Shoutout to Scott and your co-worker (didn't see his nametag!) at the Bayers Road TD bank. Thanks for putting up with my shit (and subsequently laughing at me) when I thought I left my debit card in the machine earlier that day and needed a new one. But thanks even more for not laughing when I found it in my wallet right after you replaced it. I owe you guys a beer. -Ashamed

My incredible thirst made me do it. I bolted toward the Town Clock before I got your number...and would love to see you again. -From Edmonton to Creston

You met me at the Common to skateboard. You were pretty awesome. We kept hanging out. We had late-night skate cruises together and chatted about music at parties. Thursday nights we had sleepovers, because Friday was the only day we were both free. We put up glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling and fell asleep in space. In the fall I went to school and took the ferry by your apartment all the time. Now when I take it it reminds me of mornings of waking up to you. I can't believe a whole year has passed by and its summer all over again. Thank you for such an incredible start to our time together. You are the one I love and my best friend. -KT

It was Friday the 13th, there was a full moon and both of us found ourselves in places that were not the norm but somehow, for some reason, thinking about each other. I think this was meant to happen—it is just too coincidental to not be fate. I certainly do not regret pursuing this with you—it has been on my mind for at least two years. I cannot stop hitting the replay button and getting tingly thinking about our next sleepover. Your directness makes me blush, and I think that you being older makes you that much sexier. Plus, you seem to have learned a few things over the years that I certainly appreciate. My only complaint is that you have too many responsibilities that are keeping you from being in my bed on a more regular basis...knock it off, come pull my hair! I know that for so many reasons we can't work and will never actually be together, but I can't help but wonder if the situation were different, would I actually fall for you? -Smitten

And that's all I could say to the lovely nurse who helped me through one of the hardest things I have ever had to over come. There's a difference between doing your job and actually caring about the patient, and you made me feel as though you genuinely cared. I'm writing this with one nurse in mind, but every other nurse who takes their job seriously and cares deeply about their patient deserves a huge pat on the back. Thank you isn't enough, but it's all I've got. -Appreciative

This message is to all the handsome men and cuties who have grown beards in the past while: you are making my summer SO much better. So many men, so many beards! My bus ride to work is made much more interesting because of you and it only makes summer hotter to see all you handsome hunks walking around with all those sexy, woofing beards! Keep it up! Oh yeah, and the skin-tight jeans and t-shirts don’t hurt either! -A Beard Admirer

Awake too early, but I don’t mind,
because it’s another morning together.
Tired, difficult, uncooperative
anybody else but you I would not tolerate.
It’s time for breakfast!
Cheerios seemed to have helped
because I finally get a smile.

Let’s get dressed!
What do you want to do today?
Go see ducks? The park? Coffee place?
“Elephants!” you say. This could take awhile...

Lunch time.
Grilled cheese and no hassle—progress!
Nap time seems promising now
two hours would make us both happy.

Sleep did the trick.
It’s a new you—the you I love the most.
The sun is out
and the afternoon is wide open.
The wagon awaits my son,
so get in and hold on!
Look both ways
is it safe to cross?
“Car coming, Daddy!”
He’s learning.

Here’s hoping all that fresh air
tired you out somewhat.
What do you want for supper?
“Noodles!”
I can do that.

Why can’t every dinner time
be like this one—you really like it.
Wow, pocket on bib still ate more than you did.
“Clean up time!”
One more routine to go...

We’re definitely washing your hair tonight
because sauce-y hair isn’t a good look for you.
Hey, no splashing!
Time to get out, pull the plug.
I grab the towel...“Baby Burrito!” I shout.
Lots of giggles.

Let’s get your jammies on, brush our teeth,
and then we’ll read some stories.
Sitting on my lap, your damp hair smells so nice,
this is the you I love the most.
Lights out, cuddles, kisses, “Night-night!”

Fingers crossed. -AJB

I had forgotten so many things.

A smile to be reckoned with
We laughed at every moment
The way you looked at me
Passionate encounters
You were so beautiful
A brain to admire
A loyal friend
We dreamed together
Anything was possible
I was so very lucky.

Then I remembered
and wrote them down. -AJB

Just when I haD given up on people, I came across some who have restored my faith in humanity. After my dog was hit by a car—and the person who hit him kept on driving—many people came to my dog's aid. Made sure that I was alright and offered to drive me to the vet. It truly made up for the person driving off and not coming back to check on my dog. I really appreciated it and will never forget it. -I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for the people who helped me

Your beautiful blues and stunning smile make my day. -I'll Say Hi Next Time