Glory
January 16, 2004
Dear Glory,
You shouldn’t tell people they’re poor, even though I know my family is poor. It’s rude. My dad always says that the richest people are the ones who are doing the things they love. But it would be nice for my family to have a little more money. And the reason I made a ninja mask out of underwear is because the elastic was already there and it fit right. I don’t think it was gross. The underwear was probably clean.
If you want to go to a place with snow for Christmas, you should come to Chicago. We get so much snow that when they plow, they make huge piles that don’t go away for months. There was this giant pile of snow in the parking lot at the grocery store down the street, and we went sledding down it until the store manager came out and told us to stop because we kept running into the cars. I thought about sending you a little snow in a sandwich bag, but it would melt by the time it got to you.
Christmas at my house is crazy, but I love it. It’s one of the only times I actually like being with my family. This year my cousins and Grandma came to visit from Cleveland, and our apartment was packed. You couldn’t walk around at night because people were sleeping all over the floor. But we played a lot of games and made a lot of food. And every year on Christmas Eve we all go help out at the Salvation Army and then go caroling at night. I got a used guitar for Christmas. It’s pretty beat up, and one of the strings is missing, but I’ve been playing it for hours every day, and I think I’m getting pretty good at it. My brothers and sisters don’t even mind when I play it. Do you play any instruments?
I hope your Christmas wasn’t as lame as the year before. You’re welcome to come to my house next year, you probably just won’t have a place to sleep.
Bye,
Collin
March 3, 2004
Dear Collin,
I’m sorry I said your family was poor. My dad always tells me to be honest and say what’s on my mind, but my mom says sometimes it’s okay to lie. Parents are confusing.
My Christmas was fine. I got a nice set of paints and some new clothes and movies. We had some family friends over for dinner, which was okay. At least we all got to be together for the day. I would actually love to go to your house next Christmas, but my parents have already planned a vacation to Hawaii. Plus, I don’t think my parents would send me all the way to Chicago by myself.
I don’t play any instruments. We have a grand piano in our front room, but every time I play it my dad says it’s too loud. I don’t know why we have it. Maybe it’s just for decoration. My Aunt Sara plays it sometimes when she comes over. I wish I could hear you play your guitar. What songs do you know?
Lately a boy in my class has been bothering me. His name is Michael Dunford, and he’s always calling me names or poking me or taking my stuff. It’s really annoying. My friend Jessie says it’s because he likes me, but that’s even worse. Boys are gross. Except for you, you’re fine. I just hate going to school now and I don’t know what to do about it.
Anyway, hope it’s not too cold in Chicago.
Sincerely,
Glory
April 21, 2004
Dear Glory,
One time my friend Jimmy liked a girl at church and was always bothering her, and one day when he went to try and pinch her elbow, she pulled his pants down, right in the middle of church! He didn’t like her much after that and left her alone. So you should definitely pants Michael Dunford.
You should learn to play your grand piano. Just do it when your dad isn’t around. My mom always talks about how much she wishes she learned to play the piano. I don’t know too many songs on the guitar, I usually just mess around on it, but some I’ve learned to play are You Are My Sunshine, Wonderwall, and Semi-Charmed Life. Tell me your favorite song and I’ll try to learn it.
Bye,
Collin
Chapter Three: Sixth Grade
June 9, 2004
Dear Collin,
If I pantsed Michael Dunford I would be suspended. But it’s summer break now, so I don’t have to see him for the next three months, and hopefully he won’t be in any of my classes next year in middle school.
My favorite song is Satellite by The Dave Matthews Band. When I can’t sleep I’ll lie in bed and listen to it over and over. I also like All the Small Things by Blink 182.
What are you doing this summer? Are you going to be watching your younger brother and sister again? I’m going to be going to space camp at the end of the summer, and I’m so excited! My friend Dianna called me a nerd for wanting to go to it because she wanted me to go to some cheerleading camp with her. I guess that would be fun, but I don’t see how learning how to jump around and shout things is going to help me get a job when I’m older. Have you ever gone to a summer camp?
