Sweet November - White House Press Corps

[JPPT1974]

Jean-Madelaine Passepartout since 1988 ever since Eric, a native of France himself, started the sweet November in which one person, either male, female, young, old, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, and/or anything, picks one person, that person whom people turn their backs on, the chance for redemption. They stay in Passepartout's small but cozy apartment for a whole entire month. No sooner, no later, the whole entire month exactly. Starting like the 1st of each and every month and ending the last of every month like February when the 28th and final day is up, it is up. Or the 30th and/or 31st, when the day/time is up, it is up. No ands/ifs/or buts!! Eric saw a very guilt-trodden and very, very, sad Passepartout as the end of the 1988 Campaign election and offered her to board her and room her for a month. Passepartout thought that was the craziest ideal but reluctantly agreed to it. She stayed there for a month and proved to Passepartout that being the youngest and smartest college student and work, work, and work all of the time shouldn't be all of her life but enjoy life but don't take self seriously. Passepartout changed and even though a month seemed like a snap of the fingers, she opened up and is still talking to a physcologist, helping underprivileged children, is a lawyer for the American Bar Association making sure that both prosecutors/defense attorneys, and all kinds of attorneys play fair and square. She also teaches martial arts to schools, churches, and also private lessons with a small fee.

Thanks to Eric, she has blossomed from a caterpillar to a butterfly. But when she learned Eric had cancer and was dying, Passepartout thought she needed to do much, much, more after seeing him and caring for him for six whole months, thought she needed to pick up where Eric left off. Start a sweet November himself in both her American hometown in DC and also her native France where she resided about four months out of the year from May-September working with the French Government and then with the White House Press Corps since she lived her life out of a suitcase but also on her free time, she visited children's hospitals when she wasn't working. But felt that she should do the "Sweet November" thing herself. She went to Harvard when she was 11 and graduated when she was only 13 and has up to four degrees and was intelligent and loved learning and also loved history.

 

[JPPT1974]

Passepartout later when she got her career settled down and helped all over the world at the touch of her fingertips even though this came nearly four or five years later, would start a Sweet November after Eric died after his nearly two year battle with cancer. She did what Eric did and did her best to follow Eric in his footsteps. But there were rules:
1. No strings attached
2. No falling in love
3. No sex of any shape/size/and/or form
4. Keep the friendship a friendship and/or nothing more than a friendship
5. Keep the friendship platonic
6. Help find that person's weakness and let it build up his strength and/or confidence
7. Take that person to places and prove that there is more to life than work, work, work
8. Help that person not take life for granted but also don't take self seriously
9. Laugh at self every once and/or even twice in awhile

She particularly helped children and also helped kids move in with their parents but she mainly targeted parents in single and/or underprivileged/poor homes and helped nearly 90% of them find jobs and then she still stays in touch with them. Also she helps get the kids grades up from F's and D's to almost all A's and some minor B's and get them involved in the community, churches, exercising/gym, get them into tough colleges and they graduated and became doctors, lawyers, professors, teachers. Passepartout did this back in 1991 in both her native France and in DC. Then she decided to help other than kids, the people that she worked with, the White House Press Corps whom the nation/Presidents hate but Passepartout wanted to get them to notice their weaknesses more than their strengths. Despite nearly all 90% "graduated" while the 10% either went back to their "arrogant ways", Passepartout like Eric, who for the nearly 61 years of his 80 years of life on earth, kept the month schedule and even though tried to stay by that schedule, no sooner nor later, and move on with not just her life but theirs as well.

 

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Passepartout had helped over fifty reporters that stayed there whether they were married or not. Passepartout helped these press corps members:
1. A woman help reconcile with her daughter
2. Help a man go and get rid of his alcoholism and has been clean and sober since 1995
3. Have even a reporter quit his job and teach underprivileged children soccer
4. Helped a woman adopt a baby from China when she and her husband couldn't have children
5. Involve a few press corps members in her weekly tai-chi sessions
6. One goes to Passepartout for a once a week but free one-hour full body massage but keeps his underwear on
7. Helped both a husband and wife couple who were estranged become reconciled and go see a marriage counselor
8. Helped her NBC chief reporter for the Clinton end of the second term enjoy motorcyling and got him into NASCAR
9. Helped another NBC reporter get up close and personal with his Christian beliefs but after he was sent to war, died of a pulmonary embolism and before he met Passepartout, he had personal demons and problems but made him more closer to his wife and children
10. Helped a very close friend not blame himself for his son's suicide
11. Helped a three women(not at all at one time though) quit smoking and to exercise
12. Encouraged another woman to have a breast cancer operation after Passepartout told her about her breast operation

Of all that but the best was yet to come!! Her best so far!!

 

[JPPT1974]

While attending a press meeting with the Press Corps, Passepartout noticed that a workaholic reporter was complaining and griping about going from one campaign to another and kind of sound disappointed that he is off for one month after nearly eight years of not taking a vacation since he was one of the wire reporters. His name was Terry and he was divorced with a nine-year old daughter. Passepartout has known Terry since 2000 on the campaign trail in which she meets the press corps every needs and/or wants like food, beverages, making sure their deadlines arrive on time, among many, many, other things but since now Passepartout works out at home and only going to France eight times a year instead of staying there for four months ever since making the US her permanant residence since 2001, Passepartout decided to get to know Terry one to one. Passepartout asked Terry out for lunch since she was buying.

Passepartout overheard him say that he is off for a month and thought that was nice of his boss. But Terry said that his boss noticed him being stressed out and also he was not getting to see his nine year old that much. But Passepartout had a plan because her "Sweet November" is a secret only known among her and at least three or four members of the press, all of them having lived with Passepartout for a month. Passepartout thought that Terry should stay with her for a month to "clear his head"
"What is the catch Passepartout??" asked Terry
"You are kidding me right??" lauging Terry but could see the seriousness on Passepartout's eyes and face.
"Terry, a true Parisian of Paris never, ever, jokes about something so, so, serious. Believe me, I have done this many, many times and also not to gloat and/or act arrogant but 90% who have been through my "program" leave with changed lives and though it is only for a month, they leave happy but I tell them to keep this between them and/or me and not to tell anybody and/or nobody. Not even their families, friends, co-workers, nobody. Also there are a few catches to this."

1. Falling in love is a definite no-no no matter how beautiful(I am straight/hetrosexual BTW) and/or handsome that person is.
2. Keep the friendship strictly a friendship and nothing more than that.
3. You come to my program exactly the same day, place, and time.
4. Start at the exact time(like January 1st) and leave the exact time (January 31) or (February 1) to (February 28 and/or with leap years 29)
5. You will stay the exact same day and leave the alloted and exact day.
6. No sooner nor later.
7. No earlier nor longer
8. Relationships are strictly platonic
9. No alcohol, drugs, and/or smoking(do it outside but step into my apartment and all of three no-no's and will be taken away ASAP)
10. Live life and laugh at yourself once and/or twice in awhile without taking life for granted and life way, way too seriously.
That are the ground rules.

"When do you have your vacation??"
"Next two days from now!!"
"Good because you will only need five short shirts, three pairs of slacks, three pairs of jeans, five pairs of slacks eight pairs of socks, at least two pairs of sneakers, and two pairs of dress shoes. You can also bring any comforts because you are staying for a month and only a month but bring only three or four things and eat as much as you want just don't bring alcohol, drugs, and/or smoking. We start at exactly midnight and end the alloted day you leave at 7:00 am. No strings attached"
"I can't believe that I am doing this but is it worth it!!"
"Oh, yes it is very, very, much worth everything and/or all things"
Terry then left and paid for the lunch at his existance. "I am so, so, crazy doing this!!
Then as he left, Passepartout said: "Everybody thought they were insane but it is well worth it" as she took a sip of Diet Dr Pepper."

 

[JPPT1974]

Passepartout got all of her apartment ready and got it all cleaned up and would let Terry take the bed since she has to sleep with her tv on since she loves the news and the politics as well of DC since making this her permanent residence since 2001 after 9/11. She then took the calender and flipped it to June, awaiting Terry's arrival to come. As she also cut her hair off six inches since her hair needed to be cut and plus she wanted to make a great impression on Terry since this was the first time that he has been in her apartment much less a first time being holed up with a stranger since his family is gone to camp.

Then there was Terry, with a black dress jacket, white t-shirt, Levi's jeans and black Reeboks shoes. He had to be checked to make sure there was and/or were no contraband and no drugs or smoking cigarettes and/or cigars. He thought that was wierd but Passepartout, when she was herself a roommate in Eric's apartment but then conformed easily to his rules understood but hey, rules are rules. Passepartout apologized for there being no dvd player but admitted that she would have to buy one since the vhs tapes were going out of extinct. Then Terry was welcomed into his room and then saw a bed, a tablestand, some drinks(non-alcoholic for him since he has the right to chose what he wants to drink and eat as well)and a CD player of music that he likes. It was cleaned and so, so, neat that Terry, who likes to be messy but his network counterparts like neatness, couldn't believe on speck of dust wasn't on there at all. Then Terry was waved good-night from Passepartout. As Terry thought "Gee, what did I get myself into now??" Passepartout thought "You may call me crazy but I know your heart and soul are weak. That is why I am here!!" Then she took the calender and thought first day finally has come!!

 

[JPPT1974]

Day One:
Passepartout got Terry up at 5:00 am but knew he was an rise and shine type since journalists are supposed to be that way and always on the go. But he thought he could sleep late but Passepartout got him up and ready for his first yoga session. Terry, who always ran three miles a day before work but hasn't worked out since the election, reluctantly agreed to one hour of yoga. Terry thought that the yoga session was boring and almost gave in several times but no way on the Passepartout's watch would he give in. Not if she could help it!! Then, after the yoga session, was, yipes a karate session. For another sixty minutes, Terry learned the basics of punching and kicking and running that it made him, so, so, out of breath and out of shape. Then for showing the effort, Passepartout gave him the first shower, which he really, really, liked. After he got a hot and nice shower which felt so, so, good because he took the time and he didn't feel like he had to rush at all like the election made him always on the go. Then Passepartout had her shower next.

Then, after a light breakfast of a bagel and cappicino since Passepartout didn't eat breakfast, they both went to Passepartout's daily routine of finding different things to do. They went to the library, which Terry has loved to do since he also loves reading books like Passepartout does. He read all day about the criminal justice system since he has two law degrees from a Chicago college. Passepartout had to put up the books and also she also worked on the computer as a computer data entry operator. Then, after that was lunch. Passepartout told Terry that she eats only dinner but snacks around a bit because she feels that she would get bloated as Terry was eating a salad. Then at 1:00, she told him to do whatever he wanted to do until 4:00pm. Then after her shift was over, she then met Terry and both went to the nearby cappicino shop.

Then, Passepartout became friendly with the crew since she is a regular customer. She and Terry both loved cappicino and the coffee house was the way she wanted it, very low-key and down to earth and just like a library. Very, very, quiet and cozy and not a lot of people. Terry learned that she hated crowds and she isn't good with the public at all so that is the reason the library gave her two jobs so that she wouldn't have to deal with the public and/or wait on them. Rude people, Passepartout told Terry. Then, after they had their cup of joes, Passepartout then took Terry to the local Boys and Girls club to play football with the kids. She got him to participate because this was the only way in her mind that he could have a much closer relationship with his daughter since he was divorced and was a workaholic. After ninety minutes, both left the kids and went back to her small but cozy apartment.

She then cooked up some steaks and scalloped potatoes with vegetables and a salad. Both said grace and then while eating, Passepartout admitted that with the exception of her "flavor of the month" and/or her parents from France, she didn't and never had time for company and liked it when it was small because that way she gets to know the person more intimately and more personable but does her best to keep the friendship platonic and just a friendship. She also cleaned the kitchen and also she asked Terry if he wanted to do anything since that until 10:00 pm the time for her bedtime that it was his time to do whatever he wanted Passepartout to do. So, she rubbed his back since it was ironic that both loved backrubs as she put on some Mozart. Then, they watched the TV Land channel and then got ready for bed. He would take her bed since she loved sleeping on the pull-out bed. Day one went good. Next: Day two!!

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 2: Another five o clock am wake up call to do yoga and aerobics. Terry kind of like doing both despite being used to running three miles a day five times a week. Then, after two hours of working out, both ate a light lunch after Terry again had the first shower and the Passepartout had the second. Passepartout drunk her usual cappicino and Diet Dr Pepper and Terry his bagel and juice. Then it was dress up and work time. Both went to the libarary and surprisingly, Terry got a part time job teaching at the law library since he was a non-praticing but had two law degrees. And what is wonderful, he would get paid pretty well as Passepartout went to her daily routine.

Then, at lunchtime noon, both ate at the local Starbucks as Terry grabbed a salad and Passepartout got her cappicino. Passepartout thought that would give him something to do and Terry admitted that he liked it very much as well since he liked the law and politics. Terry even admitted that he wanted to go back and be a lawyer for real but there are too many hours as well. Passepartout could see the look on his face the determination. Then, both went back as Passepartout told Terry the next three hours until four were his and that she would be off unless something happens.

Then at four or a little after, Passepartout and Terry decided to go see a movie and they both went and saw "Van Helsing" and at popcorn and drinks. Then, after the movie, both went to the local cappicino shop and both ate hamburgers and french fries. Then both went to see a local theatre production since Passepartout found out that also Terry was in the arts as well as her. Then both went to her house and both then had the last day before the weekend as Terry was beginning to get comfortable. Which surprised Passepartout because usually it is the ninth to eleventh day a person gets cozy with her.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 3: Five o clock, more yoga and martial arts. Terry found out that Passepartout did martial arts three days a week and aerobics twice a week and yoga five times a week. Then she insisted that Terry take her on his three mile jog. Terry was surprised but nonetheless, ran three miles since he was used to jogging, something Passepartout disdained but she surprisingly, got used to it and she doing all those aerobics, martial arts, and yoga, did well and they went ten miles instead since Terry wished that he would do at least seven to ten miles but only three to five due to his heckteck schedule. Then after a light breakfast and shower, both went off to her job. She then got back as a computer data entry operator and also stacked books while her bosses told Terry that the law library was a hit and they decided that he should do much more like today and he liked it so he did. Then after doing the computer and putting up books, both went to the normal lunch spot Passepartout got to and Terry was beginning to like this as well.

Eating, Passepartout told Terry that she was told by her friend Eric to find a job that she truly enjoyed and loved going to and leaving to go home to no matter what the pay was and no matter if it meant less benefits. But she kind of with reluctance than gladness enjoyed her job despite taking a huge 65% pay cut but also had benefits that she wouldn't had if she didn't take Eric's advice. Terry also learned why she has that name. It means to pass-through in French. A skeleton key. She was nicknamed that since as a child she got out of scrapes and trouble(most of the time) and told the truth and also has had many, many, jobs in the whole wide world. Terry was intrigued by her. Then after lunch back to work and since Passepartout worked until 5:30pm est, Terry not only could take two hours with the law students but also until the time Passepartout had off, he could do whatever he wanted to do.

Then as the 5:30 clock rang, Passepartout and Terry then went out and back to the apartment. Passepartout and Terry ate spagehetti and salad an chocolate desert. Terry found out the jobs Passepartout had and there were many!! Including: A circus horse rider, a trapeze artist, a singer, a gymnast, a professor of gymnastics and also martial arts in which she learned at a very, very, tiny age even before she even walked and stepped foot on ground. Then she was one of the first few seargent firefighters that had over forty citations. Then she graduated college at fifteen in Paris with degrees in philosophy, arts and crafts, and kinsology with minors in criminology and criminal justice. Also a Master's in Education and MBA. She graduated with all honors. Then, she became enlisted in the French Army before taking on those jobs and spent eighteen grueling weeks and became a special forces instructor and went on over in her five years over 200 combat missions. Like a Navy Seal and Green Beret, she was skilled in martial arts, spoke up to eight languages, chemical interrogation, marksmanship in over fifty machine guns and weapons also single guns and great with the swords and knives. She also learned wilderness survival, she once was lost up to three to five months and survived on water that tasted like toilet water, bugs, snakes, and hunted animals. She also learned underwater skills and graduated tops in her class and was a captain when she was honorably discharged. She wanted and thirsted for adventure and joined the circus. Then after also moonlighting as a martial arts instructor took course for thirty-two weeks at a maid/servant school and did stuff like cleaning, dusting, vaccuming, cooking and/or culinary skills, bartended. Also it was a spy school and her military and combat training came in handy. Then after graduating, she went to become a servant and even though she was one of the best, she served in up to twelve European houses and the reasons were that her masters/employers were running around chasing other men/women, came home drunk, been in trouble with the law, among other things until she found Eric in her hometown and that "temporary maid job" turned into five years. Eric not only treated her as a servant but as a friend, sister, and as he liked to call her, little buddy.

 

[JPPT1974]

Then Eric thought that she needed a "private life" since she didn't have any being a servant himself, took her aside and being a single father with an seven year old when he was on the board of childrens' charities, wanted to get Passepartout involved since Passepartout was also studying law and would graduated in three years with a law degree with a minor in international affairs. Eric then took Passepartout under his wing and though the friendship was strictly platonic and only a friendship, Eric treated her more like a family member instead of just only my servant. And though he was worth billions and billions of dollars, he was known to give all those millions to childrens' charities and built many, many, corporations and learned from another master who treated him like a family member since Eric was an only child and also was an orphan and Passepartout came from a overachieving, but loving and happy go lucky and loving life huge multi-ethnic family and wanted to show the busy Passepartout love and a "private life!" Eric took her and his little girl name Nelah to the movies and rode horses. Eric and Passepartout enjoyed each other's company.

Eric started a "Sweet November" named after the 1968 film for nearly thirty years after seeing the film to take in one person per month, boy/girl, man/woman and see to it that they enjoy life and that they live life to the fullest extent for the rest of their lives. Nearly he says was an 80% rate. The catches were the same to Passepartout applies them to her rules. No falling in love, No strings attached, Start the same date and end the same date, Keep the friendship strictly a friendship and nothing more and platonic, But treat the person in "his and/or her care" like a family member, no more no less. Then after the month is up, move on to the next person and always stand by the month and start no earlier and/or no later. If they end up better and/or not better, stand by the "Sweet November" month, no broken rules. Eric did that to Passepartout three times a year. She began to enjoy life and lived life afterwards to the fullest and enjoyed traveling much more because she was on no combat missions nor any top secret assignments not just a valet but a bodyguard, caretaker, cleaner, companion, and nanny to the house and Eric always raised her pay. He only lived until then with his daughter and had only one servant until he retired after nearly thirty years of service and though Passepartout would turn out like his other servant but even better. Eric and his daughter was at her graduation after she graduated with a law degree and also passed the bar exams in all over Europe, England, and France. Eric also had business stateside and went to the US. Passepartout enjoyed the US so, so, much that she wanted to also do the bar exam in the US. BTW, she was born in Denver Colarado but moved to France at five years old since her dad was a Frenchman and her mom was an Irishwoman. She and three of her siblings were born in the US.

Then, Terry found out that she had nine brothers and seven sisters. She was the oldest in the family. So the law degree gave her the advantage in the US. She stayed with Eric four months out of the year in Washington and was at his side traveling while working on another law degree both getting her degree at home and/or at school at Georgetown University. She would get a degree in International Criminal Law and it seemed to Terry that she loved to learn and educate herself. Eric and his daughter, who is a student in Rome studying art with a minor in education, helped Passepartout at times and in the five years they traveled to the US four months and the holidays out of the year, Passepartout graduated with another law degree after nearly two and a half years, summa cum laude. To also earn money, she taught martial arts on the side as an instructor three times a week when class was in session and like Eric, loved Shakespeare. She came from a mulit-cultured family. Several of her siblings were from Ethopia, Japan, Mexico, Spain, China, Africa, Puerto Rico, even born without hands, paralyzed from the waist down, blind in one eye, has multiple scholarsis, one has celebral palsy, one of the siblings, Cherokee and another Sioux Indian. They were kept away from the tv and excelled in everything from arts, crafts, education, music, sports, law, military, everything and were involved in the community really, really well with handicapped children, homeless people, people with disabilities, etc. Her mom and dad couldn't read or write and all of the children nearly has master degrees and/or phd's. Terry thought she had a very interesting background and very, very, interesting person. She told him she would like to get a phd but her parents also took them to church three times a week besides Sundays and Bible and Devotional time. Terry thought that she was so, so, busy and her schedule was heckteck she kept a humble, modest, and showed very graceful gratitude and humility about her accomplishments and deflect credit to her upbringing, her faith in the Lord, her family and other relatives, friends, and also, Eric and his daughter. Both then cleaned the table and now, Passepartout wanted to hear Terry's background. But since both sat down to a movie, a Disney one and then went to bed at 10:00 falling asleep.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 4: Since this was Passepartout's day off of exercising and ironically Terry's day off because Passe exercises six times a week to Terry's five days a week. Both slept as late as possible since both didn't need to go to work on the weekends but Passepartout works a year twenty Saturdays and seven Sundays. Terry has a schedule just the same. Both got up at noon. Both then after a shower, Terry getting a shave, and Passepartout taking her vitamins, went to the park and walked around the park. Passepartout says that this walking around the DC park was her unofficial exercise on Saturdays when not working or really exercising. She then got Terry to open up about his life. Terry was kind of embarassed to open up but reluctantly looking at Passepartout's eyes, she was ready to learn and listen for a change.

Terry then said that he was also from a large and catholic family. Five brothers and six sisters. They all have college degrees and some are phd's and also have law degrees and MBA's. His parents have been married for sixty-five years. He has twenty five nephews and fourteen nieces. He then graduated saluatorian from his high school. Then graduated summa cum laude in three years in English and also got another degree in Criminal Law. He then graduated from law school getting two law degrees in four years, again summa cum laude all from Harvard. He then embarked as a career federal prosecutor for the US Attorney's Offices in both New York City and Chicago but then the job was taking a toll on him. He learned about from a journalist friend, that being a journalist he has had an excellent time and fun. Then despite no journalism skills and taking a few journalism courses, he went to report for the local news and then went to report at a major news station. Then he has covered two Presidential Elections. He then met a young woman and after four years of first being friends, then grew into a relationship, and then, engagement, they were married. They had to get married for she was pregnant with his daughter and plus as Christians, it would be the right thing to do.

Six months later, his daughter Courtney was born. He was a loving dad and did his best to be a loving husband and father. His now former wife just out of the blue, handed him, divorce papers and took their child with them. She had been having an affair behind his back and plus she felt more like a "woman" to her lover than Terry. Terry did his best to see his daughter every chance and opportunity he had. But she moved to Seattle and now she is living with that man. Living outside marriage both he and Passepartout didn't like at all. Terry had been divorced for nearly two years. He told Passepartout that he wants his daughter back full time because Courtney doesn't like her soon to be "stepdad". Then after a walk in the park, both ate hot dogs and chips and sodas. Then took in a soccer game for a local middle school and thought it was fun. Then they went to a local school fair and festival. Both enjoyed the festival.

Then they came back about seven o clock and then they went out again and after a shower, walked to the trains which they took since Passepartout hated driving. They went out in the dark and looked at the skies and looked at the stars as Passepartout also an accomplished poet and also plays a very, very, "mean guitar" as Terry put it and sung like those folk songs from the seventies. Terry was having an excellent time with Passepartout and both found each other interesting. But both swear to only keep their friendship only a friendship and strictly platonic. Then both came back at 10:00 and went to bed. Exciting Saturday off for them.

 

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Day 5: When Passepartout got in a yoga and martial arts workout with Terry at 6:00am and showered and got dressed for church and would go to Terry's choice of church, since he is Catholic. He and Passepartout then went out for brunch and after having brunch, they went to the church Terry attends and after Sunday School and Church, both went back to the apartment and changed and had subs for lunch. Then both went to a maintenee and saw "Lawns of Attraction" and walked around the park all day and feeding the pigeons and birds. Terry learned that Shelby was scared of butterflies for some unknown reason and/or reasons. She wasn't scared of snakes and/or spiders but butterflies had scared her since she was a tiny baby.

Then, they both went back and got on some new clothes but not suits and/or dresses and went to a youth convention at church since they had youth conventions and since everybody knew Passepartout, they welcomed her and Terry and invited him as a "new but special friend" and Terry really liked it. The kids spent hours talking to the Passepartout and Terry and also they had prayer and also they then ate chili at the church and afterwards, both to the train home. Then both hit out the lights at 10:00. Back to life!! Back to reality!!

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 6, again martial arts, yoga, and a five mile run and breakfast as Passepartout brought a powderdrink with chocolate and Terry oatmeal. Then showers, clean up a bit and work. Then they went to the library to open up the library. Terry would have three hours to teach a law school class and Passepartout would also do her job stacking books, filing papers, and computer data entry to make the time go by as she loved to do things one at a time. Terry loved teaching the college kids. Passepartout glimpsed and looked. He had fun. Then lunch time at their favorite spot.

Passepartout invited a elderly woman to eat with Terry and her as they ordered the light lunch but Passepartout was hungry suddenly she ate a roast beef sandwich and her usual Diet Dr Pepper. The lady was still married to her husband when they were fifteen and will celebrate their sixty-fifth anniversary. They have eight children and over sixty grandkids and thirty-five great-great grandkids and fifteen great-great-great grandkids. The trio enjoyed each others' company. Then they went back to work as they bid farewell to Lilly, her name. She looked more youthful and fit thanks to tai chi and yoga. Then Terry was allowed to do whatever he wanted to do. Then after Passepartout got off at 4:15 and got done with her work, both then went and spent time with the kids at the local Boys and Girls club. Terry learned that Passepartout goes to three of the clubs with the second club while the first was last week. Terry also enjoyed playing with the children and making music and playing on the internet and working out. Then at 6:30 they went home.

They had pasta and chicken and then read scriptures and bible devotions. Then both gave each other backrubs and also listen to their kinds of music. Passepartout learned that he liked classical and the oldies and seventies like her. Then they watched CSI Miami and to bed at 11:00pm. Passepartout takes paxil and other anti-depression drugs as she told Terry that she was diagnosed with manic depression and schizphromia eight years ago and has to take those drugs prescribed for the rest of her life. Terry also learned that Passepartout spent four weeks in a mental hospital while almost committed suicide and as done so twice but the second she had to get help and she said the mental hospital saved her. Then they went to bed.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 7: Martial arts, yoga, aerobics filled out the morning. Then breakfast and a shower. Then work as usual with Passepartout doing her errands of computer data entry and filing and putting books on the shelves to keep her busy. Terry got a "raise" from $7.85 to $9.00 and he enjoyed something that he liked doing in teaching law to a teenagers and/or college students. Then they decided to go and visit the Washington DC police department for ninety minutes and the kids loved it so, so, much. Then lunchtime.

The two ate lunch at Passepartout's and also now Terry's favorite hangout. Passepartout learned that Terry used to be five years a former Federal prosecutor for the Chicago district and won nearly 110% of his cases which he had over 600 cases which he handled well but there was with it lots and lots of stress with his family life. Twice Terry tried to reconcile but it was no use as his former wife didn't want to be married but still wanted to be a mother. Passepartout thought that Terry needed to go to court and see his little girl more often and persuaded him not just to think about it but also to as the Nike logo says, "Just do it!!" Terry reluctantly but surely took Passepartout's advice. Then back to work until 4:30 pm.

This time, Terry got to pick his choice of what he wanted to do and he went to the courthouse to meet his former federal prosecutor buddies and have coffee with them. The men said that there was an upcoming black-tie affair as one of them was going to be promoted to a federal judgemanship on the bench. It was on Friday and Terry wanted Passepartout to know if they both could go and Passepartout said yes of course. Then after nearly two hours of speaking and being friendly both left and then held to supper at the Hard Rock Cafe getting burgers and fries and milkshakes.

Both realized they were different in both personalities and also characters. Passepartout was more quiet, withdrawn, and a loner while Terry was lively and talkative. Passepartout though excluded more warmth and understanding and wears her heart on her sleeve while Terry was kind of brash and flambroylent. But still both got along wonderfully well. Then they went out dancing the night at the cafe and Terry learned that Passepartout wasn't a drinker, smoker, and doesn't do drugs but did find time to "party" and proved without those three "vices" that Terry could have had a great time. They left as Passepartout rode a piggy back ride on Terry's shoulders.

Then after a few sweets and their favorite activity of back massaging, both Terry and Passepartout went to bed and Terry was really impressed with Passepartout and how knowledgeable and also sweet his new "roommate" was. Also Passepartout was getting to know Terry and found out he really wasn't the jerk that his colleagues claim that he is and also felt he was really a man with a heart and soul of gold and also really wanted to be with his baby girl though nine now he referred to his daughter as his "baby. Then they went to bed and slept until the next day.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 8: Martial Arts, Aerobics, Jogging again. Then light breakfast and for Passepartout, yoga, while Terry got his shower and she did the same after him. Then hit the work places at 7:45. Then also Terry got in his law studies and also taught the kids, made up of thirty students, about the turf war between bigger federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and the city/county/state law enforcement agenices and departments. Terry thought that they should get along and coroperate when they are all on the same side but doubt that acting like "brothers/sisters" in harmony won't be seen for ages and ages to come. But one of the students who impressed Terry said that she wished that everybody gotten along as well but there is hardly any if no class at all teaching how to coroperate with "sharing each others toys". Then at noon, lunchtime.

Then they stopped at their favorite hangout and Passepartout told Terry that although she "respects" federal law enforcement, she has had a very, very, low opinion due to their so-called "better than thou" attitude and thought that they were better than anybody with their judicial powers and "egos" and admittd to Terry that Passepartout is glad that he isn't a butthole like nearly 99% of the feds and wanted to get that out of the way. Terry understood but also told Passepartout that very, very, few have a "better than thou" attitude also. Then back to work time for the two and Terry was done for the day and could do anything he wanted to do until 4:35pm and he went to the Georgetown college and walked around the campus as Passepartout got done with her work Then it was off to the another boys and girls club to play for ninety minutes as the kids worked out with Passepartout on martial arts, aerobics, and with touch football since Passepartout was an NFL nut. Then at 6:30 they all departed.

Then they both went to Passepartout's apartment and then ate some chicken and pasta with a salad and read devotions after showering and got ready for a high school and middle school groups as a dozens teens came in and they chimed around as Passepartout sung and read from scriptures. Terry learned that Passepartout was an excellent singer and also a great guitar player. Then at 9:00, the kids said good-bye. Passepartout told Terry that she invited the teens over for regular high school bible studies once a week. Terry was so, so, impressed and though Passepartout didn't like huge, huge, crowds, a tiny crowd up from 20-50 suited her just fine. Then it was off to bed as Terry also learned that Passepartout takes sleeping pills.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 10: Wake up call at 5:30 am with more martial arts, aerobics, and yoga. Then a light four mile jog. Then also a shower and toaster struddles, which Passepartout bought and liked a lot after a sampling though Passepartout had them before. Then a light bible devotions and bible readings and dressing up going to work. Then Terry left to teach his law school class and also Passepartout went to put up the books on the shelves, computer data entry operator, and filing. Terry then took the students to hear a court case at the Municipal District Court for a civil case. The kids liked it so very much and then at noon came lunch again.

Then Passepartout got Terry a chocolate and strawberry frappicino as Terry loved it as much as Passepartout did. The reason Passepartout told Terry she doesn't hardly ever, ever, eat breakfast nor lunch is that she would feel very, very, bloated and wanted to keep up the energy filled with sugar and keeps it filled and makes her a bit hyper due to those frappicinos she gets and also she eats a snickers candy bar and a reeses peanut butter cups. She only eats dinner and also only eats big lunches and/or breakfastes that look appealing. Then back to work.Then Terry was allowed to do whatever he wanted. Then at nearly 5:00 pm it was quitting time. Terry and Passepartout went and saw a school play that started at 6:00 pm called "Our Town" and lasted until 8:30 pm. Then they left and knew that they were going to a black tie affair so they stopped at Terry's apartment which was, ironically three floors next to Passepartout's at the same building to get his tuxedo while Passeapartout, who rarely but a whole lot has been to functions and parties as well, already have a dress.

Passepartout and Terry then went to her apartment after getting some subs and chips from Quizno's and then watched Survivor and CSI the original show. Then they massaged each other's backs. Terry told Passepartout that he had up to fifty nephews and thirty-three nieces with five more added to their so-called flock of family but a whole lot is only just as he mentioned it, only "half the fun". Terry and Passepartout both shared a love of children and also wanted to help the youth of the world. Then after a quick bible study and prayer time, both hit the "sacks" meaning Terry would sleep in Passepartout's bed when the "Flavor of the month" came over, she would clean out her sheets and make sure that Passepartout's guest is taking care of. Then off to bed.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 11: Martial arts, yoga, aerobics, a four mile jog after waking up at 5:30 pm and getting done at 7:00 am with light breakfast, showers, and change of clothes. The last workday before the weekend whistle blows. Terry learned that he could do whatever he wanted to do since law classes usually are off on Fridays so he went to the local bookstore at Passepartout's suggestion to go to Barnes and Noble since Passepartout also frequented the bookshop since they had a whole lot of variety and neat and nice since both Passepartout and Terry are neat freaks as they found out. At 7:30 Passepartout was at work and the bookstore was only four miles away. After filing, computer data entry, putting books on the shelves, Passepartout met Terry and at lunch but instead of their usual hangout, they ate at the Barnes and Noble because Passepartout eats there sometimes when she isn't in the mood to eat at the normal place she hangs out but also loved B & N sandwiches. An never eat lunch Passepartout was hungry and got the works with two roast beef sandwiches.

Passepartout says with the exception of the regular hangout to Terry, B & N has expensive but yet delicious subs and roast beef was her favorite. Terry told her that if it was ok to attend the black tie affair and she gladly agreed and approved of it though she told Terry, who frequents both formal and informal functions, whether casual and/or black tie and/or suits and Passepartout, quiet and shy, but once in a while could go and become a "social butterfly" as she puts it since the party started at 7:00 and ends until 10:30 pm. Passepartout says that she goes to counseling for her bad temper, shyness, on edge mood, and panic attacks along with mood swings since 1999 when for three years it was three times a week but ever since Spetember, twice every month or sometimes three. Terry told her that he goes to a divorced men's group the second Monday of each month and about fifteen people are there which is good since they are more welcoming and more open than a huge crowd. Then it was coming up and Terry says sometimes on rare occassions that a family member or friend shows up but ironically they are having a get together so Passepartout said yes. Then they both ate and Terry went to the federal courthouse to watch a case. Passepartout then went back to work and then she got Terry and they left at five to get dressed up for the black tie affair.

After a shower and Passepartout dressing into a red spring dress and red shoes and Terry with a Versache tuxedo that looks like a suit by really is a tux with black dress shoes and socks went to the Radiasson Hotel with over 100 guests as theyhad hours' doers and also they talked and mingled as Terry's buddies talked about the good ole days and Passepartout was just doing Terry a favor by attending and keeping him company. Then one of the women recoginized Passepartout. Her name was Roda and she said that she is going to quit the US Attorney's Office due to her time schedule and also not enough time with her family after twenty-five years to head her own law firm but with civil suits and plus that people won't think that she is a you know what. Passepartout said that she hoped that her soon-to-be former colleagues and/or bosses weren't sad but Roda told Passepartout that she would miss fighting crime but also she needed time to her husband of thirty-nine years and their two grown children and six grandkids. Roda told Passepartout to drop in at anytime at anyday day in and day out and told Passepartout that with her law degree she would had make one heck of a lawyer but Passepartout humbly and modestly with humility said thanks but thought that she should leave the lawyering up to Roda. They talked well into the night and they had supper for the former prosecutor turned federal judge of roast, carrots, potatoes, rolls, and gravy with a salad and then had cheesecakes and pies.

Despite only knowing one person, Roda, Passepartout let Terry be the social butterfly and with a few hellos and handshakes, Passepartout kept to herself with also a few exceptions of Terry introducing Passepartout because this was in a way, not just owing Terry a favor but also letting him have an excellent night on the town for two workaholics. Then after they left, both went back to the apartment as Passepartout says though she hardly knew anybody except one person, she was generally impressed that those federal prosecutors didn't come off as better than thou and were modest about their success and accomplishments. Terry liked that too as well. After devotions and bible reading, Terry admitted that Passepartout had changed his life for the better though. Passepartout just accept the "gesture and/or accomplishments" with grace and humility. Saying only she wanted Terry to have fun. Then both hit the sacks and went to bed ready for the weekend.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 12: Passepartout, unbeknowingest, to Terry would go and get on the internet two plane tickets to his hometown of Chicago and they would see a Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox Game at noon Chicago time which is the central zone and so she before the night was over, asked him to be prepared to get up at 5:00 am for a light jog and also breakast and an early flight, which she also again booked on at 7:00 am that only takes about three and a half hours and take the cab to go to the game. That would be Passepartout's treat. Then at 5:00 am they jogged for four miles around the school track as they always done and got a light breakfast and a shower and Passepartout told Terry he was going to be in for a surprise as they went to the Dulles National Airport when they left at 6:30 and boarded at 6:50 am and got on the plane after tight security and clearance and then rode the plane.


They had to go from DC to Missouri and board another plane taking off for Chicago that would take at least an hour and then after they boarded that without no luggae nor overnight stuff but nonetheless got some two pairs of shirts, shoes, jeans, pants, and shoes and socks and underwear. Then at 11:00 am, they went to Chicago and also Terry was told by Passepartout to wear a blindfold. Then they drove the cab all the way to Wigley Field. Then after security and also leaving their stuff in the cab since Passepartout arranged for that to leave it with the cab service so that it wouldn't get lost but to take $100 for food and drink. Then after going through security, Passepartout told Terry to take off the blindfold and now he was really, really shocked for a non-baseball fan like Passepartout to do this. Then also they took their seats before the game and then got some junk food and also some a rare beer for Terry since he knew Passepartout doesn't like to drink. Then despite being a baseball novice, Passepartout loved the game because she loved watching Terry's face brightened. The game ended up 4-2 in the Cubs favor. Then the cab came at 4:30 and took them to the airport. Terry got some mementos and jerseys and brought Passepartout a Sammy Sosa one for her gift to him. He was figuring out that Passepartout wanted him to enjoy the "simple things in life" like she has.

They ate at the Red Lobster because the plane didn't take off until 7:00. Terry had lobster and Passepartout had steak. Passepartout says she can't wait for football to begin and that she is dying for the NFL to get here and fast since she finds the NFL to being more fast paced and more moving around though with the NBA the players moved around all over. Terry also got some good news, his daughter would be staying with him for a week since she was out of school but had to go back in early August. That was really, really good for him and Terry also told Passepartout if she wanted to, she could accompanied him and his little girl but also Passepartout told him that he also needed to spend a few days with her before she goes back to her mom. Then they boarded a plane and went from Chicago to Pennslyvania and then to DC and took a cab and got back late at 11:00 pm DC time.

Then the two got back and also there was a telephone call for Terry telling him that his daughter would be here on Tuesday and will have to go back on Saturday. Passepartout suggested that he spends a few days and/or the whole week he has since he doesn't see his girl that often and that would be a great time but Terry also told Passepartout that he would love her company and that she would bring a whole lot of "world" to his little girl and she told him that she hoped that she didn't interfere in his and his daughter's plans. He gave a thumbs up, way, way, up!! Then Passepartout asked what days should he have time with his girl and with Passepartout involoved with them. Terry thought he would have the Tuesday, Wednesday, and half a Thursday with Passepartout picking up where they left off until she had to go back on Saturday. She agreed to it whole-heartedly. Then after watching Saturday Night Live, both feel asleep and then layed out their clothes for church and hit the sacks.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 13: No exercising today as both Passepartout's and Terry's bodies gave themselves a rare rest. Both slept a little but not too late. Passepartout got some fruit and some bagels and coffee for Terry since Passepartout knew Terry was the coffee drinker more than Passepartout, who was a cappicino drinker. Then after a shower and a shave for both Terry and Passepartout, both head off for the local Virginia United Methodist Church. Terry found out that Passepartout had not one, not two, not three, not four, but five, yes!! Five churches which she was a regular at and frequently visited. Passepartout told Terry that it doesn't matter if you are Catholic, Methodist, Protestant, just as long as you have Jesus in your heart as Savior and Lord was all that matters. Terry liked that though in a wierd and/or strange kind of but lovely way.

After the Sunday School, which Passepartout sat at a singles class and Terry a divorced men's group, they then went to Church and read from scripture and sang both traditional and contemporary songs. Terry had those "Songs 4 Worship" CD's about thirty of them. Then the church they attended had about 100 people but a good small crowd. The church Terry and Passepartout attended which Terry was a member of had over 6,000 people!! Too much for Passepartout but she consented to his church that day. She then after church, with Terry went and changed clothes and went out to a steak house.

Then they ate salad, steaks, baked potato but for Passepartout, scalloped as well and split the desserts of ice cream and cake. Then after using the restroom and pay the bill, both she and Terry went and to the art museum. Terry learned from Passepartout that she liked art in small gatherings instead of huge ones and despite her "love/hate" affair/relationship with the legendary Smithsotonian Museum, she thought it was too, too, big and crowded that you could get so, so, lost in. Then Terry learned also from her that she took a job despite her protests about big and "mean people" cities, it was better pay and/or benefits and she admitted she was happy working in quiet and peaceful surroundings. Terry also begin to notice that too as unlike the jounalism assignments he was given, he loved the quietness of a small and surburban town. Then after museum, they went to sit in the park and saw pigeons and birds feeding them with bread.

Then after listening to a local symphony at the park and watching the birds, both she and Terry went and also to the local church that was small and short in service but nonetheless it was a spur of the moment decision because Passepartout was pretty tired and very, very, not in the mood to change at all. It was only thirty people, her kind of church. Then after the service and after the get together with the small but down-to-earth and/or friendly group people, some Passepartout knew, she and Terry went back to her apartment but on the way, they stopped at the video store and got a movie. Then after stopping at a sub sandwich shop, they went to her apartment and ate the subs and watched the movie "Master and Commander"

Then after the movie which was nearly three hours long, both Passepartout and Terry gave each other backrubs and also Terry got to call his daughter and couldn't wait to get her and spend time with her for less than a week. Terry wanted to speak with his daughter alone thought Passepartout that she went in and did her bible devotions and readings. Terry then told Passepartout that his daughter isn't happy with her mom and her soon-to-be stepdad, who had been married four times and with no children. The longest was seventeen years. The shortest was five years. He also was married for ten years and one for six years. He got married young at fifteen. He just doesn't like kids like Terry and Terry got worried. Passepartout would pray for her roommate of the month. Then they got theri clothes and stuff ready for the next day and hit the sacks.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 14: Back to working out and after a aerobics & martial arts and also a five mile jog, and showering and eating a light breakfast and changing, both Passepartout and Terry went right back to work with Terry taking the class on a field trip to the Law Enforcement exhibit and Passepartout would have to for the very, very, first time eat alon as she went on her break and ate a light lunch after doing the same thing like filing, computer data entry operator, and also shelving books since customer service was not her cup of tea. She then saw that Lilly and invited her to lunch and they talked about Terry's daughter coming up to DC for the first time in ages it seems and that his daughter Courtney would be spending some quality time with Terry and also Passepartout. Lilly wanted to ask Passepartout for dinner and a broadway play the next evening so that Passepartout wouldn't be alone and that Terry could spend time with Courtney, which Passepartout gracefully accepted then after saying good-bye and back to work for Passepartout until the 4:30 pm "bell"

Then Passepartout and Terry got together and then Terry said to Passepartout that he had a great time with the students and also says he knows what she means about "small groups gathering"!! That the small groups know you individually and also very, very, intimate and know you not only by name but also as a human being and as a person. With large groups, they only register you as a "number" as Terry puts it and so does Passepartout. Then they both went to one of the three local Boys and Girls clubs and played with the children on basketball, martial arts, gymnastics, and computers and law. Then after about ninety minutes both said good-bye and took a cab. Then both went into the apartment and then ate some hot dogs and cooking them out.

Then Terry told Passepartout about how he is so, so excited and estactic to see Courtney and that they were going to an early movie, a kid's movie and out to eat and Passepartout says that was fine by her and she was going with Lilly to dinner and also a broadway show. Terry wanted to talk to Courtney alone and tell her how she really wanted to live with him and get away from her mother and soon-to-be stepfather. Passepartout wanted to get involved but as her rule, she does her best to not let the person she is keeping for a month not let that person's private life be left private and keep their personal and private affairs off-limits unless they talk about it openly and/or felt completely and totally comfortable, the Passepartout would then get involved. Passepartout told Terry that she would be praying for him and his daughter and hope that things would work out for both of them. Terry was glad that Passepartout understood him and his daughter and his situation wanting privacy for the two of them.

Then both rubbed each others' backs and also watched the CBS Monday night comedies and also read the devotions and from the Bible as Terry was becoming more spiritual as Passepartout was helping him the best way that she knew how. Passepartout wanted to help very, very, much Terry but also felt that she needed to not interfere nor get herself involved in Terry's affairs and also felt she needed to keep to herself but prayed for him as they both hit the sacks.

 

[JPPT1974]

Day 15: Finally the big day for Terry arrived as he would see Courtney for the first time in six months though they spoke by phone five days a week and through the internet with e-mail daily and very, very, frequently. After martial arts, aerobics, and yoga and showering and getting dressed after a light breakfast and to go to work. Passepartout told her bosses that Terry would be seeing his daughter and that the law class will be cut short today and will not be one for the rest of the week since he rarely ever, ever, see his daughter. Passepartout's bosses understood and then both went to the library and work. Passepartout asked what time Courtney was supposed to be there meeting Terry as he told Passepartout she would be there at 3:00 pm. So then after teaching law school and working, Terry and Passepartout head out for the lunchbreak.

As Passepartout and Terry ate lunch, Terry told Passepartout that he can't wait to see Courtney and plus he thanked Passepartout for understanding since Terry knew that Passepartout was a very, very, structured person and likes to follow the clock since Passepartout hates to change of plains at the spur of the moment and last second but with family, she whole-heartedly understood. She then told him that she was going with Lilly out to eat and to see a broadway play that starts at 7:00 pm. Then Terry knew that he owed her big time for doing more favors for him than he was doing for her. Passepartout shrugged it off and acted gracefully but yet humbly that he only was staying in her loft for a month. Then after lunch, both headed back to work but for Terry, he left at 2:00 to pick Courtney up as Passepartout waved good-bye and to have fun with his daughter.

Then after the 4:30 "bell" Passepartout headed for home and a shower and put on a dress to look nice while Terry was out with Courtney. She then went and picked up Lilly and they both went by a bus and got to eat in the broadway theatre steaks and seafood. Both then went and saw the play West Side Story since both women liked musicals. Passepartout called Lilly a great friend, a mentor and a teacher to her. Lilly also was a devout Christian like Passepartout but Passepartout thought that she couldn't and wouldn't compare Lilly to her on any and all given days because she gave her mentor all of the credit and deserves all the applause, which Lilly received with grace and with humbleness and/or modesty. After the play, both head on home and Lilly said good-bye to Passepartout and both women embraced each other.

Then as Passepartout went to her apartment, Terry wasn't home but also she knew that she thought that he deserved time with his little girl as she praticed tai-chi and yoga. Then as soon as she was done, a knock came and it was Terry and Courtney as Courtney gave Passepartout a big hug and a hearty handshake as Passepartout made something for Courtney since she loves the Peanuts gang. Two dolls that were Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Then as Terry was getting his daughter into the bed and as Passepartout was about to hit the sack herself, she could read Terry's eyes and knew that something was wrong but true to her nature, she kept that to herself and Terry's private life off-limits that was between him and Courtney.

Then Terry knocked on Passepartout's door needing to talk with her. He thanked her from the bottom of his heart for owing her big time with spending some important, quality, and/or wonderful time with Courtney but also he admitted as they went out for pizza and a matinee of Little Nemo, that she admitted that she was unhappy with her mom and soon-to-be new stepdad and that she wanted out as soon as possible and she really enjoyed her time with daddy. Terry also told her about Courtney being a straight A student that she skipped not one not two not three but four grades. Four grades and maybe a fifth as she is reading on nearly a freshman level. She never has never had a B in her life. Passepartout was very, very, awestruck and proud of his little but very, very, smart and intelligent girl. Passepartout thanked him though because that got her out of her apartment and spend some quality time with Lilly and made her feel good as well and returned the thanks with humbleness and grace. Then it was hit the sacks time.