Letters to Mr. Monson

Some of my most valued treasures, are letters that CJ wrote to his middle school teacher Mr. Monson. They were actually supposed to be journal entries, but I guess writing to someone, was better than talking to yourself on paper. Each entry usually started with "Dear Mr. Monson" and was followed by "did you ever" or "have you ever".
The entry that sticks out in my mind the most goes something like:

"Dear Mr. Monson,

Have you ever been in a school program where you try not to look at your mom cause she has black streaks running down her face? Well I have. My mom always cries."

The questions to Mr. Monson were about a wide variety of subjects. Some were funny, some were serious, some were proud and some were even sad. I've often thought about CJ's Mr. Monson letters and how even at such a young age, they must have been very therapeutic. Mr. Monson usually didn't answer the letters but when he did, he did it without advice or judgement saying only "wow" or "thats amazing" or "no, I never had that happen". What a wonderful gift to give a student, a place to ponder about life and your role in it.

So in honor of CJ and Mr. Monson, I've created a "Dear Mr. Monson" page, where I would like to ponder my own life's questions. Thank you CJ, what a wonderful gift to give your mother. I think everyone should have a Mr. Monson.

Miss Queen Uptight

Welcome to our blog. We've been feeling a little disconnected lately, so we've decided to try to keep keep a blog to stay in touch. Please feel free to comment any time.



Chad is starting to get a little antsy. He hasn't been racing for about a month. The track has been closed for summer break. Summertime in Death Valley is not really the most ideal conditions to race in. So, he's patiently waiting for September. He's been contemplating going to Tonopah or Victorville, CA to race. He just hasn't made it out yet.

I had some blood work done recently. The Dr. told me my HDL (good cholesterol) is a little low. He told me there are 3 good ways to raise HDL.
1) exercise: 30 to 40 minutes 4 times a week of a good cardio workout.
2) supplements: a slow release Niacin.
3) Wine: 1 glass a day

I decided against the first one right away. I have every excuse in the book why I can not spend that much time exercising. I'm not good at taking pills every day, so it looks like the second option is out. So that just leaves the third choice. Wine. The Dr. said he didn't recommend start drinking to people who don't already drink, but if your a beer drinker, switch to wine. Now at first, I thought no way am I going to start drinking wine, but as the day wore on, the more I thought about it. So many people have told me a glass of wine is relaxing. We all know that I could use a little relaxing. You know me, Miss Queen Uptight. I've tried wine before. I hate it. Is there such a good thing as "good wine"? Or does it all taste like that crap from a box? If it's an acquired taste, it may take more than a glass a day. LOL!!!! Can you see me drinking a glass of wine, much less enough to acquire the taste. And hmmm.............do you have to drink it in a wine glass, or can any ole glass or cup for that matter, work?

Well, I'll think about it. I'll let you know if I go shopping for wine or Niacin.