Dear Diet Coke,

I missed you so much! I know you aren’t good for me, but I can’t help myself. You are a part of me and I don’t think that will every change.

Sips and kisses,

Chloe

P.S. Please don’t be offended when I return to the States permanently and lose much of my interest. I’m just your typical girl; always wanting what I can’t have.

Dear Delta,

I really, really like you, but things got a little touchy there for a minute (or five). I don’t blame you for my lack of upgrades. I mean, I can’t really compete with your platinum and diamond members. But the canceled flight that was so poorly handled? Things were not looking good for us. And then my bags that almost didn’t make it on the plane because your new terminal at JFK still needs a little more signage. I was seriously questioning my loyalty. But, thankfully, you made up for it in a voucher, bags that arrived on time, and access to the Sky Club. Hopefully next trip will be a little less eventful.

With some reservations,

Chloe

Dear Dan, Bill, and college kid whose name eludes me right now,

Thanks for wanting to drive down to South Bend when our flight from Detroit got canceled. I would have been so sad to not be with my monkeys when they woke up Friday morning. And Dan, thank you for providing some serious laughs (on the inside…I didn’t want to make you feel awkward) when you awoke with a start because the car fish tailed just a little. I mean there’s nothing quite like an “Oh jeez!” flying out of someone’s mouth upon waking up. It was pretty much awesome. College Kid and me had a good laugh at your expense once we dropped you off. The best drive with three strangers at midnight in a snow storm that I could have every hoped for.

Love,

A girl who’s really glad you weren’t rapists or serial killers because that would have really ruined my time in the States

Dear Chili’s,

You are one of a few chain restaurants that I truly love. Not just tolerate or put up with, but actually love. Thank you for being in JFK and DTW. Diet Coke, chips and salsa, and a molten. What more could a girl ask for?

Love,

A girl who wonders why she struggles with her weight (okay, not really)

Dear Foreigner,

I knew you were an ’80s hair band when I saw you in the Sky Club, but admittedly didn’t realize which one (or that you were actually pretty famous) until I saw the CD you gave the concierge and verified via google images. Unfortunately, I also didn’t figure out in time to get an autograph for my older brother. He’s a huge fan of Mick Jones.

With much regret,

Chloe

P.S. You guys all seemed super nice (crew included) and that made me happy.

Dear Hertz,

I just want to apologize for the damage I did to the very nice, 2014 Subaru I rented (well, I was upgraded into). I didn’t intentionally not see that the road narrowed or that there was a curb hiding under all of that snow as I cruised along at 40 MPH, but that doesn’t change the fact that I did it. Unfortunately for you, I did purchase the full insurance (a rule of thumb in crap weather) so I’m not paying anything to repair it. That said, given the number of other times I’ve purchased the insurance and not had any issues, I think you’re still coming out on top.

My sincere apologies,

A girl who is glad she errs on the side of caution these days

Dear Sister-in-Law,

Thank you for being into hair and makeup so that when I had to leave my luggage in Detroit I know it was going to be okay.

Love,

Your sister-in-law who is equally into hair and makeup and needs them both much more than you these days

Dear little brother (yes, I will always call you “little”),

Thanks for being awesome and changing out the flat tire in a snow storm before I even realized it had gone flat overnight and couldn’t be fixed. You know I could have done it because you taught me how, but I really appreciate that I didn’t have to.

Love your favorite sister (it’s okay, everyone knows it’s true),

Chloe

P.S. Erika and Alicia, if you’re reading this, don’t be offended. It’s not like I’m winning by a lot. Just a little. But I am winning.

Dear Grandma,

Thanks for teaching me how to make Swedish pancakes. Mine aren’t nearly as good as yours (Brad says it’s because I don’t add enough love…), but the littles all like them just fine (as do the bigs) and I have you to thank for that. And yes, I do still eat mine like I did when I was four. They just taste better that way.

Love,

Chloe

P.S. Happy belated birthday! (I did leave you a message, but the time difference makes things a little tricky…)

Dear Noodles,

Even with all of the varieties of gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese I have been able to try over the past few years, yours is still my fave. And I’m pretty sure a certain munchkin feels the same way.

Sincerely,

Chloe

Dear Nev,

Thanks for sponsoring another amazing dinner for your children. We really appreciate it. Sad you couldn’t be there with us! But, since you couldn’t, here’s a picture of the dessert Justin ordered. A delicious bourbon cup(literally)cake with maple frosting and bacon. Maybe not an ideal dessert, but an awesome breakfast idea. Anyway, it was lovely.

Love,

Your favorite youngest daughter

Dear muddy buddies,

Thank you.

Chloe

Dear sick baby,

I’m sad you weren’t feeling well, but I can’t lie. The resulting cuddles were my favorite.

Love,

Auntie Chlo-Chlo

Dear Book and Run,

You are by far my favorite card game. I just wish more people knew how to play you. And thanks for working in my favor this go. It felt so good to beat both Justin and Cherity. If only Erika had been there, my victory would have been complete.

Hope to play you soon,

Chloe

Dear Soccer,

Thank you for being an awesome sport (second only to swimming) and keeping my nieces and nephews busy and active and me entertained. I don’t know if there’s anything cuter than a bunch of 3-7 year olds running around the field trying to score goals. Adorable.

Sincerely,

A girl whose mom ensured she would always love you

Dear Jimmy John,

I’m so sad I didn’t know you existed all of those years I spend in Arizona. I could have know the joy of a #9 so much sooner!

With much sadness about my sandwich options in Japan,

Chloe

Dear Coco,

I’m sorry that you don’t love your little buddy as much as he loves you because seriously, he’s the sweetest. But maybe if I had a tail he pulled I’d try to avoid him the same you do.

Love,

A girl who hopes you’ll try a little harder

Dear Legos,

Dear Little Miss Munchkin,