work as I am not ready to be you, nor can I hope to be as good as you. Dear Body - Yeah so I have been working out extra hard, watching what I eat so can those last 3 pounds please go away now? Dear baby birds in my Boston Fern - I check on you everyday so keep growing. I feel like your second mom (pics soon). Dear Kiddie Pool - its you and me this weekend. Dear Men of the World - get it together!

TGIF ya'll! Link up and let's see your letters.

Friday's Letters {link up}

Dear Starbucks - You brought back Mocha Coconut for summer and I love/hate you. Dear Hubs - I love that we finally had a mature discussion instead of a fight, we are big kids now! Dear Brain - Yeah I'm going to need you to not crap out on me right now, work is busy and I kinda need you. Dear Work - Yeah see brain and as much as I love billing I need Monday! Dear Chloe - Mommy apologizes for not  being around much this week. Dear J - I heart you and our Turbo-kick dates! Dear F - Fun-filled rita Friday @ Colonial! Dear Family - I love you and all, but we've seriously got to work on your guilt factor and timing. Dear Summer - Seriously, are we going to have a repeat of last year? Cause I'm not sure I can handle 115 with no pool. Dear People with a Poll - Knock, knock its me!

TGIF all and have a safe and happy Memorial Day. Remember those who can before you and will be here after ensuring your freedom.