DAY 8: YOUR FAVORITE INTERNET FRIEND

Sophia Bush

I followed your tweets as soon as you started tweeting. You were so active about going green and the oil spill and basically were saying out loud the thoughts I had in my head. I have always admired you and you're such a good person, too!

You've really made me want to become more active in environmental issues, and its all because of the presence you have online. Your tweets and now your blog on your page show how you care for the good of the others and the good of the world.

Keep on rockin'.

Love, Mb

Seriously, guys check it out.

http://www.sophiabush.com/blog

And give to the gulf!

http://www.crowdrise.com/sophiabush

DAY 7: YOUR EX BOYFRIEND

Alright, heres where the letters take a turn. These next few go from being really fun to being kind of hard to write. Even though it should be pretty obvious who this next one is going to, I'm not going to post names or anything because, well, I don't have to.

Ex,

It took me awhile to get over you, and awhile after that to want to end our relationship. I stayed with you longer than I should have because I was scared. You see, when you cheated on me, I forgave you, and your "thanks" for that was to turn around again with another girl. I turned a blind eye when you went after my friends, and when I found out, I let it go more easily than I should have.

I don't forgive you for how inadequate you made me feel. I don't forgive you for making me lose self esteem. The actions you took have still made me feel like less of a person today, making it harder for me to even form friendships with people. I almost lost my best friend because of you, and you never cared. You told me my school wasn't as good as yours, my friends weren't as good as yours, and I believed you. When I had a problem, though, it wasn't you who was there for me, it was my friends. They gave me a second chance, in a way you hadn't even given me a first.

I don't regret our time together because I made friendships that mattered, and I matured faster than I would have otherwise. I learned from you, and now know that I deserve better. I hope that someday you find happiness and love with someone, but I also hope that before that comes, that you learn the lessons that I unwillingly had to learn through you.

Love, Mb

DAY 6: A STRANGER

This letter kind of made me think. Who, to me, is a stranger? I'm not the type of person that strays away from people, and I definitely don't have any problems with going up to someone and saying hi (believe me, having grown up with the same people from kindergarten-12th grade, college would have been extremely hard for me if I was shy), so it is hard for me to understand just what a stranger is.

Because of my personality, I couldn't think of anyone to write to at first. Then only person I could think of to write this to isn't even a "stranger" at all. I have heard his name many times, and I think it would be fitting to say I'm more of a stranger to him, than the other way around. To him, I was a face in the crowd, literally.

Jeff Suppan,

You don't know me, but you made my day when I was 11. It was just another Tuesday, we were just at another Rangers game, sitting in our section 12 seats. My sister was asking anyone and everyone for an autograph, including the hotdog vendors. I guess you could say it was a pretty normal game day. We had gotten to the game early because I had wanted to watch the Rangers warm up.

I was sitting back in our seats while the Royals were warming up, not really watching, concentrating too much on whatever we had decided would be for dinner that night, nachos or hotdogs or the like. I remember watching you warm up with a few balls, and you always threw them into the stands after a few pitches. By the time the team was done warming up, you had accrued quite a crowd of kids of all ages screaming for you to toss them a ball.

I wanted a ball, but I knew that there were way too many people down there. I had pretty much resigned to the fact that I would never be one of those people who leaves the ballpark with a game ball when you changed all that. You looked right at me, through the dozens of kids down grabbing for it and told them to move. I could not believe this was happening. You asked me my name and then said what I still cannot believe you told me.

"Alright, Marybeth, do you want a ball? Are you ready?"

And you threw it to me. Out of all of the people from section 12 (and 10. and 11. and 13. Everyone came over when they saw we were getting balls) you chose me to give one to.

This may not have seemed like a big deal to you, but thank you for making a little girl's day. Believe me, you did.

Love, Mb

"A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet."

-Will Rodgers

DAY 5: YOUR DREAMS

Dreams,

I know that sometimes you are unattainable, but without dreaming big, I would not be who I am today. When I was little, I wanted to be an ice skater. I dreamed about being in the olympics and skating around to the beautiful music, knowing that all eyes in the world were on me.

Since growing up, I have changed my dreams. I now dream of a more realistic future, one that doesn't necessarily involve bright spotlights, and costumes, but one of a great job that I love and a wonderful family.

Dreams, I hope that one day you come true, but for now, I'm content with trying to reach for you. Having dreams and goals makes life fun. So, dreams, keep it real, but not literally.

Love, Mb

VINTAGE!

I'm not really sure what started it, but all of a sudden, I'm REALLY into vintage stuff. I'm totally obsessed with this vintage bike I found, and am GOING to buy, as soon as I save enough, and I've recently found and spent way too much time on these great websites that have somewhat vintage-y/random stuff... kind of like a cheaper urban outfitters. I'm not sure if anyone has heard of etsy but seriously, check it out. Its this great website, sort of like ebay, where you can buy and sell vintage stuff. And believe me, theres a lot of it. It's great, and junky, and I'm pretty sure I spent at least 2 hours on the site today.

The other site I'm currently obsessed with is modcloth. Theres SO MUCH in such a small place. They have everything from vintage wear to random stuff for an apartment. Again, its great, check it out. do it. now.

bah. yes please. SO CUTE. You can't tell but its tiny black and white checks. etsy.com

love love love. jackson pollock coasters. from modcloth.com. I'm going to get them to add a splash of color to our living room in Omaha.

Umm hello? How cool! And its removable! obsessedobsessedobsessed. etsy.com

DAY 4: YOUR SEESTER

Katie,

I know we haven't always gotten along. We were both stubborn, and way more alike than we would like to think. Overall, though, you're a pretty dece sister. I am especially thankful for this past summer. I feel like I've gotten closer to you this summer, and I am definitely going to miss you next year!

Its been awesome seeing the person that you have grown into being, and I hate missing out on everything that you're involved in. I'm so proud of you for going out for cheerleading this year, and making varsity on your first try! Whoo hoo! I'm hoping the same result will come out in your tryout for volleyball in a week. I have the utmost faith in you though, and know you're going to dominate.

I'm not going to say that I didn't enjoy laughing at you in your middle school years, from your "fashion collection" to the Happy Clown, those were some great times. Yes, I know I make fun of you for most of them, but without those experiences, you wouldn't be the person you are. Know that when I'm making fun of you, or showing people the HC video, its all totally out of love, and remember that if I don't do this, I'm not doing a very good job as your sister!

I know that I get frustrated when people call us twins, or ask if you're the older sister, but as much fun as you make of me for that now, in a decade or two, I'll be the one laughing at that! I am so proud to be your sister, and I can't wait to see everything that you are going to accomplish in life. One of the things I admire about you is how you are passionate for what you believe in. If you have a goal, you set your mind to it, and go for it 100%. You're great, and I'm glad we're both Carloughs, even if it means we have that annoying laugh. :)

Love, Mb

MOLD BLOWS.

Usually it takes me until at least 1/3 of the way through something to give up, or at least to want to. This time, however, it only took me 3 days. HOWEVER, this was basically due to my random weekend trip to Omaha. I know I mentioned that there was mold in my apartment in an earlier post, but it turned out to be worse than we thought. We ended up getting a new apartment (yaay!) right up the street, and this weekend was spent driving Thurs night/Fri morning up to Omaha, spending the rest of Friday and all day Saturday moving, and then driving home Sunday. It was so random, but yet we got so much done! I now feel more completely moved in, and it will make coming back to Omaha in 3 weeks much easier, due to the fact that I got a lot unpacked.

All I'm saying is mold was the reason I was MIA this weekend, so I'm going to continue with the letters now.

DAY 3: YOUR PARENTS

Mom and Dad

You guys are truly amazing. I seriously can't even imagine all that you have done for me. You've given up so much to see me achieve, and there is no way I could ever repay you enough for that. I complained about not having a car to take to Omaha, and you worked in your summer to come up with enough money for me to get a nice car. I know that me going to an expensive private college with no scholarship has been a lot for you guys, especially since dad has been running for judge, but yall never complain about it. I am grateful for all that you do for me.

You two have shaped me to be the person that I am today. Mom's down to earth personality makes me feel like I know what I want, and how to get it, and dad, your sense of humor is what makes me feel like I can get through anything. (And I'm not going to say that I haven't stolen a joke or two from you!)

The constant love and support I have gotten from you guys has been amazing. You have come to every volleyball/basketball/softball/track/cheerleading event that I've been in, and watched me. When I wanted to cheer in basketball season my senior year, you took over my duties for Michael's team so that I could.

I have enjoyed being home with you guys this summer, and am really going to miss you when I go back to Nebraska, but I think that what this summer has given me is a new perspective, and I think that I will be able to carry that with me, and I have you two to thank for that. I love you both.

Love, Mb

DAY 2: YOUR CRUSH

Well this may come as a surprise to......... no one. Day 2 was the no-brainer letter. So here it goes.. Day 2: your crush... Joel Fuchs.

Joel Fuchs

You have literally been one of the most sturdy people in my life. You always know what you want, and you know how to work to get it. You never let yourself stray from what you know and believe it, and I admire that so much in you.

I'll always remember when I met you, when we were playing volleyball in the fitness center at school. I was really nervous because I didn't know anyone, and you made me feel like I fit in. We've had great times together, like Ranger games and Medieval Times, and we've also had bad times like The Thanksgiving Incident of 2008. No matter what has happened, though, we've pulled through and I believe it has just made us closer.

There's no telling of what our future will bring us, or where it will lead, but I know that no matter what happens, you're going to go forward and give 100% to what you want. I truly believe that you will be a doctor one day, and you will work hard to provide excellent patient care.

I admire your work ethic, and your ability to put up with me. I know I can be trying at times, and I really thank you for putting up with me. I know I can be demanding, and probably extremely hard to deal with. I also know that my extreme likes and dislikes of foods have probably changed your diet to one that you would probably rather not have, but never once have you complained. Thank you so much for everything you do for me. Seriously, I don't know what I would do without your constant support. I call you just to vent about whats going on in my life and you just listen and don't tell me that I'm wrong or anything. I am lucky to have you, and now that I do, don't think you're going anywhere, Mister.

Love, Mb

DAY 1: YOUR BEST FRIEND

When thinking about who I should write about for my best friend, only one name came to mind. I knew from the start that this would be the first letter I wrote. My best friend: Sarah Oeftering.

Sarah Oeftering.

You've been my friend since I met you in kindergarten,

and you've been my friend through girl scouts, middle school basketball, high school, boyfriends, and break ups. We've gotten in trouble for cheating and throwing lunch boxes in trees, but no matter what happens, I know you're always there for me. I know we've had our share of fights, and freshman year of high school was not my best moment. Regardless, I feel like you're one of the only people I come back for in the summer and I love you for always being there for me.

I love how when we hang out it can be a day apart or it can be an entire semester, and it's never awkward or anything. I hate that we go to school a million miles apart, and theres been quite a few times that I still wish we would have ended up at Iowa State together. I know you'd love the Midwest lifestyle, but I know you're loving NY waaayy too much to come out to the country. PLUS I love having an excuse to go to New York!

No matter where life takes me, I know whenever

I eat bagels, or smile like a princess, I'll think of you, and how you've impacted my life. I know that if I'm ever having a problem, I can call you and you'll listen. You always know exactly what to say when I need to talk to you. Thanks for always being there for me.

Love, Mb

30 Day Letter Challenge

I never thought I would be one to remember to update my blog even semi-regularly, but something about this keeps drawing me back in. I haven't been doing too much lately, and the redundancy of my life lately has not been anything that anyone should be interested in.

I might have to move to Omaha sooner than expected, thanks to bugs, mold, leaks, and broken floor tiles. Yes, my brand-new apartment seems to have more than a few flaws, but my roommates are wonderful and trying to figure out everything without me there. Hopefully we can get everything worked out so that I don't have to make them do too much without me, but it seems like there will have to be a few changes around our place.

I have decided to take part in the 30 day letter challenge, thanks to Madison Harrington. She has been doing this for awhile now, and it seems so empowering and fun, so I'm going to attempt to give it a try. Here's how it goes:

The 30 Day Letter Challenge

WRITE A LETTER TO THESE PEOPLE :

Day 1 — Your Best Friend

Day 2 — Your Crush

Day 3 — Your parents

Day 4 — Your sibling (or closest relative)

Day 5 — Your dreams

Day 6 — A stranger

Day 7 — Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush

Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend

Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet

Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to

Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to

Day 12 — The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain

Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you

Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from

Day 15 — The person you miss the most

Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state/country

Day 17 — Someone from your childhood

Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be

Day 19 — Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad

Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest

Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression

Day 22 — Someone you want to give a second chance to

Day 23 — The last person you kissed

Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory

Day 25 — The person you know that is going through the worst of times

Day 26 — The last person you made a pinky promise to

Day 27 — The friendliest person you knew for only one day

Day 28 — Someone that changed your life

Day 29 — The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to

Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror

So.. here goes! Wish me luck...

Help! I need somebody...

Sorry, I had to. The Beatles are dominating my life right now, thanks to Penny Lane in Wilmington, NC. But seriously, though. I need "help!" every Tuesday that I have to babysit the Laird monsters. Really, though. They're usually bad, and today was no exception.

My day started with my alarm clock going off about 45 minutes before I wanted it to, and of course just as I got back to sleep, I had to actually get up. Getting to the Laird's is NEVER an easy feat, and today proved to be the same, as morning rush hour and downtown Dallas > Marybeth. Ever since my accident over the Trinity bridge about a month ago, I've been super

nervous to attempt to drive in traffic, and needing to be up in University Park by 9:30 am means not only do I need to leave my house by at LEAST 8:30, I also need to be ready to brave traffic, and awful drivers in downtown.

After about an hour of more games of Candy Land and Hi-Ho Cherry-O than anyone over the age of 7 would want to play in a week, Preston (the 4-year-old) is bored of board games and decides that he really wants to play with the sprinkler-hose. In the house. When I stop him (barely!) from getting the entire kitchen wet, I am met with a punch to the face and a "YOU'RE THE WORST BABYSITTER EVER!" temper tantrum. I finally calmed him down and entertained him by putting together about 5 60-piece puzzles (thanks for the idea Paolo!) until he tries to EAT a puzzle piece.

After the eating incident, I decide it might be time for lunch. All the kid will eat is mac and cheese, and luckily enough, when the twins come home, they're ok with that too. Of course, when I make it, they don't need napkins, thats what my shirt is for! My Stanford waterpolo shirt has seen better days.

As per PJ's idea, I decide now is the time to tire them out with 2 on 2 soccer. I told Preston he could be my teammate, which was greeted with, "Uhh, no thanks. You kinda suck at sports." Wow, thanks. So we run around for about an hour, and it finally seems like the kids are getting tired, with Katie kicks the ball as hard as she can at Elizabeth's head. I guess from 12 years of volleyball I still have some good hand-eye coordination because LUCKILY I was able to block the ball in time, but that didn't stop the fight that broke out between the two of them.

Nap time was great for about 10 minutes. I put the kids to bed, and start the other half of my job-- house keeping. Yeah, I didn't know thats what I was signing up for either, but whatever. So I open the dishwasher that I was told was ran that morning, and this is what I see. Okay, seriously? I know I'm all for saving the earth, but this is like... sad. What a waste of water! I was so appalled! Anyways, just as I was finishing up putting the 7 dishes away, the doorbell rings. Its the kids. They had snuck out of the house, and thought they were being funny. They weren't.

Other than me having to pry two of them apart for trying to "kiss on the lips" (umm YUCK) and Mrs. Laird (oh, didn't I say? Shes home the whole time. No idea why she needs a babysitter.) putting them in time out and them getting mad at me, we were able to get through most of the rest of the afternoon unscathed. As most people know, I'm a very picky eater. I don't eat ANYTHING. Well, for a snack, they all wanted organic wheat gluten-free rice cakes. Oh my god. I took one bite and gagged. No wonder Preston wanted to eat the puzzle piece, it had more flavor than this thing. It literally tasted like I was eating cardboard!

All and all, these kids aren't so horrible. Yes, they are not the nicest kids, and make me miss Seneca and Colter every day, but they're pretty darn cute when it comes down to it. And sometimes they do things to make your heart melt.

Until next time.