To everything and everyone I am thankful for...

Although I've been a little remiss on my posts, I would truly be lacking if I skipped out on a Thanksgiving post.  The thing is, I have so much to be thankful for that I cannot dedicate this post to just one person or one thing.  With that in mind, I've decided to write a list!

I am thankful for:

1.  My parents:  Whenever I tell anyone about my childhood, they are always so impressed at how loving, generous, kind, and supportive my parents are.  These are always wonderful moments for me, because they remind me of how lucky I am to have them. 

2.  Emily:  Though we didn't always get along, I'm so glad we do now!!  I love that we spend time together because we want to, not because it's "family" time.  I admire how you pick goals to work on and actually follow through!  I'm fortunate to have a sister that I enjoy spending time with and also look up to.  

3.  Steph:  You are still one of the most important inspirations in my life.  You're such a beautiful person with a gorgeous smile and infectious laugh.  I love you! 

4.  Greg:  You're sitting right behind me, so it's hard to write anything TOO nice because then I'll never hear the end of it.  But anyway, thank you for being so supportive, for eating all of my culinary experiments and telling me they taste delicious regardless, and for being so willing to try anything... even the silly traditions of my family.

5.  Having a job that I love:  I hear and read about people struggling to find work or finding it and hating what they do.  Although my job is not without it's stressful moments, I am so happy to say that I continue to love it day after day.  

6.  My wonderful friends, old and new:  This year has been a year of changes.  Friends moving away, meeting new friends, becoming closer to the ones still here...  The long and the short of it is I feel so lucky to have you in my life.  You all serve a different purpose in my life, but nonetheless you are in it for a reason.

7.  My Kitchenaide Mixer:  I love it.  I've always wanted one and now I finally have one.  It doesn't disappoint!  For those of you who know me,  you know that I LOVE cooking for people.  Sharing a meal with friends or family is probably the most heartwarming experience I could ever have.  Sure, I love my Kitchenaide Mixer, but really I'm thankful for what it represents - food, family, friends.

8.  Travel:  This year I've been extremely fortunate to have been able to travel.  I visited Belize, Guatemala, New York (twice!), New Orleans, California, Oregon... Traveling and experiencing new cultures enriches my life.  I know that it is a privilege to be able to travel and so I am forever grateful to have these opportunities.

9.  Learning new skills:  This year I've been trained to instruct Roots of Empathy, am learning how to use yoga with kids, perfected my stick shift driving, enhanced my cooking skills... I love learning!

10.  LUA.  

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

To great neighbors...

For those of you not living in Seattle, you may have heard that our lovely city has been hit by a "triple arctic blast" as the news reporters called it.  What this actually means is that Seattlites have been stranded all around the city, as no one here actually knows how to drive in the snow.  And by nobody, I mean nobody.  Half the city owns up to this fact ("Snow scares me! I hate driving in it!") and the other half complains that no one knows how to drive in it and then attempts a hill they really shouldn't have.

The flip side of this is that snow days mean more time snuggled up at home in comfy clothes with the heat on high and drinking hot cocoa.  Preferably with marshmallows, and for me, preferably with soy milk.

Snow days also mean that the company you keep consists of whoever lives in your house (so long as they were able to get home when the snow hit) and your closest neighbors.

Ours happen to be Kadi and Ryan.  

Over the past two days, we've been texting and visiting back and forth between our apartments (they live two floors down).  Then yesterday, after a fabulous snowball fight at the Olympic Sculpture Park, we decided to have a communal dinner.  

We decided that Kadi and Ryan would make split pea soup and I would bake biscuits.

A few hours later, dinner was served and it was fantastic!

There is nothing I love more than eating wonderful food with wonderful friends.

Kadi and Ryan,

Thanks for being fabulous neighbors!!  I love having you live so close and we will surely miss you when you move to Aspen.

Cookies and cinnamon rolls,
Suz

To technology...

Today I'm trying out the newest technological advances in video games... Kinect. Microsoft has created the first game system where no controller is needed, save your body and your voice. How does this work? Well, I can't give you the scientific answer... but on the consumer level it's basically a mixture of sensors and cameras.

What I love about this game system is how they've created the experience to be physically interactive. I worry about this generation of kids who sit in front of the TV all day and lose their imaginations faster than their youth. Gone are the days of playing in refrigerator boxes or making mud pies. Now our senses require more stimulation than our own minds can provide. 

Sad.

At least Kinect forces people to get off their booties and moving again!

Thank you Microsoft for creating Kinect.

To my instructors...

Today I read an article about a mother who shook (and killed) her 3-month old baby for crying while she was playing a game on Facebook.  This coming after I taught a lesson on Shaken Baby Syndrome to a class of 5th graders on Tuesday...  It might sound odd to teach something so simple as "never shake a baby" to children (who will later become parents, mind you), because isn't it obvious or shouldn't their parents teach them?  But this story clearly demonstrates the need for more education around infant safety.  And if we don't teach our children, when will they learn?

The lesson I taught this week required me to use an egg and a glass jar to show the effect of shaking on an infant brain.  Imagine that the yolk of the egg is like a brain and the egg white, brain fluid.  If you bounce the jar gently up and down (like many parents do to calm their babies), the yolk stays in tact.  However, if you shake the jar sharply, the yolk splatters.  It's scrambled.  Now, imagine that is your baby's brain.  Or your niece's brain.  Or your grandson's brain...

My "smile on" today?

Thank you to my instructors for giving me the skills to teach kids about infant safety.  I feel hopeful that I'm helping to educate the next generation of parents.

To my Grandma C...

When I was around 8-10 years old, my grandmother taught me how to knit.  To this day, I can still picture in my mind the first item I ever made - a small, maroon "bag" that had many holes in it from where I dropped stitches.  

Over the years, my knitting skills improved, though the difficulty level of projects remained stagnate.  Let's just say, I made quite a few scarves over the next decade...  Red scarves, blue scarves, k1 p1 scarves, scarves with ribbing, scarves with fringe (this is starting to sound like a Dr. Seuss book!).  

Finally, two years ago I decided to try something a little more difficult.  I googled for knitting patterns and finally picked one titled "Nob Hill" (named after a neighborhood in San Francisco).  I invested in the appropriate sized knitting needles, 6 skeins of high quality yarn, a set of tapestry needles, and a crochet hook, and set to work.

After a few months, I completed approximately 90% of the pattern - everything except the collar.  But life happened and I set the project aside for awhile under my bed.

Well, you know what happens to things that are put aside under beds... 

It took over a year and several changes of address before I finally pulled out the 9/10th finished sweater and decided to complete it.  That was 2 days ago.

And now...

Drum roll please...

The sweater is complete!!

Grandma,

Thank you for teaching me to knit!!  Without you, I wouldn't have ever been able to make my own sweater or prove that sometimes an unfinished, seemingly forgotten, long lost project can be completed.

I have much more to thank you for, but I'll save that for a later date.

Much love,
Your Granddaughter

To ?...

Isn't it amazing how there are times in life when you can look ahead and say "Three days from now, I'm going to know how to do ______"?  When you actually are able to recognize that in the near future you will acquire new knowledge or a new skill?

Tomorrow (and Wednesday and Thursday), I am attending a training to be a facilitator of Roots of Empathy.  An amazing program that seeks to increase empathy and decrease aggressive behaviors in school children.  What astounds me is how I can sit here and say:  In exactly three days, I'll know how to teach these children this incredible curriculum.  I will be able to impart to them this knowledge of which I was previously unaware.

In essence: I can predict the future.

Cool.

Dear ? (because I'm not exactly sure who would take credit for this... do you?)

Thank you for enabling me to be a life long student.  I appreciate that though I have a 40+ hour a week job (and one I love at that), I am able to keep my appetite for new knowledge and skills.

I am incredibly thankful to continue to have opportunities to better myself and I hope I will always yearn for more.

Sincerely,
A lover of learning.

To my adorable godson...

Dear Seamus,

Today I spent a wonderful few hours with you and your lovely mama. You were as cute as a button, crawling and drooling all over the place. It's pretty amazing what a speedy cruiser you've become!

Whenever I'm around babies, I always feel a sense of peacefulness - I truly believe in "baby therapy." And being around you has that exact affect on me.

So, Seamus, thank you for reminding me of the power of babies. Whenever your Auntie Suz is having a rough day, it only takes a beautiful smile from you or a slobbery "kiss" to make it all better.

Love you, baby!

Hugs and kisses,
Your favorite aunt.

To Tiffany R. and Kyle H...

Dear Tiff and Kyle (and Olivia too!),

Just wanted to write a quick thank you for allowing myself and Greg to stay with you for that lovely week in June. It's amazing how many adventures we can pack in just 7 days, but somehow whenever I'm with you guys we find a way to do it!

I don't think I'll ever forget our first baseball game at Yankee Stadium or baking the blackberry crumble. Or our night at the brewery in Brooklyn and Sweet Revenge cupcakes! Good times :)

I hope that you both can come visit us in Seattle and that our NY family will be together once again!

Love you guys!

Suz

To a NJ Transit Driver...

I am currently sitting in the living room of my friend's apartment.  It's 71 degrees and 8:52 in the morning. If you think that I can't possibly be in Seattle, then you are absolutely right!  Last Tuesday, Greg and I ventured across the country to visit friends in the Big Apple (New York City in case you aren't caught up on city nicknames).  And this is where my tale begins...

Imagine you have just exited a plane after having sat for a 5 hour flight.  You're tired, uncomfortable, and a little unsure as to where you should be headed next.  Slowly you orient yourself to your surroundings and begin the long trek across the airport to find the ground transportation that will carry you to your final destination.  After stopping for directions several times and a short bathroom break, you finally arrive at the bus stop only to see a Port Authority bound bus driving away from the curb.  Fortunately the next one is in 15 minutes.  So you wait.  After what feels like forever, the next bus arrives and you happily board thinking, "NYC, here I come!"  

Half an hour later, those excited thoughts turn to ones of frustration...  For the bus you are traveling on has broken down on the side of an exit ramp.  You've heard nothing from the bus driver, save that he cannot go forward due to mechanical problems.  Passengers around you are grumbling and you can feel tension in the air.  Several riders make their way to the front of the bus to talk with the driver, but one by one they return to their seats with no new information.  30 minutes pass by.  The bus driver makes an announcement, which you can barely hear.  Snippets of the dialogue reach your ears, but that's about it.  You now know that a new bus should eventually be coming to pick you up, but there is no way of knowing when.  Another 15 minutes pass by.  At this point you are angry, tired, hungry, and uncomfortable.  You make the decision to disembark the bus and wait outside.  A small crowd is gathered around a clipboard, as people write down their names and contact information.  There's a chance we may be getting a refund, but no one knows for sure (of course!).  You also find out that the driver has been waving by buses who gesture that they're willing to stop and help!

Finally, a NJ Transit bus pulls over and someone quickly runs over to the find out where it's going.  Success!  This bus is headed to Port Authority Bus Station!  Unfortunately, as your traveling partner runs to grab your luggage from the broken down bus, the transit bus starts to close its doors.  Frantically you race after it, shouting,"Wait!!"  The kind bus driver reopens the door and after hearing your plight ("we've been waiting over an hour, just have to get our luggage..."), he promptly pulls over the curb, opens the luggage storage compartment and begins loading people onto the bus.  Then finally, and only after everyone who desires has boarded the bus, he closes the door and drives into New York City.  

Dear Kind Sir,

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for rescuing us from the side of the exit ramp.  You could have driven by, like many other bus drivers, but instead you took it upon yourself to stop.

You are much appreciated, not only for safely delivering us into the city, but for making sure our trip did not start entirely on the wrong foot.

You are truly a good samaritan!

Warmly,
A Very Relieved and Appreciative Passenger/Traveler

To my dad...

Dear Daddy,

I've been asked many times about the influential people in my life and I always make a point to talk about you.  When I was younger, I remember knowing that you had once been an aeronautical engineer at Boeing, but then decided to become a nurse practitioner instead. I never really understood your choice though, until I began to examine my own path in life.  When I finally realized that you had made this life changing decision because of your principles and values (money not being one of them!), it made a huge impact on my own career choice.  You inspired me to pursue a career of compassion and empathy, rather than one purely for financial gain.  You taught me the importance of holding true to my beliefs and never losing sight of what I value most.  Thank you for that.

Dad, I also appreciate how patient and supportive you were (and still are!) of your daughters.  I vividly recall our games of tickle monster (never realizing at the time that you weren't actually ticklish) and how you'd pretend to flush 3 giggling piles of towels down the toilet after bath time.  You were always willing to play barbies with your girls or let us dress you up in play clothes.  You encouraged us to use our imaginations.

Now today is Father's Day and I want you to know how much we (your daughters) appreciate you and all you have done for us.

Thank you for your unconditional support and love - we are so lucky to have you!

I love you!

Love,
Your Daughter Suz

To siblings of children with special needs...

Ever since age 16, I have been involved with an organization called Sibshops.  Sibshops are workshops for siblings of children with special needs.  Essentially they are "camps" where sibs can share their experiences with other siblings, play, laugh, relax, and make friends.

Last Saturday was the final Sibshop of the year (we run on a school year schedule as opposed to the calender year) and once again it was amazing to see the resilience and strength of these little kiddos.  I'm always impressed by how open they are about the hardships of having siblings with disabilities, yet how caring and loving they are too.

The Seattle Channel recently filmed one of our Sibshops and it gives a great idea of what they are all about:  http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=3071021.   

Dear Sibs,

You are probably the most patient, compassionate, understanding children I have ever had the pleasure to meet.  Yes, sometimes early on Saturdays I worry that I won't have the energy to facilitate, but then I am fueled from seeing your smiling faces and the sheer relief that resonates from your little selves.  Relief that you have a space to be yourself; a space where you can complain and not be judged; a space where you can be a kid, and only a kid, once again.

For non-sibs, it can be difficult to imagine the hardships that accompany being the sibling of a child with special needs.  They may sympathize, but that's not exactly what we need.

They don't understand the anxiety behind every public outing: Will she throw a tantrum today?  Will he start screaming at the top of his lungs in the middle of the grocery store?  

They don't understand how we deal with certain behaviors: "I can't believe you didn't hit him back!" "Did she really throw that at you?" 

They don't understand how we could possibly put up with someone like our sibling, let alone love them unconditionally.  But we do.  We love them and we forgive them.  Every time.

To me, you are all heroes.  You were never given the chance to say "I want this," yet you handle the situation as best you can.  When you're older and reflecting back on your childhood, you may have regrets.  You may wish you were just a little more patient, a little more empathetic with your sibling.  Just know that you did the best you could under very difficult circumstances.

Sibs, thank you for reminding me every day how lucky I am to be a sib and how important it is to show love, empathy, and kindness to every child out there.  After all, they could be a sib too!

Take care of yourself!
Suz

To Greg F...

I promise you'll get a longer letter later, but in the meantime...

Dear Gregory Cornflakes,

Thank you for making dinner and bringing me my favorite ice cream (made with coconut milk!).  I was having a very stressful day and you made it better.

Love,
Suz

To Max P...

Most of my friends and family know I'm not the most consistent person when it comes to practicing instruments.  I've attempted to master at least 4 in my life (fiddle, piano, African drums, guitar) and have never surpassed the basics level on any one of them.  It's not that I don't enjoy playing music, but I love to sing along and when you don't even sound halfway decent... well, it's much easier to just upload a Youtube karaoke video!  

My most recent musical endeavor was to learn how to play acoustic guitar.  Since I've been strapped for cash (an undergraduate degree followed by a graduate degree is quite expensive!), it fell upon my generous friend Max to impart his patience and his knowledge.  And when I say patience, I mean PATIENCE.  As I said before, I'm not the greatest at remembering to practice, or cut my nails, or tune guitars... So the hours he spent going over the same few chords (G, D, Em, C...) must have been excruciating... 

Dear Max,

Though I'm still no Eric Clapton or Pink Floyd, I want to thank you for all the time you put into teaching me the basics of guitar.  I cannot imagine how frustrating of a student I must have been.  You never complained once or bugged me about practicing (though maybe you should have!) and you even complimented my fingertip callouses.

Stella (my car) also appreciates you.  She told me the other day as I was cruising I-169, that she's glad her new owner already knew a little bit about stick shift driving before taking her out on the open road.  I told her it was all thanks to you.  And your Audi.  That probably hates me because I stalled it so much.

Lastly, I want to thank you for helping me get the lowest Spanish grade I've ever received in my entire academic career.  Yup, gracias for talking to me during class!  I'll never understand why I got in so much trouble and you sailed through with your 4.0.  You've claimed it was your "good looks and your charm," but that's debatable!

Truly though, I am thankful to have a friend as generous and talented as you.

Gracias chico!

Tu amiga,
Susanita

To Nick P...

Dear Pookie,

Last night we celebrated your 24th birthday - The 6th of your birthdays we've celebrated together.  As we cheers'd you and thanked your mother for having given birth to you, I thought about how lucky I am to count you as a friend.

When I first arrived at the University of San Francisco, I knew no one, save for you and a few other Seattlites.  Those first months were difficult for me, due to the drama from back home.  Thank goodness I had you there to provide me with support and an ear to listen.

Now we are growing older and our lives are changing.

And perhaps most importantly... You have a job at a small start-up company we all know and love!

Nick, I am so proud and happy for you.  I can't wait to see all that you accomplish at Google.

Thank you for being such a loyal friend.

Hug!
Suz

P.S. Veronica Mars is smarter than you!! ;-)

To my mom...

Dear Mom,

Words cannot express how thankful I am that you are my mother.  You have been the best role model a woman could ask for - you are confident, fun, funny, caring, joyful, supportive, strong, generous, passionate, accepting, positive, compassionate... I truly believe that it was through your guidance that I became the person I am today.

When I was younger, I never realized how fortunate I was to have been born to such wonderful parents. I know I complained about our healthy diet and the simple living, among other things.  Now as an adult, I couldn't have asked for a better start to my life.  You taught me to be aware of our impact on the environment, to care for the well being of others, to stand up for what I believe in, to be proud that I am a woman, to understand the importance of family, and to laugh and find joy in everything.

I even appreciate the Period Party.

Yes, you read that correctly.

When I was 12 years old, I had my very first period and you threw a party for me.  We called it "Blessing the Blossom" and invited all the women in my life to attend.  Though I was embarrassed through and through, that party enabled me to take pride in being a woman.  As each guest shared her personal experience, I learned to celebrate being me.

That was a gift you gave me.

As I watch all these girls around me at work, I am truly shocked at how quickly they learn to hate their own bodies. Then I realize how fortunate I am to have been given the gift of self-confidence and a positive body image at such a young age.

Mom, you are truly a wonderful mother and an even more incredible woman.

Thank you for being you.

I love you!!

Love,
Your Daughter Suz

To my little man...

Dear Bug,

During the first year of your life, I absolutely fell in love with you. You were the cutest baby, so smiley and, well, a bit drooly too. You wrapped me around your teeny tiny little finger faster than I could say "peek-a-boo!" Seriously... the first time I met you during my nanny interview, you spit up all over my phone and all I did was wipe it off with an "Oopsies! So cute!"

Now you're almost 5 years old and more than half way to my 5'4 height. I'm constantly amazed at how fast you've grown and how smart you are (no bias, I swear!). You have this endearing personality that never ceases to charm everyone you meet.

You also say the darndest (and by darndest, I mean cutest!) things to say. For instance, one evening when I was babysitting you, you asked me in reference to the 3 chocolate chip cookies I had brought over for us to share, "Suz, who gets the last cookie?" Before I could reply, you reached over and snagged it from the bag and said with a grin,"I think it's for whoever gets it first!"

So clever!

Little M., I feel so lucky to be able to watch you grow up. Though I don't see you nearly as much as I would like (no more Tuesdays are Suz days...), you're still a special part of my life.

I love you so much, bug!!

With love,
Your nanny Suz

To my 5th grade Lunch Bunch ladies...

Dear 5th Grade Girls,

In response to my question at Lunch Bunch today (name one thing you will miss about elementary school and one thing you are looking forward to in middle school), every single one of you said you would miss me.

Thanks for making me feel so appreciated!

All the best,
Ms. Chen

To Katie K...

Throughout these first 2 months of blogging, I've noticed some days I have the urge to write a posting but can't seem to recall a moment from my day that would inspire any sort of public thank you.  Not that I don't appreciate the small things people do, but there definitely are times when I don't consciously notice the good deeds of others.  Sad, I know.  But true for many of us busy souls.

Fortunately as I walked peacefully through the rain today on my way to the Capitol Hill library, I experienced a small moment of realization.  Why not "smile on" people who touched my life when I was young?  After all, they helped to shape me into the young lady I am today.   

Bear with me then, as I embark on a journey into my past...

Dear Katie K.,

Do you remember how we used to scrounge around our houses for spare change and then walk to the Greenwood Market and buy vegetable alphabet soup?  Or how we'd run around the neighborhood playing Cops and Robbers and cutting through yards with nary a thought to the owners?

I do.  In fact, almost all of my childhood memories of playing with neighbor kids involve you and our silly antics.  I remember climbing trees with you, spending hours in your fort, eating fruit from our mothers' gardens, putting on shows for our families, sneaking you my broccoli when you stayed for dinner, carefully plotting out our route for garage sale weekend and hunting for treasures amongst the junk (though we often ended up with lots and lots of, well, junk).  There are so many happy memories, it would take more than a blog posting to list them all.

Katie, thank you for being one of my first best friends.  I can't think of a time when we ever fought or argued and that in itself speaks volumes.  I appreciate that you always accepted me for me and never thought (or at least, never voiced) that my family was "weird" or embarrassing.

Though we haven't stayed in contact since your family moved away, I will always cherish your friendship.

Warmly,
Your Old Friend Suzanna

To the little guys in my friendship group...

My job is virtually indescribable in that the list of responsibilities that come with the title are ever changing and never ending.  For instance, today I found myself waiting at a Safeway pharmacy to pick up a prescription for a student.  That was certainly not in the job description!

One of my weekly tasks is to teach social skills through group sessions aptly named Friendship Groups.  Over the course of this past school year, I've revised the way I present these lessons and engage students.  In particular, I've added a special ending to each session: a round of compliments.  Elementary aged students rarely spontaneously pay compliments to one another and I felt this was an important exercise to encourage positive interactions between students.  Also, it's pretty sweet to see the look of pride that comes over some of the kiddos because of one nice compliment!

Today, the students made me smile with their simple words of appreciation.  My thank you is to them:

Dear Friday Friendship Group,

Today you paid one another delightful and sincere compliments.

To quote you:

• "I liked how you chewed with your mouth full."
• "You were a good friend today and a good listener and a good friend."
• "I liked how you didn't play with your toy and didn't distract other kids."
• "I liked how you chewed with your mouth closed.  And you're a good friend."
• "I liked that you raised your hand and didn't talk out."

You made your tired social worker smile and for that I am grateful.

Can't wait until next Friday!!

With side hugs and high fives and smelly stickers,

Ms. C

To my yoga instructors...

Dear 8 Limbs Yoga Instructors,

Thank you for making me sweat.
Thank you for making me sore.
Thank you for making me take the time to exercise.
Thank you for making me take the time to just breath.

Namaste!

From,
A freshly showered and reenergized Suz

To an old friend...

Perhaps because of recent episodes of Spring cleaning and the inevitable unearthing of old photographs, lately I've found myself reminiscing of friends gone by... 

Last week I decided to actually extend an invitation to an old "best friend" to catch up over glasses of wine.  We met up at Poco's - a wine bar in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle - around 6:00 pm on Monday evening.  After the initial, "It's great to see you!  How the heck have you been?," we finally placed our orders for wine and tasty tidbits.  The next 2 hours (yes 2!) were filled with "do you remember when ____" and "can you believe ____!," but more importantly we talked about our experiences of growing up.  We shared stories of hardship from our middle and high school years and though we had remained friends through those times, it was astonishing to discover some of the painful moments we hadn't told one another.  On the other hand, there were also many moments of warmth and understanding that only come from having shared experiences.  

What I realized as I sat across the table from this person who had known me for so long is that there is something special about these early friendships.   Not that you can't have deep friendships and connections with people who never knew you as a child, but there is certainly a level of understanding that comes from having observed someone blossom and grow into their adult selves.  

So...

Dear A.S.,

We've known each other a long time and though we've lost contact for a few of those years, I am appreciative that we can enter back into each other's lives as if no time has passed.  It's amazing how much we have changed, but at the same time how little.  We may not run around in long flowered skirts or play town using such creative names as Mrs. Roast (the grocer), Mrs. Post (the postwoman), and Mrs. Brooke (the librarian - we went far out on that one!), but we can still laugh and find the fun in our antics.

A., it's difficult for me to explain to others how I came to be who I am, but you were witness to many of those formative years.  Thank you for reminding me of why we were friends and of how we can clearly become friends again.

I'm truly looking forward to the many more years of renewed friendship to come.

With Land O'Lakes Hot Chocolate, tea sandwiches, and a separate plate for the crusts (because the logical thing to do is eat them too!),
Your Friend Suzanna

To me...

A few months ago I was asked by my sister to participate in a writing exercise called "I Like Me." This is an exercise that asks you to literally write down all the reasons why you like yourself.

Sounds easy, right?

It was anything but!

It's not often that we are invited to sit down and truly reflect on what makes us wonderful human beings. We feel like we are bragging, egotistical, too self-confident... all horribly negative traits!

When we're constantly confronted with images of "beauty" and "success" on our televisions, magazine covers, and newspapers, it's so easy to compare and find ourselves lacking in some area or another. We forget that it's actually healthy to appreciate and love ourselves for who we are and not for what we have or have not.

So, my friends, the following is an essay I wrote about myself. I changed it to a letter so it would fit the format of this blog. I encourage you to read mine and then take a moment (or ten) to write an "I Like Me" paragraph or two about yourself. You can share it on here as a comment or just bask in the reality that, wow, there are some things you like about yourself!

As a hint... it's sometimes easier to write about yourself in the third person.

Dear Me,

I’ve never met anyone quite like Suz and I mean that in the very best way. When you first see her, you might notice her slightly crooked smile, her cheerful freckles, her laughing eyes, her fabulous taste in shoes, or her curvaceous bod’. And you might already be hooked. But there’s so much more to this quirky young lady (for she still can’t quite get comfortable with calling herself a “woman”) than meets the eye.

The Suz I know appreciates the little things in life and for this I adore her. She’s happier walking Green Lake with a cherished friend and a soy latte in hand than drinking cosmos with rock stars in New York (though she wouldn’t mind doing that too!). I love that Suz is constantly smiling because she’s tickled pink by every day moments – like when a bus driver spontaneously decides to lead passengers in song. Or a stranger compliments her outfit. Or she witnesses a random act of kindness. Or a baby giggles. Or she slips and falls on her bum because she refuses to switch from her cute boots to ones with traction despite warnings of ice on the sidewalks.

I love how Suz enjoys staying in to watch movies or play board games as much as she adores donning her highest heels for a night out on the town. I appreciate that she’s just as comfortable dialoging about racism, oppression, and privilege as chatting about fashion or the antics of actors in sitcoms (How I Met Your Mother, anyone?). She’s quite the adaptable lady.

I love Suz’s passion and compassion. Though she could quite easily have become a psychologist making big bucks with a private practice, she chose social work—a job she describes as “lots of work for little pay” and one in which she earns more karma points than anything else. She's also quite the political activist and is always willing to protest or paint her face or picket to show her support... or lack thereof.

I love how Suz so clearly adores children—babies especially.  I love that she’s stayed in touch with Milo, her “little man,” and how she excitedly tells everyone who will listen about all his cute antics. I love that she always stoops down so she’s eye to eye when conversing with kids and how she never says “no” to a hug from one of her “kiddos.” I love that her favorite songs to sing are lullabies… It’s so obvious she’ll make a great mother someday.

I love that though Suz has been through some incredibly difficult and emotional experiences, they have only made her stronger. She freely admits her stressful childhood made her who she is… but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

I love how easy it is to make her blush or laugh. I love how she relishes her moments of spontaneity, but at the same time is responsible and organized. I love how she's quite klutzy and rather silly at times--so much so that her friends at USF coined the term "Ooohh Suz moments" in reference to her episodes of pure brainlessness. I love how she’s willing to do just about anything, even her mother’s quirky ideas. Did you know she’s been trained as a clown and a laughter leader?

I love Suz’s need for travel and how she uses her time away as a reminder of why she loves home.

I love that she’s an incredibly supportive and loyal friend.

Of course, Suz definitely has her flaws, but somehow I love her even more for them.

I wouldn’t have her any other way.

Love,

Me

To a good samaritan and a bus driver...

Dear Kind Stranger,

Before stepping onto the bus today, I was confused when it looked like you might be about to walk off. Everyone had already exited and I was given the green light to step aboard. Then you rushed to the front, paused, and leaned out the door.

You called: "Sir, is this your sweatshirt?"

And indeed it was.

Now this moment is certainly worthy of a thank you (thank you!). Not just anyone would take a second out of their busy lives to retrieve a forgotten item and return it to its rightful owner. But the scene that followed is actually what triggered my desire to put this story on "paper":

Dear Bus Driver,

Today you stopped a young man before he could step off the bus. You looked up at him and you said with a smile on your face:

"That was a great thing you did. Your parents did a wonderful job raising you."

The young man smiled and nodded, "Yes, they did."

Thank you, Bus Driver, for taking a moment out of your day to acknowledge someone else's act of kindness. We don't often take the time to appreciate the actions of others, but you did. And you made me smile.

Warmly,

An Appreciative Bus Rider

To a 4th grade teacher...

Dear J.G.,

I found an article in my box at the end of the day yesterday with a note that read:

Suz:

Thought I'd share with my favorite counselor!

J.

Thank you for making my day!

Warmly,

Your "Favorite" Counselor

To (Suzanna) Arundahti Roy...

Dear Arundahti,

He smugly asked if you supported violence on the part of the indigenous people of India.

You replied: "How can you go on hunger strike when you have no food? How can you boycott corporations when you have no money?"

That was singly the most compassionate, logical, understanding answer to what could have been perceived as a verbal challenge. You handled the question with nothing but grace.

Last night I trekked to Town Hall in Seattle to hear you speak and found myself swept away on a journey into the jungles of India. Your words ignited images in my mind of lush greenery and twinkling midnight skies. I walked with you, breathed with you, feared with you. I delighted in your humor ("bravery is for horses") and found inspiration in your steadfast courage. You rekindled all the dreams I had tucked neatly away. Dreams of actually doing something meaningful with my life. Of making a difference.

To my friends this might sound absurd. After all, I'm a social worker. The response I hear from those I first meet is often, "Wow, I could never do that" or, "That's so good of you." But I'm no martyr and in some respects I'm actually playing it safe. For those of us who value social justice, finding a job that benefits the good of the people or bringing a socially conscious attitude into our professional lives is a necessity. In that respect, social work is the perfect choice. But after listening to you, I realize that there is still so much more that I can do.

Arundahti, I appreciate that not only have you devoted your life's work to raising awareness of the social injustices in this world, but that you've devoted your life as well. You don't stop to think about the consequences of telling the whole world the truth. Instead, you take it upon yourself to be the voice of those who have been silenced.

Thank you for reminding me of what I stand for and re-energizing my spirit with your graceful, beautiful presence.

You are an inspiration to us all.

Humbly,

Suzanna

P.S. It's an honor to share the same first name.

To a 1st grader...

Dear Little One ,

I remember when I first met you and you would barely speak to me. You never took off your coat and would look at the ground instead of at who was in front of you. You worried me, your teacher, and all the other adults who worked with you. How could a 1st grader be so down all the time? It just wasn't right.

So we grown ups talked and brainstormed and tried to figure out what the heck had happened in your little life to make you so guarded. Our overactive imaginations led us to fear the worst, but other than your sad face and defeatist attitude there was nothing to substantiate our thoughts.

Then today I sat in on your reading lesson and, Little One, you were all smiles. It was wonderful to see how clearly you enjoyed reading - even when no one is encouraging it at home. You wiggled in your chair with excitement and read as fast as your tiny hands could turn the page.

Little One, I appreciate how resilient you are and how you haven't given up on the world, even when it seems like the world could have quite easily given up on you. I am thankful that you are receptive to all the support our school is giving you and that your personality is finally starting to show (we knew it was in there somewhere!).

Thanks for showing me that sometimes all someone needs is a little extra TLC.

See you Wednesday!

Warmly,

Ms. C

To my grandmother...

Dear Grandma,

Last night we went to play bingo and sing karaoke at the Greenwood Senior Center to celebrate my mom's birthday. I was skeptical of the entire evening, certain that the level of fun would be low. As it happens, I ended up having a fantastic time - who knew so many "young people" (as my mom likes to put it) patronized Bingo/Karaoke night?

I loved the many dabber toasts and that we all threw our bingo sheets at the winner of each round. I still don't get the significance behind O-69, but I suppose that will come in time. I enjoyed watching people make fools of themselves while singing karaoke (myself included, as it turns out!) and joining in during the only part of the songs I knew - the chorus.

But most of all... I enjoyed watching you. You swayed and "Twisted" like the best of 'em and it was wonderful to see your cheeks blush as you laughed at the silly antics of those around you.

Grandma, I appreciate how willing you are to try new things - even in your 80s. I was delighted when you told me that not only were you continuing your line dancing classes that initially my mom had to drag you to, but that you had also just "checked out" another line dancing class at the community center where you play tennis.

You truly are young at heart and a shining example of how we can enjoy life to it's fullest, no matter our age.

Thank you for showing me how it's done.

Love,

Your Granddaughter

To my little sister...

Dear S.,

You might find it odd that I would choose to thank you first. After all, we both freely acknowledge that growing up with you was not easy. But that's not what this letter is about. When I reflect back on all the major turning points in my life, you were always a source of motivation and inspiration. I cannot imagine how my life would be or who I would be, if you hadn't been there.

My choice of career? All you baby.

My patience and compassion? The direct result of growing up with you.

As I write this, I am realizing that it is difficult to share my appreciation for you without referencing some of the hardships too. And for this, I apologize. I know that I've not always portrayed you in the best light, but you should know that I truly believe you are a wonderful, beautiful person.

S., you have inspired me to devote my life to caring for others. You have reminded me that people are not always what they seem and that there is always more than meets the eye.

Your charming laugh is so contagious and whenever I hear it, I feel pure joy. Your smile is one of the most beautiful sights to see - it's always been that way, even when you were only 8 months old. I admire what a great artist you are and how clearly you love animals (especially pigs!). I appreciate how you find humor in small things (like your pugs and their silly antics) and aren't afraid to say "I love you" to those you care about.

Thank you for reminding me to appreciate all that I have in life.

And, little sister, never forget what an amazing person you are and how lucky your family is to have you.

We love you. I love you.

With love and fake tickles,
Your Big Sister