To: Scot

From: Sassy

Mon, Nov 19, 2012 at 7:57 PM

Subject: Holiday prep

Hiya Scot, 

Did your week get off to a good start?  Hope so! 

Awww… glad you liked my humble words.  What did I say that was so great… tips to make the holiday a little less stressful?  I hope it works!  It makes me so happy to help. Someone should benefit from all my years of tweaking the family into shape.   I was in a discussion years ago about what my “shirt” says, i.e. what people think when they meet me.  Someone said, “Talk to me and I will make it better.”  And everyone nodded!  So even if you can’t see “my shirt” I think you’ve figured it out anyway.  

I was meeting with my boss from 4-4:30 pm and wishing I was talking to you instead.  I don’t know what topic we would have landed on, but it would have to be better than my project list.  

Are you finding the students are taking off already?  About a third of my co-workers are already gone.  Two are staying to the bitter end, going home Wednesday afternoon or not at all, so I won’t be unassisted.  Bad things happen when I have to answer the office phones. 

Thank you for giving me something good to think about when my life is a little chaotic.  I won’t say your name aloud at dinner Thursday when my sister asks what we are thankful for, but know that you are on my mind.  

I dare you to count the items that pass through your hands in the soapy water… my sister is having 18 people and making too many dishes with pots and pans and utensils.  I will have you beat on the washing front for sure!  Hmmm… wonder what I should bet? 

Oof… that was way too serious!  I’d better wink at you and flash my chest as I dash away.  Hugs!

-Sassy 

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From: Scot

To: Sassy

Sent: Monday, November 19, 2012 11:54 PM

Re: Holiday prep

Hey, S,

Actually, yes, the week did get off to a good start–although, as you suspected, a hefty percentage of my students have already left for Thanksgiving break.

As to what was so “great” about your e-mail–I honestly don’t know, except that it just came across as genuine, a message from someone who didn’t have a hidden agenda or a score to settle.  Sad to say, at this point in my life, and in my line of work, I don’t get too many communications like that.  So I’m appreciative when I do receive them.

In any event, I gave a stunning lecture today!  To judge by the glazed expressions on the faces of my students, I didn’t set many pulses racing.  Oh, well.

Look forward to speaking with you–and, hopefully, MEETING you–soon.

–Scot

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To: Scot

Tue, Nov 20, 2012 at 8:13 PM

From: Sassy 

Re: Holiday prep

Hiya Handsome.  

Did you finish work with a flair?  I had a wild day but hope tomorrow will be better.  

Does anyone ever tell you that you look like Richard Branson?  He’s quite good-looking! 

Geesh… you are such a cynic!  Are you a tough world-weary curmudgeon or a sweet dog someone has kicked too often?  Never mind… it doesn’t matter.  I like both parts.  

Ah – you have discovered my terminal flaw.  I am nice.  My agenda is hardly hidden.  I want to make you happy, and get some passion in return.  That’s it!  

Don’t let the family get you down!  Pop in hear and I will try to make you smile.  

-S

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From: Scot

Wednesday, Nov 21, 2012

To: Sassy

Re: Holiday prep

Hey S,

Well, the house is PACKED with relatives, but one of them is my lethally cute five-year-old niece, so I’m happy.  I’ve actually been able to get some work done, too, which is good.

No, actually, I’m not a cynic.  Far from it.  My daughters kid me about how sentimental I am, and how I always seemed to cry when I read to them when they were younger.  Oh, well.

Hope your holiday is going swimmingly, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

–Scot