Burn out

I am too worn out to write. If I was having fun all the time it wouldn’t be so bad but too much of what I am doing is not what I want to be doing. You see I am too tired to even make sense.

I know December is always busy but on top of parties, concerts ands plays and luncheon Tom has been disappearing most afternoons. I think he is working on a surprise for me but I miss him. Meanwhile I am going to all the December activities , on top of club meetings, and charity meetings and providing refreshments for the youth and I just want to stay home and curl up!!

Part of this is Tom’s fault. I did all these things in the past when Tom was working but I dropped out of most of them when he retired. Then last winter when he went back to work I was as loose ends and Tom felt that having too much time on my hand lead to problems. When I decided not to go back to work at the school this year Tom insisted I “do something” to become more involved in the community again. I obviously over did it.

I am going to get through Christmas and then I am going to reevaluate everything. It’s too much and I am too tired to keep this up. I haven’t had the energy to misbehave. So I know how boring this is but I wanted to touch base with my friends.

Great idea!

LOL!! I had an idea, such a wonderful idea! I ran with it and I got my way! When I told Tom about it he laughed at me and said I needed a paddling for it but he always thinks that and he’s not really going to do it.

I told you that I wanted to talk to my doctor. Talk to him, not have more test, just to discuss things. Now we have known my doctor for quite a while and we used to attend the same church so I called his wife and asked if we could take them to dinner Sunday evening. Now I told her what I was looking for, this was not an ambush. I told her I wanted a consultation, but I did not want to talk in his office and I surely did not want to talk while sitting on a table covered with crinkly paper! She laughed at me but seemed to understand. I told her I did not know what he normally charged for a consultation but dinner was on us and they could choose the wine! She told me she would get back to me and she called me this afternoon and said that they would be delighted to go.

Tom says I have no business bothering the doctor this way but I just don’t see it that way. I mean the man has to eat! I don’t plan to talk nothing but health issues all evening. I think it will be fun and his wife sounded like she was really looking forward to it. So I don’t see that I have done anything bad.

We have 6 parties to go to before Christmas and I am worn out just thinking about it. We decided not to try to entertain this year and I am so happy about that. I hope all of you are partying or staying home and relaxing which ever you like best. I’ll be in touch when ever I get the chance to be on and I will let you know what the doctor had to say!

Christmas Meme

I found this over at Eva's and she encouraged everyone to do it. I love doing meme so I though this was perfect for this time of the year. I hope every one does it.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love beautifully wrapped gifts – no bags!

2. Real tree or artificial? I like real but we have artificial. If we are living at the river next year I want a real tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually around Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? Near New Year’s

5. Do you like eggnog? Oh yes! With all the trimmings!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A stuffed puppy from my grandmother.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes we have a beautiful one.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My niece

9. Easiest person to buy for? Sue

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My parents used to give me jewelry that would be “suitable to wear when I was older”, actually just an investment for my father. When contact with my parents was cut off I never saw the jewels again.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? You can email Christmas cards? I mail ours.

12. Favorite Christmas movie? I love Jimmy Stewart and It’s a Wonderful Life

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually shop all year long!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No I don’t think so.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies! Cakes! Candies!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I like colored lights but we have clear one.

17. Favorite Christmas song? What Child is This?

18. Travel for Christmas or stay home? It depends. I think this year we will stay home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? No, but remember, I have never had children.

20. Angel on the treetop or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? A little of both.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Too many party and events we are expected to attend.

23. What I love most about Christmas. The entire feel of the season.

Yesterday

Sorry it’s been so long. Yesterday was a long, annoying, very unproductive day! Because Tom insisted I go to the doctor immediately he didn’t let me wait for my doctor. I saw someone new in the practice, let’s just call him Doogie! I don’t believe in seeing doctors that are not old enough to shave! Basically my blood pressure is a bit low at times. That’s it. But this boy wants to put me through every test know to mankind!

I was so annoyed by the time it was all over yesterday that Tom and I were both ill with each other and our evening was not very pleasant. I guess some of it was my fault but Tom was over reacting too. Anyway today was much better. I was still a little mad when I woke up (and sore) but Tom was sweet and loving and we went to the river to spend the day, much more pleasant and relaxing way to spend the day than at the doctor.
I am not going to have any more tests until I see my doctor and we try some other things to see if it helps. I have been looking on the internet and checking out some causes and treatment and I don’t think a million tests will be necessary. And I am putting my foot down about this!

Home

We made it home!! The trip was great although it seemed short to me. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and that you are continuing to enjoy your holiday weekend. I have no wild tells to tell from this trip, sorry, but I managed to behave myself pretty well. Sue and the other girl are doing fine. Sue really does seem happier than I have every know her. More relax and happy.

One reason I behaved so well is that I am still having problems with dizziness. And yes I have kept Tom informed about the problem so back to the doctor for a few more test. I don’t hurt any where, no headaches or anything but sometimes when I get up I am very dizzy and sometimes it is pretty severe but it seems to go away in a minute or so.

When I told Tom I told him to leave my keys alone. I won’t be going long distances by myself and the only time I am dizzy is when I first get up, either in the morning or sometimes from just sitting a while – but not all the time. I told him I wouldn’t go far and I would be careful when I got out of the car but there was no reason I couldn’t drive at all.

I got a piercing look and no comment but my keys are still on the hook. I just feel that it would not be in my best interest to hop in the car and head off without telling him where I am going. But I am happy to be back home. The house is decorated now and it looks wonderful! I assume we will be on our own for Christmas but I like it that way. Tom and I do pretty well for ourselves and I can’t think of one person on earth I would rather be with!

Off Again!

I have been delighted with the friends who have made themselves known in the last few days. I am hoping that even more will gradually feel comfortable leaving a comment or emailing but even if you are not ready to do that please keep coming back.

Tom and I are headed out west this weekend. We are spending Thanksgiving with our friends. Tom asked me the other day if I thought I could spend a whole week with Sue without getting in trouble. I told him he was the one who caused the trouble – if he wasn’t so bossy and over protective and just let us do what we want to then their would be no trouble. What is it Eva says, “Step away from the hairbrush and nobody gets hurt!” He laughed and hugged me and popped my rear so hard I know the neighbors heard!

You have to understand I truly do not go looking for trouble! I never do, but I like to let my hair down with these friends. I play the part of genteel southern lady quite well. I don’t mind the part but Sue and Anna and the other know it’s just an act! Well for the most part anyway. If Tom would just let up on me some when I am with the girls it would help. But regardless we always have a lovely time.

I want to take the laptop but I don’t know if I can. If not I can still do email on one of their computers but Tom would blister my butt if I went near blogs on their machine. I really would love to introduce Sue to the blogs but Tom has put his foot down and I never tangle with him too much about the computer. As long as he leaves me alone to play here I won’t rock the boat.

In case I don’t get to post again until we get back I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Denise

I got this comment on my site yesterday and the simple question Denise asked truly got me thinking and I wanted to answer her here.

Hi Cassie,

i am sorry to use your comments for my question however, i am not sure where to go for this answer.

Why are some of you ladies choosing to go private? i know i lurk but that is because i have no experience to share or wisdom to offer. i am sorry if my lurking is deemed disrespectful but i gain so much from living vicariously through each and every one of you who have been so kind to share through your blogs.

Now it seems that one by one i have less access and of course that is their right i was just wondering why is all.

Thank you for allowing me this indulgence. i hope that you do not decide the same fate for this blog. i just adore you and love being permitted the fly on the wall view into your life and heart.

hugs,
denise

Denise honey I just want you to know that you are welcomed out here and you can ask any question that comes to mind. I know you were welcomed at these ladies blogs too. They are some of the most caring supportive women I know. We all love our lurkers we just don’t always know that you are out there.

Each of these ladies had good reasons for going private I hate that it had to happen but please don’t you go away. Actually you may have more to add than you might know. I am always interested in who is reading here. I don’t want to pepper you with questions but I would love to get to know you. I am pleased you spoke up.

PK at New Beginning was moved by your question too. And she is posting her thought on the matter; go here to read what she has to say.

I have many friends out here, some blog, some comment and some email me. I think the world of all of these friends. If anyone reads here please let me have the privilege of getting to know you. Denise I especially hope you will email. casscat6575@yahoo.com

Bored

I am so bored! Tom has been working for weeks on a charity golf tournament. I know it is for a good cause but I miss my husband. And he is gone all this weekend to for the tournament itself. Yes I could go out there while the actual play is going on but I really don’t care for golf all that much and Tom is going to be very busy so I am staying out of the way. But I am still bored! Do I sound like I am rambling?

I might go to the river. I haven’t taken the time to walk the property by myself and see how I want my yard to look. I know we won’t be there all that much this winter. (We are going to redo the kitchen while we are working) but I want to plant some pansy that usually last most of the cold weather months. I love pansies! So bright and colorful. The house is coming right along and I really wish I could post pictures because it is going to be beautiful. Oh well maybe someday!

Busy, busy, busy

I am so sorry that I haven’t been around too much. Now that I have wheels I am trying to get caught up with everything I put on hold for the last couple of weeks. Tom has been busy helping to plan a golf tournament so I don’t feel like I have seen that much of him for the past few days.

We did go to the river this weekend. There was a neighborhood party and we were invited. Everyone seems so nice. I really hope that we made a good impression. There is a good chance that we will decide to live there full time and I really want the folks there to like us. I really like the family right next door. The wife is young, no more that 50 and the children are delightful. The daughter has just turned 16 and had her own car. Not just any car she told me, but one she is paying for herself! She seemed so proud! She has a brother around 12 or so that went bike riding with me and showed me some wonderful spots. He and his friends are paint ball enthusiasts and I can’t wait to try that!! He also has a scooter but I didn’t ask to try it. Remember I was trying to make a good impression!

I haven’t been able to talk Tom into spending the night at the river until the new room is completed. And from the looks of things that is going to be a while! But oh my goodness it is going to be nice!!

I think we are going get together with our friends over Thanksgiving. We are not sure yet if we are going out there or if they are coming here. I can’t wait to see everyone! Sue and I haven’t gotten into trouble in months! Not that that is ever our intentions! But it is usually the results!

My Friend Carye

I know most of you out here that read in this little corner of blogland know Carye (Caryagal). She is an avid commenter and an excellent writer. Check out her three part contribution to Fantasy Friday ! She doesn’t have a blog of her own – something about taking care of Papa Shrek, working and caring for four (count’em 4) wonderful children under ten!! But she is faithful to come and read and comment unless she is grounded from the computer for breaking PS diet rules (and if that keeps happening she may have to worry about a spanking from some of her friends since it punishes us too!). She is also a member of the diet group over at the American Spanking Society.

Carye shared her answers to one of the current meme out here and gave me permission to post it.

Carye’s Meme

1.Do you like cheese? On pizza! and string cheese just to eat!

2. Have you ever done heroin? Nope

3. Do you own a bike? yep 2 - but neither are in any condition to ride. I'm asking for them to be fixed as a Christmas present! Now that I don't have to push a stroller!

4. What are you doing tonight? Went to the kid’s school carnival and hoping for a nice romantic evening after the kids go to sleep!

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Nope.. well I am a little about my first mammogram.... but I guess that isn't really a doctors appointment! I used to get nervous about ultrasounds of the babies.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Yum! Especially Chicago dogs! and chili dogs!

7. What's your favorite Christmas song? Gloria In excelsis deo

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? sugar free Kool-Aid

9. Can you do push ups? Yep but not as many as my 8 year old daughter

10. Is your bathroom clean? Well yes actually! Cleaned it yesterday!

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring

12. Do you have friends? Yep many in blogland! :-) And a couple of very close friends (including some in blog land) and a bunch of social friends.

13. Do you miss someone? yep, my dad and grandpa and son a lot!

14. Middle name? Evelyn

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.

I'm tired

Working with the kids around is tough

I hope I get a spanking tonight!

16. Name the last 3 things you bought.
disposable pie tins for my pumpkin shaped cake

stuff for goodie bags for my young child music class

324 dollars worth of groceries at walmart (enough to feed us for a week and supply us with the non food items we need)

17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
sugar free Kool-Aid

propel

diet caffeine free coke with a shot of root beer in it!

18. Current worry? How I'm going to manage to spend enough time with my kids and work.

19. Current hate? My husband having to be away so often.

20. Favorite place to be? With my husband and kids at home

21. How did you ring in the New Year? I think I slept through it

22. Where would you like to go? Costa Rica

23. Are you hungry? No

24. What/who made you laugh last? My oldest daughter

25. Do you own slippers? Yep frog ones

26. What shirt are you wearing? Sweat shirt and undies

27. Do you burn or tan? I not only burn, I fry!

28. Favorite color? Yellow

29. Would you be a pirate? Nope. I think I'd get sea sick!

30. What songs do you sing in the shower? ABC's, and other kids songs as they sing along outside the curtain

31. What did you have for lunch? McDonalds chicken nuggets, and salad and diet coke with a shot of rootbeer.

32. Name someone who has changed your life. my oldest son.

33. What's in your pocket right now? No pockets in undies!

34. Best bed sheets as a child? I think I just had white ones!

35. Worst injury you've ever had? sprained ankle and a black eye that swelled to the size of an egg. (talk about freaking out my mom!)

36. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2 one in the living room and one in our bedroom

37. Who is your loudest friend? Can't name her on here but she can be very loud!

38. Who is your most silent friend? hmmm.. not a lot of them! Maybe one I can think of...

39. Do you wish on shooting stars? Doesn't everyone?

40. What is your favorite movie? Independence Day.

41. What is your favorite candy? Snickers

42. What song do/did you want played at your wedding? had a bunch of wonderful ones sung by a full choir.

43. What song do you want played at your funeral? God be in my head.

44. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleeping and being kicked by my 3 year old boy

Another stolen meme

I just tonight found this at Theresa’s. I just haven’t been inspired by anything to blog about so I stole it right away! Thanks Theresa.


1.Do you like cheese? I like it on and in things, not so much by itself.


2. Have you ever done heroin? No, one of the few vices I managed to avoid.



3. Do you own a bike? Yes I have a blue bike that we have already taken to the river house. That is a wonderful place to ride.

4. What are you doing tonight? Visiting with Tom but he went to take a shower.



5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not usually.



6. What do you think of hot dogs? Actually I rarely do.


7. What's your favorite Christmas song? What Child is this?


8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I want my coffee!



9. Can you do push ups? Why on earth would I want to do a push up?



10. Is your bathroom clean? Yes!


11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? A ring Tom had made for my birthday.


12. Do you have friends? Oh yes, I have friends!


13. Do you miss someone? Not terrible badly, I get to keep in close touch with most people I want to.


14. Middle name? Let’s just stick with Jane. That’s not it, but Tom uses it as my middle name when I am in trouble.


15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment.
· I need more time to blog
· Tom and I stay too busy for folks that don’t have jobs
· Tom is going to come drag me off the computer in a minute


16. Name the last 3 things you bought.
· Gas
· Cosmetics
· Shoes

17. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
· Coffee
· Ice tea
· Diet Coke

18. Current worry? I feel pretty worry free at the moment.


19. Current hate? How long it takes to remodle a house.

20. Favorite place to be? With Tom.



21. How did you ring in the New Year? We had a party last year.


22. Where would you like to go? The new house.



23. Are you hungry? Nope, not right now.


24. What/who made you laugh last? Tom of course!



25. Do you own slippers? I do and I have them on.


26. What shirt are you wearing? I am wearing a night gown.


27. Do you burn or tan? I used to tan quite well. Haven’t tried lately.



28. Favorite color? I like color but I am not really picky. Pink is very nice but I like blue too.


29. Would you be a pirate? I would be willing to give it a try!



30. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don’t sing in the shower but in the car I sing along with what ever is playing.



31. What did you have for lunch? Chicken salad sandwitch and fruit.



32. Name someone who has changed your life. Tom of course, but also Bonnie and Tiggr and all the rest of you!


33. What's in your pocket right now? tissue


34. Best bed sheets as a child? They were all white then.


35. Worst injury you've ever had? Does a blistered butt count?



36. How many TVs do you have in your house? My goodness, I think we have seven.



37. Who is your loudest friend? Sue



38. Who is your most silent friend? Anne



39. Do you wish on shooting stars? Of course.



40. What is your favorite movie? I like ‘Fried Green Tomatos’


41. What is your favorite candy? M & M


42. What song do/did you want played at your wedding? We didn’t have any music.


43. What song do you want played at your funeral? I don’t much care.


44. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleep with Tom.



45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? What time is it?

Happy Birthday - one day early!!

My brother, the second best man in the world, I wish you the happiest of birthdays! I have good imagination and I can picture us as children celebrating our birthday with a big cake with candles and lots of ice cream surrounded by a loving family!

Perhaps the cake and ice cream are only in my imagination but the loving family, well brother – I believe we have found that for real!

Now everyone we are having a birthday tea in Paul’s honor, just drop in any time today or tomorrow (his actual birthday) and leave a birthday wish for him. And now girls don’t expect him to spend all his time spanking – unless of course that is what he wants to do!

You are welcomed here...

Friends this is a special day for me. This is the day when I get to specifically talk to, and thank, anyone who stops by here often but remains silent. First of all you are most welcomed to come here and read without ever saying anything. If any of my stories bring a smile to you face I am delighted and I want to encourage you please to leave a comment. I just love talking to people here. You can comment today or if there are any old posts that you have enjoyed then you can leave a comment on them – they come to my email so I will always know even it the post was long ago.

If you have read here at all you will know that I am married to the best man in the world. He keeps me loved, happy and spoiled. But my friends here do give me something that Tom can give … daily conversation with others. It doesn’t matter how wonderful my spouse is I need contact with others too. I appreciate each and every person who has come by here. I am delighted and grateful to every one who has commented or every sent me an email. I answer every one. Contact me in comment or email me at casscat6575@yahoo.com You may have to wait a day or two but I will answer everyone!

Can you believe it?

Look, look, look! I thought my birthday was over but look what I got from CeeCi! How talented she is!! I know we all already know that but she managed to amaze me anyway. I feel like I am inviting everyone in to a new home! So please stop by for tea and cookies! My goodness this is going to make me want to post more.

CeeCi your talent is only surpassed by your beauty! Thank you for making my day!!

Birthday gifts

Our whole trip was fantastic. Although we do have time together at home every day Tom is a very busy man. To go away and just concentrate on each other is heaven for me. You all may be tired of hearing it but I have to keep saying it. I love Tom so much! To wake up in the mornings with Tom looking at me, to have him reach over and touch my face. Some mornings we would make love without saying a word. Other times we would cuddle and talk on and on.

Each morning we were alone Tom would bring me breakfast in bed and sometimes feed me. I sorry I know how spoiled that make me sound but Tom seems to enjoy treating me this way and what kind of wife would I be to spoil his fun. We went sight seeing during the day and dined in the very best restaurants in the evening. In between we did everything you can imagine! And that did include many fun and erotic spankings!!

But the gifts! My wonderful gifts! One of my very favorite gifts was a ring. It is beautiful! Tom designed it and had it made for me and I just love it!! He also gave me some beautiful lingerie. It surely does look lovely on the floor! One of my most fun gifts was a beautiful box with 4 matching silk scarves. They were very pretty but I asked him why he had gotten all the same color. As he took one and gently tied it around my wrist he said “Sometimes this is the only way I can keep you exactly where I want you”. He didn’t have to worry about me trying to escape that day. I was perfectly content to say exactly where I was!

But did I get what I was asking for and he kept saying no? Well, yes and no. My dream gift was a laptop. I would like to be able to take you all with me to other parts of my house and possible even off with me sometimes but Tom has NO desire for me to have more access to the computer. So … I did not get one for my birthday. But Tom got one for himself! I get to borrow it when the lord and master says I may! Oh I am just fussing! He is letting me use it until I make him mad about something.

I assumed I had all my birthday gifts when several days later as we were getting ready to go out Tom asked me casually “How would you feel about moving?” I felt like he had hit me with a sledge hammer! “WHAT?” I was not happy! “No I do not want to move,” I began “we’ve moved enough for several live times. I love where we live! I love my houses! I love our church! Have you taken a job? You never said a word! Tom so help me if you have taken a job without telling me I’m going to wear you out!”

How I have to stop saying things like that. I am always scared Tom is going to hurt himself laughing! So I was standing there, hands on my hips, loaded for bear and he was laughing at me! I nearly bopped him one as he came over and scooped my off my feet and sat me on his lap. He said “Stop Cassie, you’re scaring me! I bought Richard’s house.” I stopped sputtering and stared at him. “You bought the house on the river?! My house that I always wanted!! You are not serious!” It seems he was! This is the house we borrowed when our friends were here this summer – when Sue and I had our little boat excursion. We have borrowed the house often from our friend and I love the place. The house is fine for 2 people but will also be able to handle guest. At this moment the remodeling has already begun. Tom is having the 2 bedrooms at one end of the house turned into a master suite. I get to redecorate any way I want to!!

The yard is beautiful too. There are old trees with Spanish moss that blows lazily in the breeze. There is ever a small ‘beach’ area for wading or swimming. And the boat comes with the house!! Richard and his wife have bought a place near there children and grandchildren. There son has a boat so they sold this one to Tom. I am so excited I am about to pop! I grew up on this river and the time I spent near it and on it are my happiest childhood memories.

Right now we are not planning to move there full time but I have a feeling that we might when we get it fixed up the way we want it. I do love our house but I love this one too and as Tom and I spend this next year working on it we might just decide to live there year round. We’ll see, and it is only about 35 minutes from our church so that’s not a problem either.

Tom did one more thing for me. Over the next few days as we talked about the house I asked him if I could take the lap top there. He sighed and said “Cassie you really are addicted to that computer aren’t you?” You know it is strange. Neither Tom nor I have ever been jealous of other people during our marriage. Through all our trials and tribulations that has just never been an issue. But in a way he is jealous of all of you. Not individually but this blogging thing and the people I have met here do take much of my thought and time. Tom has never, ever competed with anyone or anything for my attention until maybe now. And of course he doesn’t have to now, I love you all but I will drop the computer like a hot potato if I can spend time with Tom. Yet he knows how much I enjoy being on here.

So he just nodded at me and said “Yes I already have the internet hooked up for you. I knew you would want to talk to your friends”. Do you see how pampered I am. Even though he does not completely approve of all my time on line he puts up with it because he knows I love it so.

So that is what I got for my birthday and anniversary this year. And what did I give Tom? Let me assure you he got exactly what he wanted!

Cassie's 150

I read the 150 of Paul that was in the Garden. I loved his answers and those others I have read. When he asked me to try mine I just couldn’t resist! Here goes.

The idea is to copy and paste to your own blog and bold the things you have done.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive (Tom did once but I wasn’t with him)
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone (many times)
08. Said “I love you” and meant it (every day)
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped (had signed up once but Tom found me before my turn came)
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise (funny you should ask about this…)
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (so many times!)
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse (many times)
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment (every moment!)
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends (more amazing than I ever imagined)
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving (It’s on my list)
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow

56. Alphabetized your CD’s
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaokes
59. Lounged around in bed all day (sometimes alone or if I am lucky with Tom)
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain (I did all three of these at once)
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (I now know that a good diet and moderate exercise is much better that starvation and diet pills)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo (not yet!)
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents (They are gone but both left instructions that I would not be welcomed at the funerals)
93. Been on a cruise ship (Oh yes!)
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery (I could surely use it but Tom pitches a fit whenever I mention it)
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived (That s if my first marriage counts?)
105. Wrote articles for a large publication (Does blogging count?)

106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about (The fact that I am still blogging is proof of that!)
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes (I’m from the south after all)
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream (Always)
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

I'm Home!!

Are you trying to blind me or give me a heart attack? We were gone a few days and come home to find the place totally redecorated! New paint, new furniture, and WHO put in the pool?? Slip ‘n slides all over the yard, scooters parked all over the place (I’m loving that). And the underwear! Girl did none of you make it home with your drawers?? Bikini panties, thongs and strangely enough, one pair of granny panties tossed around. I am not asking who belongs to what. What happens at Cassie’s stays at Cassie’s!!



You don’t know how sorry I am to have missed all the fun (actually I was having plenty of my own). But you are all always welcomed here anytime. I don’t know who stocked the freezers – Theresa, Sar, Lessa or one of the dozens that dropped by. But everything looks delicious and I thank you.



If we party any more I will have to say girls you are just going to have to learn to spank each other! You are wearing my poor brother out! Thank goodness David, Dragon and Nick were there to help. But with the greedy girls that I know were here it’s a wonder these poor fellow can lift an arm. Thank goodness they were well fed.



A few points I want to make here. We do NOT have a mirror over the bed, but it is a wonderful idea!! I was ROFL reading about sliding down the banister! I have been paddled on numerous occasions for doing that very thing and yet I still do it occasionally mostly just to make Tom crazy (it’s so easy!) And lastly Lilly although I appreciate the thought more than I can say, the brush you found must have been a decoy. The real one was with us as usual. And yes it did make one unnecessary appearance on the trip. But it wasn’t MY fault. There were circumstances beyond my control, sort of. More about that later.



In all seriousness you all can’t begin to know what this means to me. You don’t know what you all mean to me. I will never be able to explain it to you either. It’s just too much. So thank you so very much for allowing me into your lives and for sharing your lives with me.



We are home and we aren’t. We will be in and out for a while. I am anxious to tell you about my trip. And I can’t wait to tell you all about my birthday present. I thought Tom out did himself last year! But this year was even better and I am so excited!!!