Category Archives: Thank-yous

Day 23: Jack


On Thursday I had the tremendous pleasure of visiting the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, FL. It’s an amazing place focused on promoting conservation of Florida’s coastal ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. They have an onsite hospital there too – which I got to see in action. I got to meet Jack Lighton, the President and CEO, who gave us a very special tour of the operations.

Day 23 JackThis is Sven – and this little guy, well he’s not that little actually, was attacked by a shark and has some bad wounds on his back right side. He was being treated by Dr. Charlie and others when we were there, so I got a behind the scenes look at them working on Sven. They were applying natural honey to his wounds – believe it or not honey works as a natural healing agent. Later they used cold laser therapy to expedite the healing. Despite being sedated, Sven gave the staff some work keeping him still during the procedure.

Jack was extremely gracious with his time. He showed me and my colleague Barney around the center and shared with us some of the terrific work they’re involved with. In the grand scheme of things it’s not much, but I wanted to send them a small donation to help them carry on the important work they do.

 

Day 23 Jack-6

Jack,

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule yesterday to meet with Barney and me. We were both very impressed – not only with your amazing work at the hospital nursing turtles back to health but also the broader work that you are engaging in throughout the region. Your passion for your work shines when you tell the story of the Loggerhead Marlinelife Center.

I look forward to exploring ways we can work together.

Good luck with your fundraiser next week – I’m sure it will be a tremendous success!

Sincerely,
Reed Sandridge

I saw this little fellow doing yoga - he's got his hind legs crossed!

I saw this little fellow doing yoga.

 

Check out the crossed legs!

Check out the crossed legs!

 

 

Day 22: Mr. Zinsser

Photo: pauldrybooks.com

Photo: pauldrybooks.com

It’s scary to write to someone who is internationally known and respected as an expert on writing, but that is what I’m doing today. I’m sending a letter to William Zinsser, author of On Writing Well and former Yale professor. The aforementioned book changed my view of writing more than any other book – and as you might expect, it’s impeccably written.

I half expect to get my letter returned to me, marked up in red pen by the 92-year-old writing authority, showing me how I could have improved my letter. That would be wonderful!

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Mr. Zinsser,

Monogramed stationery from Crane & Co.

Monogramed stationery from Crane & Co.

No book on writing has impacted me more than On Writing Well. You’ve inspired me to always be true to myself and what I want to say – challenging me to examine whether every word is doing new and useful work. Thank you – not only for helping me to become a better writer, but also for influencing so many other writers whose work I read.

With admiration and respect,
Reed Sandridge

Day 19: Kimon

Thank you notes are always better when handwritten. It shows that it meant enough to you that you spent the extra time time to show them you care. I’ve been friends with Kimon since high school. Friday, he gave me an early birthday present: a bottle of District Made Vodka and a Washington Nationals koozie. Both are much appreciated and will definitely be enjoyed.

And check out the numbering on the bottle – I’ve got one of the first 500 bottles ever made by this new distillery!

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Kimon,

I enjoyed hanging out on Friday and while it was totally unnecessary, I very much appreciate the bottle of District Made Vodka and the Nats Koozie! You are such a generous friend. I didn’t even know there was a vodka distillery in DC. I look forward to trying it with you. Thanks again,

Reed

Let's go Nats!

Let’s go Nats!

Day 17: Chaz, The Pug

I met up with some friends from my hometown last night and we ended up at a bar on H Street that I had never been to. The Pug is a bar. Plain and simple. In fact their website describes the place as, “No idiots. No bombs. No shooters. No specials. No politics. Relax. Drink. Be cool. Behave.”

Me with Chaz from The Pug

Me with Chaz from The Pug

What they don’t tell you is that you might have to wear this ridiculous hat. Yep, that’s me on the left sporting the obnoxious Cat In The Hat style hat. This photo doesn’t due it justice as the long top of the hat has fallen over and isn’t really visible.

The guy next to me is Chaz, a bartender there. My cell phone was dying (this happens all the time since I have an ancient Samsung S2) and I asked Chaz, who was standing steadily behind the bar, if he might be able to charge my phone. “Absolutely,” he said with a grin that should have warned me, “but there is a condition.” He explained that I had to wear that hat the entire time the phone was charging. “If I see you not wearing the hat, I unplug the phone. Got it?” I laughed and agreed.

The weird part was that despite being packed, not a single person in the bar asked me why I was wearing the pitiful head piece. I didn’t even really catch anyone staring at me.

So if you’re on H Street in DC and want a no frills, good time bar that doesn’t try to be anything that it isn’t, you’ve found your home at 1234 H Street. Cheers!


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I found this in my pocket the next morning. It’s a Trivial Pursuit card from The Pug. I included it in my note to Chaz.

Chaz,

Great to meet you last night at The Pug – I appreciate you charging my cell phone and was honored to wear that ridiculous hat – very clever of you guys! I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m out on H Street.

Cheers,
Reed Sandridge

Day 12: Lieu

Lieu-2Good morning! If you’re waking up in the Northeast it’s probably a bit nasty outside. We’ve got some icy conditions here in DC. Be careful.

Today’s letter is to a wonderful woman who does some work for me from time to time. Originally from Vietnam, she’s lived in the Washington area for almost 40 years. She is tiny, probably about 5 feet tall, but her heart is enormous. She’s always doing small acts of kindness – like last week she brought me the most delicious blueberry muffins and some oranges along with a handwritten note. Thank you Lieu!

Lieu-3

Lieu,

Thank you so much for the delicious blueberry muffins and clementine oranges – you are so thoughtful. Please know how much I appreciate you and the kind, cheerful manner in which you always carry yourself. I’m always happier after seeing you or speaking with you on the phone.

With much gratitude,

Reed

Lieu