Author Archives: Reed Sandridge

Day 189: Beth

Posted on July 8, 2015 | Leave a comment
Day 189-3

Fighting Pandas 2011

Once a week during the dog days of summer I head down to the National Mall to play softball with some colleagues from work. It’s a lot of fun, but we’re not exactly making the sports highlights at night. Actually, that’s not true. One time we did when Bryce Harper showed up to pinch hit for the other team. You can check out the video here.

Anyway, one of my coworkers, Beth, said that the reason she has not come to cheer the team on is that she has never received an official invitation and she doesn’t know where the games are played. Done. See you at the games Beth!

Day 189

Elizabeth,

You are cordially invited to join the Fighting Pandas softball team as they battle their way to the 2015 Green League Softball Playoffs. Your attendance is requested at the National Mall for the following events:

Monday July 13 vs. Global Swarming
Tuesday July 21 vs. CLAW
Tuesday July 28 vs. TNC Naturals

All games have a scheduled start time of 6pm and generally do not start on time. Attire is “panda casual”. Cold beverages are available for those who play or cheer. Cheerleaders feel free to use the following phrases of encouragement:

Let’s go <insert name here>!
Good eye, good eye!
That was a helluva poke!
Shake it off, you’ll get ‘em next time!

Note: Please refer to Evan Walker only as “Coach” and never look him directly in the eyes.

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Day 188: Gilson and Keila

Posted on July 7, 2015 | 1 comment

 

Today’s letter is for some good friends in Brazil. They lived here in D.C. for a couple years and come back to visit from time to time. Unfortunately, the last couple times they have visited I have had other travel that has caused me to mostly miss their visits.

Day 188

Dear Gilson and Keila,

I hope my 188th letter of the year finds you well. I realize you are not in Sao Paulo right now – I’ve been seeing some of the great food (and drink) you are enjoying in Peru. I’ve been there several times but I’ve never been to Machu Picchu, that should be exciting.

I made another custom envelope liner.

I made another custom envelope liner.

Things here are going well. I’ve been busy working and writing letters. I haven’t done much traveling lately, except the occasional work trip. They’re usually shorter trips than I was accustomed to at Comptel. Instead of transcontinental week-long trips, I typically go to New York City, Boston or maybe Florida for a few days. It’s a lot easier, but sometimes I miss traveling to places where English is not the first language.

I hope that you are still planning on coming to the US in September – have you already signed up for the Tough Mudder? You are welcome to stay at my place. Hopefully this time I will actually be here!

I miss you guys and hope that it works out to see you here later this year.

Abracos,
Reed

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Day 187: Keaton Marek

Posted on July 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

Day 187-3Just after midnight on June 14th, Keaton Marek, a 22-year-old recent graduate of George Washington University, was found dead on the sidewalk near the intersection of 24th and M streets here in Washington. I work less than a block away and frequent a Starbucks there often.

I went by today and saw a memorial of letters and flowers and stopped to read them. Although I did know the young man, I was moved to write him a note and place it at the memorial.

RIP Keaton.

 

Day 187-4

Keaton,

We never met, but perhaps we crossed paths as I live nearby. I as deeply saddened to learn about your death. It touched me as it has so many others. I read the heartfelt messages that others have left for you and your family. I read about your athletic and academic accomplishments, your volunteer work and your natural curiosity of the world. I wish that I, and others, had known you. You made a difference in people’s lives and they are better for having known you. 

You will live forever in our hearts.

With love for you and your family,
Reed Sandridge

KeatonMemorial_DH-3

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Sunday Notes & Letters for Week 28

Posted on July 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

Wow…so I am more than half way through the Year of Letters. In one way I am excited, but I caught myself thinking yesterday that this will be over in only x amount of days and that makes me sad. I’m having a so much fun.

Today I thought I would share some handwritten notes from The Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger. By the way, that’s awesome that spell check knows how to spell his name because I didn’t. Anyway, it seems that the former Mr. Universe and 38th governor of the state of California, is a fan of the handwritten note.

pagesix.com

pagesix.com

On Friday I read on the HollywoodReporter.com (I know, judge away) that Schwarzenegger had heard about a father who was suffering from mental illness and wasn’t acting himself. He agreed to watch the latest Terminator with his son and the son reported that his father smiled at one of the scenes – the first time he had smiled in months. The story found its way to the strong man and he wrote the father this personal note.

HollywoodReporter.com

HollywoodReporter.com

But that’s not the only time he’s penned some letters by hand. Check out these other two notes that I found.

Arnie letter

This letter was sent to a Reddit user named Came Out Sideways who had revealed to the actor that his films got him through chemotherapy. Image: metro.co.uk

arnoldletter3

And then there was this note to Reddit fans (he’s a big fan of Reddit!) thanking them for wishing him a happy birthday in July of 2013. Image: dailydot.com

I might need to send him a letter – it seems I might just have a chance at getting a reply!

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Day 185: Thom, Tressa, Tegan and Tate

Posted on July 4, 2015 | Leave a comment
Manassas fireworks from the side mirror.

Manassas fireworks from the side mirror.

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday. Mine was awesome! I spent it with some amazing friends out in Manassas, VA. And while I had a terrific day, I’m not sure my friend Reuben would say the same. Reuben is my friends Chris and Karrin’s dog. I’ve been taking care of him while they traveled up to New England for the weekend.

My best friend for the weekend.

My best friend for the weekend.

Reuben is one of the best dogs I’ve ever known, maybe the best. My ex-girlfriend even offered to buy him for $1,000. I know, that sounds crazy – but if you met Reuben you’d want him all to yourself too. Reuben likes to lounge around the house, take walks, chase and retrieve things you throw, have his belly rubbed, eat grass, sniff telephone polls and occasionally let out a long howl. He likes a lot of things. One thing he does not like I discovered: fireworks.

I thought it would be fun to join my friends and watch the fireworks that they set off in Manassas – which is quite a show I might add. I pictured us sitting in those collapsible chairs or on a blanket, Reuben next to me sitting on his back legs watching the aerial display with the wonder of a two-year old. Nope. It was nothing like that. #DogSitterFail

Day 185

Tom, Tressa, Tegan & Tate, 

It was great to see you guys today. Dinner was delicious – the quinoa salad, fish, shrimp, veggies were all amazing! Sorry I had to leave abruptly – note to self: dogs do NOT like fireworks, they will freak out. We got stuck in some traffic heading out of Manassas but had a great view of fireworks from all over on the ride home. Sorry about all the water issues (the house and the car!) – you know what they say, when it rains it pours. Sorry…I couldn’t help myself.

Love you guys – your friendship means a tremendous amount to me.
Reed

I recycled a bag from Paper Source to make this envelope.

I recycled a bag from Paper Source to make this envelope.

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Posted in Thank-yous

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