I'm writing this while I finish up with dinner (I know you're not supposed to work on other things while eating, but my time is such a premium right now, I have to multi-task).
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tonight, Tonight...
Posted by
Robin
at
7:28 PM
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
padme
Labels: journey to the darkside, Master Anakin, miscarriage, padme, sorrow
Posted by
Robin
at
9:15 PM
4
comments
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A Spanking... Finally
I got a spanking! *happy singsong* And incredible scream-inducing sex...
Desperately in need of a good spanking, and waiting fruitlessly for DH to just take control, I decided I needed to plant the idea...
So, Tuesday while at work I sent DH a little email message, with 'Is it a date?' as the subject:
What do you say? Maybe some night this week? I've got a huge load of stress that needs relieving... *big grin*
And I mean a 'real' spanking, where I'm not doing anything else (you know what I mean *raised eyebrows*) but getting a hot red butt... You know I'll pleasure you anyway you want after...
Labels: anal sex, g-spot, leather paddle, lingerie, oral sex, sex, spanking, squirting
Posted by
Robin
at
8:42 PM
2
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
Dreams
Labels: bath brush, belt, dreams, spanking
Posted by
Robin
at
5:38 PM
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
I Need....
- DH isn't here to keep me company, so I get lost in the TV, computer, or reading
- Work is too, too stressful right now and how do I react to stress -- overeating, turning couch potato, and undersleeping
- OC is off on her French adventure, so she's not here to help out with things -- so more for me to do after an extra-long stressful day of work
- Money is tight
- Nothing is working as a motivator right now
- Work, work, work -- VP keeps giving me more and more to do with the system change, yet I still have all my regular responsibilities...
- I'm not a morning person so getting up early enough to exercise before work doesn't work for me, but then I'm tired after work, plus there's chores to do, kids to feed...
Oh, alright, so they're pretty lame excuses.
DH just doesn't get it. When I dropped him off at the airport Monday, he told me I should pick up a salad on the way to work to eat for lunch. So what did I do -- bought and ate a salad for lunch. He gave me a specific instruction and I followed it.
Tried to suggest that he could find ways to reward me for exercising and dieting... Him: "Why is everything about sex with you?" aaaaaagggggghhhhh! Yes, sexual rewards would be nice, and serious discipline spankings could help, but not everything has to be sexual. Sheeeeesh. You'd think that's all I think about (ok, it's often on my mind, but really...). Doesn't help that he's a classic 'saboteur' when it comes to me trying to improve my health.
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Robin
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9:49 PM
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Monday, July 7, 2008
So...
DH is off to Mexico this week, the guests are on their way back to France, and OC is on her way to France with them. Yep, I'm sending my baby off to France for 2 weeks. I'm praying for her safety and am sure she'll have a good time. The family she's staying with lives northwest of Paris, but they'll be spending about a week in the south of France (on the Med) with maybe a day in Spain. They've got lots of fun activities planned for her.
It's just the 3 of us 'til Saturday -- me, MC, and YC. Big, empty house. Big, empty bed. *sigh*
Hope everyone had a great weekend. I was exhausted, but since it was a holiday weekend, with company, no lazing about allowed. Off to the festival we all went. DH, YC and I defended our space while the older kids scattered. We ate, sat in the sun, listened to music (can't tell you who 'cuz if you search them you'd find out where I live *grin*). The crowd swelled to over 40,000. It was packed. The weather was perfect -- warm with a slight breeze, not a cloud in the sky.
And, finally, fireworks. I love fireworks! They did a pretty good job with the accompanying music (except for some screaming thing by AC/DC). Even included the theme from Indiana Jones -- the crowd liked that. At one point there was a pause. People thought the show was over. This voice booms out, "Over? Did you say 'over'? It's not over 'til I say it's over!" And then the finale. Loved the comment -- it got a great laugh.
Fireworks on the 4th of July always make me think of John Adams. He'd written a letter to his wife on July 3rd 1776, the day after the Continental Congress resolved on 2 July 1776 "That these United Colonies are, and of right, ought to be, Free and Independent States." (Explains why he states July 2nd should be celebrated instead of the 4th, which is when the final version of the Declaration was approved and signed). Here's part of the letter (the important part *grin*):
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not.—I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.—Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
Labels: 4th of July, fireworks, hand spanking, holidays, sex
Posted by
Robin
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8:35 PM
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Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th!!
Hope all my American spanko friends have a fantastic 4th of July -- with plenty of Stars and Stripes (seeing and receiving, respectively).
Labels: 4th of July, spanking
Posted by
Robin
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11:16 AM
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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
My Tattoo
Well, I still don't have any really good pictures. DH finally agreed to take a picture, but only with his iPhone...

Labels: acceptance, butterfly, mid-life crisis, tattoo
Posted by
Robin
at
1:00 PM
3
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Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Back to our trip... Athens, Greece
We had decided when planning the trip that Shore Excursions were going to be way too expensive for the whole family so we would just make our own way around at the stops. After exiting the ship, we found a taxi and a driver who would spend 3 hours taking us around to major sites: the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Gate, Olympic Stadium, Acropolis, Presidential Palace. The weather was perfect again – clear blue skies, not too hot.
First stop was the Temple of Zeus, just past Hadrian’s Gate. The few remaining columns were impressive – can’t even begin to imagine what it would have been like when it wasn’t a ruin. From the Temple we could clearly see the Acropolis. Somehow I had never realized it was up on a mount…
But before heading up to the Acropolis, we stopped at the stadium that was the site of the first modern Olympic Games. Compared to the stadiums we’re used to seeing, it was so small. When you think that the games are still going strong after a century… pretty darn awe inspiring.
On to the Acropolis –
Wow. So stunning. Mind-boggling to realize that all this was built without electricity, computers, the machines we have today. It’s all up on a rocky hill – it was hot the day we were there, and to think about hauling all those large stones up the hill and then building with them… Even YC understood how hard it must have been.
And the modern-day upkeep… Apparently, all the buildings have been completely disassembled and are now being reassembled to correct errors of past restoration attempts. There are piles of stones everywhere, pieces of buildings and statuary – they are trying to match the stones up with the buildings so the restoration will be as accurate as possible.
The view from the Acropolis – I think we could see all of Athens, a huge sprawl in all directions. Of course we could see Hadrian’s Gate and the Temple of Zeus, but we could also see the Olympic Stadium, the Agora, the Forum, the Tower of the Winds… So many things to see, too little time.
After the Acropolis, we watched the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace – a very ritualized process.
And then it was back to the ship. Hiring the driver was truly the best way to see Athens in the short time we had.
Have to share this – While we were all crammed into the car, YC, whose mind processes are usually easy to follow, asked, out of the blue, “Do ants have brains?” We all just looked her. No idea where that came from… And if you asked her what was the best thing she saw, she’d answer that it was the dogs everywhere.
Once back on the ship, we headed up to play miniature golf before dinner. We all took one round (DH won and gloated), then headed to the Solarium for snacks since dinner wasn’t ‘til 9pm. YC wanted to hang out in the kids’ area – it was Pirate Night (I have some cute pics of her as a pirate princess). OC and MC took off to play games. They were finally acclimated to the ship and enjoying their freedom. DH and I headed to the cabin to relax for a while.
YC wanted to stay in the kids area ‘til it closed, so the rest of us headed to the fancy dining room for dinner. It wasn’t formal night, so no dressing up was required. Our table partners were a couple from Sweden, a couple from New Orleans, and sisters from South Africa. At 10, DH went to get YC. At first she didn’t want to eat anything, but the wait staff treated her like a little princess and had her trying all sorts of things. All 3 kids liked being waited upon so we ate in the dining room a few more times while on the trip.
DH and I decided to skip the lounge and drinks after dinner and went back to our cabin for some ‘play’ time, after making sure the kids were settled in for the night. DH got out the Shunga kit and the new paddle. It’s leather with “fur” on one side. I got lots of nice attention, with DH going down on me and working me over good with tongue and lips and fingers. And of course, he didn’t stop ‘til I came. Then DH had me assume his new favorite BJ + spanking position – on my belly, face off the edge of the bed. He gets two pleasures at once. For me, it’s okay, but it makes it hard for me to completely enjoy either act, plus I’m always worried I might hurt him involuntarily when I react to a hard spank.
Anyway, you know how this works for us by now – When he’s had enough oral attention, he likes to oil up my backside and rub against me ‘til he slides right in. Of course, I’m all hot and wet and slick from the earlier orgasm, the spanking, my own juices and the oil – I’m more than ready to feel his cock filling my pussy, stretching, pounding, thrusting; feeling him against my g-spot, my labia, and his balls hitting my clit. Really, with that kinda stimulation going on, how can I not come explosively?
After we were done, while I laid exhausted facedown on the bed, DH took pictures of me with his iPhone. But he never sends them to me and doesn’t keep them long. He doesn’t send them to me because he doesn’t want there to be any possibility that I might post them somewhere (uh, here); he doesn’t keep them long on his phone because so many people (co-workers, friends, our kids) like to look at the phone and he’s afraid someone might see them. I don’t even think he sends them to himself to keep on his laptop… If he does, I don’t know about it, nor do I have access to look…
Oh, and I had a very, very red bottom, from top to bottom and around the sides – he wielded that paddle most impressively.
All that activity made us hungry. Even though it was 1 a.m., there was still food in the Solarium, so off we went for a small snack before hitting the bed for sleep.
Yep, Athens, Greece – what a great day.
Posted by
Robin
at
6:15 PM
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Monday, June 30, 2008
Catching up...
I've spent the last couple of hours doing some blog reading catch up... Some people have lots going on, others (like me) seem to be stuck in the doldrums.
Anyway, saw this quiz on quite a few blogs and thought I'd give it a go:
Your result for The What's your sexual style? Test...
TYPE M
You scored 92 imagination, 83 confidence, 29 dominance, and 42 generosity!
This means that:
You like relatively kinky sex, and you have the great imagination that will always keep your partner guessing and excited! There's no getting bored with you around, you could never settle for dull sex, you want something fun and new all the time. You aren't afraid to try out anything you hear about. You might just be an intelligent lover who needs to be mentally engaged, or perhaps you have some dirty dark secret kinky desires, but either way, you're never boring.
You are pretty confident in bed. This means that you know you can please your lover. Maybe you've read a lot of sex manuals, or have the experience from previous lovers, or just tend to be skilled at whatever you get your hands on, but you're good and you know it. You can really get results and know that you have pure talent, so you won't be hiding away shy, pretending to be all innocent. Your partners love your naughty self assurance, you don't hesitate and this makes you a sensational lover.
You tend to be submissive in bed, so you prefer to go along with what your lover likes rather than your own plans. You might like being ordered around and acting out a slave/master fantasy, or perhaps you just get turned on by being helpless and unable to move. Or maybe it's as simple as you lacking courage so prefering firm instructions in bed to make sure you are doing things right. Either way, you won't be dominating your lover anytime soon, and might prefer the missionary position to any others.
You would rather Receive than Give. This usually applies more to Oral sex than anything else, and other types of foreplay. This could be for a number of reasons. Maybe you are just very hooked on the sensation of orgasm, maybe you feel you deserve to be treated like a god/goddess, maybe you just aren't confident about your skills when it comes to returning the favour. Maybe you are lazy. Or maybe your partner loves to give and that suits you fine, so everyone is happy. Either way, remember to be a giver sometimes too, as long as your partner likes it.
WE SUGGEST YOU TRY:
Being Blindfolded and even tied up with scarves, and letting your partner tease, tickle and delight you, in the most tempting way. You are confident and imaginative enough to not mind them doing all sorts of fun things to you, surprises and frustratingly out of your reach pleasure. Just like back and enjoy, and maybe you can return the favour, maybe not.
Take The What's your sexual style? Test at HelloQuizzy
Yep, sounds like me


Now, if I could just get the sex...
Posted by
Robin
at
9:06 PM
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Sunday, June 29, 2008
Still off...
God, last weekend of June...
I just haven't been able (willing) to get on the computer, for any reason, after spending all day on it at work.
I've started a few things, written a few notes, but just can't seem to make the leap to posting. Haven't even been reading other blogs...
DH has been home non-stop, kids are home, we have guests, work is busy in prep for the system change, my ankle has good days and bad days...
And nothing, I mean NOTHING, at all juicy or sexy or spanky has been going on. Action is little and far apart... No real reason why (although I can make some educated guesses).
We still haven't fixed our Internet, so I still can't post pictures from home, and again, no desire to stop by the library to post, so still no pics of my tattoo, or our vacation, or anything I might like to share.
And seeing as it is now after 9:30 pm and I have work in the morning, this is all I have time and energy for...
Sorry...
Posted by
Robin
at
9:30 PM
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Mid-week Blah
A few things --
Internet connection at home is still squirrelly, so haven't been able to do the posting I've wanted to. So I'm at the library again, but I left my notes in the car. Darn it.
Tried to take pics of my tattoo. Most were fuzzy. The few that were clear were off center. Gotta convice DH to take some pics (he knows I'll probably post them, so I'm not sure if he will). It's on my right shoulder blade so it's just too difficult to get the focus and angle right while the timer is counting down. Double darn. I do have the picture I drew that the tattoo was based on, but I want to wait till I have a picture of the actual tattoo to post with it. Can't have the kids do it as they don't know about it (they're all minors and we don't want to give them ideas) -- I do know at some point they will see it, especially since it is summer and I plan on getting some swimming in.
Mentioned way back on Earth Day how I fell off a sidewalk and badly sprained my right ankle (you've done that, right -- stepped on the edge with just enough foot hanging over that when you put all your weight on it, your ankle buckles and you fall, hard...). Anyway, what with it happening a week before vacation, I didn't manage to get to the doctor until this week (I tried 2 weeks ago, but the dr cancelled). Had 8 x-rays -- no apparent breaks, but way more swollen than it should be after 6 weeks. So have an appt with an orthopedist on Monday -- minimum is physical therapy, maximum is casting. We'll see. Could cause a lot of difficulties if I can't drive.
For all it being our anniversary, the weekend was quiet (including sexually -- but I'll try to post on that more later). And this week hasn't been any better -- darn NBA finals (Go Lakers!).
Will try to get some more exciting posts up later.
Posted by
Robin
at
7:25 PM
2
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Sunday, June 8, 2008
15 Years
The way things were just a few short months ago, reaching this milestone was in serious doubt. But we made it -- after lots of talking and working things through and just plain trying to make things better. Took a couple of month to get things back to 'normal'.
No big plans for today. We're starting out with the regular weekend activities -- house and yard work, shopping, errands -- but tonight we're planning on dinner out. DH mentioned he needs to go out by himself for awhile -- he's gotta go present shopping. No idea what he's thinking of getting me...
Not sure what to get him. Yesterday we went and got tattoos, which I paid for. I half-jokingly said that my paying for his tattoo was my gift to him... Maybe I'll look for something more... Hmmmmm... I'm not generally good at gift shopping so this will be a challenge...
There was a mention of enjoying the whirlpool tub this evening -- bubbles, candles, wine. Sounds lovely.
Of course, I'll be posting all about our evening...
Labels: anniversary
Posted by
Robin
at
11:32 AM
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Thursday, June 5, 2008
Memorial Day Make Up Sex
And yes, something did happen... DH seriously misunderstood something I said and went off in a direction not even remotely related to what I had said. Totally different planets... I made my comment, what I thought was a basically positive comment ("You're the one who likes doing X, I do it so I can be with you") and he turned this into I don't trust him and I don't want to be with him... My response, as I was getting upset over this, was to turn away and say nothing. Inside, I'm fighting tears and the urge to turn to him and say, "What the hell!?!?" (Really did not help that I was PMSing). I don't think confronting him would have been any better than sitting there silently -- somehow I would still end up in trouble.
This was Saturday night. Sunday was spent with quiet tension, keeping out of each others way as much as possible. We did go see Indiana Jones -- pretty good and fun. Then he decided he wanted to talk, although he was not too believing when I kept repeating the one and only thing I had said (see above). He was insistent that I must have said something more. Honestly, I didn't. That sentence was the last thing I said before he went off on his tangent. I have no explanation for how he heard something so radically different from what I said. To say I was confused by his outburst is putting it mildly. But we talked, he listened, and ultimately believed me.
Monday morning, we slept in (yeah for holidays). DH scooted over to me, sliding an arm beneath my neck, and snuggled up to me. Not sure where this was going, I didn't resist but I didn't welcome him either. And he surprised me. You've probably gathered from this blog that DH is a butt man -- typically when he's in the mood, he heads straight for my butt and pussy, with very little attention spent anywhere else (I'm not complaining, just saying...). Instead of heading 'south', DH started by nuzzling, licking, nibbling and sucking on one breast while caressing the other. Heaven... Wasn't long 'til I was moaning and writhing. And this went on and on... DH not seeming to be in any sort of hurry to do anything else. When he did slide a hand down, I had to stop him and tell him that it was that time of the month (talk about rotten timing). Fortunately, that revelation didn't even slow DH down.
We kissed, we caressed, we stroked and rubbed. He was on top, I was on top. At one point, DH went for my neck, nibbling and sucking. (For your viewing pleasure, I've added a picture of my neck taken after -- I knew as seen as he started that I was going to be well-marked.) I was so in the moment, so aroused. I reached down and grabbed DH through his pants, rubbing and stroking, as he kept himself raised up off of me just enough. And then I had this incredible desire to feel him in my mouth, so I pushed him over and yanked his pants down. I couldn't get enough of licking and sucking -- he tasted and felt so good and so right, filling my mouth. And I made sure I was positioned so that DH's hands could easily reach my backside -- and reach he did.
Too soon, DH was pulling me up, rolling me over and kissing me, pressing me down into the bed. Again, I reached down, stroking and rubbing, until I couldn't stand it anymore and told him that I wanted to suck his cock some more. He looked at me like he couldn't believe what he was hearing (I may go down on him without him asking, but I rarely voice my intentions) and rolled onto his back. Just like before, while I attended to him orally, he paid attention to my bottom, stroking and spanking. Eventually, he pulled me up to kiss again and I couldn't stop myself from telling him to spank me, that I'd been naughty to be so distant and so cold and he needed to spank me to punish me. He didn't say anything, and I'm not sure about his expression, but he didn't refuse. He got off the bed, standing at the side and had me get in position. I was so gone, I'm not even sure what he used on me -- crop, paddle, hair brush -- other than his hand.
The spanking did not last long, although is was enough to add some lasting marks on my backside to go with the ones on my neck. Soon DH was oiling my bottom, making sure I was especially well oiled in preparation for what was coming up. DH wanted inside, and not in my mouth or pussy. He wanted to feel me tight around him as he fucked me hard and fast. I was so aroused that he didn't need to do anything other apply oil for me to be ready for him.
He entered slowly and steadily, rubbing and smacking my bottom all the while. Once in all the way, he grabbed my hips and began thrusting. My legs were spread wide, my arms grasping a pillow for me to moan into, and I moved back to meet him, matching his rhythm, until he was moving so fast and hard it was all I could to breathe as I buried my face into the pillow, crying out as I orgasmed. If someone had told me years ago that I could have such consuming, mind blowing orgasms from anal sex, I'd have tried it years ago, and certainly wouldn't have put DH off for as long as I did.
DH continued with his strong rapid thrusts. I could hear his breathing change and the little sounds he makes that let me know he is getting close. And then I felt it, felt him come, filling me. A few more thrusts, and then he was done.
Oh, and my butt was well marked, too. My only concern was the massage therapist on Thursday, but the marks were down low enough that I don't think she could see anything (panties always stay on).
I don't like the upsets, but I love the wild and hot make up sex!
Labels: anal sex, love bites, marks, sex, spanking
Posted by
Robin
at
6:00 PM
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Monday, June 2, 2008
Sea Day
Since we are STILL having internet issues, I am sitting in the public library trying to get some posting done. I've tried everyday from home and everytime I try to do anything beyond the simple read a website, our connection crashes. We got a new modem but it looks like we also need a new router. DH is in Germany this week, so it'll probably be the weekend before we can get this resolved (I can buy the router, but I really don't know how to set it up and worry that I might make things worse). It's so frustrating!!!!

And of course I ended up with a little sunburn – I’m so fair, no matter how much sun block I use, it’s pretty much inevitable. DH and the kids just tan.
Eventually, we’d had enough and went in.

YC wanted to spend some time in the kids’ area, so we dropped her off up there, picking her up later for dinner. She made a ‘magic’ wand, painted and covered in glitter. DH looked at it, swished it around, got that twinkle in his eye and made some comment about maybe he could try the wand on me. (never did happen – thank goodness).
Once we were sure the kids were settled in for the night, DH and I headed back up to the lounge. It was 70’s night and members of the crew put on a show as ABBA and the Village People – it’s a lot of fun. As ‘In the Navy’ was performed and I was singing along, the guy next to me turned to me and we were commenting on how could anyone have missed the theme of the Village People’s songs. We reminisced about school dances and roller-skating parties (anyone else remember those?) – too funny.
Eventually, I’d had enough (I can only take so much loud music and crowds), and with DH’s promise that he would be down in a few minutes, I headed off to our room. I changed into some of the new lingerie and waited for DH. And waited. And waited. While waiting, I watched the ship channel where they were showing (and re-showing) the video of 70’s night. About an hour and 2 times through the show later, DH finally shows up, chattering on about how much fun he had after I left… Way to kill the mood. So absolutely nothing happened that night – and he didn’t understand why.
Friday, May 30, 2008
On the Ship & Leaving Venice, part 2
When I last posted, DH and I were enjoying a few drinks in the Crown Lounge...
Since it had been a long day, we only stayed in the lounge for a short while, having just a few drinks, before heading back to our room. I thought we were both too tired for any fun, so I just curled up to sleep. However, it quickly became clear that DH wasn’t too tired. He curled up behind me and started touching and rubbing, stroking and spanking. My whole body is pretty much one big erogenous zone, and DH knows just where and how to touch to get me heated up. Pretty soon he was focused on touching and rubbing me just right in that special area while I used my hand on him, squeezing and stroking. It was feeling sooo good.
And then I told him to spank my pussy. And he did, without hesitation. Thank goodness it was not with the force he uses on my backside, but, wow, what a sensation… He’d rub my clit, stroke my pussy, then SPANK… & repeat… Didn’t take long for me to come, not with that kind of attention.
As I was coming down from my high, DH made little comments about what he wanted to do next – specifically to my ass (and I don’t just mean a spanking *grin*). My response to this, “You’re not coming anywhere near my ass without some oil or lube.” And as he got up to get the needed supplies, I told him I bought some new goodies and told him where to find the Shunga kit and crop. I don’t think I’ve ever seen DH unwrap a package so fast. I’m not even sure he really read the card. The oil was found, opened and applied liberally to my bottom. (If you’re interested, it’s Shunga Erotic Art Erotic Massage Oil Libido Exotic Fruits – it smells really, really good, and even though it’s kinda sweet and fruity, DH likes it much better than the Sweet Almond Oil we have been using).
DH had me lie on my stomach with my head at the end of the bed. In this position I could pleasure him orally while he had easy spanking access, especially with the long reach of the crop. It didn’t take long for my bottom to turn a hot and glowing red, causing DH to pause, give the crop a look of admiration, and proclaim, “I like this toy.” (I’d like to note that this is now one of DH’s favorite positions). I was concerned that in reaction to one of the more painful swats, I might end of hurting him – but he was very insistent that my mouth stay on him at all times. Man, is that crop effective… (I think he also liked this position while on the cruise because of the mirrors at the head of the bed -- he had a great view of everything).
Eventually, DH had me turn around putting my feet at the end of the bed, laid over me and started rubbing his cock against my hot red bottom and letting it slip down between my legs until it slid right up inside me. A little of this teasing, and then it was up on all fours time. You know how it goes from here – filling and thrusting in my pussy till I come; more oiling and then anal, with me coming more, before DH finally reaches his limit and can’t hold back anymore.
Once we were breathing normally, DH had me take a look at my backside in the full length mirror. Oh my, what a red bottom! I think I like the crop, too. *weg*
Saturday, May 24, 2008
On the Ship and Leaving Venice, part 1
Supposedly, the cruise ship had free shuttles between the terminal and Piazzale Roma. We waited for ½ an hour, in the blazing sun, then decided to walk it. It’s not a long distance, and mostly downhill.
We checked in and boarded. First stop was our rooms (we were separated by one other room – we wanted the kids nearby but not too close). Our rooms were on the Deck 8 – pros & cons. On the plus side, top deck with cabins, close to stairs/elevators, main dining, pool, etc. Negatives – could hear people moving overhead. No luggage yet, but we still needed to check them out and show the kids around. Because OC was only 14 when we booked the trip, we had to set up the reservations with one adult per room. Since she was now 15, we needed to change things around so all the kids were in one cabin while we were in the other. And the beds needed to be fixed, too. Our cabin had two twin beds, while the kids’ had one queen and one bunk. Not going to work that way. DH and I went to wait in line at the pursers desk while the kids did a little exploring.
After everything was straightened out, it was time for lunch. The ship wasn’t sailing ‘til 5pm, so we had time to relax. And by this time we really needed a break from the monsters children. I swear, all they did was complain, all day – it was too hot, they were bored, they didn’t want to walk anymore, they were hungry, they were thirsty, they didn’t like the ship, they didn’t like their room, they didn’t like the food, why did we make them come on such a stupid trip, etc, etc, etc. And the constant bickering and arguing and nasty comments to and about each other. At one point I made a comment to MC, who had once again come to our room to complain about YC, that there was going to be one extremely pissed mama if we had to change the sleeping arrangements. I was seriously contemplating tossing them overboard. I haven’t decided yet if we’ll ever take another family vacation… So DH and I went to doze in our room and left the kids to their own devices.
Shortly before departure, we went up top to watch Venice as we sailed away. We found the kids and they actually stayed with us, for about 10 minutes. During this time they shared the amusing story of how they got lost and couldn’t find the way back to their room for a while. (The ship is not that big and the ID cards give your room number – not sure how they managed to get lost…). So we all watched Venice pass by as we sailed away. It’s such a beautiful city, and the weather was perfect (last year it had been foggy). I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but a place gets all hyped up and you’re excited to visit, but when you get there you find out the pictures in the brochure were staged, etc and it just doesn’t live up to your expectations. So disappointing. Well, Venice is just like the pictures – it’s visually stunning, the canals, the grand buildings, the variety of architectural details. And considering the number of people tromping through, it’s clean. Yep, I really like Venice.
Once we were out of Venice, DH and I went into the Solarium, where the inside pool is, and just relaxed in the lounge chairs. I slipped in and out of light sleep. DH eventually decided to enjoy the hot tub, and chatted with a fellow passenger. He didn’t think I could hear him, but I could pretty much hear every word as he relayed to this stranger the details of how we met and married, etc. (Hmmmmpppphhhh. I really can’t complain as it’s pretty much what I do with the whole blogging thing.) Before we knew it, it was after 8pm, so we went to find the kids and have some dinner. The kids were taking care of themselves, having already had dinner and then settling into their room. So DH and I had a late meal, checked on the kids, and went to the lounge to relax and have a couple of drinks. I don’t think we were in the lounge for more than 15-20 minutes before MC showed up to complain about YC. I’m serious – no more family vacations.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Good Morning, Italy
Landed in Milan, Italy bright and early this morning. It’s amazing to fly over the Alps – all the sharp edges coated in snow, shining in the early morning sun. What a sight to see when you first wake up.
Amazingly, no luggage was lost (on DH and my very first trip, mine was lost between London and Milan – I wore the same clothes for 3 days, washing my unders in the bathroom each night). Unfortunately, it was too early for any restaurants to be open and we had about an hour and a half ‘til we could rent the car. So we sat until a snack bar opened, and just waited. I did manage to take some pictures of the Alps through the windows…
Considering the car was smaller than your average American car, it was amazing, but we easily fit in all our luggage and all of us, without being horribly cramped.
It’s a nice, straight drive across northern Italy from Milan to Venice. The scenery is gorgeous – trees in bloom; fields of orange-red poppies & other unidentified wildflowers; vineyards, big & small; hills; grand churches and fortresses; old, abandoned, and collapsing buildings; the colors of the buildings – yellows, reds, oranges. The weather was perfect – 70s and clear.
And the places we pass – Bergamo, Verona, Vicenza, Padova (Padua). Makes me think of Shakespeare…
Mind, the Autostrade is not for the faint of heart. Stay out of the left lane unless you plan on going faster than everyone else. And by faster, I mean in excess of 130 km/hr. Well in excess.
Since our cruise was leaving the next morning, we chose not to stop and see the sites, but head straight on to Venice. I think we made it in about 3 hours. We checked into the same hotel DH and I have stayed at on both previous trips, and then we took the kids to dinner at the same restaurant we’ve eaten at before, too. Oh, the town we stayed in was Quarto d’Altino. You can find it on Google Earth, if you’re so inclined.
Side note on Italian dining – Italian food is pretty much it. You do not see Mexican/Spanish, Chinese, American, British, German, or any other type of restaurant very often. And you can only take so many lunches and dinners of pizza/pasta before it becomes unappealing. I do have to say though that I really like true Italian pizza – the crust is thin and crispy with just a light layer of sauce and cheese. And they put all sorts of toppings on them – including some that do not seem appetizing at all. I do love the grilled veggie pizzas – grilled eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers. Yummy. Really puts you off Pizza Hut, et al.
Anyway, back to the story…
After dinner, it was back to the hotel and bed. But not before MC managed to break the rollaway bed. Sheesh. Just one more reason not to vacation with kids.
Sadly, DH and I were just too worn out from the travelling to muster enough energy for any action at all.
Next: On the ship and leaving Venice.
Labels: Italy, Milan, Quarto d'Altino, vacation
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Robin
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
And We're Off
Well, we’re on our way. Right now we’re at JFK airport waiting for our flight. And it’s a special flight, first ever American Airlines non-stop from NY to Milan.
And now –
After ‘dinner’, the cabin lights were turned off, and we slept.
I forgot to mention, I got to travel with a nasty cold. Joy. Runny nose, congestion, coughing, the works. Tried to keep myself dosed enough not to worry the other passengers.
Labels: flight, New York City, vacation
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Prep for the Trip
Clothes shopping for the teens – can we just say it was like mall hell? And I already hate going to the mall and shopping…
MC did not want to get anything dressy. We split up – girls with me, boy with DH. DH found me while I was waiting for YC to finish in the bathroom. MC had on khakis, blue dress shirt, and dark blue sport jacket. Other than the too long, shaggy hair, he looked pretty good (which was getting cut the next day) – not too dressy but definitely not casual. The if-looks-could-kill gaze he gave me when I exclaimed that he looked good was accompanied by the mouthing of “I hate you.” Couldn’t help but laugh. Still not certain if the sentiment was only because of the clothes or because of spending time alone with his Dad. But he had no choice, and into the cart went the clothes.
OC needed a nice dress… 4 hours and 4 stores later, we finally found one (the boys had already gone home by then). There are reasons for this, and not just that she’s picky (although she is). OC is a little overweight (I’m guessing 25 pounds) which means the slim fashions are not going to work for her. In addition, she is very well endowed on top. We’d find something cute, it would be the right size, but without any give in the average size bust area, it just wasn’t going to work. We even looked at separates, but she didn’t see anything she liked. Finally, while wandering through one store, we saw a really cute dress but it was in petites. We took note of the brand, and went looking for it in misses or juniors. Found it in women’s but even their smallest was too large for her. Finally, when we were just about to give up, we found it in the misses section, along with a cute sweater she could wear with it.
YC only needed a couple of things – flip-flops, shorts and a sweater. However, by the end of the day she was crying because everyone else got more than she did. I recognize that exhaustion was a big factor in the breakdown.
What did I get? – 2 capris, 2 sweaters, 1 shirt, new panties, bras and lingerie. I haven’t done any clothes shopping since last year, so was more than due. And what better reason to buy some new and sexy under things than a cruise vacation (it was my reason last year, so I figured I’d make it a tradition). And I’m of the opinion that sexy & sensual under things are not just for special occasions; I like knowing I’m wearing something special, even if one else ever sees them.
That was all on Saturday. On Sunday there was just a little bit more to do – shoes for the 3 of us girls. Didn’t take nearly as long as Saturday’s excursion. Thank goodness.
During the week, I made a special trip to a ‘special’ store – you know, one that stocks all sorts of adult toys and goodies. I tried not to go too crazy, seeing how we already have quite a few, but I had to get something new. Right? I bought a crop (we don’t have one); a leather paddle w/ ‘fur’ on one side (don’t have one exactly like it); Shunga kit (oil, cream, powder, etc); and a few other odds and ends, plus a nice naughty card. The Shunga kit actually came all wrapped up, so I treated it as a special gift for DH. I also packed a couple of our ‘old’ toys – my purple vibrator, the red flogger and the wooden hairbrush. Guess what I didn’t pack… the nasty bath brush (I decided that if DH really wanted it, he could pack it himself; I was not going to pack something I loathe).
Somehow we managed to get everything packed into 6 not so big suitcases (1 for each person clothes, plus 1 master case for all the bathroom stuff – that way if anything exploded it wouldn’t end up on clothes). Really not bad for 5 people travelling for 2 weeks. Wednesday night before bed, we were ready to go.