Re: re: connecting :)

Dear Ashley,

I'm so glad you wrote back! I know life is super crazy right now, and I'm no stranger to having to find a public space to plug up the computer. My space was the Battleground McDonald's, and let me tell you, they do not expect people to order three cappuccinos and set up a whole desktop in their dining room...

I'm sorry to hear that you had a shitty sophomore year. Seems like we were living in parallel without knowing it. You did the right thing by going to counseling, and I'm glad the generic Prozac is working for you (is it fluoxetine? I think that's fluoxetine but I'm probably wrong). You're doing so well now. I can really hear the confidence you've found, and it's stunning!

I'm proud of you for nannying your sister for a whole summer, most people wouldn't do that. I nannied my baby cousins for a week and I almost killed them.

I think the real gem here is that you managed to pay for a semester abroad by yourself. That's grit right there. I loved reading about you on studycation, and especially about your experiences figuring out the train systems. They're so daunting. 0.o

I'm sorry your AD experience wasn't everything you were looking for, but it's good that you found the silver lining in it and still managed to learn. You're so proactive about creating opportunities for yourself. It's inspiring, really! You seem to have a hand in just about everything. I wish I had your energy and drive.

As for your parents... I'm sorry. I commiserate with you. You don't need anyone's permission to do what you want to do, especially if you love it; and especially if you make it happen yourself. If your parents could see what I'm seeing- someone who has made herself strong, independent, resourceful, and resilient- they would have a different attitude about your goals. You know what I think? You're doing it. You're making waves, and you're engendering success. I don't see how that's a bad thing. Your parents don't see that you have been successful at most everything you have tried, and they don't see that you are tackling the myriad challenges life has been throwing your way with grace and aplomb. All they can see is that you're drifting away from them, and you are. But I don't think it's a bad thing. I think it's a sign that you are in a period of major growth, and growth always comes with growing pains. I hope they'll see that.

And look at you now! Working two jobs and an internship. Workaholics never take a break, right? I would love to take a peek at your notebook sometime. I live for the nasty things actors say about others. Actor drama is so petty. It used to infuriate me, and now that I've been through some real drama, actor drama seems so trite. I like your "see everything, say nothing" strategy. I bet one day that notebook will be a museum document when you're rich and famous. ;)

Speaking of rich and famous, if you decide for sure that you want to break into the talent management business, I'm first in line to hire you. I'd trust you with my career any day.


I'm writing this from the school's student rec center, which is currently home to a summer camp called the Landry Academy. It's a mostly-science academic camp for homeschooled high-schoolers, with a little twist of Jesus thrown in to make it interesting. I found a new job with the conferencing/events department of the school, which handles and accommodates any group who rents out the school property. It's busy during the summer, which is great because I owe the school several hundred dollars before I start the fall semester. If I keep my budget tight I should barely break even.

I'm meeting all sorts of interesting people from all sorts of places, and it's amazing. It seems like every day, I meet new strangers, and they're all fascinating. I should start writing my interactions down so I don't forget them.

BTW- if you find yourself with a little vacation time, Banner Elk is perfect during the summer. And I've always got a bed for you. :)


Write back soon (but no pressure)! This is a very good idea.

Love you!