Alright, folks, it’s Saint Valentine’s Day and I could not be more ecstatic.  Ha.  I am from the camp of people who believe V-Day is just another sham holiday created by shrewd businesspeople wanting to make a buck.  Wait, did I say V-Day?  I meant to say VD-Day, as one of my coworkers accidentally called it today.  Perfect.  Express your love by spreading STDs.  I’ll spread love with words.  Listen up for your name…

Joan- When Ben was five minutes late, I almost wanted to call you.  Several times today, when the phone rang, I almost thought it was you.  When I look at the last schedule you made, and see your handwriting, it’s almost like you’re still here.  We’re going to miss you more than you know.  Who will our next manager be?  Someone not as good as you.

Mom- Why do you still give me rides?  Seriously.  I am such a loser.  My goal is to pass the driver’s test before the month is out.  By your birthday, I want my license.  And on that day, I can give YOU a ride and show you how important you are to me.  You are such a good person and such a good mother.  Don’t ever doubt yourself.  You are my rock.  My rock.  I wouldn’t survive without you.

Dad- You work so hard.  So ridiculously nonstop.  How do you do it?  Really, I want to know, because I need whatever you’ve got.  It’s intelligence, it’s ambition, but it’s also character.  You have the best character out of anyone I know.  And I’m not saying that just because you’re my dad.  You are amazing.  You are the most stable, reliable force in my life.  Thank you.

Andy- Oh my God, boy!  Why didn’t you TELL us that you were Chief Programmer for a really popular website?!  Damn!  Congrats!  You impress me so much with your computer knowledge and initiative.  You are brilliant.  You have the potential to do anything.  Do it.  I know you can.  Listen and hear me.  Write that essay.  You have a kickass vocabulary and are very articulate.  I believe in you.

Brooke- Oh, my Brookie-loo, my chica, I love you.  Even though you are at UGA, getting ready to graduate early, and I am at home, being a starving artist, we are connected.  We just fit.  I really hope we will remain friends for a very long time, because we understand each other.  It’s not often that that happens.  You are like my long lost sister.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so supportive during my nutcase phase (aka now).  I’ll be coming to Athens soon to see you.  You keep me afloat. 

Nick- I miss you everyday.  We used to be like siblings.  Now you are so far away, living this different life, and I really miss the long days and nights we spent together.  Since freaking sixth grade!  You will always be important to me.  We NEED to stay in touch.  I love you like I love sunny days and big hugs (a whole lot).

Pino- You are quite a person.  So very smart, so very sweet, and so very good.  I really admire you for supporting yourself.  That is an impressive feat.  I also completely understand your problems with school.  We’re alike more than you know.  In all the bad ways, haha.  You and my brother are the same person, too.  In the good ways.  I really miss having your comforting presence around.  We need to talk more!  Answer my messages, boy!

Michael Marie- I really wish we had been better friends in high school.  I’m so glad we are getting closer now, though.  You are such an strong, interesting, intelligent person, and you should never think otherwise.  I just think you’re awesome.  :)  Thank you for your kind words and for listening to me when I needed to be heard.  We need to hang out more, even though you are at Berry.  I should come visit you.

Mandy- Girl, we are friends for life, no matter what happens.  I will always support you.  We NEED to hang out more.  I’m here.  Even though we have grown into two very different people, we still have that connection, that bond.  It will never go away.  Really.  I got you, babe.

Kristine (Stini)- My sista from another mista, my Asian lover, my biffle for life; I could not miss you more.  Why can’t we be together?!  It sucks.  Your very presence can brighten my life.  And when you’re not around, all I have are memories.  I want you to know how special you are to me and how much I admire and love you.  I’m coming to the Freddy again next fall, if you’ll have me.

Kaity- You are one in a million.  I love it.  I miss hanging out, talking, going to crazy parties.  Basically, I just think you’re nifty keen and I can’t wait to see you again this fall!  

Jordan- Some days I wonder why I met you.  I was torn away rom you too soon.  You are such a fantastic person and I am SO mad that I can’t be with you.  Your talent and love of writing is something that I really appreciate.  We are the same person, basically.  Keep it up.  I’ll be sure to stay in touch.

Trish (T-licious)- Okay, missy, here it is: you’ve changed me.  You’ve opened my eyes to some of the realities of the world and made me more empathetic and understanding and accepting of differences.  You’re the friend I should’ve had all my life.  You are commanding and confident, sensitive and compassionate, genuine and unapologetically you, hardworking and helpful, funny, deep, ambitious, and good to your core.  I look up to you for wisdom of all kinds and for your unmatched effort at work.  You are a fighter, a dreamer, and a doer, and I love you. Oh, and you make the best frappuccinos ever.

Ben- You’re like a crime-fighting superhero.  Barista Boy will be your name and Tuan, God of Thunder, can be your sidekick.  But forget work.  Forget the band, too.  You, all by yourself, are special.  You’re maddeningly goofy and funny, annoyingly friendly and charismatic, ridiculously unflinchable and confident, obscenely hardworking and benevolent, shockingly thoughtful and deep, and just fucking aggravatingly wonderful to be around.  I hate you.  That’s a lie.  I love you and you are one of my best friends.  Alright, the mushy parade ends here.  See me in person for abuse, disrespect, and undermining of confidence.     

Steve- You’re the absolute sweetest sweetie pie that there ever was!  All the sappy stuff I’ve told you before still is true.  You’re incredibly smart, thoughtful, caring, helpful, ad interesting.  You are rare and precious, like a diamond.  Seriously, NEVER doubt yourself, because you are fabulous and always will be.  Deal with it.  

Jessika- Senorita Madriz, you already know how much I respect your linguistic skills and relate to your passion for design.  You’re living the dream.  School and Starbucks; a match made in Heaven.  Seriously, I think you are a powerful, wonderful person, and I wish I could be as confident and put-together as you are.  I bow down to the barista queen.

Biruk- I’m in love with you.  The end.  You are my idol, working two demanding jobs AND going to school for architecture/engineering.  AND you speak like a bazillion languages.  AND you’re a cutie patoot.  You’re the sweetest person I’ve possibly ever met, and you always make my day happier, even when you’re in your worst mood and your nose is bleeding and you have to put the order away.  You never stop impressing me with not only your hard work, but with your honest-to-goodness kindness.  Thank you so very much.

Amy- When are we going to a metal show?  I can’t wait.  I think you are such a unique and inspiring person.  I love hearing your stories, your music, and working with you, of course.  At work, you are the most diligent, conscientious barista.  But I love when you get crazy most of all.  Never lose your zany side; it’s amazing.  I think you will accomplish great things in your life.

Tuan (God)- You little punk.  I heart you madly.  You are so hardworking and competent, even on days when you feel like killing customers and throwing things.  You make me smile even when you frown.  Keep it up, kid, because you will go far in life, whatever you decide to do.  I only wish I worked with you more.  You make a mean frappuccino.

Anna Marie- I think you’re incredible.  So warm and bubbly and fun and full of life.  You make me giddy every time I work with you.  I think you are an excellent employee and you shouldn’t be down on yourself.  Ever.  Your enthusiasm and energy are just what we need at Starbucks.  I appreciate your kindness and openness with me and I hope that you can forgive me for what happened today.  I really genuinely respect you and love being around you.