Dear Mr. President February 9, 2010

Dear Mr. President,

You may wonder why I am writing to you. It may seem odd to post a letter to you on my blog but I wanted this letter not only to reach you but others who may or may not share similar concerns and or thoughts. My main concern is "can you hear me, can you hear us?" " Who, if anyone is listening?". I want to be clear this is in no way to slander, hurt, or compromise you, Mr. Obama, as a person, a man, and or President. Nor is it grounds for myself or persons who read/comment on this blog to be disrespectful, rude, arrogant, proud, or in anyway hurtful. I defiantly do not give the right or authorize the use of these letters or their content in anyway to anyone including but not limited to any type of media. My words are not weapons- let that be clear. I am only here to tell a story. A story in which I feel may be like many others in some form or fashion.

So here's the deal. I have a plan. I hope to write you a letter consistently for 30 days. I will post these letters to my blog. In these letters I will tell you about my day. Basically the who, what when, and where of my day. I will address concerns that revolve around issues I and others I know face on a day to day basis.I will usually ask you questions- most of which will not be rhetorical. Sir, if possible I would appreciate an answer- even a I don't know would suffice. I apologize in advance for any spelling or grammatical errors I promise to do the best I can with the time I have.

Okay, now that we've got that down let's get to know each other. My name is Mary Elizabeth Gauldin. I was born in Waynesboro, VA but am now a proud resident of Abilene,TX. I came to Abilene to attend Abilene Christian University due to finances I could not finish my college education there. I took a break from school for two years, also because of finances, but am now attending Cisco College here in town as a part time student. I work full time at Harmony Family Services as Youth Care Worker and work part time as the office manager at Sharky's Burrito. If you want to learn more about my job at Harmony, please read my post called Ninety Days. I volunteer at Connecting Caring Communities and have been involved with them since 2006. My hobbies include photography, painting, drawing, writing, planning projects, cooking/baking, reading, walking, singing, playing the piano, wii boxing, watching the Dallas Cowboys, basketball, and traveling. Things I am trying to learn are Spanish, French, how to "speak softly and carry a big stick", save money, be less of a consumer, live a healthy life style, and be more confident. My current education goals are to obtain a bachelors degree(s) in Global Poverty and Peace Development and Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts. I would also like to work towards both a Masters and Ph. D in related fields. As far as my career goals, I desire to do many things but wonder how obtainable they truly are. I would like to specialize in family and play therapy- with an emphasis on families who are in poverty ( both internationally and domestically).I am interested in working with persons who are incarcerated and their families. I also interested ridding poverty through global and domestic development programs. My particular interest in those programs are family systems, education, and public health.

Well, Mr. President. I'm am about ready to call it a night. I am working the midnight shift at my job and need a little nap. So your question today is " Aren't you tired of this cold weather?" I know it's cold there and it sure is cold here. Okay, I know, what a question but you just wait, I'll have a good one for you soon.

I wish you and your family love and peace.

Sincerely,

Mary Gauldin