Happy Summer!

Hello, hello! I have missed everyone out here so much! My summer has been full and busy. Time to write has been in short supply but I have finally found some! We are gearing up for a large 4th of July party tomorrow. Sue and I are neighbors of course and the other three couples are here also. We are having a joint party with Kate and Andrew so there will be a crowd.

But this is to let you know that I have been writing and I will be posting it within a day or two. I hope you will come back. Meanwhile I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th!!

Cassie

The other woman

I know I’ve told you that Tom and I had a whirlwind courtship – marrying a scant six weeks after we met. But what I’ve never told you about the other woman that was in Tom’s life at that time. Yes there was another woman and yes Tom loved her dearly.

They had met when Tom was nearly sixteen and time had only brought them closer. Now in a way I’m only teasing. Theirs was a love story – but not that kind. Mattie came to work for Tom’s parents when Tom was in his teens. She was a widow with a son not much younger than Tom. Mattie soon became Tom’s confident and friend for the many days his parents traveled.

When Tom was twenty-two he lost both his parents with in a year of one another. Mattie’ son had recently joined the military so Mattie came to work for Tom as his live in household manager. She was part cook, part maid, part life coach and part parent. So yes, the two of them loved each other very much. They worked well together and the household ran like a well oiled machine.

Then I came along.



You may be shocked to hear that but I didn’t ft right into their orderly, sensible, scheduled existence. LOL! My, we all had adjusting to do. Having spent the previous five years acting as wild as buck I was in shock at the sudden changes in my life. I suddenly had someone who expected me to listen to him and do as I was told. I chaffed and bucked at most of the changes Tom was bringing into my life, good thought they might have ultimately have been.

Bucking him directly was a painful option. I know now that it was fear, frustration and anger that caused me to act the way I did. I was afraid I had jumped into marriage too quickly. I was frustrated by the sudden restrictions on my life and deep down I was heartsick and angry because I felt I would soon lose Tom whom I had come to love so fiercely. All the men I had been with for the previous five years had eventually left. I had no reason at that time to feel Tom would he any different.

It seems that my worry, frustrations and anger turned to one target – Mattie.

I had watched how my parents and my first husband had treated those that worked for them – like dirt. I felt at that time that there were two types of people in the world - those with power and those with none. I had been without power as I grew up and I was without power I my first marriage. But that ended when my first husband died and I was free of his tyranny. I had inherited his money so to me that meant that suddenly I was someone with power.

So for the five years prior to my marriage to Tom I had perfected my power act. No one was immune - maids, cooks, waiters, store clerks, drivers – all felt my wrath. I cursed, berated, belittled – I hate remembering how I was. I now see myself as a pleasant (if somewhat batty) little southern lady, but that is Tom’s creation. On my own my fears and insecurities combined to create a cross between Leona Helmsley and the Devil wears Prada – only not as sweet!

Mattie – dear Mattie – she must have wondered what had hit their peaceful home. It began smoothly enough. I was so blotted in love with Tom I followed him around like an adoring puppy. But as he got back into his work schedule I began to resent Mattie for running the home so well and efficiently. I resented the closeness she and Tom shared and I resented their easy relaxed friendship. In front of Tom I was sweet as pie to Mattie, but oh my, when he was out of the house I turned into a shrew!

I soon began countermanding any order, suggestion or request she made to anyone that worked at the house. I would change menus at the last minute, rearrange the way cleaning and laundry was done – anything to annoy Mattie. I wanted Tom to fire her but I knew that was extremely unlikely. I would just have to make her unhappy enough so that she would quit.

Mattie always brought my breakfast tray up after Tom left and I would begin my day by finding fault with something. Mattie soon adopted a calm ‘take it or leave it attitude’ and suggested I might be more pleased if I came to the dinning room for breakfast – closer to the kitchen – where last minute changes could be more easily handled. I screamed abuse at her for such a suggestion. I cursed, called her names – she barely reacted and never once told Tom what was happening.

This had been going on for some months when one morning Mattie failed to bring me my Bloody Mary. She said Tom was worried about my drinking and that she agreed with him. Did I go ballistic? Well if any of you lived near a volcano then you might have thought it had erupted.

“You stupid cow!” I screamed at her. “Who do you think is in charge here? I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think of my drinking! Who the hell are you to interfer with my life? When I tell you to do something you damn well better jump!”

Mattie, as usual, was completely unaffected by my tantrum. “Orange juice would be better for you.” She stated calmly. Oh how I hated her calm.

“Do you know what you can do with this f-ing orange juice?” I bellowed. I punctuated my question by throwing the full glass of juice at the door. The glass exploded spraying its contents over the room as glass fragments rained down.

It was then that Tom stepped into the room.

It’s a good thing that I was young then. If that scene replayed now I have no doubt I would have a coronary. I nearly did then. One look at Tom’s face had me wondering if I would ever sit again.

I was a deer caught in the headlights in the face of his fury. He was fast – he had the ivory brush in hand and me over his knee before I could take a breath. He began the spanking fast and furious! All I could get out was “NO! Tom – don’t! Stop! Please!" But he may as well have been deaf.

I was quickly in agony. And I knew he was no where near finished. But he paused and I heard him say

“You stay right there. I want you to be here for this.”

I realized he was talking to Mattie who was still present. Mattie’s only response was “Then it’s a good thing you’re old enough that your wants won't hurt you." And she quietly left the room.

I had a fraction of a second to think “Go Mattie!” I couldn’t help admiring anyone brave enough to stand up to Tom. But in the next instance he resumed the spanking, if possible, with even more force! And he wasn’t even talking yet. I had already learned that once he began talking we were barely at the half way point. I didn’t think I was going to make it. I was crying and begging him to stop when I heard Mattie, who had come back, say

“That’s enough.”

“Not by a long shot.” Tom retorted as a well aimed spank found my sit spot. “Her rudeness, her language, her disrespect – I will not tolerate that. The next lick landed on my upper thigh and I howled! Mattie walked right over to Tom and shocked both of us by taking the hair brush out of his hand.

“I know you won’t tolerate it – but I said that’s enough. You're angry and the best thing for you to do would be to go back to work. This incident is over with and Miss Cassie has a mess of orange juice to clean up.”

Tom seemed somewhat at a loss and I didn’t dare say a word. Tom hesitated then finally said “Very well, we’ll continue this discussion tonight.”

“You can discuss all you want to tonight but this hairbrush stayed on the dresser.” Mattie said firmly.

Tom stood me up and looked at me sternly. “You are very luck to have Mattie on your side.” He kissed me on the forehead and as he left the room did the same to Mattie.

When he left I didn’t know what to say. I was embarrassed – Tom had never spanked me in front of anyone. I was beginning to feel embarrassed for the way I had acted toward her too. I was also feeling profound gratitude to her for literally saving my butt.

I did clean up the mess I made. Then Mattie and I had a long talk, the first of many, many long talks. During those first years of my marriage Tom was the one who insisted I be a lady – but it was Mattie who actually taught me how.

She didn’t really approve of spanking. That was the only real spanking she witnessed and the only time she ever interfered – but she never approved. She had dealt with the same issue of disapproval when Tom’s father spanked his mother. She had had a standard ‘agree to disagree’ deal with both Tom and his father before him.

I know Mattie was the closet thing to a mother I ever had. Over the years we often talked, fought, laughed and cried but mostly we loved each other as families should.

Mattie’s home was with us until she passed away in 2000 at the age of 82. We were with her when she passed away – her son, her grandchildren and Tom and me. She had a hand in rearing us all and we all still miss her.







* Of course this in a picture of the wonderful Ruby Dee and not the real Mattie - but it was as close as I could come.

I never could resist a good meme…

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops?
That has happened a time or two – nothing to serious.

2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters?
I am not a roller coaster fan. I will leave the riding to other.

3. When’s the last time you've been sledding?
I don’t really remember – it’s been a long time.

4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone?
I hate sleeping alone. I want to sleep with Tom even when I’m mad at him. Alone is horrible!

5. Do you believe in ghosts?
I do.

6. Do you consider yourself creative?
Only when I am coming up with excuses for Tom.

7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife?
I believe that he did.

8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie?
Yes? What about them?

9. Do you stay friends with your ex's?
My ex is dead. We would not be friends.

10. Do you know how to play poker?
Do I know how to play poker?? I was one of the best poker players you ever saw. However my gambling career was cut short…

11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight?!
Many, many times

12. What's your favorite commercial?
I didn’t know I was supposed to be picking favorites.

13. What are you allergic to?
Hairbrushes

14. If you're driving in the middle of the night and no one is around do you run red lights?
Well… I suppose, I mean no! Never!

15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you?
Of course I do! Doesn’t everyone?

16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees?
These are sports teams aren’t they.

17. Have you ever been Ice Skating?
I have and I am pretty good at it.

18. How often do you remember your dreams?
Pretty often, sometimes I get up during the night and write them down.

19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
I think that would have been when I played a small prank on Tom; actually it wasn’t only laughter that brought tears to my eyes!

20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatles?
I Want to Hold Your Hand, Love me do, Yellow Submarine, Help, Imagine, Eleanor Rigby, I Saw Her Standing There… shall I go on?

21. What's the one thing on your mind now?
Is Tom going to come in and tell me to get off the computer before I get this finished?

22. Do you know who Ghetto-ass Barbie is?
I have not had the pleasure.

23. Do you always wear your seat belt?
If I was ever caught with out my seat belt I probably wouldn’t have a seat left to sit on!

24. What cell service do you use?
Alltell

25. Do you like Sushi?
It’s not my favorite but I have it occasionally.

26. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident?
On more that one occasion.

27. What do you wear to bed?
It depends. Often I sleep in the nude but if I have gotten ready for bed early and have on my gown I will sometimes leave it on. Tom prefers me sleeping in nothing unless we are away from home.

28. Been caught stealing?
Caught? No.

29. What shoe size do you have?
Why would you want to know?

30. Do you truly hate anyone?
I don’t think so. That’s a strong word.

31. Classic Rock or Rap?
I try not to sound so old but I cannot listen to Rap. Put me down for Classic Rock.

32. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?
Tom

33. Favorite Song?
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

34. Have you ever sung in front of the mirror?
I’m sure I have at one time or another.

35. What food do you find disgusting?
Snails – something about them just makes me uncomfortable.

36. Do you sing in the shower?
I’m not a singer but, again, I have.

37. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"?
Not as a child.

38. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back?
No, I have many faults but that is not one of them.

39. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew?
I have.

40. Have you ever been punched in the face? Yes, several time, but all that is a distance memory.

The next day

I had my first foray into parenting a few weekends back. I told you about the first part in my last post. Today I want to tell you what happened the next day.

Ryan arrived while we were eating breakfast. That boy just takes my breath away. Tall, handsome, maybe a bit too thin but he’s young – he’ll fill out. I love the way he looks at Allie! They just make such a sweet couple. I felt like the worse ogre in the word for taking the beach trip from them and I knew I would relent in a heart beat if I thought Tom would let me get away with it.

After greeting us and general small talk Ryan asked Allie what time she wanted to get started. She gave him a stricken look and said “Let’s talk on the deck.”

I looked sadly after them. Tom picked up his paper and headed toward his study. “Cassie” he said soothingly “They’ll be fine. Don’t look like that. And” he added, as I took a step toward the sun room “Give them their privacy. No eavesdropping!” Tom swatted my rear with the newspaper and left the room.

I wasn’t being nosy, not really but I did want to know what Allie as telling Ryan so I took my book to the sun room and took a seat by the open window. The shades were still pulled so I wasn’t notice by my young friends as they talked. They were in the middle of the conversation and Ryan was saying…

“But you had to know they would worry. Why didn’t you come in when they were expecting you?” Ryan sounded down right stern. I wanted to see his face but I stayed put and pretended to read my book in case I was spotted.

Allie was saying “Really Ryan I was barely late. I don’t thing that Cassie really meant it about us not being able to go to the beach. You go asked her – she loves you! You know you can get her to change her mind.”

Before I had the time to panic – because I knew I would probably give in to Ryan – I heard him answer “Allie you’re the one who stayed out too late. I’m not about to browbeat Cassie in to changing her mind. And even if I did ask her to change her mind Tom would never go for it.”

Allie’s voice got soft then and she said “Please Ryan, don’t you want to spend the day alone?”

Oh my! I had to see exactly want was going on. I turned and kneeling in the chair I barely moved the shades so I could see the children. Allie’s eyes were dreamy as she leaned in to give Ryan a kiss. As far as I could tell Ryan was a goner! But after enjoying the kiss Ryan said “I’m still not asking her – now behave yourself.”


‘Behave yourself?!’ now where did Ryan come up with that phrase? I barely had time to wonder when someone (guess who) popped me on the rear so hard you could have heard it next door! I shouted “OWWW…” much louder than I would have wanted to but Tom had surprised the devil out of me! That man can move silently when he choses.

I heard Allie say “What was that?” I stood there horrified as I heard Ryan answer “That was none of our business. Let’s go down on the dock.”

I grabbed Tom and pushed/pulled him to the kitchen. “What is the matter with you?” I fumed “They heard that! Tom have you lost your mind? What was that for anyway?” I asked as I rubbed my sore rear.

Tom as usual was completely unrepentant. “Didn’t I tell you to leave the children alone? Ladies don’t eavesdrop and besides, with your ear hanging out the window and your bottom sticking out as it was I just couldn’t resist.”

I couldn’t really think of a good defense at the moment so I decided to attack. “Tom I want to know what you have been telling Ryan – I heard him tell Allie to behave and he sounded like he knew exactly what was happening in here. I want to know just exactly what you have told that boy!”

Tom took his time making another cup of coffee before turning to me and said “What Ryan and I talk about is between the boy and me. But you can rest assured that I have not told him anything that would embarrass you.” That didn’t answer my question at all but I heard the children coming in then and Tom disappeared back into his study.

Ryan and Allie seemed to be having a nice enough day. After a late lunch Allie asked if we minded if they went on a bike ride. “No honey,” I told her “It’s a beautiful day! Enjoy yourselves.”

“Ah-hum” Tom cleared his throat “I believe you told Allie she couldn’t leave the houses with out one of us.” I swear I don’t know who Tom was trying to irritate more Allie or me! I could have fought with him but I didn’t want to waste the energy so I just turned to Ryan and said “Get my bike out! I’m going too.”

We headed out together but four houses later I stopped. Turning to the kids I said “I’m too tired for a long ride. I’m stay here to visit with Sue – don’t forget to stop for me on your way back.

“I thought Tom said you were to stay with us” Ryan said with a slight grin.

“Ryan” I said somewhat annoyed with the boy “you do have to realize that just because Tom says something it’s not the same as if it’s coming out of the burning bush! Besides” I went on “he said Allie couldn’t leave the house without one of us. She didn’t – I left with her didn’t I? And just keep your mouth shut about it to Tom – you hear me??”

I visited with Sue for a while and in due time the children came back for me and we headed home. Tom grilled out for us all and Ryan headed back to campus shortly after we ate. After he left Allie brought over her Wii. Oh my, what fun! I think Tom enjoyed watching us nearly as much as we enjoyed playing. We played fairly late but shortly after eleven we all headed to bed.

I was tired and ready for sleep but as I headed to the bed Tom spoke up – “We have a few things to discuss before bed Cassie.” Well that got my attention, after all Tom talks with his hands!”



I could tell he wasn’t mad so I asked “What did I do?”

Well first off you didn’t listen to me this morning about spying on Ryan and Allie – very rude and unladylike” he told me as he was pulling me across his lap and pulling my night gown up.

I wasn’t exactly fighting him but I did protest that he had already spanked me for that. Tom laughed, “I popped your rear! That was hardly a spanking.” He peppered my behind with moderate hard swats but he gave me plenty!

He finally stopped to rub only to start up again quite a bit harder. I was trying to squirm off his lap protesting “What that for?” I demanded.

“This” he told me with an especially hard swat “is for stopping at Sue’s when you should have stayed with the children on their bike ride.”

“You let me up!” I demanded! “How dare Ryan! He has no reason to go tattling to you!”

Tom laughed harder as he continued to swat. “Ryan didn’t say a word about it. I knew that was what you were going to do and you just confirmed it. When will you learn I can tell what you’re planning with one look? Don’t you know you can never pull something over on me.”

Tom is the most exasperating man! If I didn’t love him better than life he would be down right annoying. His administering had left me stinging and miffed at him for being a know it all. But soon I was cradled in his arms with my warm bottom pressed against him – my favorite sleeping position.

I lay safe and snug in his arms and thought about what he had said – ‘Don’t you know you can never pull something over on me?’. Did that sound like a challenge to anyone else?

Role reversals

I have a very interesting weekend the weekend before Easter. I saw some role reversals at my house that I never expected. Our neighbors, Kate and Andrew were going off on a short get away. Drew was staying with friends but Allie wanted to stay home. She is 17 but her parents were not really comfortable with that idea. We offered any assistance we could and it was decided that Allie would have her days to herself but she would spend the night at our house. Allie and I have become very close since we moved here and I was looking forward to the weekend.

Friday evening Allie came over around 9 and visited and watched TV with us. After breakfast the next morning she went back to enjoy her home all by herself. Late Saturday afternoon she came back to let us know she was going out with some friends but that she would be back at our house by midnight. At 17 that seemed reasonable to me. She told me she had the key we had given her and that I didn’t need to wait up.

Allie is as responsible as they come so I wasn’t worried. Tom and I went on to bed. I woke up about 1:00 AM and went to check that she had gotten in safely. Allie wasn’t home. I panicked! The first thing I did was call her cell; it went immediately to voice mail. I had no idea what to do. I knew several of her friends but just their names – not their phone numbers. I didn’t want to call her parents – what could they have done from 400 miles away? I woke Tom who, although he was concerned, spent his time trying to get me to calm down. I was pacing the floor and had a knot in my stomach that would not go away.

I finally stalked to the bedroom to dress; I was going to look for her myself! Tom was telling me I wasn’t going anywhere when Allie pulled into the driveway. I was headed out the door when Tom stopped me “Let her get inside, Cassie. Maybe she has a good reason for being late.” I was too wound up to realize how ridiculous that sounded coming from Tom.

Poor Allie, she has rarely seen me mad and certainly never at her but she had barely stepped in the door before I attacked.

“Young lady, I would like to know where you have been?! You told us you would be home by midnight! Do you realize it is almost 1:30?

She looked more shocked than remorseful, “I’m sorry we all just got to talking and the time got away from us.”

“Time got away from you! And why weren’t you answering your phone? Tell me that!” Oh my, I was on a tear!

“My battery died. I’m sorry Cassie, really. Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.”

“TELL MOM AND DAD!” I shouted, “Girl, your biggest worry right now better be that I know. I’m about ready to wear you out!” I have no idea where that had come from – I felt a bit like I was channeling Tom for the moment.

As I saw Allie’s eyes widen in shock I tried to rein in my temper. “Just go on to bed, we’ll talk in the morning. But you are not to leave this house with out Tom or me until you parents are home! And I don’t mean maybe!”

“But Ryan’s coming tomorrow,” she reminded me, we were going to the beach. “Mom said we could.”

“You’re not going anywhere!” I flared again. “I’ll call Ryan and tell him not to come.”

“Cassie, please don’t…” Allie began almost in tears.

Tom finally chimed in. I had been wondering why he hadn’t been ranting right beside me. “Allie you just go on to bed.” Tom said calmly, “Ryan can come but they’ll be no beach trip. You can visit with him here.”

Allie nodded quietly and went on to her room. I waited until we were in our room before I rounded on Tom. “Why didn’t you have any more to say?”

“Now Cassie, the girl didn’t rob a bank. She just came in late.” I could not believe what I was hearing! How dare he! If I had come in an hour and a half late and hadn’t answered my phone I would have been well on my way to being rump roast before I could have gotten ‘I’m sorry’ out of my mouth.

“I do not believe what I’m hearing! What if it had be me doing that?”

“Yes Cassie,” Tom admitted. “I would have been very upset and I would have warmed your bottom for sure but you are a grown woman who knows better. Allie is a child who made a mistake. There is a difference.”

I was too angry to say any more. I got in bed on my side and turned my back to Tom. I felt angrier at Tom than I did Allie at the moment. Tom, of course, was having none of it and put his arms around me. “Cassie you’re not that mad at Allie, you were scared. Now you know how I feel when you disappear on me.”

I wasn’t ready to give up my mad in exchange for guilt so I said nothing. But finally I drifted off to sleep. Waking the next morning after a fitful night I could admit to myself that Tom was right. I hated that I had shouted at Allie. I lay there wondering what she must think of me. I knew I needed to apologize to her. I love the girl and I was worried that I had done irreparable damage to our friendship.

The next morning I talked to Tom as he got ready to go run, I told him,“Tom I’m embarrassed to face Allie. I know she must hate me now. I’m going to apologize and tell her she can go to the beach with Ryan.”

“Whoa, hold it right there girl. Allie does not hate you and we are not going back on what we told her about Ryan. She made a mistake and she has to pay the consequences.” Tom stated firmly. I was really finding this all intriguing. I had always wondered how Tom and I would have been as parent, some how I had always pictured him as the one who would have been doing the shouting and me taking up for the child. Rather different from the way we had handled things the night before.

Tom and Willow left for their run and I got on up too. I found Allie already in the kitchen waiting on me. She came and gave me a hug as soon as I walked in and told me again that she was sorry. I fixed us some coffee and we sat on the deck to talk.

“Cassie,” she began, “I really wish I would have called last night when I realized I was going to be late. But it was almost midnight then and I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Honey, I shouldn’t have yelled at you that way last night but I had been so scared something had happened to you. I really don’t know where all that came from.”

Allie assured me she wasn’t mad. And we sat in silence for a few minutes. Then Allie turned to me with absolutely pleading eyes. And said “Please Cassie, let me go to the beach with Ryan today. I’ll do anything else you ask me to do but please, please let us go.”

How on earth do parents stand the pressure? I wanted to let her go so bad. She is such a sweet girl and I love Ryan too. But I took a deep breath and said “No.” Then I burst into tears! I just felt horrible. Allie didn’t look any better and Tom came in to find us both upset.

Allie had tears in her eyes as she told Tom she was afraid Ryan was going to be mad at her for messing up their day. Tom told her “Don’t worry; we men get over being mad at the women we care about pretty quickly. You’ll see.”

And when Ryan arrived about an hour later she found out Tom was right. I tell you more about their day later.

Five things I love

...about my husband.

I love the way Tom looks for me. When we are at a gathering I can slip to the side of a room and just watch Tom. Within ten or fifteen minutes he will be scanning the room for me. I love the look I get when he spots me, his smile, the light in his eyes, I know I am completely loved. Not long ago we had all four couples visiting us. I had stepped into the bedroom while Tom had gone outside. When he came in the other 8 were in the living room along with Willow ands 2 of the 3 cats. Tom scanned the crowded room and his first comment was “Where is everyone?”

I love the way he cares for me. Tom treats me like a queen. He does the cooking in the family. He pampers me often bring me breakfast in bed when he is home. He sometimes gives me luxurious baths that are just this side of heaven. One of my favorite things is when he reads to me. I love his voice, I love to be able to close my eyes and let is voice pore over me.

**I love that Tom is consistent. It doesn’t always work in my favor but I still love it. He spanked me for the first time nearly 40 years ago for cussing; if I were to say the same thing today he would up-end me and paddle me just as hard. But I always know where I stand with Tom. I know how he will react in most situations. This does make it easy to stay out of trouble – at least I suppose it would, I’ve never actually tried.

**I love that he insists that I be a lady. I certainly haven’t always liked this but when Tom first came into my life I was horrible. I bullied people; my language would have made a sailor blush, my conduct was atrocious! I was living life totally on the edge and putting myself in unbelievable danger. No one was brave enough or cared enough to even try to stop me. For some unimaginable reason Tom did care enough and he was very brave. I really like myself better as I am now.

**I love that Tom spanks me. Okay, there have certainly been times when I would have said this but as all of you out here know spanking brings couples closer together. Although I share this with you out here, it is still something private between Tom and me. It’s something that not every couple shares or would even understand. I like having this special bond with him and with only rare exception these days our spanking are definitely on the fun/erotic side.

** These are things about my husband that also annoy the heck out of me sometimes!!

Popping in with a meme

It's been forever since I did a meme. And to show you what old age does to you I have to tell you that I filled this out the several days ago and now I can't, for the life of me, remember from whom I have stolen it. So my thanks to whomever posted it originally.

1. What curse word do you use the most? – None if Tom is around and usually nothing worse that damn or hell if he’s not.

2. Do you own an ipod? – I do.

3. What person on your friends-list do you talk to the most? – I talk to Tom the most

4. What time is your alarm clock set to? – My what? Why would I need an alarm clock? I’m married!

5. Do you still remember the first person you kissed? – Yes but it’s not a fond memory.

6. Do you remember where you were on September 11th, 2001? – I was home with Tom

7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? – Oh, I’d rather be in it

8. What was the last movie you watched? – Bridges of Madison County

9. Do any of your friends have children? – Many

10. Has anyone ever called you lazy? – Not to my face

11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep? – Rarely

12. What CD is currently in your CD player? – A CD that my neighbor Allie made for me of her favorite songs.

13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? – If I were going to just drink it, chocolate.

14. Has anyone told you a secret this week? – Yes

15. When was the last time you had Starbucks? –Last Wednesday

16. Can you whistle? – I can, Tom does not think its lady like so I tend to whistle around him to annoy him.

17. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? – Their eyes

18. What are you looking forward to? – Summer, I want to talk the boat out and spend more time in and on the water.

19. Did you watch cartoons as a child? - No

20. Do you own any band t-shirts? – Any what?

21. What will you be doing in one hour? – Walking Willow

22. Is anyone in love with you? – I surely hope so.

23. What was the last song you heard? – Breathe (2 AM)

24. Last time you cried? – Not in a while

25. Desktop computer or a laptop? –Oh, laptop for sure.

26. Are you currently wanting any piercing or tattoos? – LOL! Wouldn’t do me any good to want it. It won’t happen!

27. What's the weather like? It’s been cloudy for several days.

28. Would you ever date a girl/guy covered in tattoos? – Nope, I’m married.

29. What did you do before this? – read some blogs.

30. When is the last time you slept on the floor? – The last time I slept on the floor is not something I want to remember, more than 35 years ago.

31. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? – As many as I can get!

32. Do you eat breakfast daily? – I do.

33. Are your days fast-paced? – No, most of the time they are serenely slow.

34. What did you do last night? Ate out with friends

35. Do you use sarcasm? – Sometimes, rarely with Tom. He doesn’t find it nearly as amusing as I do.

36. How old will you be turning on your next birthday? - 69

37. Are you picky about spelling and grammar? – I wouldn’t say picky.

38. Have you ever been to Six Flags? – No, I haven’t had the pleasure.

39. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex? – Hmmm… I would have to say I usually get along better with men.

40. Do you like mustard? – No

41. Do you sleep on your side? – Sometimes

42. Do you watch the news? – Unfortunately yes.

43. How did you get one of your scars? – Gallbladder surgery

44. Who was the last person to make you mad? – Well who do you think? My bossy, overbearing, over protective husband that I love to death!