Ummm....... hello?

Well seeing as open letters are all the rage... I have decided to jump aboard the open letter train and fall in line. So here is my letter:

Dear Dustin,

Ok so... umm hello. I think it is about time you and I had a little heart to hear. This letter has been a brewin' for quite some time and you have known it. And believe you, me I have seen that look that you knew something was up and the anticipation has been swelling inside you waiting for everything to be exposed. Well wait no longer, Mr. The time has come for me to get some stuff off my chest, so sit down and read this and don't you dare try to say anything until you are done reading this whole thing.

Who in the hell do you think you are? I mean seriously. I know you pretty well and can say that often you completely forget to be who you are. I mean I know and totally feel bad for everything that has happened the last few years, but don't you think it is about time you let it all go and stop preventing yourself from showing everyone who you are? And those few friends you still have around who might have problems with you suddenly being slightly different? Screw 'em. I mean seriously, how long are you going to keep up a façade just to keep a few people's world views safe?

And that gets to the second point... SAFE? I mean come on. When we first started to get to know each other you were quite the little devil. Purposely doing your little tricks here and there just to bring people out of their mind numbing routines that they get trapped into. Pushing people out of their safe little boxes to make sure that they are continuing to grow in their own ways, while also working so hard as to hide the fact you are doing it. Where did all that go? Have you just become one of them now? Sold out to the routines and the safety that life can present? I sure as hell hope not, because if you did I am not sure you and I can continue to see each other the way we are or even really stay friends.

That whole singing and dancing in the car thing is good though. Keep at it. I mean there is a little of that little devil I remember. Just enjoy life and dance and sing. And remember that the trick isn't making sure no one is watching, but to make them notice. While everyone else is out there trying to hide their singing and dancing in the car, you keep making sure people see it. Because it always makes them smile or laugh. And even if they are laughing at how silly/stupid/etc you are, you are still making them laugh and bringing a bit of joy into their lives in your own random way.

But don't let it all stop there. Remember to keep laughing at yourself. Everyone is always so afraid of being laughed at they forget to laugh at themselves. Life is all about making yourself into the fool and learning from it and laughing from it all. Becoming too serious is not the path you want so turn that proverbial horse right around and get a galloping. You have been on that road a few days too long.

Now here is where I will also say a few other things that you have been doing better: good job on the drinking. You don't go too far, but make sure to have some fun. You know that whole lighten up thing. You have been starting to do a pretty good job at slowly doing it, without going to extremes. I mean thank the Lord you aren't looking to those shinning beacons in Hollywood for guidance on how to lighten up. I mean Lindsay has some awesome film roles, but please her life is not one to emulate lately. But let's stay hopeful for her and the others out there.

There. I think that is it for now. But trust me... you stray or keep on the path I mentioned and we are going to have another serious talkin' which might just lead to another break up entering your life.

So get on.

Have a good weekend do something devilish.

-Dustin