Hi, Lex!
Man, school has been crazy busy here (all six-hundred years of it—yeah, I totally feel that way too). Lots of pop quizzes, too, which only goes to show that even nice teachers like Mr. Craig can be sadistic when they want to. Speaking of Mr. C, he's been out sick for a few days now. I hope he comes back soon. Our rat-faced principal, Mr. Snelgrove, has been subbing for him.
Public speaking?! What are they, sick?! That's just twisted. As if we'll ever really HAVE to stand up in front of people and talk. I mean, my aunt is a nurse and you don't see her blabbering on in front of people. My sympathies, Lex. But I'm sure you'll do great.
Wait a sec. You're telling me you have the hots for some guy who smells like socks? Seriously? As in the things we wear on our feet to soak up all of our sweat and foot funk? Man…I will never understand girls.
Hey, at least you're brave enough to call Dylan. I can barely breathe when Meredith is around, and there's no way I'm going anywhere near a phone.
What are your plans for Halloween? This guy, Matthew, in my grade is having another Halloween bash this year. He's been hosting them since we were like six. They're okay, I guess. Mostly I just hang out with Henry and pretend I actually belong there. If I do go this year, I was thinking of going as a vampire. *snort* How rock do I??? But…I probably won't go. There's supposed to be a great line up of horror movies on TV that night…maybe I'll luck out and they'll show Nosferatu.
Anyway, sorry I'm such a lame pen pal. But I've been stuck in a grave…and its name is Algebra.
~V
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
October? Already?
Greetings, Comrade Vlad--
Okay, doesn’t it seem like we’ve been in school for six hundred years? I am already in after-school tutorials for my most hated class—that would be, PUBLIC SPEAKING. Which my school has decided is mandatory for all eighth graders, so that we can go into high school knowing how to stand up and speak up.
But what about if you get those awful, cringing, involuntary voice-trembles? Then what? Seriously, Vlad, I am totally scared of the sound of my own voice. And it shows. Maybe it’s all those years in the Old World, where kids learned things like ‘Better to be Seen than Heard’ and ‘Don’t Speak Until You’re Spoken To.’ Kids here really aren’t like that, eh? More like, ‘Don’t Shut Up Until You’re Yelled At.’
Moving from my icky voice trembles onto my nonexistent love-life, I did the lamest, most idiotic thing when I was at my friend Pete’s house yesterday—I called Dylan Easterby. I know, I know. If you want to secede from my friendship, I would understand. And when Dylan himself answered, I just stood there on the phone-- "lonely as an oyster" as Charles Dickens would say. Then I hung up. But wait, it gets worse. Dylan’s MOM called back, and Pete’s MOM answered. Huge confusion. I denied everything. Why am I such an awkward dork? Um, don’t answer that.
I hope your year hasn't been as embarrassment-attacked, and Mrs. Bell’s aroma isn’t making you too nauseous. It’s funny you mention the aftershave, because I can identify almost anyone by smell. Must be one of those vestige-vamp traits. My nose is always exhausted by 3 PM. There’s one kid who smells inexplicably like hot dogs and wood chips. My lab partner, Jake Olatz, smells like old skim milk. Mina Pringle reeks like fake Chanel No. 5 that she sneaks out of her Mom’s bottle. Dylan Easterby smells like clean cotton socks.
Well, gotta fly …
Olfactorily yours,
L.
Okay, doesn’t it seem like we’ve been in school for six hundred years? I am already in after-school tutorials for my most hated class—that would be, PUBLIC SPEAKING. Which my school has decided is mandatory for all eighth graders, so that we can go into high school knowing how to stand up and speak up.
But what about if you get those awful, cringing, involuntary voice-trembles? Then what? Seriously, Vlad, I am totally scared of the sound of my own voice. And it shows. Maybe it’s all those years in the Old World, where kids learned things like ‘Better to be Seen than Heard’ and ‘Don’t Speak Until You’re Spoken To.’ Kids here really aren’t like that, eh? More like, ‘Don’t Shut Up Until You’re Yelled At.’
Moving from my icky voice trembles onto my nonexistent love-life, I did the lamest, most idiotic thing when I was at my friend Pete’s house yesterday—I called Dylan Easterby. I know, I know. If you want to secede from my friendship, I would understand. And when Dylan himself answered, I just stood there on the phone-- "lonely as an oyster" as Charles Dickens would say. Then I hung up. But wait, it gets worse. Dylan’s MOM called back, and Pete’s MOM answered. Huge confusion. I denied everything. Why am I such an awkward dork? Um, don’t answer that.
I hope your year hasn't been as embarrassment-attacked, and Mrs. Bell’s aroma isn’t making you too nauseous. It’s funny you mention the aftershave, because I can identify almost anyone by smell. Must be one of those vestige-vamp traits. My nose is always exhausted by 3 PM. There’s one kid who smells inexplicably like hot dogs and wood chips. My lab partner, Jake Olatz, smells like old skim milk. Mina Pringle reeks like fake Chanel No. 5 that she sneaks out of her Mom’s bottle. Dylan Easterby smells like clean cotton socks.
Well, gotta fly …
Olfactorily yours,
L.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Algebra & Aftershave
Hey, Lex!
Wow, your upgraded room sounds sweet! Well...for a girl (no offense). I can't handle any more than a poster or two. To be honest, I never understood the decorating craze. But I'm really glad you're happy with it! I almost, kinda managed to clean mine this week. Well...there are still a few stray socks lying around, but they add character (at least, that's what I told Nelly). And don't even look under my bed... *shudders*
Mrs. MacCaw sounds pretty bad--my sympathies. But I've got one to top it. Her name is Mrs. Bell (huh...what's with these teachers and bells?) and she's a sub at Bathory Junior High. No cowbell in the world could be as obnoxious as her painted-on eyebrows, Lex. And dude...she smells like aftershave. AFTERSHAVE. What's that tell you about her nightlife, eh? Disturbing. But luckily, we only had to deal with her one day this week, while Mr. Craig was out with a cold. I can't imagine what it would be like to see her more often. Of course, whenever she can't sub, the other option is Mr. Snelgrove (our principal). I swear, he looks just like a rat. Woe unto normal society if those two ever started dating.
Mina Pringle sounds like a brat. (What's with me saying "sounds like" so much in this email?) Sucks that you have to share air with her. I didn't realize until I went to class the first day that Meredith Brookstone is in my home-room (which is also my English class). She's really sweet. But Chelsea Whitaker sits right in front of me and I kinda hate her with a deep passion. Hey, don't forget to tell Pete I said hi!
Ha ha...I'm sure you'll ace European history! In fact, you have kinda an unfair advantage there... ;) Me, well, I may be failing math already. Yep. After just two weeks or so in school. It might have something to do with the fact that the title of "Algebra" should be changed to "nap time for Vlad". I never fail to stay awake in Biology--seems like the conversation always gets around to blood. What a big relief that lunch is right after that class.
Speaking of which, I've been wondering just a little lately if different blood types have different flavors...
More later, batty girl!
~V
Wow, your upgraded room sounds sweet! Well...for a girl (no offense). I can't handle any more than a poster or two. To be honest, I never understood the decorating craze. But I'm really glad you're happy with it! I almost, kinda managed to clean mine this week. Well...there are still a few stray socks lying around, but they add character (at least, that's what I told Nelly). And don't even look under my bed... *shudders*
Mrs. MacCaw sounds pretty bad--my sympathies. But I've got one to top it. Her name is Mrs. Bell (huh...what's with these teachers and bells?) and she's a sub at Bathory Junior High. No cowbell in the world could be as obnoxious as her painted-on eyebrows, Lex. And dude...she smells like aftershave. AFTERSHAVE. What's that tell you about her nightlife, eh? Disturbing. But luckily, we only had to deal with her one day this week, while Mr. Craig was out with a cold. I can't imagine what it would be like to see her more often. Of course, whenever she can't sub, the other option is Mr. Snelgrove (our principal). I swear, he looks just like a rat. Woe unto normal society if those two ever started dating.
Mina Pringle sounds like a brat. (What's with me saying "sounds like" so much in this email?) Sucks that you have to share air with her. I didn't realize until I went to class the first day that Meredith Brookstone is in my home-room (which is also my English class). She's really sweet. But Chelsea Whitaker sits right in front of me and I kinda hate her with a deep passion. Hey, don't forget to tell Pete I said hi!
Ha ha...I'm sure you'll ace European history! In fact, you have kinda an unfair advantage there... ;) Me, well, I may be failing math already. Yep. After just two weeks or so in school. It might have something to do with the fact that the title of "Algebra" should be changed to "nap time for Vlad". I never fail to stay awake in Biology--seems like the conversation always gets around to blood. What a big relief that lunch is right after that class.
Speaking of which, I've been wondering just a little lately if different blood types have different flavors...
More later, batty girl!
~V
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
School's In
VLAD!
Here it is, my long-awaited (or maybe not) Back to School Bonjour. In honor of my completion of the first day of the new school year—doesn’t it feel weird to be in eighth grade? Top of the Social Heap. Finally. Crazy.
This weekend, decided to redecorate my 1/2 of the room, and rocking a whole new look, with dozens of string darklights and string flowers. Pete and I got a major bargain on them at the Dollar Tree, now the whole ceiling (yeah, Maddy's side, too) is criss-crossed with daisies and sunflowers and blue and purple pinpoints of light ... you look up and it’s like something van Gogh might have imagined, when he wasn’t feeling totally, ear-removingly depressed. Mom got me a new comforter in a violet lilac pattern, and then I found this place on Elizabeth Street where you can customize your own scent for perfume or room spray ... soooo I brewed up this jasmine blend, and my room officially smells awesome, though Mads is supremely annoyed, since she prefers a more mildewy, rotting smell. Oh, well. SHe just has to take it.
Okay, enough with the Martha Stewart, girlie details, right? In other news, we all started school with no big hiccups. Hudson’s in fourth, Maddy’s in sixth, and luckily I am not in their building (P.S. 42), but instead all the way across town at Cathedral Middle, on 19th and Eight Ave, West Side, which means I don’t have to deal with being called in every time Mad gets in trouble for picking on other kids (she’s really short, and she’s got a massive Napoleonic complex to go along with it).
My teacher, Mrs. MacCaw, has absolutely no game, a horrifying case of bedhead, and will slap you a demerit quicker than you can say “more cowbell”—she’s got one, btw, and rings it whenever she feels that things are getting out of her control, which is 78% of the time. She has a serious sense of humor failure about pretty much everything.
On that, yeah yeah, I totally remember Mr. Craig, he proctored one of our debates, he’s a fun guy, really smart, too. You must be so relieved you’ve got him twice. Sucks about not seeing enough of Henry, though. I’m in three classes with Pete, including all-important biology, so we can partner up.
And my arch-nem, Mina Pringle, did not transfer to Wolcott School for (Spoiled, Entitled) Girls, as oh-so-greatly anticipated, but is right back here at Cathedral, sitting two rows ahead of me. I am all about maintaining the peace, but the girl has irked me since fourth grade. More on Mina to come, I am sure.
So far, European History is by far my favorite subject of all ; ). Next week, am giving an oral report on Plagues. Since my family survived three of them, I think I’ve got an edge …
Write me, VT!
Lexxx
Here it is, my long-awaited (or maybe not) Back to School Bonjour. In honor of my completion of the first day of the new school year—doesn’t it feel weird to be in eighth grade? Top of the Social Heap. Finally. Crazy.
This weekend, decided to redecorate my 1/2 of the room, and rocking a whole new look, with dozens of string darklights and string flowers. Pete and I got a major bargain on them at the Dollar Tree, now the whole ceiling (yeah, Maddy's side, too) is criss-crossed with daisies and sunflowers and blue and purple pinpoints of light ... you look up and it’s like something van Gogh might have imagined, when he wasn’t feeling totally, ear-removingly depressed. Mom got me a new comforter in a violet lilac pattern, and then I found this place on Elizabeth Street where you can customize your own scent for perfume or room spray ... soooo I brewed up this jasmine blend, and my room officially smells awesome, though Mads is supremely annoyed, since she prefers a more mildewy, rotting smell. Oh, well. SHe just has to take it.
Okay, enough with the Martha Stewart, girlie details, right? In other news, we all started school with no big hiccups. Hudson’s in fourth, Maddy’s in sixth, and luckily I am not in their building (P.S. 42), but instead all the way across town at Cathedral Middle, on 19th and Eight Ave, West Side, which means I don’t have to deal with being called in every time Mad gets in trouble for picking on other kids (she’s really short, and she’s got a massive Napoleonic complex to go along with it).
My teacher, Mrs. MacCaw, has absolutely no game, a horrifying case of bedhead, and will slap you a demerit quicker than you can say “more cowbell”—she’s got one, btw, and rings it whenever she feels that things are getting out of her control, which is 78% of the time. She has a serious sense of humor failure about pretty much everything.
On that, yeah yeah, I totally remember Mr. Craig, he proctored one of our debates, he’s a fun guy, really smart, too. You must be so relieved you’ve got him twice. Sucks about not seeing enough of Henry, though. I’m in three classes with Pete, including all-important biology, so we can partner up.
And my arch-nem, Mina Pringle, did not transfer to Wolcott School for (Spoiled, Entitled) Girls, as oh-so-greatly anticipated, but is right back here at Cathedral, sitting two rows ahead of me. I am all about maintaining the peace, but the girl has irked me since fourth grade. More on Mina to come, I am sure.
So far, European History is by far my favorite subject of all ; ). Next week, am giving an oral report on Plagues. Since my family survived three of them, I think I’ve got an edge …
Write me, VT!
Lexxx
Thursday, August 23, 2007
I'm So Sorry!
L~
Oh man, Lex, I am SO SORRY it's taken me this long to respond! Nelly's had me running around like crazy trying to get ready for school, and finally, here it is. I'm in the eighth grade! Which is pretty sweet, ruling the school and all. The coolest part is that my English and homeroom teacher is Mr. Craig, who was my English teacher last year. He's super fun and hardly ever gives us homework on Fridays. You saw him in DC, do you remember? Skinny guy, glasses? Anyway, he's a great teacher--one of the few people I can really connect with. The only part that sucks so far about my eighth grade year is that Henry's not in hardly any of my classes. But it's cool, we still get to hang out.
Henry knows my secret, by the way. Did I mention that? I kinda bit him once. Anyway...long story. Have you ever bitten anyone? Like a person? Or was it always small creatures?
Whoa. Your neighbors sound...interesting. Keep an eye on them, for sure. And Maddy sounds so cute. I can so picture her chomping on mosquitoes. :)
Anyway, I have to study for a human biology test tomorrow. Yeah...it sucks. But I swear I'll write back really soon and catch you up on everything. I've felt weirdly relaxed since we both owned up to what we are. What about you? When do you head back into the trenches of public education?
Stay in touch, cute stuff.
~V
Oh man, Lex, I am SO SORRY it's taken me this long to respond! Nelly's had me running around like crazy trying to get ready for school, and finally, here it is. I'm in the eighth grade! Which is pretty sweet, ruling the school and all. The coolest part is that my English and homeroom teacher is Mr. Craig, who was my English teacher last year. He's super fun and hardly ever gives us homework on Fridays. You saw him in DC, do you remember? Skinny guy, glasses? Anyway, he's a great teacher--one of the few people I can really connect with. The only part that sucks so far about my eighth grade year is that Henry's not in hardly any of my classes. But it's cool, we still get to hang out.
Henry knows my secret, by the way. Did I mention that? I kinda bit him once. Anyway...long story. Have you ever bitten anyone? Like a person? Or was it always small creatures?
Whoa. Your neighbors sound...interesting. Keep an eye on them, for sure. And Maddy sounds so cute. I can so picture her chomping on mosquitoes. :)
Anyway, I have to study for a human biology test tomorrow. Yeah...it sucks. But I swear I'll write back really soon and catch you up on everything. I've felt weirdly relaxed since we both owned up to what we are. What about you? When do you head back into the trenches of public education?
Stay in touch, cute stuff.
~V
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sketchy Neighbors
Verrry Interesting Vlad …
Now that you’ve got me pretty hooked on your own story, okay, here’s my confession. Yes, I was once a vampire, but now? ... not so much… Honestly, it’s complicated. We were infected (whole family, one fell swoop) more years ago than I’d care to count. We survived, but right from the first moment, we knew we were different. As in, we didn’t need as much plasma to sustain ourselves. Your garden variety little creatures (voles, rats, etc.) pretty much did the trick. That, and lots of fruit nectar. So we were never predators, really, but we were eternals. A few years ago, when we brokered a deal to become mortal and move to NYC, it wasn’t a huge big change, diet-wise—but the aging process is a relief. One year per year, not one year per century? Ah. I’m loving it.
Actually, my sister Maddy has a much harder time with the food issue. She’s always snacking on mosquitoes. We try to turn a blind eye, though it completely grosses me out.
I want to tell you more, but my fingers are backing off the keyboard. It’s a weird revelation, huh? – yours and mine.
In other news, yesterday I got my first glimpse of our brand-new, excessively creepy across-the-street neighbors. Who only come out at night. And are pale as two chopsticks. And who don’t use electric light. Their names are Nigel and Nicola von Krik. That’s all we know about them. Maddy's got out the binoculars every minute, spying away. Keep ya posted.
Talk later, Vlad. And thanks for your honesty.
xo L.
Now that you’ve got me pretty hooked on your own story, okay, here’s my confession. Yes, I was once a vampire, but now? ... not so much… Honestly, it’s complicated. We were infected (whole family, one fell swoop) more years ago than I’d care to count. We survived, but right from the first moment, we knew we were different. As in, we didn’t need as much plasma to sustain ourselves. Your garden variety little creatures (voles, rats, etc.) pretty much did the trick. That, and lots of fruit nectar. So we were never predators, really, but we were eternals. A few years ago, when we brokered a deal to become mortal and move to NYC, it wasn’t a huge big change, diet-wise—but the aging process is a relief. One year per year, not one year per century? Ah. I’m loving it.
Actually, my sister Maddy has a much harder time with the food issue. She’s always snacking on mosquitoes. We try to turn a blind eye, though it completely grosses me out.
I want to tell you more, but my fingers are backing off the keyboard. It’s a weird revelation, huh? – yours and mine.
In other news, yesterday I got my first glimpse of our brand-new, excessively creepy across-the-street neighbors. Who only come out at night. And are pale as two chopsticks. And who don’t use electric light. Their names are Nigel and Nicola von Krik. That’s all we know about them. Maddy's got out the binoculars every minute, spying away. Keep ya posted.
Talk later, Vlad. And thanks for your honesty.
xo L.
Monday, August 6, 2007
For Your Eyes Only!
Lex,
Wow. Oh, wow. You are like me. I'm not crazy for thinking it. And I just knew I couldn't be the only one left. It makes me wonder why you'd be freaked out by the idea that I might be a creature of the night and all, but wow. It's so cool!
Okay, I hate to sound like an idiot, but what does your "tentative state" entail? See, apart from my dad...I've never met anyone else like me. Another...vampire...that is. (That was so hard to say--I hope you don't feel weird about that word. I'm just trying to get comfortable saying it to you.)
As for your questions...
Do I sleep? Oh yeah. Especially in Algebra class.
Do I feed? Not as much as I'd like. I mean, I get by on donated blood Nelly steals from the hospital she works at (her being a nurse has its perks), but the thirst I feel is never really satisfied. But I don't think I could ever feed on a person. Well, I did kind of bite Henry when we were eight, but still...
You asked about things like "hybrid" and "pure states" and whether or not I know any others like us. The truth is, I really don't know anything about our kind. I mean, my dad was a vampire, but my mom was human. And we kept our heritage a secret. Up until you, I hadn't run into anyone else like us, and my dad never really talked about others...so I'm a little lost, a lot freaked out by all this, and pretty friggin' elated to learn this about you. Tell me more!
I love the irony of Pete's birthday song! You have a great sense of humor, Lex. Not much going on here. I stayed over at Henry's last night. He ate so many Cheetos he ended up puking in the aquarium. It was totally funny. But, maybe you had to be there. On a positive note, he said he won't have to feed the fish for the next few days...
More later! (I'm hungry)
~Vlad
Wow. Oh, wow. You are like me. I'm not crazy for thinking it. And I just knew I couldn't be the only one left. It makes me wonder why you'd be freaked out by the idea that I might be a creature of the night and all, but wow. It's so cool!
Okay, I hate to sound like an idiot, but what does your "tentative state" entail? See, apart from my dad...I've never met anyone else like me. Another...vampire...that is. (That was so hard to say--I hope you don't feel weird about that word. I'm just trying to get comfortable saying it to you.)
As for your questions...
Do I sleep? Oh yeah. Especially in Algebra class.
Do I feed? Not as much as I'd like. I mean, I get by on donated blood Nelly steals from the hospital she works at (her being a nurse has its perks), but the thirst I feel is never really satisfied. But I don't think I could ever feed on a person. Well, I did kind of bite Henry when we were eight, but still...
You asked about things like "hybrid" and "pure states" and whether or not I know any others like us. The truth is, I really don't know anything about our kind. I mean, my dad was a vampire, but my mom was human. And we kept our heritage a secret. Up until you, I hadn't run into anyone else like us, and my dad never really talked about others...so I'm a little lost, a lot freaked out by all this, and pretty friggin' elated to learn this about you. Tell me more!
I love the irony of Pete's birthday song! You have a great sense of humor, Lex. Not much going on here. I stayed over at Henry's last night. He ate so many Cheetos he ended up puking in the aquarium. It was totally funny. But, maybe you had to be there. On a positive note, he said he won't have to feed the fish for the next few days...
More later! (I'm hungry)
~Vlad
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