Dear everyone,

No, I still don't have a computer.

First of all, I need to take care of two things. One, I AM GOING TO ITALY. That is why I'm writing this letter. It amazes me how many people don't seem to know that I'm going, but I've been telling you all since August. Go back and read my journal. I promise. And it's all over Tri-Leaders.com. This also means that practically no one reads it anymore anyway, so I'm thinking about getting rid of it.

And second. What's up with you people? I mean, I've been gone for like, three months, and I've gotten two cards, one phone call, and one email. Really. I'll be forced to glare should this not improve during the summer.

Again, as I'm going to Europe, I can't afford a new computer. But I know that I have some painting commissions when I come back, and a new job lined up, so I'll save everything to get a new one.

Okay, enough ranting. This is my "I'm going away and I have a lot to tell you people" letter. And I do have a lot to say, so this will be long. This is the best way to write to all of you at the same time. But I want you all to do me a favor. If you see someone mentioned in my letter and you see them online, make sure they come and read this? It's not so much to ask. Especially you people who know what the code names mean. ;) I want you to make sure each other see it. Yes, I used code names. If you have one, look for it.

And also, don't be offended if I write more to some people and less to others. Really. You all know I love you, but you also know that friendships are different with different people. So suck it up! ;)

On with the actual letter :

I know, I mean I *know* that none of us are the same people that we were when we met. I get that. But, being without all of you for what, three months? Yeah, you try it. My whole support system got taken away. I keep seeing things and thinking, "I've got to tell Ann about-no wait. I can't." Or "Centerfold! I have to tell John I heard that on the---nope. Nevermind." Stuff like that.

While my internet won't work, I still have my files on my computer. All my chats and the backed-up pages of my website. And I've been reading them. We were so weird. (Bonus reference points!) And we still are weird, I know. But a lot of those friendships don't exist anymore. Or there are new friendships. And yeah, I know there's no going back, because like I said, we aren't the same people. Maybe that's sad, but it's true. *shrug* Plus, we're all graduating and going to college and being busy. I absolutely hate that, but there it is.

What I intend for the rest of these personalized letters is to tell each of you exactly what I think and remind you of some good things. Honestly, parts of it were hard to write, but it was also great fun. And it's taken me a few days. So keep reading, tell others to come read it, and have a great summer! I will talk to you all sometime when I get back.

I love you! Margie

***

Dear Laura,

First of all, thank you for being one of the rare people with whom nothing has ever changed. Our friendship has never been less or more, it's always been whatever it is, no questions asked. You'll laugh at this, but you'll understand it:

"Hi, how are you?"
"Good, you?"
"Good. But this is my problem."
"Oh. Well this is my problem."
"Okay. Thanks for listening."
"Yeah, you too."
"I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Okay, now that we're done with that, let's have a party!"
"I'll bring the drinks!"
"Good!"
"Seabikkit!"


…..Yes, it's like that. *nods* No need to ever elaborate or go too much into it. So therefore, that's all I have to say to you.

Well, other than: remember these?

Dogs, Wars, and Lesbians. Now with added shrubberies!

The Survey of the Week ™

The milk is in the refrigerator.

You are so coming to my house next summer. Or I'll be at yours.

Yours for millennium hand and shrimp,
Margie

***

My Three Musketeers,

You know who you are.

You were the first three people I ever let into my life. I mean, ever. For some reason, I allowed myself to be whoever I wanted to be with you and you encouraged me. Thank you. I found out who I really am and I like her.

Aside from being there for me, you were there for each other, too. I know you don't talk anymore, but don't ever forget that. Our little four-person circle was the greatest thing ever. I particularly remember the first night I told you that I loved you and all three of you said it back. It was magic.

I won't put quotes or jokes or whatever because people don't have to know who you are. You know and I know, and we all know that the fourth musketeer would have been a girl.

All for one and all for love,
Margie

***

Dear Jasy,

You know why I love you. I explained it all in that novel-length version of a Christmas card. I meant every word when I wrote it, and I mean it now.

Otherwise, thank you for letting me see past the jokes, the ego, the good looks, and the charm to see everything else.

Oh, and I'll put on that nurses' uniform any time you want me to. *wink*

I love you, even if you love the lamp more than me,
Margie

***

Dear Caller Number Seven,

I really can't say anything to you that I haven't said before, countless times. No, we don't talk very often these days, but we are both busy (and I'm lacking a computer ;)). But you know, I don't think we need to.

I've told you this before, but we have that kind of friendship where we don't have to say anything. It's also such that we can say whatever we want, anything we want, and it doesn't matter. That sort of thing is not something I'm ever letting go of, so prepare yourself. You're stuck with me forever. But I still like all the gossip, you know. I must know such things.

*sigh* I am so very proud of you, for being who you are. You are my hero.

My inside jokes for you are as follows: Noodles (I do still have the ones you sent me for Christmas), Step One is to boil the water, then add cranberry juice, then have guttersex, and then say

I love you forever and ever, amen,
Margie

***

Dear Holly,

I just re-read the card you sent me where you said you knew we'd meet each other some day. Well here's some interesting news for you: One of my good friends in the art department lives in Roswell, if I ever need somewhere to stay. I'm with you, we will meet one day. Maybe sooner than we think. We'll see.

*becomes cryptic* You will find what you're looking for. Promise.

I love you!
Margie

***

Dear Liese,

I love you! That seems to be all we have time to say to each other lately, but it works. ;) You can't miss me as much as I miss you.

Hey, find me some new pretty things to *want* while I'm gone.

You are perfect and I love you,
Margie

***

Dear Eric,

It's weird to me that we haven't really been close friends. Maybe it's not that weird, but we are a lot alike. Face it, we are. Maybe the world will end, but there you have it. You know, you were in the very first chat I was ever in. Talking about purple paper clips. I remember that. It was like, "I'm talking to Tyrael and Chris and Yoda and MC from the Messageboard. Wow." And now I look back and it's like, "Those idiots. What did purple paper clips have to do with anything?"

Just so that you know, I respect you and your opinions greatly.

Yes, yes, with love,
Margie

***

Dear Girls,

Yes, all of you, including but perhaps not limited to: Laura, Holly, Liese, Katherine, Lori, Tina, Michelle, and Ili.

I promise, one day when I get back I *will* put up the "Girlz Onlee, No Boyz Alowwed" sign and we will have a great chat. And tie up some boys while we're at it. Keep them busy while I'm gone.

You are all so beautiful and strong and smart and wonderful and just the best. In someone else's words, "You rock!"

*throws in sekkrit joke, just for fun*

I love you,
Margie

***

Dear My Twin,

I feel so disconnected from you. You know it, too. We used to finish each other's sentences, so it's strange that I have no idea what you've been doing since you went off to college. And maybe that's my fault for not being around, either.

We have to work on it. Maybe we need a ride in a new CB? I can still do it if you can. I'll even steal new airsickness bags from the airplane. As long as we don't have to go to the bathroom again, it will be just fine.

I lv y,
Margie

***

Dear Aussie!Chris,

You're another one of those people that I've said everything to already. You make me laugh. You make everyone laugh. And we're all laughing at you! Hah!

No, really. That's what makes you the best. I love you!

You wanna know a secret? Come closer….closer…closer…YOU'RE THE DOODY HEAD, NOT ME!!!! Mwhahahahaha!!!

Don't overdose on the Kool-Aid,
Margie

***

Dear Adam,

Oh, great maker of Evil Gin, I need some to take with me.

You may not like this, but I'm telling you anyway. You've been so serious lately. I know, it's school and work and all of that. But bring out the wild side for me sometime? Take some sugar pills and talk in all caps.

You have to do what I say, anyway. I know things that other people don't know. *blackmails* Because I'm like that. ;)

I heart you,
Margie

***

Dear Sheep!Chris,

I think I've discussed this with you before, but do you know why I talked to you for the first time? Zach told me that you had a moving Yeerk icon and that I should talk to you so that I could see it. Isn't that weird?

As my adopted little brother, I'm proud of everything you've done. You are the reason I need sunglasses. Don't break any bones while I'm gone. I mean, who else would you call to make sure you needed to go to the doctor? And don't pull the lever, either. Why do we still have that lever, anyway?

Love,
Margie

***

Dear Zach,

I LOVE YOU!

Sincerely, Me

***

Dear Todd,

Hey, hot stuff. Have I ever told you that I find it endearing that you say things like that? Well, if I haven't, now I have.

I was thinking (obviously). We started out as sort-of-friends. Then there was that chat which shall never be discussed again (wink) and we became really good friends. I mean, we had to be after that. But then, we had that big fight and didn't even talk to each other for a long time? Do you remember what we were fighting about? I do. And now, having been through all of that, I think our friendship is stronger for it.

You hang in there and be happy.

Love,
Margie

***

Dear Lori,

How's this for honesty? I always feel, that when we talk, we're somehow competing with each other. Do you feel that? Not in a bad way or anything, but somehow.

I believe that it's because we're so much alike, and yet so different. Because we are. Our personalities are a lot alike, but then you like Ewan and I like hobbitses. How that could be, I just don't know. *wink*

Hold down the fort while I'm gone. Play some Scrabble, have some coffee, have fun.

Love you!
Margie

***

Dear Umar,

You are so very different from anyone I've ever known. Which is a good thing. Both sides of you. Because yes, I've seen the serious side and I've seen the "lack of sleep, high on PM2" side. I like both of them.

I hope you're less busy when I get a computer back, because we don't see each other nearly enough anymore.

Love,
Margie

***

Dear John,

You are an odd one, aren't you? In case no one has told you this one, I truly appreciate your….well, your obsessions. Okay, so I'm not that obsessed, but I do enjoy a good So Weird every now and then. And maybe some chickens on the altar. Taking over the world. Bad 80's music. That sort of thing.

I know what you can do while I'm gone! Want to guess? No, I'll just tell you. Write stuff! Don't make me give out a deadline. ;)

I LOVE YOU! (with extra enthusiasm),
Margie

***

Dear Tri-Leaders (yes, yes, and John and Co, too),

You people. I can't say that you keep me sane, because it's the opposite. You drive me crazy.

But I will have you know this: There are no other people I'd rather spend my imaginary time with. Well, Roses' imaginary time. We've had some great adventures. My Nanowrimo this year is a Tri-Leader book, just so you know. It's going to be great.

That's another benefit from all of you. Not only do you encourage me to live in my imagination, but you encouraged me to start writing. Way back in the RHTRCJPB days. Now I enjoy writing. What a concept.

Now, do NOT go in my office while I'm gone, don't look for the whip because I'm taking it with me, the tranquilizer gun in is the storage shed, and keep a close watch on each other, because there will be no taking over the world without me.

I'll get us some contacts in Europe so we can branch out, like Ann suggested.

Love,
Roses



***

I think that's all I wanted to say.

Oh! Someone save good chats for me.

Take care of each other.

Italy, here I come!