Dear Frenchman

Someone told me today they liked my blog, so I feel a little obligated to write another one. I hesitate to do so simply because I have no specific topic in mind and it could end up sounding like a Xanga entry I wrote back in high school. The pseudo depressing Mute Math song playing on my iTunes probably isn't going to help the situation. Perhaps just a few letters to get caught up on life.

Dear Headache,

Ow.

Dear Christmas Tree,

With as many lights as my mother put in you, you will probably end up burning down our house.

Dear Mute Math,

Oh. You're on repeat. Let's take care of that.

Dear Jeff Buckley,

I did not realize I had listened to Hallelujah 156 times.

Dear Exercise Ball,

Sitting on you makes me feel like a cartoon character. More so than driving in my bug.

Dear Europe Fund,

So far you will get me to Europe. Until further resources appear I might be stuck there.

Dear Santa,

Mustache cork screw, please and thank you.

Dear New Year,

Please bring something new. Besides yourself.

Dear Nameless Rental Cello,

I miss Felix. My real cello. Go home.

LoveAlways,

Gnarleigh

PS- Late night blogging just isn't a good idea.

Dear Colin Firth

"Stop trying to live in a Hugh Grant movie."

OUCH. Yes, I have wonderful friends who give wonderful, snarky advice like you see above. Not so subtle, not so gentle, just straight to the point- really. That is good friendship. My ego is somewhat bruised but I can deal with that. If only I were so open to divulge what I was discussing with my friend, Andrew, you might understand his advice a little better. I bring it up only because it is the base board for my upcoming purge of what he refers to- chick flicks.

Count it as my official 2011 New Year's Resolution- no more clinging to the hopes of a fictional story line. I get it, chick flicks are not the sole reason why girls have unreasonable expectations for relationships. I personally have never dated anybody for more than 3 months so I'm not quite sure what to expect beyond 90 days. However what Andrew was trying to tell me is that I shouldn't be making something what it's not. Life is not a Hugh Grant movie. Or Colin Firth. Let's just rule anybody out from Love Actually or the Bridget Jones Diary.

So although I cannot rule that Chick Flicks are entirely responsible for a skewed perspective on love, I think it will be a fun experiment to set them aside and live in my own world. Which naturally, because I'm a girl, is a chick flick.




Here are my goodbye letters.


Dear Hugh Grant,
Your escapades with prostitutes in the past make this somewhat easier.



Dear Julia Roberts,
No more Eat Pray Love movies please- I'd hate to go a year without you.



Dear Colin Firth,
You may be unacceptably older than I, but this is the hardest goodbye. Perhaps I'll catch an actual real life glimpse of you when I go to Europe.



Dear Dirty Dancing,
Baby's going back in the corner. Of my movie shelf.



Dear Twilight,
You are a guilty pleasure. This really is for the best.


Dear Bradley Cooper,
I'll just watch the Hangover or something.





Dear Jennifer Aniston,
Still won't be watching your movies.



Jude Law,
You know this might harder if the only movie you didn't play a whorry man was Sherlock Holmes.


Dear Harry Potter,
Ah, there are still joys in life after chick flicks, aren't there?








LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Dear Fortissimo Future (5)

Dear Garth Brooks for Young Old Souls,

Ryan Montbleau Band Heavy on the Vine

I had a different blogpost planned for today, but given that today, the 5th of November, is my 23rd birthday I have scratched my previous plans and decided to celebrate this new year of life with a new musical discovery.

My friend Jared Parson has been asking me to come to his bar for shows for a long time- probably since we first became friends in our communications class back in the spring. He's a good guy- with a fantastic mustache- and only wishes to share music with his friends. He has come to many of my symphony concerts and supported many of my chamber music endeavors, but alas I never made it to a show. After a candid conversation that concluded more or less with "Don't have to come, but you are the one missing out. Don't let your selfish tendencies make you miss out on good things." NOT A DIRECT QUOTE but this is what I learned from Mr. Parson.

Last weekend following this discussion I showed up to his bar after my symphony concert dressed in Johnny Cash all black- tired. Jared told me there were two shows this weekend; the one he wanted me to go to was the night before but I was exhausted. He wasn't a huge fan of this band but none the less, I was present. I'm really glad I didn't miss out. The lead singer reminds me a little bit of Garth Brooks, the only country singer I really care for. Okay so I love Garth Brooks. The only difference is Montbleau doesn't sport bad belt buckles or cowboy boots- win win!!!

I'm in the Honeymoon stage with the Ryan Montbleau Band- a month from now I may not even like them. However, I'm going to go with my gut and say the laid back, well-versed and sometimes cheeky personality of this band will stick around in my mind as a good discovery. Thank you, Jared Parson. Even if you don't like them as much.

LoveAlways,

Gnarleigh

Dear Musical Memoirs (4)

Dear Reminder of Faith,


Nickel Creek Why Should the Fire Die?
Doubting Thomas

I've been a long time fan of Nickel Creek- They're a unique folk blend of vocals, guitar, fiddle and mandolin that is just easy to love. The first song I heard of theirs was actually on a mixed CD I received from a boy my freshman year of high school- oh mixed CDs. I'm glad men have found other ways of conveying their insterest.

But out of that awkward gift came a new interest in their style of music. I bought their albums and the song I'm actually speaking of in this letter is from their final album. Since then they have tragically disbanded, and I listen to their discography as if I'm their psychotic ex-girlfriend, wishing they'd come back.

Like most people, college was a time of questioning for me. You are exposed to so much "new" with only your acquired knowledge base of 18-21 years, and frankly it's not enough. I do have a faith in God, but I'm not so sure I'm of the same faith in the context it is for others, and frankly, I don't think I should be.

But let's step out of a religious context for a moment. We all have insecurities, questions, doubts... how do we cope with that? My understanding of faith is not just faith in higher power, but faith in your goals, decisions, aspirations, beliefs- if we hodge podge and muddle what we intrinsically know with the condemnation and judgmental tendancies that bombard us everyday we can lose ourselves. If you don't get to where you want to be by being yourself, you should go somewhere else.

I love this song, Doubting Thomas, because even if you do not believe in God, it says, "It's okay if you don't know everything. Stay true to your convictions, and it will all be okay." My one conviction is love- and I'll stick with that.

Doubting Thomas from Kristopher Rutherford on Vimeo.

LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Dear Harmonious Highlights (3)

Dear Awkward Backstory,


Berlin Philharmonic Arnold Schoenberg
Transfigured Night

Now I have to tell you what this piece was written for, and you are going to have to trust me that it's not autobiographical- It's very Maury Povich. Transfigured night is by a man named Arnold Schoenberg. He wrote this work based on a poem by Richard Dehmel, which is about a couple walking together late at night and the woman tells her lover she is pregnant and it's not his child. Now since we all watched Maury growing up we know there are two kinds of men: The "Baby ain't mine" man, and then the one who is scripted to say, "I don't care I just want to be with you." Well our man in Dehmel's poem is the latter, and rejoices in the new life that awaits the couple.

What. The. Hell. Arleigh.... I know, right?

So now that you all have an eyebrow raised, I'm going to attempt to explain myself. One of my favorite things to do is go to the Symphony. It's hard having this favorite past time for me because I play in one, there for I can't actually go to one very often. I had the extreme pleasure of seeing "Transfigured Night" Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra when I was 15 years old on a trip with my high school orchestra. I had looked up the schedule ahead of time to see what they were performing and bought the recording above so I could familiarize myself with the piece. I read the poem, and darn skippy I wasn't mature enough for it. It's hard for a 15 year old middle class white girl to understand the trials some people go through, and as I've proven already, very easy to make fun of it instead. That aside, I decided to not pay attention to the text and simply take the music for how it sat with me and my own experiences. It's fairly modern and at first it didn't sit too well in my ears, but many musicians are familiar with the phenomena of listening to a piece over and over before they understand, appreciate and eventually come to love a piece.

So I listened. Over and over. and over. It still didn't resonate. It didn't help that the subject matter was completely foreign to me. I remember thinking, "I'm about to go see one of the best orchestras in the world and I'm not going to enjoy it."

It was my first time to ever cry at a performance. I sat there as my hands went back and forth between clapping and wiping tears from my eyes. Watching a live symphony performance gives a whole new meaning to whatever piece is being performed- It makes it real . Was it a sudden empathy that swept over for what the piece was written for? Of course not. But some how that piece transcended text and was able to convey the fact that even ordinary 15 year old girls feel pain, and joy when they discover that everything will be okay. Without me even noticing it.

The first tear fell right before the end- It was as if I was watching the ocean- the orchestra moving in waves of seamless unity. I sincerely wish I could take each and every one of you to a symphony concert so you can experience what it's like to have the sound surround you. It's perfect. Absolutely perfect.



LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Dear Rhythmic Remembrances (2)

Dear Afro I wish I had,

Precious

I love a good female voice. I think for those of my 90s generation, sometimes there's nothing better than a Sarah Mclachlan (spelling?) or a Paula Cole song, or even just the girl you hear at the beginning of the Titanic movie who ooooooooos her way in and out of the film. I've been looking to identify today's top female voices- not that my opinion really amounts to anything. BUT I chose my favorite 3: Florence Welch from Florence + The Machine, Janelle Monae and Esperanza Spalding. Sorry Beyonce- I love single ladies as much as the next girl but I digress.

Esperanza plays upright acoustic and electric bass, she's a professor at Berkeley, an incredible jazz vocalist and musician, plus I'm insanely jealous of her Afro. The first time I heard her was watching TV with my friend whom I call Toon and she was a guest artist with David Letterman.

"Precious" is song about women demanding respect. The, "Just because you bought me dinner does not mean I have to have sex with you," sort of respect. My favorite line in the song says, "You say I set you up like I was different than what I am offering and you say I let you down, and drug your heart around, did you forget about, all of the love and the acceptance that you promised me too?"

Now I'm not saying I'm an angel. I feel I have to say this in case an ex boyfriend is reading. I'm not claiming a tattered heart trampeled on by the bad intentions of all men- I've done my share of trampeling. All women have done their fair share. BUT as a people we cannot avoid the fact that too many women feel they owe their bodies to someone who does not deserve it. Ladies, make your own decisions about when you feel it's right. If you have to question it or you are receiving an ultimatum? Just walk. You're worth more than that.

Boys, don't think I hate you. I don't. This is a great song by a strong, talented woman and it can be enjoyed by all. Trust me, I still catch my guy friend S____ R_________ humming it sometimes, 2 years after we had the disc on replay in my car. $5 to anyone who can fill in those blanks, haha! He'd kill me.

Here's the original clip from Letterman- Enjoy!



LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Dear Melodic Memories (1)

Dear cello master of the universe,

Cello Concerto in B minor

I started playing the cello when I was eleven years old. I think my father was pretty ecstatic simply because he had always tried to incorporate classical music into our car time together. Sometimes I liked it, other times I didn't but come on. What little kid doesn't want to play an instrument that's as big as them? When I started taking lessons and realizing I had somewhat of a natural talent for the instrument, my dad grew even more excited. He started buying all these recordings of cello solos, which in turn got me excited at the thought of playing them one day! This specific recording is of Leonard Rose performing Dvorak's Cello Concerto, one of the toughest pieces for a cellist to perform. I fell in love.

I'll always remember the deafening volume I made my parents play it in the car as they drove me to my lessons. I got mad when they turned it down to ask me a question, and I would always make them wait until it was over, which was very convenient since the piece is about 40 minutes long. I was a punky little kid.

The day of my first lesson with my new teacher was a big day for me, because I was 15 and taking lessons from the university professor. I came in, sat down, and he asked me what I had been working on. I plopped the music on his stand and said I wanted to play this concerto. He couldn't help but laugh, and looking back it's a funny memory I'll have. I have yet to play the concerto, not sure I ever will, but my love for this piece is ongoing.


Below is a FIVE MINUTE youtube clip of Jian Wang performing an excerpt of the concerto. I sincerely hope you take the time to appreciate the overwhelming beauty of this piece. And I promise: Tomorrow's music will have words!



LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Dear Love Life

I will begin with a story. I was chatting with my mom and sister, Ashley, one day about the normal things female kin talk about. Ashley got slightly pouty faced over the fact I hadn't sent her my most recent composite picture to proudly display on her refrigerator (or wall, not sure where my picture goes in her house). I apologized, but then assured her it was for the best since I had henceforth cut off 6 inches from my hair. I let her know I had recently made plans to have pictures taken with my cello and I would be sure to send her a print. "Oh good! I guess that's the closest thing to a couples picture I'm gonna have from you."

Now I want to clarify that by no means was I offended by this comment- I laughed pretty hard, and I know she meant no harm. Besides, it's not like haven't been asked "So you gotta man in your life now?" by everyone from my brother to my brother-in-law's grandparents. My sister is 5 years older than I, married and has foooooouuuur (beautiful) children (ghaaaaaasp for air). She's in a different place in her life than myself. However, going back to when she was my ripe age of 23 she was married and pregnant with her first child. My progress? Some girl asked a friend and I if we were lesbians at a bar the other night. Oiph.

I'm single. I'm okay with it. Is it weird I'm sharing a blogpost about it? Perhaps. Yes. But I can't help but be compelled to share how I feel about it. Yes, I feel lonely sometimes. But I also feel independent- I have a great job, exceptional friends, an intriguing mix of hobbies and I have yet to give in and buy that first cat. My mom actually told me I had to get a husband and keep him for a year before I could even think about getting a dog.

I'm content. I'm excited about life. I'm excited about opportunity for things besides who awaits at the other end of my spaghetti noodle. Until then, it'll be just me and Felix (my cello) hanging on my sister's refrigerator. Or wall. Whatever.

LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Here's a guilty pleasure for the road from one of my favorite movies.

Dear Body Image

Some of you may know that I was (and always will be) a Tri Delta. For those of you who didn't know, SURPRISE! I'm a sorority girl :) Trust me, I've gotten all the questions: Why do you pay for your friends? How much time do you spend on your hair? How many bump-its do you own?

1. I paid for electricity in the house, not friends.
2. I really do take a lot of time on my hair, there's no denying that.
3. NO BUMP-ITS. I'm a professional teaser, thanks to my Tri Delta sister Lauren (prosororitygirl.blogspot.com)

But aside from all that, sororities do GREAT THINGS. Tri Delta mainly focuses on raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause for which our chapter raised well over $20,000 while I was an active collegiate member. But for the past few years, Tri Delta has brought awareness to another worthy cause: Fat Talk.

Fat Talk is, "Do these jeans make my butt look too big?" or "I shouldn't eat this bagel, I'll be in a swimsuit later." ALL GIRLS ARE GUILTY. So Tri Delta hosts Fat Talk Free Week, a week that bans negative talk of some one else's or one's own body image. If you look through my twitter feed (look at my side bar) you will see many tweets from this week of things that my sisters LOVE about their bodies. I've thrown in a few from myself, and I've really gained confidence by simply acknowledging what I love about myself. So, in honor of Fat Talk Free Week, I give you my letters.


Dear Ugly, Calloused Fingertips- I love you because you are the result of playing the cello for 12 years.

Dear Mole on my face- I love you because you are like a Cindy Crawford or Marilyn Monroe mole.

Dear Eyes- I love you because when people get close they notice the yellow ring around your pupils, and you look like sunflowers.

Dear Legs- I love you because you carried me 13 miles for a half marathon- and for over 100 miles of training.

Dear Feet- You aren't all that good looking, but I love you because I love to go barefoot and walk around.

Dear Lovehandles- I've learned to love you :)

Dear Eyebrows- I love raising you. Especially righty, lefty doesn't like to move.

Dear Wrinkle on my forehead- I'm only 23 (almost) so I don't think you should be there, but I love you because I believe your appearance was accelerated by lots of facemaking and laughter.

DELTA LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

PS- Go to endfattalk.com to learn more about Fat Talk and body image.

My week of AWESOME.

I apologise (that's how the British spell it). There will be no letters in this blog post, just merely my own ramblings. I wanted to blog though, because I accomplished something amazing last Sunday, and will also accomplish another amazing thing tonight! Okay, so people do it all the time, and a lot do it much better than I. But hear me out before you say "That's what she said".

I ran a half marathon on Sunday! It was a huge personal goal, and one that confronted one of my aforementioned flaws- inconsistency. The past 12 weeks I've been slaving away at training (neglecting my blogging). If there was one thing harder to keep consistency up than with blogging I would definitely have to say it would be running. Running between 10-30 miles every week is no joke, and there are a number of mental hardships to overcome.

But this, ladies and gentleman. Was all worth it.


Look at that face! Look how happy I was! Aw. Presh.


Now as for tonight's accomplishment, it lies on the other side of my life spectrum. I am a cellist in the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, and tonight for our opening concert we are playing a piece that I've adored for years: Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 2, Resurrection. I want you all to know that I cry during this piece. A lot. I've never been too fluent with my words (unless I can go back and proofread them), and I connect with music simply because it says what no one can possibly ever say.

This piece is titled the Resurrection because it deals with the uncertainty of death- It starts very dark and intense and ends with what literally feels like Heaven. I'm not kidding. Heaven. It's a very special occasion for me to play this piece, and I feel honored to have the ability to perform it.

That is the end of my letterless rambling, but I hope you all share in the fact that accomplishing such seemingly monumental things in our lives should never be deduced into "meh, anyone could do that". What matters is that YOU did it, and YOU are awesome. This week, I am AWESOME.

LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Blunders Shmunders.

Warning: Written under highly emotional circumstances, and personal content is involved. If you do not do well with such material, please skip a couple paragraphs to the Dear Blog.

I'm a tactile learner; I see it as a good and a bad thing. On one hand you don't learn from the mistakes or advice of others, you have to physically and personally make the mistake yourself to learn from it. On the other hand, no one understands or feels the consequence as fully as the tactile learner. They are engrained in our soul because we not only know them, we FEEL them. Hence, why they call us "tactile".

I remember my biggest mistakes, mainly because I get a pain straight in my throat as well as my gut remembering the hurt it caused people. Just like anybody a lot of my mistakes revolve around relationships. I remember cheating on a boyfriend. I've been the person a guy has cheated with. I've jumped into a relationship too quickly and spent the next 2 years subconsciously making his life miserable. I've given too much of myself to someone I don't know enough about. I think I've covered all the biggins. Being tactile has left some of those wounds (regrets, loathing, whatever you want to call it) open even years later because I can still feel them.

Not to say I have never repeated my mistakes twice, but that throat pain is key to keeping me from making those mistakes again. I want to end my rambling with this: we will all wrong ourselves and we will all wrong others. Let the fact that we feel the pain and we know our wrong doings be enough to punish and forgive ourselves. If there is truth to that statement, then others have made my mistakes, and have made ones maybe I have not made yet. Please. Just let them go.


Dear Blog,

Dear Nose-Goes- You officially got me out of writing the introduction for my group paper.Your legitimacy is up to par with the pinky promise in my book.

Dear Spiders- I'm glad to see you've learned your lesson. The last spider I saw ran up his web into the tree and curled into a ball when he saw me. He knows I'll kill him. Or at least get my dad to.

Dear Midnight- It's been along time since I've been awake to see you. I feel like a college student again.

Dear Summer Bugs- You make the trees sound like they are full of rattle snakes. Quite creepy.

Dear Attractive Man at the coffee shop- Damn. I wore a dress. and didn't shave. Being more proactive could prove useful to me.

Dear Beer- 3rd letter in 3 weeks. But I just wanted to say you are not as good when spilled on my head. That is all.

Dear Jeans- You are fitting my waist better since training commenced, but now you get caught up on my muscular man calves. This is what the business world would call a trade off.

Dear Ex Boyfriends- If you read the initial rambling, you would know if you were the one I cheated on, so don't worry- No new surprises for you today.

Dear MacBook- When I have you out, I simply pretend like I'm actually doing something. In reality, I'm merely blogging and facebooking.

Dear Barista- I'm sorry if I scared you when I said "It's that time". I forget words like that are terrifying coming from a woman. I just meant to say that it was that time to redeem my punch card for a free drink.

LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Glad that's over with.

Last week was an adventure for me. I've actually had to try and recall most of my letters because I didn't have the energy to write them down. I ran a total of 16 miles, attended 5 hours of class a day, worked every day and rehearsed for 2.5 hours a day. In the mean time, I had to call the police to report someone I've seen too many times on my runs. I performed one of the most emotionally taxing string quartets to a packed house at Mead's Corner. I also scored a mediocre test grade.

Last week was special. In the non PC way. I'm glad to have it over with and have less on my mind, and move on to appreciate the small things.


Dear Blog,


Dear all ye Brits- just an obversation, but you all look like you could have a part in the lord of the rings trilogy.

Dear Women I don't know- I have officially decided I don't like it when you call me Hun.

Dear Last Week- I left some dents in the wall with my head to remember you by. Figuratively speaking, of course.

Dear Bottle-o-Beer- I gave in. And it was all I imagined- like honey on Winnie the Pooh.

Dear Shorts with built in underwear- you know I've written to you before, but now there is absolutely no sarcasm: I love that I don't have to put on my underwear separately when I wear you. I absolutely love it.

Dear Teachers, Work and NPR- do you coordinate? Because you all seem to get really negative and pessimistic at the same time. Truck on.

Dear Letter I was given but never read- you've been on my desk for 3 years, and you were the perfect reminder of self-worth. What a gift.

LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

The Last Year

Today I start my 5th and final year of college. That's a strange thing to think about. Within this next year I will run a half marathon, turn 23, take Geology (seriously?) and ultimately leave the one consistent institution in my life- School. I've never been one to count down the days till the end of school because it was inevitable that another year would come- but this year? Soooo not the case. I'll probably be so busy I won't even be mentally present 60% of the time, but it will be a good year because it will be the last one. I will finally read and write my last chapter of school.


Dear Blog,

Dear Gatorade- apparently you are the cause of my most recent cavity. I'm afraid I must water you down from here on out.

Dear Jogger's Mase- Yeup. You work. My brothers gagging is proof.

Dear Natasha Beddingfield- You know your voice is somewhat reminiscent of little Zack Hanson.

Dear Bumble Bee- You ain't getting past the fortress that is my windshield.

Dear Late Night Crime Shows- You are further affirmation of why I never want to live alone.

Dear Sun- As a woman, I get your incessant need to be really hot. But when my earrings are hot enough to singe my neck after being outside for only 2 minutes, it's enough.

Dear New Year's Res- Given the surprise success in 2010 for working out/running, I've already started planning for 2011. Possible option? Get a realistic perspective on love and forgo romantic comedies/chick flicks.

Dear Beer- I've never craved you until I made you off limits for training. Now you look as good as honey looked on Winnie the Pooh. Or Pizza on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

I think I might just die of laughter. As I munched on food like a stoner while watching a Lord of the Rings Marathon on TNT yesterday, I saw the most hilarious commercial.



I want a pygmy giraffe. And I really can't top that so I'm just going to get on with my letters.


Dear Woman in the Bathroom- I have found that checking for feet under the stall door is a solid and efficient way of checking for occupancy. I less than enjoyed our eye contact through the crack of the stall door.

Dear Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans- you are my only exception to my training diet. Antioxidants... that's my justification.

Dear Beige Strapless Dress- I've been wondering why when I wear you, people tend to look at me when I drive. Then I realized it probably looks like I'm naked.

Dear Broken Sunglasses- I'm really not that upset about you. Love em' Break em' Buy new ones.

Dear Feet- you think you hate me now, but you are in for a much worse hell than you think. 3 months till the half marathon and 200 training miles to go

Dear Guys- I don't expect you to understand or be able to appreciate what I'm about to say.

Dear Strapless Bra- I can literally feel my chest gasping for air when I take you off.

Dear 7AM Runners- I'd be lying if I said I didn't get just a little bit of enjoyment out of knowing I did same thing as you, just 2 hours ago. Call me cocky.

Dear Future Son- I apologize for your childhood ridicule in advance, but I have decided to name you Basil. And it will be your first name, not your middle name.

Dear Bachelorette "Slumber Party"- who knew the word lube could cause such giggle fits. You might be my first and last "Slumber Party".

Dear Jimmy Johns, Taco Bell, Gatorade, Granola Bar, Twizzlers, and Chocolate Coffee Beans- who knew you could mix so well together? You really don't.


LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh

Missed Ya

It's been a while since I last blogged- obviously. Last you heard from me, the Queen of England was feeling me up in my dreams and I finally decided that's not how I would like you to remember me.

For this first returning blog post I do not have letters for you all. I started this blog wondering, "Do I have the consistency in me to keep up a blog every week?" Obviously that didn't really happen. I was pretty disappointed coming back to Blogger and thinking, something as simple as writing a blog shouldn't be a problem. So, I'm back and ready to prove my endurance. Hopefully.

So let's update. I read some of my old letters, and thought I would share how I'm fairing with them.

Dear Buck Teef: You make it really difficult to drink red wine properly
I still have issues with this. Nothing's changed.

Dear Me: Quit looking at your own profile pictures. You know what you look like.
Haha I guess we are all vain in our own ways? HOWEVER- I have chopped all my hair off since my last post, so even I forget what I look like sometimes.

Dear Lovehandles- So about half of my ab exercises are actually prone to increase you in size. NO FRIGGIN WONDER YOU WEREN'T GOING AWAY!
I have hence stopped doing exercises that make my love handles more lovable, however they are still a part of my life. I've been working out for almost 7 months now and they just love me too much. So I, in turn, have learned to love them back. I've gained a healthy life style, and that's all I can ask for.


Dear letter that I wrote but never sent- you were the most therapeutic part of my day. I wonder if I'll ever have the courage to send you to whom you were intended for.
I sent that letter about a month and a half ago. I know this was an incredibly ambiguous/emo post, but the situation this letter pertains to weighed heavily on my heart and on my life. It was a tough thing to send that letter, but I am a better person for it. I am a stronger person for it.


I don't want to think that you all have been suffering DearBlog withdrawals- I'm not that egotistical. But I have missed having an outlet for my thoughts. And just like I said from the beginning- This blog is to appreciate the simple, small things.

DearBlog BACK.

Love Always,
Gnarleigh

How the Queen of England scarred me for life.

If you are familiar with www.homestarrunner.com and strong bad e-mails, I suggest you read the preface to my letters in a strong bad voice.

*Stretch**Yawn* man-o-man don't we all wish Spring Break lasted forever. I'm still not fully recooperated from my week of festivities nor have I come to terms with the fact that it's over. Alas- Dear Blog is officially back on the clock.

Does anybody out there suck at long term goals (as I raise both my hands and nose as high as I can)? BECAUSE I DO. I have a very binge-like personality: love it, leave it, move on.With that said it is becoming very hard to continue working out. I am soooo tired and I still can't believe I'm still working out after 3 whole months. Don't judge, but that's almost equivalent to my longest relationship. So as I sit here eating the ice cream bar my coworker just brought me I can't help but wonder what I can do to make this workout thing a lifestyle as opposed to a hassle. If you have any tips please let me know, because thus far I am building long-term goal endurance by running and blogging. I don't know how long that will last.

ONWARD! These are my letter from the week of March 21ish to the 28th.


Dear Seat in my Comm Class- you have been very rudely usurped by the lady in class that asks way too many questions. I'm showing up early next week to take you back.

Dear Indian Food place on campus- YOU TOTALLY JIPPED ME ON THE RICE :(

Dear Ditch on the highway- I got to tell many people about the time we spent together on my way home from KC.

Dear new cardigan- I'm sorry for throwing you in the dryer although you say to lye flat to dry. I was in a hurry, but now you have those little fabric balls all bunched up.

Dear Dreams- It would be cool if I never dreamed that the Queen of England copped a feel ON PURPOSE ever again. She has officially become the new "dead puppies" for me.

Dear Tweet I received about a teacher discussing sexting in class- Queen of England Queen of England Queen of England

Dear Jog by the river- as scenic and relaxing you are, there are 2 things that would make you better. Having my Itouch back, and a dog. Mom, can I have a puppy?

Dear Chipotle- What the heck is it with the rice jipping this week? Just because I'm a vegetarian doesn't mean I'm not HUNGRY! Pile it on!

Dear Apple Juice- There's nothing better than thinking I've already finished you, and then looking at you and seeing one big swig left. YAY!

Dear Big Blue Cello Case- You are almost as bad as having a huge ass when I try and squeeze between cars in the parking lot.

Dear Itouch Napper- Frick. I was so excited to get my Itouch back for running but no you had to keep the clip that attaches it to my arm band. Bitch move.

Dear Facbook Minions- I know I know- you want to talk to me, but when I leave my computer for a 5 minutes to brush my teeth and 5 of you want talk at the same time I just can't process.

Dear parents teaching their kid how to ride a bike- maybe it would be better to teach him how to ride bike further away from the river...

Dear Readers with virgin ears- I apologize for the expletives in this blog. I normally don't curse that much? I guess my quartet would disagree with that...


LoveAlways,
Gnarleigh


PS- Watch out for this saucy Minx.

Spring Break is for Bloggers.

I forgot to put up my blog yesterday. I normally put it up on my lunch break between classes, but it was a funny thing, Monday- I DIDN'T HAVE CLASS! Thus the memory slip. AND I hope you aren't terribly disappointed, but since I gave you a bonus blog this past week, I will be fully taking advantage of Spring Break and not doing anything- including blogging. Miss Kate Garnes and I will be trucking up to Columbia, then to Kansas City, and I intend on blowing all of my money and then writing about it once my checkbook bounces back to a healthy state. I love and will miss you all dearly but there is an abundance of letters here for you today.

Before I go too far I do want to say this. Here is an excerpt from my very first post that explains why I write this blog:

"I realized recently that lots of small things happen during a day. They can make us smile, make us mad, or make us laugh, but most of the time we forget about them within a day or so. Compliments, jokes, new acquaintances, shoes we can't afford... Out of sight of mind."

Writing this blog has been so great, because I really do forget about most of the little things that happen during my week. When I go back and reread them it's almost as if I'm reading someone else's doing. So blog, you have officially deemed yourself useful. ONWARD!


Dear Blog- the more I blog the more I feel like I'm back in 9th grade using Xanga. It's a terrible thought but oh well.

Dear Facebook Messages- I think you have 2 uses: 1. Some things are just too long to post on a wall, or 2. Some one is trying to be vewy sneaky.

Dear Quandry- Someone just used you in a sentence. Luckily it was on FB chat and I had time to look you up on dictionary.com- apparently you are spelled "Quandary", and you mean a state of perplexity and uncertainty. How ironic...

Dear Rain- gaaaaaaaaaah JUST STOP ALREADY.

Dear Wichita City Court- I can't believe you had me outta there in less than 10 minutes! Maybe you aren't so bad :)

Dear Brett Michaels- Please tell me that your performance at the Riverfest this year will end up in a "Rock of Love VIII" Kansas special. PLEEEEASE!!!!

Dear "Gardener" Sandwich at Dolci & Joes- I know I just ate one of you last night, but I Lady Antebellum need you again. BADLY.

Dear Guy in the Five Iron Frenzy hoody- Yeah, you know where it's at.

Dear Wichita City Court- I just remembered that I still had to pay you $195 for my diversion. You are back on my shit list.

Dear Whole Milk- I don't care how fatty you are. YOU are so good.

Dear Gym Shower Curtain- I don't like it when you brush up against me. Bugh.

Dear People Watchers- You want some fun people to watch? Come to my gym in the morning when a bunch of grown men come and pretend that they're good at basketball. It's AWESOME.

Dear Asian Friend- when you told me to pick a pretty white woman for you, I didn't know you were actually going to go talk to her. And grab her hand. She didn't look very pleased.

Dear Water Bottle I just finished- hmmm, you aren't the same brand that I walked into the gym with- I hope your true owner doesn't have cold sores.

Dear Business Law Professor- As your anonymous dry erase marker fairy, it makes me laugh that you didn't open your new markers, instead you pocketed them for your own personal use.

Dear Quiche at Café Moderne- you are a party in my mouth and no one else is invited.

Dear Carl Kasell- I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN WICHITA! I'd go and see you over Brett Michaels any day. Maybe you could have a show! Kasell of looooove....

Dear FB Relationship Status- I'm thinking about taking you down. I am still single, however I'm starting to feel ridiculed by the facebook ads asking me if I want a boyfriend.

Dear Boys on the sidewalk dressed in drag with signs that say SINGLE- Try this again in your 20s and let me know how it goes

Dear Guy who works at Gym- I don't recall ever telling you my name, but today you said, "Hello Arleigh". Hmmmmmm

Dear Bath Towel- You are too much of a pain to keep up while I'm drying my hair, so I'm just going to lock the door and let you fall.

Dear Mom- you RECORDED Hannah Montana? And didn't even try and pawn it off as a favor to your grandchild? Oh dear.


Love Always,
Gnarleigh

Running- The Bonus Blog

This week you get an extra blog-Woo! I have compiled a few songs that are good for.... EXERCISE! I am going on 2 months of keeping my New Year's work out resolution- again, Woo! Like many people, I work out by myself. It can be difficult to motivate yourself and keep going! And- not gonna lie- sometimes I have no idea what I'm doing. I mosey aimlessly around until I see someone doing an exercise or a machine that seems doable. Then I wait until they aren't looking to do it. Tangent? Anyway my point is that music is a great motivator. Music with a strong beat helps keep repetitions up to speed, and they provide the emotional adrenaline that I personally can't muster up at 5:30AM. Yeah, I know not everybody is stupid like me to work out in the morning.

This post will be for good running music, but I want to make 2 points before you read these:

1. Just because you like a song, doesn't mean it's good exercise music. I have deleted many great artists from my work out playlists even though it seems blasphemous- they just didn't do it for me.

2. I understand that just because it's good for me doesn't mean it works for you. You may be faster/slower than me and some of these might not work. Some of you like to work out to country- and that will just never be allowed on my playlist.


With that said.

Dear Incredibly Bluesy White Guy-

Song: "Walking in the Sun"
Artist: Fink
Best for: Warm up stretches

I first heard Fink on World Cafe on 89.1. I was in kind of a numb state and Fink just happened to be the guest on the show- They played the album title song "Sort of Revolution"- his raspy, calm voice was so intriguing. I looked him up on Itunes and found "Walking in the Sun". Very Chill, very cool, smooth, perfect for when you are getting your breathing and body aligned for your work out.


Dear much better alternative to listening to techno on my run-

Song: "The Nerve"
Song: "Electrify"
Artist: Mute Math
Best for: "The Nerve" is great for the beginning of your run, and "Electrify" is a good pace keeper

I'm a new fan of Mute Math- I would recommend this entire album, but I kept it to 2 songs. "The Nerve" has a continuous underlying rhythm that makes it easy to keep going forward- I can't always keep up with it but it pushes me to try. "Electrify" has great pace, but I especially like it because It's all about a guy in pursuit of a girl- he's not necessarily crude about it but he definitely lets his intentions be known. Now don't go judging and call me a hussy. Every girl likes to be pursued.


Dear Naked Men-

Song: Gobbledigook
Artist: Sigur Rós
Best for: Relaxed runs- you've been pushing yourself really hard and now you just want to coast.

The album cover reminds me of a naked dream I had where I was running- naked- and a little boy with his parents saw me and yelled out "COOL!"... anyway, I bought "Gobbledigook" on a whim when I was hanging out at a coffee shop with my friend Kerry. It came on the speakers and he said that he loved the song- I really loved it too. It's great for a more relaxed run- for you music buffs out there it has a hemiola, and when you run with the 6/8 instead of the 3/4 time it makes for a good pace. PS- Unlike these guys, I run with my clothes on and suggest the same for you.


Dear Woman. Barfing Glitter-

Song: "Creator"
Artist: Santigold
Best For: When you are running out of juice and need something a little Animalistic to keep you going.

"Creator" probably sounds a little weird to a lotta people at first listen- The context in which I first saw it was on So You Think You Can Dance where one woman was dressed in tin foil as an alien and the the guy was the last living human, and she was trying to impregnate him. AWESOME. Out of context this is def. an out there song, but it kicks this drag-ass into gear for her morning run.


Dear Song that I have NO CLUE what they're saying-

Song: "Dola Re Dola"
Artist: Kavita Krishnamurthy
Best for: That final push at the end of your run- very dramatic ending.

I LOVE RUNNING TO CULTURAL MUSIC. period. One day I literally sat on Itunes for about 3 hours and downloaded nothing but music from other cultures- This one happens to be Bollywood and it is one of my FAVORITES. It's from a film called Devdas that I have yet to watch. The tempo is too fast for me to keep up with, but it's okay to set a pace that's not quite acheivable yet. GOALS PEOPLE.


Dear I don't want to hear any flack from anybody about JT-

Song: "Lovestoned"
Artist: My boyfriend
Best for: lifting or in gym exercise- Very upbeat song, but the beat would either make you run ridic fast or go at a walking pace. Maybe some post run crunches? Eh eh?

I have few guilty pleasures, but JT? Anyone who can successfully rise from the ashes of the boyband era has reclaimed his dignity. "Love-stoned" is just a sexy, groovy song. You may raise a moral eyebrow at some of my song choices- but I see nothing wrong with keeping these songs between my earphones and mah brain. I solemnly promise I am not singing expletives/crude things at passerby's.


Love Always,
Gnarleigh

I had forgotten to give this post a name.

WARNING- I'm taking a large part of my blog to write in actual paragraph form. If you are like me and hate reading, just go ahead and skip down to the letters. I'd be a hypocrite if I expected you to read through all of my ramblings, because I probably wouldn't take the time for yours either :/ So anyways....

This past Friday night I stayed home- I made up for it by going to Heroes on Saturday with one of my best friends Kate, so I'm not completely lame, but every once in a while a friday night at home is what you need. I watched two episodes of What Not to Wear and rented 500 Days of Summer. WN2W always makes me wish that I had a crap wardrobe and could be on the show- They made over this crazy glitter obsessed vegan and made her look absolutely gooorgeous. Made this vegetarian want to take the full leap to vegan. Then, they made over a biker lesbian from Boston- Now this didn't make me want to be a biker, or go lesbian for that matter, but it was still a cool episode- people really get a self esteem boost from being on that show and it's cool to watch.

Now as for 500 Days of Summer I want to make it very clear- This is a great movie. I've only seen it once, and just on friday so it really hasn't had a chance to sit and mull in my head, but here's why:

1. If you keep up with my twitters you might have seen that I said that watching this movie is like looking in a mirror. I didn't mean that I look like Zoe Deschanel (I wish), but the way in which her character treats guys was a bit of a reality check. Girls very often believe they are the victims of relationships gone sour but thats not true. There are many women out there who reap the benefits of a relationship with a guy that still say, "We are just friends". This movie gives total grounds for the He-Man Woman Haters club.

2. (Spoiler)- I love the fact that they don't end up together. Love it. The ending was a perfect balance of reality an optimism. Yes, love exists- but it might just not exist with the person you currently want it to exist with. Don't fret- Just let your feelings cycle out and one day you'll know when its right.

I know that was a long intro, but that was a very important part of my week- Makes me think I should get all my golden nuggets from being a lazy ass and sitting on the couch on Friday night.



On with business as Usual- These letters are from the week of March 1st- March 7

Dear Victor Peterson- I kept it pretty short, just for you!

Dear Monday- Lane Willhite proposes that your name be changed to "Mehday" instead, given it depicts your eminent dreariness regardless of weather conditions.

Dear White House Black Market- I love your clothes, and enjoy shopping at your store, but your new campaign "In the pink" makes me feel like I'm shopping for something a little more... Inappropriate :/

Dear Roller Backpack Lady on her phone- YOUR WELCOME FOR HOLDING THE DOOR FOR YOU.

Dear Entrance to Jardine- I always wince my eyes in anticipation of your door slamming shut, but it was fixed today! Woo!

Dear Business Week- I love you because I get to watch a bunch of grown business men get together and chim chum, and then I get to watch them make fools of themselves by raising the roof during their presentations.

Dear College Students- sometime I wonder if you are aware that having a healthy liver is a privilege, and not a right. Wasted Wednesdays are one of those things that will get that privilege revoked....

Dear Twitter- I apologize to any of my followers who are tired of my non stop tweeting. I've given myself a paper cut on my finger so as to calm it down a bit.

Dear Anjana- Thank you for pointing out that whether you are having sex with randos or watching porn on the internet, no matter what- you are going to get a virus. And Die.

PS- It's not Anjana that learned this lesson personally- she learns vicariously through the mistakes of others.

Dear Wichita Court- I know, I know, you WANT me, but I can't be in court for my diversion at 8:00 and then report for my subpoena at 8:30 for my stolen purse. MMKAY?

Dear England- I'm not above using the one friend that lives over there to buy me some Crispy M&Ms. I still haven't figured out why they discontinued them here in the states.

Dear Mark Simmons of Radio KS- Did we forget what "Mr." Shostakovich's first name was? C'mon... Cooooooome on... Dah- mee- treee.... Dmitri.

Dear Graham Hatch- You don't know me, but it's always disapointing to find out that someone you thought was attractive is Mormon, Married and his wife is with child. Makes me think of that Alanis Morisette song... Isn't it Ironic? Creeper moment, over- Blog out.

Loves Always,
Gnarleigh

What happened, February?

So February is over? This whole 28 days thing really threw me off. I had a couple of assignments due on March 1st (today) that I thought I had a few days left to work on. WRONG. Last week I missed a lotta class, which you would think would lead to excellent adventures and blogging- again, WRONG. I have discovered that the best way to have a good week is to actually accomplish what you are supposed to accomplish, and enjoy yourself afterwards with that "accomplishment high" that is oh so exhilarating. Otherwise your enjoyment will just be tainted with that guilt that you really need to be doing something else, and you are just gonna suffer for it later.

In conclusion, I want to apologize for my lack of letters this week- maybe you will find it a nice break. At the rate I was going, My blog posts were going to be like Harry Potter books- enjoyable, but ridiculously long. Next week will be awesome. I PROMISE.

These Letters are from Sunday, Feb 21 to Sunday Feb 28


Dear Bow- Wish you would've stayed in my hand the entire concert. Way to FAIL.

Dear Flashmob- you guys got balls. Way to randomly get up and dance in front of everyone!



Dear Hu Hot Radio Ad- Did you just say "Hugh Hot"?

Dear Andy Hilton- HAHAHAHAHA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GSfq07vNtw

Dear Tuesday- I got nothin.

Dear Monday Wednesday classes- I hope you missed me this week....

Dear Dad- Sorry for being such a "hater". Where do you think I get it from?

Dear Student Activities Council- Bingo? I'm not 60. Oh but I do have G-60!

Dear Jared Parson- I know you don't really hate me for dragging your butt out of bed. You got donuts. And Sunshine.

Dear Winter Olympic Spectators- Getting so rowdy that they moved last call up from 11 pm to 7 pm!? Tsk Tsk. Glad they let you off on good behavior and moved it back.

Dear Jay Leno- So I hear your guests next week when you return to your old spot will be Jamie Foxx, Sarah Palin, and the Jersey Shore cast... I could care less about Foxx, but if you could arrange it to where Palin and the Guidos/Guidettes are on the same show that would be fantastic...

Dear Exercise- I'm sorry but there are too many exercises that could be mistaken for Sexual positions. Like that guy doing crunches over there? He looks like a Chihuahua humping air.

Dear Symphony Patrons- Do I have to earn some sort of street cred with you? You look at me like I'm 13 when you come into the office.

Dear Kate- Yeah I'm a flirt. Glad that makes you giggle :P

Dear Hair Dresser- Yeah I know my hair kicks ass. These hands that fix my luscious locks are gold.

Dear Buck Teef: You make it really difficult to drink red wine properly

Dear Jonathan- I like your romance advice- "Girls wouldn't flirt with you if they weren't diggin' your chili".


Love Always,
Gnarleigh

Doppelgangers, Margaritas and Lovehandles

So I am having a doppelganger dilemma this week. Molly Neeley says Emily Blunt, but Anjana Rajan says Jessica Biel. I don't necessarily agree with either, but I have posted these comparisons so that you the people can decide. I encourage you to cast your vote, whether on here or on facebook. I must have this settled once and for all. So,

Emily Blunt or Jessica Biel

Don't let your voice go unheard!

Well now that that's over with I'm going to debrief you on my week before I divulge into my letters. I'm exhausted- I started every day at 6 and couldn't stop until 10, which leaves me feeling a little overloaded, stressed and a little "half glass empty." I tried very hard to keep this week's letters as positive as possible, but if a couple of seem a bit, erm, frustrated, I'm sorry. These letters are from the week of Feb. 15-20

Dear MC Hammer- Your response to the Gamma arm pose "Ah naw man that's way too soft"- that's what she said.

Dear Newly Engaged- Love you guys, but you always trump whatever cool status I think I've got going on. None the less, Congratulations.

Dear Foot steps I heard while home by myself- I was soooooo close to pulling out my cello end pin to use as a weapon- I'm glad that you turned out to be my sister.

Dear Quads- Although your appearance is a little more muscular than I'm used to, you are making it a lot easier to walk around with my cello, and for that I am grateful

Dear Ultimate Rita at Louie's Bar and Grille- I have begun the process of working you into my budget, and I'm trying to decide how many of you I want for Cinco De Mayo. You are that good.

Dear Veggie Panini- You were good until I spotted butt crack across the room.

Dear Letters- You seem to be getting longer and longer.

Dear Running Shorts with built in underwear- Good on you, who has time to put on shorts AND underwear nowadays?

Dear Pregnant Olympian- WOW! DEDICATION! Oh, your sport is curling? Pshhhh.

Dear Spangles- I'll admit that before I was a vegetarian your western burger and gyro wrap were good, but a seafood crab on pita sounds just as horrible as your commercials.

Dear Shirt- I've worn you in public twice and just now found that stupid little "Medium" sticker. Daaaaaaaangit.

Dear Emily Blunt and Jessica Biel- Maybe I'm going about this all wrong- One of you had Michael Buble, and one has Justin Timberlake.... Which one would you pick, ladies?

Dear Ashley- I'm ready for your next kid and to be an aunt for 7th time- I just really hope you aren't trying to tide mom over until I start having kids because that's gonna be a while.

Dear Work, Typically when I'm running a smidge late, I buy everyone breakfast pastries to make up for it- so YOU'RE WELCOME.

Black eyed peas- I may be a white girl, but so is Fergie, therefore I am not ashamed to blast "I'mma Be" and jam in my car, explicit lyrics and all.


Dear Bobby Bones- if I may quote you, "You won't see a good lookin' guy with a busted chick nearly as often as you'll see attractive women with busted guys" This is why sometimes I sacrifice my NPR time for you.

Dear High Heels- I've been wearing you more and more and you've been hurting
my feet less and less. I'm becoming a real woman.

Dear Lovehandles- So about half of my ab exercises are actually prone to increase you in size. NO FRIGGIN WONDER YOU WEREN'T GOING AWAY!

Dear Anjana- Thanks for the sweet things you said. And for the generic YET HELPFUL advice :P

Dear Ladies- 2 tickets to the WWE and $20 to burger king- that's what 96.3 is offering you for a date night. It's all yours baby

Dear Thirsty Thursdays- I think the cops have caught onto you, because I saw 4 people get pulled over last night before I was even halfway home from rehearsal.

Dear Pedestrians- You're just lucky I met my quota for the week when I hit that kid earlier.

Dear Manny- ready to get my margarita fix. Let's go!

Dear Ice Pellets- OUCH. You made my run slightly less enjoyable.

Dear Truck- I couldn't see my breath before you drove by, and then I exhaled your exhaust. That can't be good for me.

Dear Father- I know I'm your red headed step child now, but I hope you can still love me :P


Love Always,
Gnarleigh

P.S.- I didn't really run over a kid. But I would be pissed if I was taken to see the WWE for a date.

Fortunes, Falsehoods and Fantastic Follicles

Awe, so Valentine's day is this sunday and this is Dear Blog and I's 3 WEEK ANNIVERSARY! To commemorate this occasion, not only have I compiled my letters from this week, but I took on a special project that I think you will enjoy. It's a video featuring some of my friends who are follicle-y endowed (stay with me, mind out of the gutter)- I'm not sure how I convinced them to be a part of this, but none the less they agreed and now will go down (I said out of the gutter!) in gnarleigh blog history. Before I get started with my letters, I would like to share the fortune I got from Saigon: Seize from every moment its uniqueness, especially this week Say no more, fortune- Onto business as usual. These letters are from the week of Feb 7- 13


Dear 4 miles I ran yesterday, I use you so that I may eat terribly later and it won't affect me as bad.

Dear 5:30 pm on Sunday- Superbowl.... Or Titanic. Superbowl... Or Titanic? I could blame this on my mother, but I wanted to watch Titanic as much as she did. But alas, as my uncle would say, "Way to geaux Saints!"

Dear car I cut off- Thank you for not slamming into me. I totally deserved it.

Dear Students in the RSC- pardon my victory stance as I celebrate no Spanish today.

Dear Shaving Cut- You make me feel like I'm 13 again

Dear Wednesday, Spin Class and a Dentist appointment before 8 am? So let me get this straight- I'm supposed to go through today with a numb butt AND not be able to feel the left side of my mouth? Perfect.

Dear Saigon- Where else can I enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine and watch a Shania Twain music video Marathon in one sitting?! God Bless you.

Dear Doc Greens- Okay so I thought watching Shania was awesome, but you are definitely fighting for my affection with MMM Bop playing in the back ground

Dear Mead's- In an effort to be more thrifty, I have vowed to only come for coffee on double punch day. So please, savor what few moments you have with me

Dear Japan- I like the Sadie Hawkins approach you take to Valentine's day. NPR is so informational.

Dear Guy at the Gas Station- To answer your question, I'm gonna have to lie and say I have a boyfriend... And I agree, "It's a daaayumn shaaame".

Dear Facebook Status- Sometimes it's really difficult to not be negative with you, but alas, I refuse. That's what Blogs are for!

Dear Mead's- I lied about only coming on double punch days. I'm sorry but I had a meeting there, and damnit, Jeremy, I couldn't resist the suggestion of a scone and tea.

Dear $110- You could've gotten speedy mcspeedster here some new shiny things, but momma has to use you to pay for the speeding ticket. I'll miss you :(

Dear Wichita Municipal Court- you are full of crabbies. I just wanna pay and leave and not hear about the lady behind me's almost DUI.

PS- Lady, your son reeks of marijuana. Go look through his drawers.

Dear Mom- What's that in the middle of the road? A dog? Cat? Oh I see... Okay it's two cats. On top of each other. Humping. Sorry to intrude.

Dear Ladies- A word of advice from yours truly, don't go bra shopping after eating chipotle. Give your belly a couple hours to retract.

Dear Weight Loss- Speaking of bra shopping, I wish you would take the weight from somewhere else.

Dear MC Hammer- I hope you are ready to meet Gnarleigh tomorrow- puh LEASE tell me you are wearing those pants...



and now for the big show- if you watch this and think to yourself, wow that was a waste of time? I agree. But I think it's funny...

Whadda Week!

So I decided to hold off this post for a week- not every day is going to bring handfuls of interesting things, but needless to say all days together can produce a blog post. This post is from the week of Jan 31 to Feb 6, and are in order of which they happened :)


Dear Wichita, I don't understand why all your murderers "coincidentally" start with "R" and end with "-der". I mean, I have 3 friends on facebook who's last name is "Reader", and I have a Ruder- If you want to be on the safe side I would check em out.

Dear Jessica White- I'm pretty sure it was your tweet that said "Dear Bottle of Menage a Trois, you are looking mighty tasty" that inspired this- you deserve due credit.

Dear Miss America, how do you feel about Kesha being the last thing we hear after they crown you? "UUURRbody gettin' crunk, crunk"- Boys try to touch your junk? hmmmmm

Dear Regina George- I lost 3 lbs. SUCK ON THAT!

Dear Guy at the gym joking about domestic violence in front of his wife, hmmmm...... not a good choice.

Dear String Quartet, I apologize for flipping out on you guys and making Chris's birthday really awkward- Hope you will still have me as your cellist!

Dear White Chocolate, I'm sorry, but I went to Dark chocolate a long time ago and never looked back.

Dear Facebook ad asking me if I want a boyfriend, How many people actually click on you? I'm very curioius.

Dear guy cupping girls boobs in the RSC, holy crap... you are cupping that girl's boobs in the RSC.

Dear Speeding ticket- you were my first ;) can't say it was the best experience of my life though.

Dear house with the neon "open" sign in the window- there's no way you don't sell drugs.

Dear Spin Class, you are nothing more than a voluntary Ass-kicking

Dear Ear Phones, I LOVE you because you politely say "buzz off" to people I don't want to talk to.

Dear letter that I wrote but never sent, you were the most therapeutic part of my day. I wonder if I'll ever have the courage to send you to whom you were intended for.

Dear Purple Mouthwash and Crest Whitening with Scope, When used in rapid succession, you taste like tootsie rolls!

Dear everyone, I feel really cool that I was selected to be on Homecoming Court for WSU, but the best part is I get to go through process with one of my best friends, Kate Garnes, and a sister, Sam Ternes. Mush Mush Mush.

Dear Grandpa, you are such a bad ass for getting your concealed to carry permit. I'll never question you ever again.



Love Always,
Gnarleigh

Do you think toilet flushes should be quieter?

I posted this as a note on facebook recently- It's the first time I've tried something like it and it seemed to get really good feedback, if I may stroke my own ego for a moment. Again, just blurbs about things that happen during the day.

The following letters were all written on January 29th:


Dear Ugg Boots on my feet with the buttons on the side (not with the fur): That girl in my Spanish class told me you were totally fly. Way to be.

Dear Toilets in the bathroom on the 3rd floor of Jardine (AKA Room 304?): Stop being so loud. You need to CALM DOWN.

Dear Guy in my Spanish class: No, the big blue thing I'm carrying on my back is not an Oboe.

Dear Scott Christian Dold: Stop making fun of Kate and her Stati. Statuseses. Stat- nevermind.

Dear Lid on my soup bowl: You match my green coat.

Dear Girl in the dressing room at TJ Maxx: Please stop beat boxing stripper techno beats- I already know you are taking your clothes off.

Dear TJ Maxx: you are my new fav <3 next to a PB Soy latte at Mead's.

Dear Leftovers at Zen Thai Restaurant: I wish I wouldn't have forgotten you on the table.

Dear Half Drank Shiner Bock- I'm going to let Jordan adopt you- I'm going to have Mozzarella sticks instead.

Dear Kate's House: Please rid yourself of noisy drinkers so she can go to bed. Thank you.

Dear Me: Quit looking at your own profile pictures. You know what you look like.



Love Always,
Gnarleigh

Let me explain myself.

Dear ________,

I realized recently that lots of small things happen during a day. They can make us smile, make us mad, or make us laugh, but most of the time we forget about them within a day or so. Compliments, jokes, new acquaintances, shoes we can't afford... Out of sight of mind.

I don't want to forget these things because they have an impact not just on my day but on how I view the world. Am I mad because I found shoes that I'll never own? Am I having a good day because I met new people, or saw someone I already know and love? What quirks has today offered to make it different than yesterday?

This blog exists to recognize that each day is different, and each day is special. Every time something interesting happens I will write a letter to it- more or less a note. Confused? Read a couple posts and you'll catch on. Who knows? Maybe I'll write you a letter one day :)

Gnarleigh