Note: This story is co-written by PhunkyBrewster and HelenVanPattersonPatton. Neither writers owns any of the characters associated with The Mindy Project.


("Wishing you all the best this holiday season.")

Mindy,

Merry Christmas, belated. And happy new year.

Hope 2013 will be great year for you.

Best regards,

Danny


("We hope that your new year is one of love, prosperity, and new beginnings. Resolve to put your reproductive health first: schedule your annual wellness exam today! All the best, Shulman & Associates)

Danny!

I never would have expected a Christmas card from you! I never would have expected any card from you, honestly! Please accept this obviously last moment, yet equally heartfelt token of my gratitude. Also, we should petition for better holiday cards. There's something very unsettling about getting a card from your OB with a snow-dusted blooming flower on the front.

I haven't settled on a killer resolution yet, but something that I know I want to strive for is letting the people around me know how much I appreciate them. I never thanked you for staying with me the night of the Christmas party, even with all the drama. I know I ruined your date and I'm still really sorry about that. If it's meant to be, then she'll come back, right? That makes me feel a little less awful about it. Anyways...it was really sweet of you. Thanks for saving me from myself and all that jazz.

I hope your new year is incredible.

Sincerely,

Mindy


(Note on folded copier paper left on Mindy's desk)

The vending machine in the lounge is still broken. I got these Twizzlers by mistake. You can have them. I'd rather eat a Robitussin flavored shoe.

Next year Jeremy cannot be allowed to be in charge of ordering the cards. I don't care what he says, that snow-covered flower is clearly sexual in nature. Why would he think that is okay for Christmastime?

Thanks for saying that. Gratitude is a good resolution. I hadn't really thought about resolutions yet. The important things I usually leave for Lent, but that's more for abstaining. I should think about it and come up with something to improve.

You're welcome for helping out at the party. Someone needed to be looking out for you. Don't feel bad about the date. I didn't really like her that much anyway. Kind of a drama queen.


To: Daniel Castellano
CC:
BCC:
Re: (No Subject)
Jan 3, 2013 2:28 p.m.

You know, for someone who claims to detest drama, your preference for a "Robitussin flavored shoe" over decent candy seems pretty dramatic to me. Irregardless, thanks for the Twizzlers. I didn't get to have lunch today, so they made for a worthy substitute.

I know you're having some trouble coming up with a resolution, so I'm sending you a link to this article about the most prevalent resolutions of the city. Most of these wouldn't apply to you, but you may want to pay special attention to the one's regarding sports. Maybe consider not being so heavily invested in our sports teams? It stresses you out, makes you super cranky, and brings out that weird vein near your temple, which you always say you hate. When you're not consumed with Yankees stats, you're actually kind of fun to be around! Plus, you'll get into fewer altercations over your weekends. That's something positive, right?

Mull it over, keep me posted. Let me be your Resolution Spirit Guide.

Mindy

P.S. - I wasn't really judging your reaction to the Twizzlers. In fact, I happen to think a little drama in your life wouldn't be all that bad (except for the boring sports-related kind).

Mindy Lahiri, M.D., OB/GYN
Shulman & Associates
119 Spring Street; Suite 301
New York, New York 10014
Telephone: 212.530.0639
Facsimile: 212.530.7607
Mobile: 212.966.7600

"Boy, I know you love it how we're smart enough to make these millions, Strong enough to bear the children, Then get back to business." Beyonce Knowles, Who Run The World (Girls)


To: Mindy Lahiri
CC:
BCC:
Re: RE:(No Subject)
Jan 3, 2013 2:39 p.m.

So I'm passionate about sports. You're telling me that if someone said something about one of your stupid Housewife shows or pop stars you wouldn't be the tiniest bit peeved? And that guy started it. If he hadn't taken that lady's seat on the subway I would never have said what I did about his cap. You were there, you saw what really happened. I don't care what the Transit Authority said, that crack about Jeter's ankle was totally uncalled for.

You have the strangest hobbies. Sure. You can be my Resolution Spirit Guide, I guess. Although I feel like I'm just opening myself up to ridicule here. And I get final say. I refuse to allow you to talk me into resolving something stupid. Like doing one thing a day that scares me. What kind of idiot masochist vows to do that? You really shouldn't eat candy for lunch. You're smarter than that.

I'll take your word on me needing more drama in my life. You'd know.


To: Daniel Castellano
CC:
BCC:
Re: RE: RE: (No Subject)
Jan 3, 2013 2:51 p.m.

Danny, I want you to review your latest response, specifically your unintelligible mini-tantrum about baseball caps and ankles and ask yourself, "Was that reaction necessary? Will this have any effect on a person who does not give the slightest crap about baseball? How's that crazy little vein of mine?" Review, reflect, reassess. So sayeth your Resolution Spirit Guide.

Let's mark 2013 the year that Mindy Lahiri and Danny Castellano actually agree on something! No, I would never encourage you to do something as stupid as actively pursuing things that genuinely scare you. We're adults; obviously we have enough understanding and intelligence to determine whether or not something is justifiably scary. Bungee jumping and taking the D train by myself at night are both terrifying to me and you know what? I'm fine with that forever being the case. My life won't suddenly become more enriched by me doing either of those things.

That could be a resolution: taking ownership of the stuff that scares us. Finding the courage to say "You know what? I admit that this scares me, so suck it." :-)

Mindy Lahiri, M.D., OB/GYN
Shulman & Associates
119 Spring Street; Suite 301
New York, New York 10014
Telephone: 212.530.0639
Facsimile: 212.530.7607
Mobile: 212.966.7600

"Boy, I know you love it how we're smart enough to make these millions, Strong enough to bear the children, Then get back to business." Beyonce Knowles, Who Run The World (Girls)


To: Mindy Lahiri
CC:
BCC:
Re: RE: RE: RE: (No Subject)
Jan 3, 2013 3:58 p.m.

We do agree on something! Someone gets mugged on the D train at least one night a week. Why take the risk? Plus, I heard that guy with the coats and bags full of shaving cream cans still sleeps on there.

I think your memory of what really happened with that altercation is a little hazy and a bit of an overreaction. I was trying to be chivalrous. But it's noted. Maybe in the future when trying to reason with someone I shouldn't lead with, "I should have known you'd be a dick because of your shitty taste in baseball teams." Live and learn.

So you're up to three resolutions: 1. Show more gratitude. 2. Admit what scares you. 3. Stop eating candy for lunch. (I added that one for you.) Other than not being, in your words, so consumed with sports, what else do I have on my list?


To: Daniel Castellano
CC:
BCC:
Re: RE: RE: RE: RE: (No Subject)
Jan 4, 2013 8:52 a.m.

Look at you, already learning better conflict resolution! See, we're already on our way to becoming better people! I'd pat you on the back, but between me getting beeped yesterday and you apparently having to rush to surgery this morning, it'll have to wait until I actually see you next. And don't do that flinchy-shrug thing you do whenever I do try to pat you on the back. That hurts my feelings.

I feel like you could stand to be a little less judgmental of my dietary choices, even if you are technically right. What we eat when we're in a time of desperation is not a reflection of who we are. - That is an INCREDIBLE quote. Seriously, can I at least get some credit for that nugget of wisdom? In return, I'll try to adopt better eating habits.

To review, Danny's list includes: 1)Less intensity about sports, 2)More acceptance of my friendly displays of comradery, and 3) Less judgment of my (admittedly bad) eating habits.

I would suggest making an attempt to be less cocky...but we both know that's not happening any time soon. And that's not a ridicule, I swear. Despite what you think, you don't have a whole heck of a lot to change, Castellano.

Mindy Lahiri, M.D., OB/GYN
Shulman & Associates
119 Spring Street; Suite 301
New York, New York 10014
Telephone: 212.530.0639
Facsimile: 212.530.7607
Mobile: 212.966.7600

"Boy, I know you love it how we're smart enough to make these millions, Strong enough to bear the children, Then get back to business." Beyonce Knowles, Who Run The World (Girls)


To: Mindy Lahiri
CC:
BCC:
Re: RE: RE: RE: RE: (No Subject)
Jan 4, 2013 1:47 p.m.

I guess that was a wise thing you said? Maybe a little irresponsible an idea. But if I'm going to be successful at number three on your list then I probably shouldn't say any more.

It's not cocky - it's confidant. There is a difference. Saying I'm cocky makes me sound like an asshole. And you don't think I'm an asshole or you wouldn't have said that about not needing to change. I'll ignore you adding "a whole lot" to it.

You surprised me. Stop sneaking up on me and I'll stop flinching.


("My heart only beats in "One Direction": towards you.

Happy Valentine's Day, Girl.")

To:Danny

From: Mindy

I think the card you left on my desk was intended for a girl.

To: Mindy Lahiri
Feb 14, 7:43 pm

Heading to your place now.
I wouldn't want to be late for this weird double date.

To: Mindy Lahiri
Feb 14, 7:44 pm

I doubt this date will be weirder than finding you
in a hungover, pantsless heap on your office floor,
so relax. See you soon.

To: Daniel Castellano
Feb 14, 7:46 pm


To: Daniel Castellano
CC:
BCC:
Re: Important developments in resolution management
Feb 15, 2013 11:24 a.m.

Here's a link to an article I just read, "10 Reasons People Don't Keep Their New Year's Resolutions." I found it to be interesting, insightful, a little empowering in spots, and an excellent read during my mid-morning pizza slice.

Oh, shut up.

Mindy Lahiri, M.D., OB/GYN
Shulman & Associates
119 Spring Street; Suite 301
New York, New York 10014
Telephone: 212.530.0639
Facsimile: 212.530.7607
Mobile: 212.966.7600

"Boy, I know you love it how we're smart enough to make these millions, Strong enough to bear the children, Then get back to business." Beyonce Knowles, Who Run The World (Girls)


To: Mindy Lahiri
CC:
BCC:
Re: RE: Important developments in resolution management
Feb 15, 2013 1:58 pm

I'm impressed you can stomach more pizza after that last night. (I'm not judging you. Resolution intact.)

That article is for quitters, by the way.


To: Daniel Castellano
CC:
BCC:
Re: RE: RE: Important developments in resolution management
Feb 15, 2013 2:11 pm

Okay, I'm proposing a new resolution. How about we resolve to embrace our imperfections and love ourselves without reservation? That way I can have as much candy as I want and you can continue to have spirited "debates" with your patient's boyfriend over his Red Sox jacket, which I totally caught, by the way. He was a bit of a douche, but still.

Thanks for making my Valentine's Day less suckish, by the way. :o)

Mindy Lahiri, M.D., OB/GYN
Shulman & Associates
119 Spring Street; Suite 301
New York, New York 10014
Telephone: 212.530.0639
Facsimile: 212.530.7607
Mobile: 212.966.7600

"Boy, I know you love it how we're smart enough to make these millions, Strong enough to bear the children, Then get back to business." Beyonce Knowles, Who Run The World (Girls)


I'm still trying out new delis.
If you're done with your procedure
do you want to grab lunch?

To: Mindy Lahiri
Feb 21, 12:25 p.m.

Yes, that's perfect! I found the best deli a few days
ago and it's so cool! It's hard to describe, but one
review used the term "New world deli chic." It's
attached to a gastropub!
You may want to bring a tie.

To: Danny Castellano
Feb 21, 12:27 p.m.

Gastro pub? I don't like the sounds of it.
I'm not wearing a tie.

To: Mindy Lahiri
Feb 21, 12:27 pm


(Post-It on a pack of Twizzlers in the doctors lounge of the hospital)

For Mindy:

That corned beef was better than I'd like to admit.
Know you've got surgeries scheduled most of today.
Lunch is on me.