by Lisa Becker
From: Renee Greene – December 6, 2012 – 8:57 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: What a doll!
What GREAT music. I’ve started belting out the tunes already.
Shelley says, “Is this karmic payback for something, Ethan? Putting me in a car with Renee for six days with all of these sing-along tunes?”
From: PBCupLover – December 6, 2012 – 9:03 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What a doll!
It was fun to make. Maybe when you’re back, we can take a little road trip ourselves and enjoy some quality time together. Miss you already, Babe.
From: Mark Finlay – December 6, 2012 – 10:54 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Reminder – not that you likely need it
Not that I’m trying to pry or anything, but what is in that big box? I just know the post office is going to ask me if it’s anything flammable or needs to be insured. And to be perfectly frank, I am curious as hell. Do tell!
From: Renee Greene – December 6, 2012 – 10:59 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Reminder – not that you likely need it
It’s a toy dump truck filled with peanut butter cups (his fav) and a note that reads, “Despite the distance, I haven’t dumped you!” Just wanted him to be sure to know how much I love him and will miss him this week.
And honestly, he deserves it. He put together the most awesome road trip care package for me and Shel complete with box o’ munchies, Red Bull, gas card, car phone charger, first aid kit, etc. And he came up with some funny games like “count the mullets,” “spot the road kill” and “truck stop diner roulette.”
From: Mark Finlay – December 6, 2012 – 11:04 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Reminder – not that you likely need it
You clever couple! He will totally love that. I will take it over today. Not to worry.
On another note, can’t wait to get the daily digest. I’m confident you ladies will have a good trip north.
Cass and I are heading out tomorrow to Santa Barbara for a few days and…drum roll please…I’m going to propose. I know this is news I should have either shared with you by phone or waited to share after she – hopefully – says yes. But I really needed to tell someone.
You’ve been so busy helping Shelley prepare for her move, trying to spend time with Ethan, supporting Ashley with the new baby, etc. I didn’t want to add anything else to your plate. I did manage to ring shop on my own, believe it or not!
It was a month of intensive research and price comparisons. I feel like I’m now an expert in the area. If my new cell game is a bust, I can always get a job at Blue Nile.
Don’t tell anyone about this, though – except Ethan of course. I don’t want Cass accidentally getting wind of it. She doesn’t have a clue.
I’ll give you a call after I do it, to tell you how it went. In the meantime, have fun on your trip and be safe!
From: Renee Greene – December 6, 2012 – 11:07 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Reminder – not that you likely need it
WOW! WOW! WOW! That is such exciting news. I’m THRILLED for you. I just know she’ll say yes. She’d be crazy not to. I’m sorry that I haven’t been there for you. Please call me when it’s a done deal so I can congratulate Cassidy and you properly.
Thanks for making sure Ethan gets that package. I knew you would be the right person to handle this little detail for me, although now I feel badly for asking, since you’ve had your mind on much more important things.
I will anxiously await your call.
From: Mark Finlay – December 6, 2012 – 11:10 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Reminder – not that you likely need it
No apologies needed. You’ve been busy taking care of everyone else, as usual. I just hope when you get back from Seattle that you take a little time to do something for yourself.
From: Renee Greene – December 6, 2012 – 11:12 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Reminder – not that you likely need it
You’re amazing. Love you, my friend.
From: Renee Greene – December 6, 2012 – 9:43 PM
To: PBCupLover, Mark Finlay, Ashley Gordon, cassidy
Subject: Daily Digest – Installment 1
We’ve survived day 1 of KT3. It was a lot of driving to make it up to the Bay area in one day. But we managed to make a fun stop along the way in…Bakersfield. Yes, Bakersfield. I know, I know. You’re thinking, “What could be the big attraction in Bakersfield?” See attached…a giant shoe! Yes, it is a 30-foot- long shoe with a 50-foot-long shoe lace.
Considering my love affair with shoes, I just had to take a photo opp. And it’s a good way to whet my appetite for the big finish in Seattle – the Giant Shoe Museum.
Hope to have more exciting things to share tomorrow. In the meantime, we’re off to bed. Want to get a jump start on our day in the Bay area tomorrow. Sweet dreams, my loves.
From: Ashley Gordon – December 7, 2012 – 1:22 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 1
Sounds fun…at least more fun than sleepless nights, hair loss (YES! My hair is starting to fall out in clumps!), poopie diapers, etc. As you can tell, I’m bummed you girls are having so much fun without me. But looking forward to tomorrow’s update.
From: PBCupLover – December 7, 2012 – 9:54 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Passing the time
Not that you girls are going to grow sick of each other in the car, but thought I would help you pass the time with a list of fun, interesting questions. Figured I would send you a few each day and you and Shelley could discuss on the road.
There are a few, of course, that I would find mighty interesting too, so feel free to share the results of your discussion. In particular is question #2 below. Here’s your list for today:
If you could permanently alter one thing about your physical appearance, what would you change?
If you could alter one physical characteristic of your mate, what would you change?
If you could dine alone with anyone from any period in history, which person would it be?
If you could, in retrospect, change one thing about your childhood, what would it be?
If you could be instantly fluent in another language, what would it be?
Okay, Babe. Drive safe and call me tonight. Love you!
From: Renee Greene– December 7, 2012 – 10:01 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 1
Hair loss? YIKES! It sounds like even with the sleeplessness, poop, spit up (I’m assuming), et al, you realize that you have it pretty darn good with my sweet angel, right? I hope so! Talk soon.
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 10:32 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Passing the time
You are too sweet…and funny. I thought you would be more interested in question #1. But you already know what I’m going to say. Let’s say it aloud together at the count of three. One. Two. Three. BOOB JOB! HA! Was I right? Do you know me well?
I know. I know. That’s one – or should I say two – of your favorite things about me. But honestly, I would love to go for a jog without risking the chance my knockers could knock myself or an innocent bystander unconscious.
Okay. Who am I kidding? I wouldn’t love to go for a jog. I’m seriously averse to exercise. It would be nice to go into a store and buy a button-up blouse, though. Anyway, there is seriously nothing I would change about you. You’re perfect.
From: PBCupLover – December 7, 2012 – 11:02 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Passing the time
PLEASE, and I’m really begging you here, PLEASE, do NOT get a breast reduction
. You too (or should I say you and your two) are perfect just the way you all are. And seriously, there’s not one thing you would change about me? Not one? I know there’s got to be something?
From: Ashley Gordon – December 7, 2012 – 11:15 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 1
YES! I do know how good I have it. Despite all of the challenges, I’m absolutely 100% in love with her. I took your advice and talked with my doctor before she was born. She, and some lovely pharmaceuticals, really helped.
I’m in a good place now, despite my complaining. Yes, if I didn’t do it, you would think something’s wrong, right? Anyway, I hope you do know how very much I appreciate you as a friend.
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 11:20 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 1
I’m so glad to hear you are in a better place. She’s amazing and I know you are already – and will continue to be – a great mom. I will always be here to listen to you complain – as long as it’s not about me needing to change my hair. ;)
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 11:22 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Not really. And isn’t this a better game to play in person. Things can get taken out of context so much in email.
From: PBCupLover – December 7, 2012 – 11:22 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Come on! Spill! I know there’s something.
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 11:25 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Well, there is one, tiny little thing. But really, why don’t we wait until I’m back and we can go through all of the questions together. It will be more fun that way.
From: PBCupLover – December 7, 2012 – 11:26 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Passing the time
So there is something. Come on. Tell me. I won’t be mad.
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 11:26 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Well, you still do have a tendency to say “I told you so” often.
From: PBCupLover – December 7, 2012 – 11:27 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Oh. I didn’t realize I still came across as a know-it-all.
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 11:28 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Oh, don’t be like that. You wanted to know and honestly, it’s such a tiny little thing. Are you feeling totally defeated?
From: PBCupLover – December 7, 2012 – 11:31 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Not totally. But it does sting a little bit. Just remember, no calling me Lil’ PITA okay? Maybe you were right. Maybe email isn’t the best way to talk about this stuff.
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 11:32 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Passing the time
If it makes you feel any better, “I told you so.”
From: PBCupLover – December 7, 2012 – 11:35 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Passing the time
LOL! Yes, that does. Okay, Babe. You go and enjoy your time with Shelley. I will take my know-it-all personality back to the spreadsheets. Number crunching, here I come. I love you.
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 11:36 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Passing the time
Love you, too.
XOXO, Me
From: Renee Greene – December 7, 2012 – 7:12 PM
To: PBCupLover, Mark Finlay, Ashley Gordon, cassidy
Subject: Daily Digest – Installment 2
On our way to San Francisco today, we stopped off in Half Moon Bay to visit a pumpkin patch where you can watch gladiators fight in a mini-coliseum made out of hay bales. It was AWESOME!
We also visited the Museum of Pez Memorabilia. They had every kind of dispenser imaginable including – hold onto your hat, Ethan – a very rare, handmade Jabba the Hutt. Much like your beloved Star Wars toys, rare Pez dispensers still in the package are worth a lot of money.
They even had one that goes for more than $5,000. It’s kind of a Mr. Potato Head-type with movable parts. And the pièce de résistance – or should I say pez de résistance – is a more than 7-foot-tall snowman dispenser.
Now we are resting comfortably at our chic hotel readying ourselves for a gluttonous night of sushi and sake.
From: Ashley Gordon – December 7, 2012 – 8:30 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 2
Sushi and sake sounds divine. Sadly, I’m not there. More sadly (is that even a word?), I’m breastfeeding. No raw fish. No alcohol. No fun. Enjoy ladies.
From: PBCupLover– December 7, 2012 – 9:02 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 2
Sounds like an incredible day. Knowing you’re having fun makes missing you a bit easier. And knowing I’m getting a daily update means you are one day closer to being home.
From: cassidy – December 8, 2012 – 8:02 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: PBCupLover, Mark Finlay, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 2
i love sushi. maybe we can go get some when your back. have fun.
From: Renee Greene– December 8, 2012 – 8:02 AM
To: cassidy
Subject: Re: Daily Digest – Installment 2
Yes! (with a big exclamation point)
From: PBCupLover – December 8, 2012 – 9:01 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Probing questions – part deux
And without further ado, here are today’s probing questions. Seriously, though, if you find these annoying or boring, you can tell me.
If you could have a year in any place in the world – all expenses paid – where would you go?
If you could read the private diary of someone you know, who would it be?
If you had to eliminate one season permanently, which one would it be?
If you had to eat the same meal for the rest of your life, without any nutritional consequences, what would it be?
If you could star in a love scene with any living actor, who would it be with?
From: Renee Greene – December 8, 2012 – 11:30 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Probing questions – part deux
We LOVE getting your daily email suggestions. Keep ‘em coming.
OMG! You are going to die laughing when I tell you this. I asked Shelley if she had to eliminate one season permanently, which one would it be and she said…paprika. Apparently, she is not a fan of deviled eggs. Considering she is the devil herself at times, that is quite ironic. But isn’t that funny. She said paprika. Okay, maybe it’s not that funny. A few days cooped up in a car seeing the weird sites of the western U.S. might be making me a bit punchy.
From: PBCupLover – December 8, 2012 – 2:03 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Probing questions – part deux
I’m so glad it’s helping pass the time. And, yes, very funny about the paprika. Funny that she doesn’t like deviled eggs since she was dressed as one for Halloween this year.
From: Renee Greene – December 8, 2012 – 2:18 PM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Probing questions – part deux
I totally forgot about that. I will remind her. She says, “I went as a deviled egg because I was going to come as the devil with the blue dress on, but couldn’t find a blue dress that hugged my curves the right way.” (Yes, I’m typing this verbatim in
to my phone while she drives). She continues, “But, my T&A looked sublime in white leggings and a white tank.” There you have it.
From: PBCupLover – December 8, 2012 – 2:25 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Probing questions – part deux
Sorry I brought it up. Sounds like you girls are having fun. Continue to enjoy and I’ll talk with you tonight. Love you, Babe!
From: PBCupLover – December 8, 2012 – 4:30 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: That’s My Girl!
Just tried your cell, but you didn’t pick up. Hopefully you two are having a great time. Just wanted to say, “Wow!” What a great surprise! Thanks, Babe. I miss you, too. It feels a lot longer than two days already. I will fill the empty void left in our bed with creamy peanut butter and chocolate goodness. Call me when you get a chance.
From: Renee Greene – December 8, 2012 – 5:32 PM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: That’s My Girl!
Sorry I missed your call. We are getting spotty cell coverage, but I was able to get your email. I will call you from the hotel after we get back from dinner. In the meantime, I’m delighted that you like my little treat. Just wanted you to know how much I am thinking about you despite being so far away.