Category Archives: Text

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Collide

Monday at home
Between Phil and You
December 20 at 12:37pm
Good morning! Gray day here, 30 degrees and windy. Smells like snow but they say we won’t get much. Lots of snow there? Hope your meetings are going well. Thanks for the photos… gorgeous! I hope that view restores your soul on certain days. Have a great day!
TEXTS
Phil: [sent photo of his new living room]
3:15 pm Me: Wow!  Gorgeous wood floor!  And a fireplace… Nifty!
3:15 pm Phil It’s not too bad
3:16 pm Me: Room looks HUGE!
3:17 pm Phil: Probably 40 by 25 I think
3:18 pm Me: Yowza!  Your own bowling alley!
December 20 at 10:10pm
Hey, kid. You watching football? I forget where you are tonight… hope it’s fun. Busy day, got stuff done so I can veg out – laundry, bills, project stuff, bank. Sis took me on a tour of the Christmas lights on the homes in Somerville – they’re famous for crazy displays. Then a big Italian dinner in Everett.  Had hoped to sleep but totally wired. Hubby’s out. Call if you can… tell me story… heh. Sleep well, sweet man.
December 20 at 10:16pm
FYI – I asked Hubby to text you tomorrow, when I am out of surgery. If you get antsy, call or text him at [phone number] or email [email address]
Phil December 20 at 10:21pm
You will be in my prayers Sass. I have faith you will have no issues. What an amazing nite. Snowing, wonderful food, great people in the new place

From: Sassy
Subject: Collide
Date: December 20, 2010 10:27:47 PM EST
To: Phil

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca9ub9rpNK4

Collide lyrics
Songwriters: Griffin, Kevin; Day, Howie;
The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You’re barely waking
And I’m tangled up in you, yeah
I’m open, you’re closed
Where I follow, you’ll go
I worry I won’t see your face
Light up again
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find you and I collide
I’m quiet you know
You make a first impression
I’ve found I’m scared to know
I’m always on your mind
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find you and I collide
Don’t stop here
I lost my place
I’m close behind
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find you and I collide
You finally find you and I collide
You finally find you and I collide
© TENTATIVE MUSIC

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Mileposts

Weekend wonders
Between Phil and You
December 19 at 9:26am
Good morning! You rolling along? I hope you have an uneventful trip. It’s above freezing here! Lots of high clouds. Quiet morning in the lot.
December 19 at 10:47am
You in Buffalo yet? Off to the shower!
Phil December 19 at 10:48am
Yep, Niagra Falls
December 19 at 11:42am
Wow! You’re making great progress! In PA now? I’m all clean and headed out to brunch at the Independent pub.
Phil December 19 at 11:44am
Enjoy! 40 miles from the line
December 19 at 1:39pm
Hey, kid! Where you – Ohio yet? Back from brunch! Bloody Mary with celery and ham/cheese omelette acquired! Also got to taste sweet potato biscuits with sausage gravy… yum! Seven of us… good times. One marine reservist headed to the sandbox next year. Lots of talk of DADT repeal. Then half of the runners from the local Jingle Bell run rolled in… sort of like holiday Rocky Horror fashion show. Wacky! Lost our waitress, had to get the manager to pay and dash out. Heh.


TEXT: [photo of the pub]


Phil December 19 at 1:43pm
Coming up on Cleveland. Listening to football. Good day

December 19 at 1:46pm

Wow! You’re really motoring! I’m off to see my dad. Go Team!

Phil December 19 at 1:48pm
Whoo Hooo

December 19 at 4:16pm
In Indiana? Good visit w dad. Headed home
  
December 19 at 4:49pm
Good start to that game!
December 19 at 5:43pm
Half time! Did you make it to your destination yet? Hoping you are close…
December 19 at 7:18pm
Woot! They did it!  They won!
Phil December 19 at 7:23pm
What a game

December 19 at 7:34pm
Did you yell at the radio? 🙂
December 19 at 9:06pm
You camped out in the house? Call?
If you’re too wiped, I understand. Sleep well, sweet man.
Phil December 19 at 10:40pm
Made it, relaxing with wine. What a haul. I am pooped.
December 19 at 10:46pm
Thank you very much for letting me know. I am picturing you in the empty house. Something very poetic about it. Must be such a good feeling to be done driving. And your team won!
Phil December 19 at 10:48pm
I am staying in a very nice suite around the corner from the house. Much more comfortable

December 19 at 10:51pm
Ah, much better.

December 19 at 10:55pm
Did you eat today? My sister gave me a quart of Hungarian mushroom soup she made… had part of that for dinner with some of the pretzel crackers. Yum.
Phil December 19 at 10:56pm
Arbys on the road was it
December 19 at 11:06pm
Love their horsey sauce. 🙂
Wish I was there… would hand you soup and the rest of the cheese, and rub your back. You watching the Pats?
Phil December 19 at 11:08pm
Yea, hoping they get beat

December 19 at 11:10pm
Brat.

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Dinners

Phil December 17 at 1:38pm
Huh?
Phil December 17 at 1:39pm 
On my way west to see the folks! Wearing my new t-shirt 🙂

December 17 at 2:24pm
Yay! You survived the conference!
Feel like talking? Call me? I have nothing to do at work, as usual. Had a busy morning. Went to out for lunch with a senior staffer. Would love to tell you about it…
December 17 at 3:55pm
Great to chat. Turkey trot = Abby’s dance on NCIS. Hope the new shirt is comfy. Get someone to take a photo? Would love to see you in it!
December 17 at 11:35pm
Hiya, kid. Did you have a grand night with the family?
I went to see my dad at the nursing home. He seems well cared for. Hubby and I had dinner with my sister and her familiy at this Colonial home in Woburn that looks the furthest thing from a Chinese restaurant – bright yellow with frilly trim. But it houses the most authentic Sichuan place around. I ate hot & sour soup, pork dumplings and stir-fried filet mignon with mushrooms and onions and spinach. Yum.
Sleep well, sweet man.


Phil December 18 at 6:56am
Having dinner at the Land and Sea Grill Steak House in Saugerties. Oh my God!

December 18 at 8:45am
OMG! That menu looks amazing! Did you add to your lobster count? (your msg came thru Saturday morning…)

Phil December 18 at 8:53am
I did

December 18 at 8:54am
Good morning! Pretty morning here.. 25 degrees, sun, high clouds, calm… need to get a bunch of errands done – post office, bank, then go to project meetings. What are you up to?

Phil December 18 at 8:59am
The lobster bisque came with a lobster tail in it. I had the seafood fra diablo, escargo with button mushrooms


TEXT
9:03 am Phil: [photo of plate of food]

December 18 at 9:03am
I can’t believe how far you folks drive for dinner! My older sister’s partner is from near there. They were just there, as his mom is not well. It still manages to surprise me how tightly intertwined our lives are, in terms of places you know that I know etc. but when you’re up here, it gets really clear.
December 18 at 9:05am
OMG. I may have to get in the car. Lobster in the bisque? That is decadent! (I had a very strong feeling that you had bisque when I saw that menu…) And snails? Yum. I would’ve begged for tastes of all that! Oh, man… drooling now.

TEXTS
9:25 am Me: Whoa!  What is that?
9:26 am Phil: Lobster Fra diavlo
9:26 am Me: Envy!
9:28 am Phil: Was amazing!
9:29 am Me: Spicy? I’ve never had it…
9:31 am Phil: Oh yeah, was awesome

Phil December 18 at 9:59am
Saugerties is so pretty. All the lights. Not that far a drive, have eaten there before. One of my favorites. Great people own and run it. Amazing food, great service, very friendly.

TEXTS
9:59 am Me: Dessert?
10:03 am Phil: Crème Brule
10:12 am Me: Scotch?
10:43 am Phil: Of course
December 18 at 11:28am
Hope it wasn’t too much FB msgs and texts. It’s so fun!
Sadly, idea of surgery Tuesday is getting to me. Got out my health care proxy, and fell into “what if I die on table?” Eep. Who would take care of practical matters? So I made a list for Hubby and sis of where to find important documents. If I do it, he won’t need it, right?
Then on to “What do I need to say?” Dangerous territory. But a few texts from you, and I am back out of that pit. Laughing! Thank you, Philip. Photos of lobster are a guaranteed way to perk me up! 🙂
Off to work on my project!
TEXTS
4:32 pm Phil [photo of his family doing a holiday toast]
4:32 pm Me: Awesome!  Cheers!
4:38 pm Phil: [He sent me the same photo again. Drunk?]
5:26 pm Me: Cuter than lobster!
6:40 pm Me: Having sushi and Korean tonight!
Sent photo of a painting of JP Seafood in Jamaica Plain




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Day After


Thursday thick
Between Phil and You
December 16 at 11:53am
Hiya, kid. Hope you’re enjoying this warmer day. I am a little sore from driving 300 miles, fuzzy from not quite enough sleep and heart aches missing you… hope sleep will fix most of that.
December 16 at 2:20pm
Some good tips to remember as you transition from the South to the Midwest
Six winter weather lessons that Southerners can learn from Northerners.

TEXTS
6:01 pm Phil: [Photo of two lobster dinners from his conference]
6:03 pm Me: Yowza!
6:20 pm Me: Score – Philip 4, lobsters 0
6:27 pm Phil: Yeah man!  I’m kicking their ass
6:32 pm Phil: Getting chowder to go for later on.
Me: [Photo of Lazurus, a kitty]
6:46 pm: Stopped by a shelter event.  Kitty rescued from an apt complex in CT that was being demolished.  He ran out to their truck [a rare thing!] and hopped inside!
6:48 pm Phil: That’s cool.  3 pounds of lobsta gone, having a beer, got two bowls of chowda for later with scotch.  I’m a happy boy. 
6:49 pm Me: Envy!
6:51 pm Phil: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.  30 bucks for two 1 ½ lb lobsters, boiled potatoes and corn on the cob.  I love it
7:07 pm Me: Going out for Thai – soup and satay.
7:08 pm Phil: Satay is my favorite!  Enjoy!

December 16 at 8:56pm

Your day go okay? Home now. Feeling better… nap, kitty shelter visit, thai food with two women from my project team. Nice to chat with new people. And talk about the project instead of dad dying/breast crap. Hubby has friends over in our living room, so I’m sitting at my desk in the middle of that!
Phil December 16 at 9:07pm
I’m doing good. Got the laundry done. Having my soup enjoying a scotch watching NCIS
December 16 at 10:08pm
Did you like the Turkey Trot?



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Visit #2 – part 7 Farewell

1:15 am The farewell


I dropped him at his car, and got out for one last hug and kisses.  I did not want to let go!  I had this horrible feeling that I would never see or hear from him again, whether by some peril in my upcoming battle with cancer or some twist to his move and new post or the vagaries of life in general.  I tried to pour all my feelings into that last touch, but I could not speak. 


He finally broke us apart, kissed my forehead and said, “Drive safe.  Text me when you get home?”  I nodded.  He dashed to his car.  I got into mine and followed him out of town.  He turned off toward the base, and I went on down the dark, empty roads and highways back to Boston. 

TEXTS
1:22 am to Hubby “Headed north, home soon”

1:29 am Philip: “Thanks for a very enjoyable evening.  Please let me know when you are home and safe.”
(with a photo of the boston cream pie in a heart)  


1:30 am Philip: “Yummy”
(with a photo of the baked stuffed lobster)


2:45 am Home
I unpacked the cooler, putting the cheese back into the fridge.  Hubby was asleep in the recliner, so I tucked him into bed.  But I was too too keyed up to sleep, so I stayed up writing it all down, wanting to treasure every moment. 
TEXTS
3:39 am “Thank you very much for a lovely evening!  Fabulous dinner, thought-provoking stories, and so many sweet moments… it’s so great being with you.”
3:47 am “Made it home easily, so keyed up, couldn’t sleep… up writing down everything, to clear my head.  So special… Thanks for sharing so much with me, Philip.  Must sleep now.  Sleep well, sweet man.”
4:15 am bed
Final thoughts:

Thank you that I did not get sick, have a period or a cold sore, get into a car crash with him in the car or by myself, get too lost, run into anyone I knew at dinner.  
My cat did not make him sneeze.  
He liked the t-shirt I gave him and it fit.

I was able to put off my surgery a few days so I could see him. 
I went to D.C. in October, so this was not our only interaction. 
He didn’t give me any “and now good-bye” speech.
Not sure whether I should have told him I love him or not.  Didn’t seem to be a moment to do it.  But when he shared his heart cath story, and I realized he could die before I ever see him again, or when he talked about such intense moments in his career and the burdens, I was very close.   
It is so nice to be with a man who will let me touch him and kiss him.  
I was also very happy to have few hours where I was not “the person whose dad is dying” or “the woman with cancer.”  I was Philip’s “high school sweetheart.”  
Swoon
Now what?


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Visit #2 – part 1 Getting there

December 15, 2010

It doesn’t sound very romantic, but I prepped for this day like a general planning a major battle.  Despite my upcoming cancer battle, most of my attention for weeks focused on dreaming about what it might be like to see him again, and trying to make our time together fabulous!  I read about restaurants online, asked friends for recommendations and decimated lobsters all over town to find the right place.  I ended up making a reservation at a local chain I’ve tried but in a location I had never visited.  It fit Phil’s criteria – chowder, lobster, liquor – plus it had a private area with high booths so we’d be less likely to be seen.  It was too expensive, but I planned to help out with the cost.

I made up a detailed schedule.  I looked at maps – calculated drive times, parking places, meeting spots.  I used this visit as an excuse to clean up my place – had it cleaned by a pro team, and de-cluttered as I had not done in years.  I got my hair done.  I had the car cleaned inside and out.  I bought a simple gift and snacks.  I prepped my husband and sister to help me.  I took two days off from work.  I prayed for good weather!  I fretted about how I was going to share my life with him in less than 8 hours, when he’d had parts of three days to entertain me!

The day dawned clear and bitterly cold.  No snow!  Yay!  I was so nervous and excited I thought I would burst out of my skin!  All the details and driving and what he would be like kept me on edge all morning.  I just wanted to see him, to touch him, to hear him laugh…when you have a long distance relationship, the basics become so precious!

I fretted about whether to say, “I love you.”  I wanted to be able to say it in person… but decided not to worry about it, to let it out if it seemed right.  Even though there was the possibility, with his new post, that I would not see him again for years and might not even be able to communicate.

I arranged for my husband to borrow my sister’s car, and to stay overnight with a friend.  So we left home mid-afternoon and started the plan in motion.  I left him at my sister’s and headed out.  The theory was to pick Phil up, drive to my place, meet my husband briefly, have an hour alone, then go for a late dinner, maybe visit my office, then drive him back.  My first challenge was to find the meeting place.  I hate driving alone.  I went a little early so I would be there before it was completely dark.  I found our designated spot, and discovered it was right next to a fancy hotel!  I had somewhere warm and interesting to wait.

TEXT 

4:55 pm “At the hotel lobby. Lots of free parking.”
I went inside the hotel to use the restroom, checked out the gift store and the upper lobby, then sat in the lower lobby.  I got up to pace.  Then sat some more,  and paced some more.

TEXTS

5:10 pm Phil: “Leaving now. Be there in a couple”
5:10 pm “Hooray!”

5:17 pm FB msg to Betsey “How did your day go? I made it, waiting impatiently for Philip! More later…”

I was so nervous… felt like I could not wait one more moment.  I kept taking deep breaths… reading Facebook on my phone… pacing… arrgggh!


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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Eve
Between Phil and You
November 24 at 10:51am
Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start. It is a bright, clear sunny day, but wicked cold and WINDY. They mentioned “wind chill” on the radio for the first time this season – feels like 16 degrees out. Eeep. The leaves are swirling and dancing in the streets. At least it’s not precipitating on all the travelers!

Phil November 24 at 10:54am
Getting ready to bail out of here to forge through all the traffic. Promises to be a miserable drive. I’m well rested and it’s a gorgeous day though so not so bad. Can’t wait to start cooking. Have a great day!

November 24 at 11:19am
We’re closing the office at 12:30 pm. Hooray! Call me if you want someone to help make the trip go faster. 🙂
November 24 at 11:24am
It’s wicked quiet here. No student workers to entertain us. They’ve scattered to the four winds, literally.
November 24 at 2:25pm
Hoping your drive isn’t too bad. I am so thankful we don’t have to drive anywhere today! I had yummy Chinese leftovers for lunch – spicy Yu Shiang eggplant with chicken!

[Philip called me about 4:30 pm and we talked for an hour while he drove to the beach]

Thanksgiving thoughts
Between Phil and You
November 25 at 6:00am
Good morning! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Football Day! I hope your holiday is off to a great start. It’s wicked cold here…below freezing for the first time. Only 31 now, but headed to the hi 40’s. There are no vehicles at all in the lot! That is a rare sight… Have a fabulous day!
Phil November 25 at 7:57am
Happy Thanksgiving! Turkey is in the oven, potatoes peeled. Reading the paper and getting ready for the parade. Weather feels nice here today. Have a great day!
TEXTS
Thanksgiving and Football
2:02 pm Me: Sis’s house and her car! (photo)
2:25 pm Me: Menu for turkey and more (photo of list)
2:33 pm Me: And the Pats tie it up!  Ha!
2:47 pm Phil: Oh bite me.  I’m so pissed off about this game.  Have I mentioned I can’t stand the Patriots
2:48 pm Me: Nothing like a 79 yd pass!
2:49 pm Phil: What a joke!  Mr. Smith will be selling hot dogs on a street corner tomorrow.  Friggin bum.
2:50 pm Me:  And I’d love to bite you, kid.  Turkey isn’t cooking and everyone is starving and cranky here!
2:51 pm Phil: Ooooohhh.  We are done.  Drinking beer now rooting against the suck ass Patriots.
2:52 pm Me: Good food?
2:54 pm Phil: Oh yea.  Meal was fabulous!
3:01 pm Me: Wow!  Brady and Branch are cooking!
3:25 pm Me: Turkey is finally done…only 2 hrs late!  Off to gooble!
3:26 pm Phil: Enjoy!
3:29 pm Me: Thanksgiving Dinner!  [photo of the buffet]
3:58 pm Me: Wow what a game! (sorry)
4:02 pm Phil: Yeah yeah yeah
4:05 pm Me: Go Team!
4:15 pm Phil: 🙂
4:44 pm Me: Dessert!  Pear cranberry crisp, brown butter pumpkin cake and vanilla ice cream – all homemade!  [photo of desserts]
4:50 pm Phil: Now that looks good!
9:58 pm Me: Having fun?  Tough game…
10:16 pm Me: That’s better!  [His team takes the lead]


November 25 at 11:34pm
Hope you had a wonderful holiday. Thanks for keeping me smiling during the long wait for dinner. You’re so cute when you are hatin’ on the Pats. 🙂
Quiet evening – Hubby went to a huge party. So it’s me and the cat keeping an eye on football. Whee… Strangely sleepy – must be turkey. Sleep well, sweet man.
Phil November 25 at 11:36pm
Game is winding down. Nice way to end the day. Black Friday tomorrow. Been a nice day. Glad yours was too.


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Big hug

Saturday sales
Between Phil and You
November 20 at 6:50am
Good morning! I hope your Saturday is a fine one. Pretty sky today… high patches of pastel clouds like someone from 19th Century France painted them, cold – 37 degrees but might get into the mid-50’s, brisk winds (up to 40 mph!) whipping Old Glory, gaggles of gulls sailing on the gusts… have a special day, Philip.
November 20 at 7:02am
Big plans for today? I’m headed out to take my Mom to the church fair at my sister’s church.


[Philip called me and talked more about his new post]
November 20 at 7:58am
So great to talk to you!
Wading through the figure skating results. The big action is in Moscow this weekend, called “Cup of Russia,” 5th stop of the 6-weekend Grand Prix series. The Americans aren’t doing very well… but a Canadian man, Patrick Chan, is causing a buzz. He landed a quad-triple combo jump in his short program that has the press tripping over themselves. This is the first year they’ve allowed quad jumps in the short program, so they stick out right now.

November 20 at 11:38am
Survived the church sale. What a mad house! Got a tote bag for fifty cents. Taking my dad out for Chinese lunch. Hope your day is going well.
Phil November 20 at 1:58pm
Sounds like an interesting day! Have fun.
November 20 at 10:51pm
Hope you had a nice day.
Had a great lunch with mom and dad. He moving well with his walker, and smiled. But completely quiet. Still good, for someone the doctors have given up on. Food was barely tolerable, so I didn’t eat much, which is fine.
Quiet evening. Did some more de-cluttering. Hubby was sick and asleep most of the time. Looked at more lobster restaurant menus. Yum. Sleep well, sweet man.

Sunday switch
Between Phil and You
November 21 at 9:27am
Good morning! I hope you’re having a good day at the beach. It’s another COLD clear morning – 33 degrees, in the 30’s all day. Brrrr… Wind has the flag straight so you can see every star and bar! Calm in the lot.
TEXTS

Sunday Afternoon Text Fest
2:47 pm Me: Pub Brunch!  (with a photo of my food)
2:49 pm Phil: Now that looks good!
2:53 pm Me: Bacon and bloody mary… Mmm
2:56 pm Phil: Oh hell yea!  Hope Indy kicks the shit out of the Pats!
2:56 pm Me: Brat.
3:05 pm Phil: Yeah Baby
3:11 pm Me: Fuck me.
3:13 pm Phil: Well damn!
3:15 pm Me: Lobstrrrr (with a photo of the lobster tank at Shaw’s)
3:18 pm Me: Shopping during the Pats game is heaven… no crowd!
3:42 pm Me: More lobster…Go team! (with a photo of Butoni shrimp & lobster ravioli)
4:18 pm Me: Congrats! (when his team won their game)
4:19 pm Phil: How bout them!  Let’s go Colts!
4:19 pm Phil: Thank you.
4:25 pm Me: Ooh… you are asking for it.  And you’ll get it, mister!
4: 25 pm Phil: Shit! Fucking Patriots! (After they scored early in their game)
4:28 pm Me: All revved up.  Watch out.  Hubby had a melt down and left me at the store alone.  So I’m pissed and casting about for a target.  Wide berth suggested… or send a big hug.  Sigh
4:40 pm Phil: Big hug!
4:42 pm Me: Good answer. <3
5:34 pm Me:  You are seriously screwing up my efforts not to fall for you.  Brat.  Sorry about earlier, much better now.  Yes, Pats! (during halftime)
5:35 pm Phil: Lol!
5:37 pm Me: You eating good stuff?
5:38 pm Phil: Riding the bike for 50 minutes at the moment.  Working my ass off in front of the TV of course.
5:41 pm Me: Wow.  You’re so virtuous!  Go Philip!
5:42 pm Phil: Gotta do it.
5:42 pm Me: home or gym?
5:43 pm Phil: Couple hundred crunches coming up. 
5:45 pm Me: too bad you aren’t here… I’d give you a work out. 😉 you could carry groceries! 
5:48 pm  Me: Time for the Pats to nai
5:49 pm Me: oops… Nail down the win!
7:09 pm Me: Pats win! (sorry)
7:10 pm Phil: That sucked.
7:14 pm Me: Got sushi delivered – life is good!
8:06 pm Me: Friend is coming over – bringing homemade peach ice cream!  
Since my place is clean, I can have company!
8:08 pm Phil: Enjoy, love peach ice cream is favorite
8:20 pm Me: [photo] My friend with sushi
8:22 pm Phil: Yummy
10:14 pm She’s gone. She’s so fun!
November 21 at 11:20pm
Such a fun day! Brunch with Hubby, football with you, sushi, ice cream with my friend… a good Sunday. 
Thanks for… being there when he wasn’t. And keeping me laughing. It means more than I can say. Sleep well, sweet man. Sweet dreams.

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Lost Pants

Monday marvels
Between Phil and You
Phil November 15 at 6:27am 
Delayed. For 5 hours at the airport. Yippee. Got up at 3:30 for this privilege. Have a great day!

November 15 at 8:26am
Good morning! Gray morning here. High clouds, 50 degrees and staying there. Lots of the big electrical repair trucks today in the lot. The gulls are diving again….
November 15 at 8:27am
Sorry to hear about your delay. Yuck! May this will be “the bad part” so the rest of your trip is wonderful. My friends talk of “having a frog for breakfast.” It’s gross but it makes the rest of your day look a lot better!
Can you get stuff done while you wait? If you need entertainment or distraction, I am here for you. Call or find me online or write! New phone puts me at your fingertips. Heh.
Phil November 15 at 8:35am
Getting work done while I wait. Not a bad thing.

November 15 at 8:35am
Had a great meeting. Fourteen people appeared, including two new people! So everyone was on their best behavior, telling jokes and energetic. I ran a tight meeting – done in 45 minutes! I was revved up, trying to show I feel fine.

And best of all, we got through the entire meeting without anyone mentioning my breast!

November 15 at 8:44am
Then it was off to Margarita’s. Table for twelve. Both new people went, so people ordered pitchers of margaritas and told the good stories about how our group got started, misadventures.
I got to taste yummy nachos with chorizo, barbecue chicken fajitas and my own plate of enchiladas – chicken, cheese and spiced steak. And someone paid for my dinner! Wow!
November 15 at 8:46am
Glad to hear you can get work done! Hope that makes the time go by. Speaking of which, I’d better dash to the office. Hoping for a quiet day. I’ll be working on the payroll.  Whee!
November 15 at 10:42am
Thinking of you… hoping you’re in the air or will be soon. I’m being super-efficient! Got to work early, did payroll, ran the weekly check-in meeting with the entire staff. Pretty quiet week for everyone. Starting work on the holiday open house. Can’t believe it’s almost time for that again!

Phil November 15 at 10:48am
I am sipping a bloody mary and still waiting. Will nap on the flight. Not a bad morning. Find a good dinner place yet for December? Looking forward to that. Won’t be long now. Glad you are having a good day.

November 15 at 11:19am
You sound quite mellow. Glad it’s not too bad. I love bloody mary mix! Do you get access to a special spot? Or are you camped at the bar?
Ooh, LOBSTER thoughts! Yum. I have been thinking about and trying places, even posted in my blog asking folks for recommendations to take “visiting friends.” It’s a little tricky, in terms of finding a place where no one I know will see me, and that has the right stuff to eat and drink, and isn’t too expensive. But it’s fun to figure it out!
Do you know your December schedule, i.e. when you will be here exactly? If you do, I can make a reservation. If not, no biggie. If there are things you want to do or see here, let me know.
November 15 at 1:19pm
Did you ever get off the ground? Hope so. I tried the NYTimes crossword… very tough today. But I learned new words! Grabbing lunch now.
November 15 at 3:12pm
Did you make it?
[Phil posted a photo of a restaurant to his FB wall]

November 15 at 8:26pm
Wow… the Pig-N-Whistle looks incredible! Tell me what you ate? Brisket? Ribs? Catfish? Oh, man, what a menu! You lucky duck!
November 15 at 11:32pm
Quiet lonely evening here. Watching the city lights go out. Missing you something fierce. The fun. food. fooling around. If we were talking, you’d hear a bunch of sexy, dirty words! Heh. Must be the phase of the moon. *sigh* Don’t let it worry you, kid – just know that you inspire lust and longing in a brown-haired girl! 😉 Good night, sweet man. Sleep well.

Tuesday trust 
Between Phil and You
November 16 at 4:41pm
Busy day? Hope it was productive one. My brain was in high gear, so I got ahead on projects at the office. My task for tonight is to motivate Hubby to de-clutter -> pro cleaners are coming tomorrow! Any tips on getting spouses to toss stuff? Wish me luck!
November 16 at 9:47pm
Hey, kid, How’s it going?
Actually made some progress on de-cluttering! And got the husband to do some, too! He threw something out! Woot! Miracles do happen. 🙂 Might even be able to let visitors in here. Maybe by December.
Did you see that Prince William announced his engagement today? To Kate, a woman with long, brown hair. My sister says she looks like me as a teenager. So you’d probably think she’s cute. 😉

Phil November 16 at 10:01pm
great barbecue, good drinks, great meeting. Was a good day!
November 16 at 10:53pm
Just watched NCIS. Intense. Lots of Ziva. I hate two-parters…
City sites 
Between You and Phil
Phil November 17 at 11:20am
Had the pulled pork and chicken combo with beans and slaw. Very nice. That’s always been a favorite. Wet day here today. Grip and Grin with the boss tonight. Gonna be a busy week!

Phil November 17 at 11:21am
This has been a fabulous conference. Great networking opportunity, lots of work getting done. Having a great time doing it too!
November 17 at 11:23am
Good morning! We’re having a “New England weather” day here (if you don’t like it, just wait 10 minutes) in that it was pouring when I came to work and completely clear now! And 62 degrees! That’s awesome for November. I like it when it goes in that direction. I hope it clears for you soon.
November 17 at 11:33am
Pulled pork! Yum. I’ve seen cooking shows about the restaurants in Memphis… so envious! So glad to hear the meetings are going well. You sound so “up!”
Phil November 17 at 11:34am
We are having a spectacular day! Weather is amazing. Great work being done.

November 17 at 4:39pm
I hope your meetings continue to go well. I didn’t feel like working today, but made a list of the big things I should be doing – and managed to make progress on all fronts! Off to Texas Road House for a STEAK!  Have a great evening!
TEXTS
Me: TX Roadhouse for the win!  (with a photo of the restaurant in Everett)
Phil:  One of my favorites!
November 17 at 9:05pm
Hope you’re having a good evening.
I have a clean place! WOOT! Having the pros clean is so fabulous! It made Hubby clean up his junk, and throw out some stuff. They sent four people for an hour. My friend got a coupon, so it only cost her $47! And it cost me nothing! Incredible. Can you tell I am pleased? 🙂

Phil November 17 at 9:44pm
I can tell. Sipping wine, watching TV. Going out tomorrow. Big ass beer and an attitude adjustment along with barbecue at BB Kings place. Yummy!
November 17 at 9:51pm
Wow… BB Kings has quite the menu. Several items there I’ve never seen – sweet potato puffs? And lots of stuff I know and would love. Heh. You are a lucky man to get to eat at these places!
Phil November 17 at 10:01pm
gotta love it!
Phil November 17 at 10:01pm
Gonna have lobsta and chowda in New England in a few weeks. Whoo Hoo!
November 17 at 10:04pm
And beer!
November 18 at 1:42pm
Hope you’re having another great day. Still conferencing? It’s a gorgeous day – 50’s, sunny, blustery. The November light makes everything so crisp and pretty! Most of the leaves are gone, so I can see the amazing architecture in a new way.
November 18 at 2:56pm
Strange and wonderful things today. The office staff was freaking out over two dead mice when I got in. Took all my managerial skill to calm them down, and form them into teams to remove small furry bodies, dissipate the smell and contact housekeeping to re-set the traps. Ah, the exciting duties of the office manager!
I actually left the office for lunch – third time since August! Border Cafe for gumbo and shrimp etouffee! Yum. Met up with three chick friends. Sassy chicks unite! You would’ve had fun at that table.
And I tasted pretzel M&Ms for the first time. Not impressed. Going back to Almond!
November 18 at 4:09pm
Hey, kid. Hope you had a productive day! 
November 19 at 12:51am
Another quiet evening here… hope you had fun. Sleep well, sweet man.
November 19 at 8:39am
Good morning! Happy Friday! I hope your day is off to a grand start. It’s a beautiful morning, completely clear but COLD. Only 39 and not going much higher.  Have a great day!

Phil November 19 at 9:14am
My head hurts, mouth tastes like camel shit and I can’t find my pants. Great day, geez
November 19 at 9:17am
I’m so sorry… but this made me giggle. You are so cute before you’ve had coffee.
November 19 at 1:14pm
Tell me your are feeling better? And found your pants?! I won’t ask how you know what camel shit tastes like… are you still conferencing?
My assistants declared today a cleaning and furniture moving day! So the place has been torn up all morning. I switched desks with my assistant, moved all the desks and tables.. yikes! Just starting to get back to normal. Trying to pitch stuff rather than just put it back into my new desk… rah. I am now back in a corner, so you could be underneath it with no one seeing you… 😉

TEXT 
Me: Re-arranging office furniture.  Whee!
(with a photo of my office all discombobulated)
Phil November 19 at 3:02pm
Lol. I am feeling a little better but still a little fuzzy. At the airport waiting on the flight. Maybe coffee will help
November 19 at 3:12pm
Do I dare ask what you did last night that made you all fuzzy today? Or is it just the end of a long week?  Office is finally calming down. Phew. Still can’t find anything…
November 19 at 4:55pm
I hope your flight went smoothly. I’m headed home.
You driving tonight? Would love to hear your voice… make you laugh…
November 19 at 11:29pm
Home again?
Quiet and cold here…gorgeous moon and stars. Caught up on “The Mentalist.” Sussed the killer right away… hate it when I do that. Had a great pizza – chicken, bacon, onion and white sauce. Weird but tasty.
Sleep well, sweet man.

Phil November 20 at 6:51am
Bout half way home. crisp cool morning
November 20 at 6:54am
call?
[Philip called me and we talked for about an hour, all about his trips and plans for his visit in December!]
Phil November 20 at 7:55am
Thanks!  Great to talk to you!



by

Veterans Day

Monday is murky
Between Phil and You
November 8 at 6:16am
Good morning! I hope your day is off to a fine start. And that your weather is better than mine. It’s dark, raining hard, and windy… looks like it’s raining sideways. Cold – 38 degree. Ick! The gulls are diving and coasting on the gale… ah, Monday!
November 8 at 6:54am
What’s up with you? Driving? Flying? I hope it goes smoothly. And you can smile that wicked “My team won, Pats lost” smile!
Phil November 8 at 8:43am
Good day> doing some chores around the house before heading back to D.C. Nice out this morning. Have a great day!
November 8 at 9:22pm
Hey there. Doing the MNF thing? Wicked busy day but chillin now. pining for a tall, handsome football fan. 🙂
November 8 at 11:51pm
Been watching funny videos… literally laughing myself silly. Heh. People are being so sweet to me – sending me stuff to make me smile.  Hope you had a great night! Sleep well, sweet man.

Tuesday triumphs
Between Phil and You
November 9 at 7:51am
Good morning! I hope your Tuesday is rocking and rolling to a happy tune. Busy day for you?  Gray morning, 47, but the rain stopped. Parking lot is quiet… just the gulls.
November 9 at 8:03am
NCIS previews looks fun – Robert Wagner’s back! He is such a sass! Had a great feeling getting dressed – put on a winter shirt that was too small in March and it fits now! Gave me courage to step on the scales – down 20 pounds since August. Woot! You probably won’t be able to tell in December, but it feels great to me.
November 9 at 3:12pm
Crazy day for you? It’s been wild here, but suddenly came to a halt and I’m alone in the office. That hasn’t happened for awhile! Hoping the rest of the day will be quiet for both of us.
Phil November 9 at 5:15pm
Good for you! That’s so awesome! I am making lasagna for dinner from scratch. Lots of meat and cheese. Italian salad with fresh garlic bread, a nice chianti, yummy. Gonna eat while I watch NCIS. Robert Wagner has always been a favorite!

November 9 at 7:52pm
Oooh! Lasagna… that sounds so fantastic! Wish you could put a slice up on the web and I could download it over here! I am at home alone again. Probably nuke a hot dog and frozen veg. Heh.
November 9 at 9:06pm
I am… wicked. Hot for you. Been looking at photos you sent. Mmm… Call? Chat? After TV… if, you know… you’re not too tired. And interested. Or just chit-chat. Whatever. 🙂
November 9 at 11:59pm
Wow! NCIS was fun tonight. Great to see Bruce Boxleitner again. And Ziva looked mighty fine. “She IS a weapon.” Heh.  Hope your dinner turned out well. Sleep well, sweet man.

Wednesday wheaties
Between Phil and You
November 10 at 7:48am
Good morning! Here’s hoping for a great day for us. Another rainy, gray day, 43, so I get to be the sunshine! Off to do great things!

November 10 at 4:07pm
How’s your day going? Are you cooking something divine again tonight? I’m very pleased to report that (after about 65,000 phone calls over the course of 4 days, changing doctors and health care providers, and pulling strings), I finally have an appointment to see a surgeon. Woot! Monday, Nov. 22 I go to the Mass General Hospital Gillette Center for Women’s Cancers to meet their team and discuss options. The power of friends and co-workers with the right connections have gotten me to a very good place! I am much calmer now.
November 10 at 11:59pm
Another day ending… hoping you had a good one! Sleep well sweet man.
Veterans day
Between Phil and You

Phil November 11 at 6:06am 
At the airport getting ready to head out. Have a great day!

November 11 at 11:00am
Hope you’ve landed safely and will have a productive day.
Here’s my FB status update for today:
“A big thank you to all Veterans and those who currently serve. We appreciate you and all the work you do to make us safe and free.”
Thank you, Philip. I am so proud of you and thankful for all you do for this country and the people serving in the military.
November 11 at 5:29pm
Off to work on my local project.  Thinking of you a lot today, hoping you’re having a good day.
[I was driving to pick up dinner, wondering what Philip’s new place would look like, wishing I could be there with him to see it.  Here’s one of those freaky moments where he read my mind from over 1,000 miles away.]

TEXTS from Philip
5:38 pm four photos of his new surroundings
TEXT to Philip
5:53 pm Wow!  Fabulous!  Thanks for sharing!  Having thai soup!  
TEXT to Philip
10:00 Evening went well. Woot!  going to party.  Sleep well, sweet man.
TEXT from Philip
10:32 pm Nite Girl.  Congrats!  

Phil November 12 at 4:05pm
Been a busy day. Meeting people, getting a feel for the job etc. Weather is still great. Fly home tomorrow. Hope you are having a great day

November 12 at 4:08pm
Busy day – alone in the office all day. Hope you are seeing good people, feeling better about the job and the place.


Hartford Ho

Between Phil and You

November 12 at 4:51pm
Just volunteered to drive to Hartford (90 minutes away) to have dinner with a friend there on business from Canada! Rein’s Deli for dinner! Whee! Off on an adventure.
November 12 at 10:08pm
Almost home, rest stop 30 minutes out the mass pike. Full of pickled herring, reuben and kugel. Listening to oldies, heard “teenager in love“. Heh. Sleep well, sweet man.
Saturday sky
Between Phil and You
November 13 at 10:01am
Good morning! I hope you’re having a great day! It’s a gorgeous morning – Clear sky, 50, crisp fall air. My cat and I went out on the balcony and looked all around. Thanks for sending the good weather our way. 🙂
November 13 at 10:06am
I “like” a food blog that pops up on FB called “Boston Hidden Restaurants.” The guy eats out a lot, and writes about it. And posts photos. Here’s his latest, from one of my favorites places. Nothing like a little Moussaka in the morning.
hiddenboston.com
Photo of moussaka from Greek Corner in Cambridge, MA…this picture is part of a food photos feature within the Boston’s Hidden Restaurants site.

November 13 at 11:59am
I’m having a quiet day at home. Trying to get picked up, as the cleaners are coming Wednesday. I’m really curious to hear about your trip. Call sometime if you have a few moments to tell me about it?
November 13 at 2:29pm
Beautiful clear sky inspired me to try some photos of my view. Hope you can see them okay. If not, tell me if email or FB might work better? Not like being here, but something… so loved seeing your new place, wanted to return the favor!
November 13 at 11:10pm
Hoping you made it home safely and easily… sleep well, sweet man.


================

November 14, 2010 12:04 am 
[from my personal blog]
Late nights 
Late at night, when I’m tired and a little bored, I ache for him so bad I can taste it. It’s especially bad when I haven’t heard from him in awhile. Nothing for over 24 hours. When I don’t know where he is. When it’s been 10 days since I’ve heard his voice. And I can feel him slipping away from me. I read over his messages and store them away. Try to read between the lines, understand more about him. What he wants, what he needs, how he feels. 
I get online and chat with friends. I write emails, hear other people’s news.  It helps for awhile.
I long for the sound of his voice. And write to him too much. And then I start longing for his body. My insides roll. I want him inside me right now. Over and over. I want to see his smile. I want just one text or email or facebook message… something that connects us across all the miles and different lives and the years. I long to tell him how I feel. But I know it’s not wise. I know I shouldn’t push. But it is so hard. 
It’s probably a good thing that he is not talking to me right now. Because I would say something very emotional. Might even use the L-word that has been hammering to come out. That I’ve been squashing since Ocktoberfest even while it’s been growing and threatening to take over my world like a giant monster.  It grew a lot when he was so good to me the night I was diagnosed… talking to me on the phone. Making love to me on FB chat. Letting me know in the most graphic way possible that breast cancer doesn’t keep him from wanting me. And it spread again, as I looked at the photos of him new home. That he shared with me. Standing there looking at the new home he will share with his wife, and texting photos to me. 
So I will go to bed. And replay our time together in my mind. The chats. The 39 hours. The photos he sent me on Thursday. And hope to dream of him. And hope that football puts him in a good mood and makes him write to me. 
Saturday nights are hard. I love you Philip.

=============

Sunday suits
Between Phil and You
November 14 at 9:54am
Good morning! Hope your day is off to a easy start. Sunny here, a few clouds, 50 degrees and staying there. Big flocks of birds heading South… lots of cars in the lot. Odd for a Sunday… have a great day!

Phil November 14 at 2:28pm
Easy trip. Enjoying the football game. Headed to DC. Fly out in the morning. Weather is. Fabulous!

November 14 at 3:59pm
Glad you made it back! Getting set up for a mtg, keeping an eye on the football while I wait.

TEXTS

Sunday, November 14, 2010
12:00 noon Me: Go Team!
3:03 pm Phil: Whoooooo
4:42 pm Me: Wow… What a game!
4:45 pm Phil: Wow!  Awesome
4:52 pm Me: Gotta go now, then dinner with the peeps.  Look for me later?
4:54 pm Phil: Yeah man
6:14 pm Me: They won!  Woot!  Survived meeting, now dinner!
9:09 pm Me: Home again, full of beans… I mean, enchiladas!
9:25 pm Phil: Friggin Patriots!  Just lose for crying out loud!
10:06 pm Me: Half-time
11:38 pm Me: Enjoying this?
11:50 pm Me: I hope you’re asleep

November 15 at 12:11am
Sleep well, sweet man. Safe travels. Have fun. Think of me when you get to that street…