Dear Blog,
This is Part 2 of the "30 Days, 30 Letters" endeavor.
Day 7 — Your Ex-Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Love/Crush
Dear Ex-Girlfriends/Loves,
To Aeriel, I've apologized to you and you've accepted. Yes, I was young and immature. And you were my first girlfriend, so what did I know about relationships? Thanks for caring, for listening, for opening the door to a new way of looking at the world. I look back at memories of us fondly, and hope life treats you fairly.
You've turned some of the joy and pain I caused into wonderful words. Your book is a treasure of mine now, and I am so proud of what you've done.
To Patricia, I'm sorry things didn't work out. I'm sorry things didn't start as soon as they should have, too. Our relationship was unorthodox at times, but it was pretty great. We the relationship ended, I was crushed. But I got through, found myself, became a better version of me. You're so amazing, and I hope you'll be able to find someone once you start college.
And when you rule the world, remember me. I wouldn't need much, just a city or two to rule.
To Victoria, this letter to you is far too soon. After some time, I should write an additional blog; a sort of amendment to this endeavor.
-Daniel
Day 8 — Your Favorite Internet Friend
Dear Internet,
You are a great friend. You've connected me to so, so many people. On Facebook and MySpace, I've been able to chat long after school has ended. And the random sites that I visit allow me to meet new people, if only for a few days. You provide information when I need it fast, and entertainment when I desire it. So much to read, watch, and enjoy, thanks to you, Internet. Countless hours I have spent online, reading reviews, watching videos, browsing that safest of businesses and places of Main Street World Wide Web and dark alleys between the cracks in law and order.
I hope you grow, but hardly change.
-Daniel
Day 9 — Someone You Wish You Could Meet
Dear Taylor Swift,
Of all the world leaders, business people, celebrities, and heroes in my life, today, I wish I could meet you. I don't know if its because of the music you make, the way you talk, or the look in your eye, but I feel like we could be fast friends. You just seem like a wonderful person, and spending time with you would be like heaven. Would you date me? I don't know, but friendship would be fabulous, nevertheless. So to Taylor Swift, I wish I could meet you. Perhaps one day soon, our paths will cross and a bond created.
A dream, to be sure. And a marvelous dream it is.
-Daniel
Day 10 — Someone You Don’t Talk to as Much as You’d Like to
Dear Friends,
There are many friends that I have made, and subsequently do not talk to as much as I'd like to, because of moving. Sure, Facebook is a wonderful tool, and my phone is magical in some respects, but face-to-face communication is key to a friendship, and I've lost that with many of you. One day, when I'm rich and famous, I'll be able to visit and rekindle our friendships. But until then, maybe we should Skype?
-Daniel
Day 11 — A Deceased Person You Wish You Could Talk To
Dear Nonna,
I couldn't talk to you much when you were alive, because you didn't speak English and my Italian was far from fluent. But since you're deceased, I imagine the afterlife is much like a TARDIS, in that you'd have the ability to speak and understand virtually all languages. I would like to talk about everything with you. Love, life, stories of wisdom, or whatever else you'd want to talk about. Perhaps I'll meet up with you one day, and we can chat then.
Although I'd imagine you'd just want me to eat a lot.
-Daniel
Day 12 — The Person You Hate Most/Caused You a Lot of Pain
Dear Nobody,
I don't hate anyone. I don't think I really can.
As for pain, its not a negative emotion in my experiences. Its a part of being human. It's a fact of life. So sure, I've been hurt, in pain, and it wasn't pleasant. But this day, this letter, is meant for a rant, and I don't have a rant to give.
-Daniel
Day 13 — Someone You Wish Could Forgive You
Dear Victoria,
I'm not aware of anyone who could forgive me, but you, in the coming weeks, might come to dislike me and/or my actions, if you haven't started to already. So for this day, this letter, I ask you to forgive me. I will be more than willing to talk to you. I will explain myself a dozen times to help you understand me, if you want. And I want to be your friend, too.
Forgive me.
-Daniel
Day 14 — Someone You’ve Drifted Away From
Dear Friends,
The same friends I wish I could talk to more are the same people that I've drifted from. It's not the fault of anyone. It's distance and time. Ours lives are different, and so too are our chances to chat. Hopefully, you might read this blog and we can come closer. Perhaps I'll be able to chat for a few hours next year to you, to catch up and learn from you all again.
Skype is awesome for that purpose.
-Daniel
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
30 Days, 30 Letters
Dear Blog,
Blog, I haven't written to you in a very, very long time. But hopefully, this new project, "30 Days, 30 Letters", will help me write more often. The basic premise is that I will write a letter each day for a month's time to various people. I started writing these letters a month ago, but could never finish the first letter. There were so many people to include, and I remembered more and more as I wrote. So, I plan to try and limit myself as best I can.
Day 1 — Your Best Friend
Dear Best Friends,
Oh, the best friend question. "Daniel, who is your best friend?" That's a tricky question, Everyday Citizen. Most people grow up with someone as their best friend, being neighbors, classmates, family friends, etc. But being a military brat, I've moved around a bit. With each move, came new friends. And sometimes those friends moved away while I stayed put. So, in the end, I've had several people I consider best friends, no greater or lesser in standing than the others. Best friends of mine at different times in my life, at different locations. So I'll write a letter to everyone, if I can.
To you, Best Friends, I say thanks. I sound formal and a tad detached, but cut me a break, I'm writing to dozens of people at once.
Best Friends, know that I value you. You've been there, via IM, MySpace, Facebook, phone call, video chat, and in person. You've listened to me, guided me, helped me become who I am. Life without close friends is hardly interesting, and thanks to you, I've had an interesting life.
For some of you, we don't chat very often. Random messages online, the text or phone call. And others, it seems like I bother you everyday. If I could, I'd see all of you each day. Be it for video games, a hug, random movies and shows, or just talking. Life hasn't worked out like that, and I hope you're in my thoughts as often as you're in mine.
I'm here, in cyberspace, if you ever need anything.
-Daniel
Day 2 — Your Crush
I Googled quotes about crushes.
"Sometimes I wish I could scream at you, and show you just what it is that you do to me."
-Daniel
Day 3 — Your Parents
I wrote about my parents in my birthday blog. Here is that clip, with some edits and an addition.
Mom and Dad, you have spoiled me. But let me be quick to say that I'm not complaining. I've always had ample food, games, and random stuff I probably begged for and said "I'll love you forever if you get this [trivial item] right now!" TV, movies, and books were plentiful. You also gave me plenty of love and attention. Reading to me at night, making sure I had the tools I needed to learn, encouraging me to be myself and supporting me when I wanted to be an archeologist one year, then an aerospace engineer the next year. You provided a humorous environment to grow and thrive in, and a life full of travel and culture. You protected me from some of life's unsavory aspects, but granted me access to everything when I was ready. My values and morals, my attitude toward life, and my personality stem from you. I am my own person with my own ideas and opinions, but I follow your example more often than not. I can thank you everyday for the rest of my life and it wouldn't be adequate enough for what they've done for me. Braces, good schools, my own computer, telescope, vehicle, game consoles, TVs, stereos, CDs galore, DVDs, phones, Beanie Babies, McDonald's toys, furniture, decorations, vacations and trips to fantastic locations, and so many other random stuff that I'm not aware of, forgotten, or simply too numerous to list without delaying the point. The thing I can do for you is to live my life. To go into the world and be myself. I'll stumble, fail, but I'll learn and continue to grow.
And grandchildren. I'm sure you eventually want some grandchildren, right?
-Daniel
Day 4 — Your Sibling
Dear Linda,
I have no idea if you read this blog, or are even aware of its existence, but that is beside the point. The point that I aim to make is that you are my sister, and you are awesome.
Yes, I've totally been an older sibling to you. Poked fun, bossed you around, gotten upset and started pointless arguments. But you have to admit, we've had far more good times than bad. TV shows we watched together, our crazy inside jokes, common interests and wonderful differences.
We're older now, and we both know you've got this vast potential ahead of you. You've got this intellect that I'm jealous of at times. And an artistic eye that still eludes me. You've got several successes to your name and you haven't even graduated yet. You've got a plan, a goal, a dream. You're set to go.
But with all this, be aware that I'm still older. It doesn't make me better, but it makes me a tad wiser. So please, listen to me when I try to give you advice (and the same goes for when mom and dad do the same). You know this to be true, but I don't think you actually believe it at times. Don't nod your head and say "I know, I know." That doesn't help you. Listen and try to learn.
It sounds like I'm lecturing, but when it comes to you, I only wish you'd listen at times. College is different. The academics are going to be more difficult, but that's only half of the experience. And I don't want you to fail at college when you could have simply listened to us when it comes to everything else.
Linda, you're an excellent sister. Lighten up a bit when the family pokes fun, listen when people try to help, and most of all, don't be different for the sake of being different; just be yourself.
-Daniel
Day 5 — Your Dreams
Dear Dreams,
You are varied. You are changing. You are a tad crazy at times.
Jedi Starship Captain is a wonderful thought, but it won't happen.
Dreams, you want me to strive toward a benevolent, altruistic, helpful career. What can I do? I want to help. I want to use my skill set toward the betterment of mankind.
How do I do that?
Stand up comedian? Is that an option?
Counselor? Is that too obvious?
Creative writing? Does it help people?
I need a bit more clarity. Dreams, can you show me a clearer path? My future isn't clouded by the dark side of the Force. Perhaps my path simply isn't illuminated by the light side yet.
-Daniel
Day 6 — A Stranger
Dear Stranger,
I don't know you. Your face isn't not familiar. You name is not known.
But did I make you smile? Did I light up your day? I laugh a lot, and laughter is a bit contagious, no? I like to have fun. I play with lightsabers and bolt out of elevators pretending to be a time traveler being chased by a Terminator.
I hope I made you happy with my antics. I hope I can get to know you, too. No need to remain strangers, eh?
-Daniel
Blog, I haven't written to you in a very, very long time. But hopefully, this new project, "30 Days, 30 Letters", will help me write more often. The basic premise is that I will write a letter each day for a month's time to various people. I started writing these letters a month ago, but could never finish the first letter. There were so many people to include, and I remembered more and more as I wrote. So, I plan to try and limit myself as best I can.
Day 1 — Your Best Friend
Dear Best Friends,
Oh, the best friend question. "Daniel, who is your best friend?" That's a tricky question, Everyday Citizen. Most people grow up with someone as their best friend, being neighbors, classmates, family friends, etc. But being a military brat, I've moved around a bit. With each move, came new friends. And sometimes those friends moved away while I stayed put. So, in the end, I've had several people I consider best friends, no greater or lesser in standing than the others. Best friends of mine at different times in my life, at different locations. So I'll write a letter to everyone, if I can.
To you, Best Friends, I say thanks. I sound formal and a tad detached, but cut me a break, I'm writing to dozens of people at once.
Best Friends, know that I value you. You've been there, via IM, MySpace, Facebook, phone call, video chat, and in person. You've listened to me, guided me, helped me become who I am. Life without close friends is hardly interesting, and thanks to you, I've had an interesting life.
For some of you, we don't chat very often. Random messages online, the text or phone call. And others, it seems like I bother you everyday. If I could, I'd see all of you each day. Be it for video games, a hug, random movies and shows, or just talking. Life hasn't worked out like that, and I hope you're in my thoughts as often as you're in mine.
I'm here, in cyberspace, if you ever need anything.
-Daniel
Day 2 — Your Crush
I Googled quotes about crushes.
"Sometimes I wish I could scream at you, and show you just what it is that you do to me."
-Daniel
Day 3 — Your Parents
I wrote about my parents in my birthday blog. Here is that clip, with some edits and an addition.
Mom and Dad, you have spoiled me. But let me be quick to say that I'm not complaining. I've always had ample food, games, and random stuff I probably begged for and said "I'll love you forever if you get this [trivial item] right now!" TV, movies, and books were plentiful. You also gave me plenty of love and attention. Reading to me at night, making sure I had the tools I needed to learn, encouraging me to be myself and supporting me when I wanted to be an archeologist one year, then an aerospace engineer the next year. You provided a humorous environment to grow and thrive in, and a life full of travel and culture. You protected me from some of life's unsavory aspects, but granted me access to everything when I was ready. My values and morals, my attitude toward life, and my personality stem from you. I am my own person with my own ideas and opinions, but I follow your example more often than not. I can thank you everyday for the rest of my life and it wouldn't be adequate enough for what they've done for me. Braces, good schools, my own computer, telescope, vehicle, game consoles, TVs, stereos, CDs galore, DVDs, phones, Beanie Babies, McDonald's toys, furniture, decorations, vacations and trips to fantastic locations, and so many other random stuff that I'm not aware of, forgotten, or simply too numerous to list without delaying the point. The thing I can do for you is to live my life. To go into the world and be myself. I'll stumble, fail, but I'll learn and continue to grow.
And grandchildren. I'm sure you eventually want some grandchildren, right?
-Daniel
Day 4 — Your Sibling
Dear Linda,
I have no idea if you read this blog, or are even aware of its existence, but that is beside the point. The point that I aim to make is that you are my sister, and you are awesome.
Yes, I've totally been an older sibling to you. Poked fun, bossed you around, gotten upset and started pointless arguments. But you have to admit, we've had far more good times than bad. TV shows we watched together, our crazy inside jokes, common interests and wonderful differences.
We're older now, and we both know you've got this vast potential ahead of you. You've got this intellect that I'm jealous of at times. And an artistic eye that still eludes me. You've got several successes to your name and you haven't even graduated yet. You've got a plan, a goal, a dream. You're set to go.
But with all this, be aware that I'm still older. It doesn't make me better, but it makes me a tad wiser. So please, listen to me when I try to give you advice (and the same goes for when mom and dad do the same). You know this to be true, but I don't think you actually believe it at times. Don't nod your head and say "I know, I know." That doesn't help you. Listen and try to learn.
It sounds like I'm lecturing, but when it comes to you, I only wish you'd listen at times. College is different. The academics are going to be more difficult, but that's only half of the experience. And I don't want you to fail at college when you could have simply listened to us when it comes to everything else.
Linda, you're an excellent sister. Lighten up a bit when the family pokes fun, listen when people try to help, and most of all, don't be different for the sake of being different; just be yourself.
-Daniel
Day 5 — Your Dreams
Dear Dreams,
You are varied. You are changing. You are a tad crazy at times.
Jedi Starship Captain is a wonderful thought, but it won't happen.
Dreams, you want me to strive toward a benevolent, altruistic, helpful career. What can I do? I want to help. I want to use my skill set toward the betterment of mankind.
How do I do that?
Stand up comedian? Is that an option?
Counselor? Is that too obvious?
Creative writing? Does it help people?
I need a bit more clarity. Dreams, can you show me a clearer path? My future isn't clouded by the dark side of the Force. Perhaps my path simply isn't illuminated by the light side yet.
-Daniel
Day 6 — A Stranger
Dear Stranger,
I don't know you. Your face isn't not familiar. You name is not known.
But did I make you smile? Did I light up your day? I laugh a lot, and laughter is a bit contagious, no? I like to have fun. I play with lightsabers and bolt out of elevators pretending to be a time traveler being chased by a Terminator.
I hope I made you happy with my antics. I hope I can get to know you, too. No need to remain strangers, eh?
-Daniel
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