Sooooo...

... back home, back at work, DH travelling... yep, things are back to normal.

Work's hectic -- lots of lay offs, including my boss. Am really hoping it doesn't reach down to my level. Unlikely, but you never know. The company is struggling and the best way to quickly save money is to let people go. However, I am the only one in my department and the only person in the whole company who does exactly what I do -- so I think they'd be struggling a bit if they got rid of me abruptly. I'm still keeping my fingers and toes crossed :D

Kids are fine. They say they missed me... hmmmm. Maybe. Looking forward to the upcoming holidays. Although everything is going to be low key this year -- losing 15% of my income for 3 months is really hurting.

DH and I got to spend one whole day together -- Sunday -- and then he was off again. Of course, I was sick and miserable and it was that time of the month, so nothing of any real excitement happened. Although DH was happy that my "magic hands" were home -- and I used them :D. I'm hoping he's not too worn out this weekend -- he gets home Saturday night and I really need quality US time. In fact, I've been making sure all the candles are good, burning out the dust that accumulated in the electric fireplace, and cleaning out the whirlpool tub in the hopes that tomorrow night or Sunday I can entice him into some lovin'.

Oh, and where did I go with my sibs? We went to Aspen, Colorado. I really like Aspen. We went 4 years ago, right after Dad died, stayed at the St. Regis and just really enjoyed the area. We went a little bit later this year, so Independence Pass was closed. But there really wasn't that much snow on the ground, and the beautiful weather while we were there reduced it even further. We went to Glenwood Springs -- hiked up a hill to see where Doc Holliday is buried and took a tour of the Glenwood Caverns. Even went back a second day to go on some of the rides up at the caverns. Really had a fun time. Here's a picture of the view from my room.

Some things were difficult about the trip -- I really didn't feel like I could be myself. I do not share the same religious or political beliefs as my siblings. And religion and politics were frequent topics of discussion. I just listened, not wanting to open a can of worms. And then trying to get a little posting, etc. done -- angling the computer so it would be less obvious what I was doing. Oh, and hiding my tattoo under a t-shirt when we went to the spa and sat in the hot tub and pool. It would have ended up as 3 against 1 and I just wasn't up to it. Did share with my sister what happened between DH and me back in February. I had never told any of my family about it -- nothing any of them could of done and it just would have increased stress levels when dealing with them.

We're supposed to get together annually. Three years ago we went to the Eagle/Vail area and just didn't like it as much. I'm hoping next time we get together there are ocean and beaches involved. After all those years of living on the West Coast, actually near the coast, I'm more than ready for a beach vacation. We'll see. We try to find places where no one of us has to travel a lot more than any other -- and we all live in different states.

Other stuff -- since Blogrolling isn't working, I've switched to the Blogger blog listing. I know there's a lot there, but with the help of iGoogle and the Google Reader, I really am able to keep up with them all. I'm following Greenwoman's advice, starring the ones I want to reread and/or comment on. I'm hit and miss with Twittering, but I am following more Twitters and enjoying it.

Tomorrow I need to clean up in the bedroom, shower, shave and just have everything all nice for DH when he gets home. He called me "honey" twice on the phone today -- he doesn't do pet names often, so I'm hoping it means he misses me.

Hope to post some more tomorrow... We'll see :)

Aaaachoooo!

Yep, that's right, I'm on vacation and I'm sick.

I don't think I ever fully got over the cold or whatever it was that I had during physical. Then there was the travelling on Wednesday, and yesterday we went out and definitely overexerted ourselves. We are at a high altitude here, and what did we do yesterday -- hiked up a hill to see a historical cemetery and then went on a cave tour where we had to climb up over 100 steps to get out of the cave. Lots and lots of labored breathing. I live basically at sea-level so this has been tough. The labored breathing pulled muscles in my back.

Oh, and to top it off, I've hardly slept. I cannot get comfortable enough to sleep through the night, and when I woke up too early this morning I couldn't get back to sleep because congestion that had come on during the night made it impossible to breathe through my nose. And I have a really hard time falling asleep while breathing through my mouth.

Managed to drag my sorry ass out of bed, determined I was getting a sinus infection, took the cold medicine I brought (I always travel as prepared as possible) then joined my sibs downstairs for breakfast before heading out again for the day. Went back to the cave area and went on a coaster ride -- too fun. Then headed back to the hotel for massages, oxygen, jacuzzi and pool time. We are all just wiped out. After the spa, a quiet dinner, then I holed up in our room while everyone else went for a walk -- just not feeling well enough. When they came back, I joined them at a firepit for s'mores and hot cider. It's been a pretty relaxing day -- just wish I felt better.

And, I don't know if it's the altitude or the congestion, but my benign positional vertigo seems to have returned as well. I really don't like feeling dizzy at every movement. Plus it has turned into that time of the month. I'm just a walking mess right now.

Besides the illness and lack of sleep, we've been having a good time. The weather has been gorgeous -- although I think all of us would have liked a little more snow. Tomorrow, a little shopping in the morning, lunch at an awarding winning bbq restaurant then 1st airport of the day. I won't get home until after 9pm tomorrow night. DH plans to pick me up. Maybe while shopping I'll find a new implement to take home... hmmmm :)

Sunday will be a rest and recuperate day. Hope I can get past this cold before work on Monday.

Took lots of pictures -- maybe I'll get some posted here or over on my other blog.

In response to John's comment

"Hope things are going well between you and DH. Just between the two of us, never thought of taking a lover in the past when marriage seemed doomed?

Things are okay -- still nowhere near enough spankings, sex, or just plain intimacy as far as I'm concerned, but no blowups, major or minor, either. Not my libido or energy level, but his (although between my crazy work load the past several months, his travels and life in general, I suppose it's not too surprising).

Taking a lover? Nope never a serious thought of doing so. Why? Oh so many reasons.

First, we lived for a long while as what I would call more roommates with benefits than as husband and wife. We slept in the same bed, had sex (uh, yeah, 3 kids), but other than that just never seemed to be on the same page relationship wise. Having kids changed my body (negatively) and took up a lot of my time and energy, plus working and trying to keep house -- I certainly didn't feel attractive to myself or to my husband, so why would I think anyone else would find me so. And I basically just closed myself off emotionally. And although it's never been diagnosed, I do believe that off and on over the years I have suffered from mild depression -- much less now than ever before.

Second, it's not in my nature. Even when things have been at their worse, I can't even imagine myself having an affair. When I am fantasizing about someone other than DH , I am not me (if that even makes sense) or I am an alternate reality me where I am not married to DH. Just can't seriously see myself taking that kind of risk. Seeing myself just walk away, yes; cheating, no. And really what made me stay was not an undying love, but lack of energy (depression), complacency (this is just how it is), not seeing how I could ever find anything better (self-esteem issues), not wanting to be alone, and worrying about finances and taking care of the kids.

Third, while I may fantasize about wild and crazy casual sexual encounters, I don't think that I can really do that. I truly am more of relationship sort of person -- there has to be connection beyond the purely physical. Plus, I never go anywhere where I might even meet someone -- I don't even put myself in a situation where DH might question my fidelity. We go out together or with friends -- I don't think I've ever even been to a bar by myself. Even when I was single, I was always with friends. Never been a party girl. I do realize that the internet could make it easier to find a potential lover, but since I'm not looking, I don't 'look'.

We have discussed open marriages/polyamory. And while I think I am more than capable of loving more than one person, keeping our marriage primary, and following whatever rules we would lay out, DH doesn't trust himself to follow any rules and would take it as the freedom to do whatever he wanted, with whomever, with no regard for our marriage, me or the 'rules'. So we don't even discuss it anymore.

Anyway. So I have stayed, not strayed, and things have improved. Are we perfect? Yeah, right, you've seen us on all the talk shows advising everyone on how to have the perfect marriage, haven't you? Hah. It's still pretty close to one day at a time, with some better than others. I just stay hopeful, and keep working on my communication skills. He's not a mind reader... yet *grin*

So, John, is that enough of an answer, do you need more, or do you have more questions?

Let me know.

Safely Arrived

Well, I have joined up with my siblings and we are all settling into the luxurious life, for the next few days. Not used to having anyone else opening my doors, carrying my bags, etc. But I'll get used to it :D

Thank you everyone who left comments for LOL Day. I will personally respond to each one as soon as possible -- only had a 1/2 hour of computer time last night and spent that delurking myself on several blogs.

It's not going to be easy posting or keeping up with reading while on vacay with the sibs -- a little to easy for them to see my blog title and the subject matter of all the blogs I like to read. Oh well, I'll do what I can. I tried at the airport, but apparently their service was down. Terribly frustrating as I had a 3.5 hour layover.

Hoping the kidlets survive 4 days home with DH. I've advised everyone to be on their best behavior, but apparently already irritation has started *sigh*

Gotta say, it is beautiful here. Mountains are snowy, hotel is beautiful and it's even snowing right now. I really miss mountains.

Anyway, later all.

Love Our Lurkers Day 2008

Hey, there, all my lurkers... it's that day of the year when I expressly post just to say "Thank You" for continuing to stop by, and by doing so, giving me a reason to keep writing. I know posts have been few and far between lately, and certainly light on sex and spankings when I do manage to get something up. And because of this, I am especially grateful that you do keep checking this blog and leaving the occasional comment.

Please, I beg, take the time today to leave me a comment or send me an email -- let me know you've been by, tell me what you like about my blog, give suggestions, ask questions. I promise I will respond (I have 4 days of vacation coming up that involve hours in planes and in airports -- lots of time to write).

Don't forget to stop by My Bottom Smarts and leave a note for Bonnie -- she's the one who coordinates this every year. I plan to pay MBS a visit and leave a comment :)

Hang on a minute....

Gotta find the dustrags, broom and polish. Man, look at all the dust, cobwebs, dead bugs and dried leaves that have made their way into here...
*dust dust wipe wipe cough cough ack sneeze sweep sweep polish*
Amazing how much gunk builds up when you ignore something for a while.

To be fair, there hasn't been a lot happening to really write about, and even when I felt like jotting something down, time and energy (or lack thereof) conspired against me.

Hope everyone enjoyed Halloween -- I was working. And not that you're interested but here's how my past week went:

Saturday 10-25 took DH to the airport as he was off to Europe again

Sunday took it easy

Monday off to work, didn't leave 'til after 6pm as we were prepping for physical inventory

Tuesday repeat of Monday

Wednesday into Thursday -- up at 7am to get the kidlets to school, then lazed around all day, trying to rest since I would be up all night at work (yes, you read that right, all night); left home at 430pm dropping off kids along the way; got to work about 6pm expecting tags to start printing around 9pm but the &#%&$#&($ new operating system screwed that all up and we didn't start printing until 2am which is when the first count teams arrived. T was supposed to be in bed in her hotel room at that time so I could leave at 10am when she came back. Didn't work out that way -- I left at 6pm Thursday night (24 hours after arriving at work), getting home at 7pm (36 hours after I left). First thing I did after arriving home to my empty house was strip out of the clothes I'd been wearing for over 24 hours. And I didn't put anything else on, but wandered around completely nude while I heated up some food in the microwave and then crawled into bed. I fell asleep around 8pm, woke up around 930pm, fell asleep again after 11pm.

Friday -- Happy Halloween (for everybody else). Up at 6pm, showered and off to work, picking up bagels along the way. Got to work about 8am. Work, work, work until the VP finally tells me to leave about 8pm. I was not about to argue. Got home around 9pm, just in time to share some pizza with the kids, check out YC's haul and comment on how pretty she looked in her snow princess costume. Finally fell asleep around 11pm.

Saturday -- up at 3am because I had to be at work at 430am. More work and struggle, lots of griping (ok, bitching) from the guys out in the warehouse. So did not want to hear them -- at least they were getting some nice over- and double-time for all the extra hours they were working. I'm salaried -- my paycheck does not represent all the hours I put in (although my boss the VP has granted me another day off with pay). VP finally told me to leave at 8pm, leaving only 3 people still there (VP, T and manager). Apparently manager was able to leave at 1045pm, while VP and T ended up staying 'til 630am Sunday -- and all because of the new operating system.

Forgot to mention that I had a nasty cold all through this (still do in fact). Spent most of Sunday in bed, resting, dozing, sleeping. I am still just wiped.

But back to regular hours this week. Thank goodness. I even have Friday off (unpaid, mandatory furlough day). DH is also taking the day off and he mentioned something about dressing up... Gonna need some clarification on how exactly he wants me to dress up... Hopefully it will lead to something fun and juicy to psot here :)

And then next week, I work 2 days, then have 3 vacation days. I am heading to .... for 4 days with my sister and 2 brothers. It's a semi-tradition since our dad died. It will be nice to get away for a few days. Maybe after I'll spill the details, but here's some general infor to pique your curiousity -- mountains (so cold and possibly snowy), tourist town, 5 star hotel with fantastic spa (sis and I have already planned a spa day). I hope I come back well rested and relaxed.

Oh, DH and I have had some us time, just not near enough as far as I'm concerned. Maybe I'll get some of the written down for posting...

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

iGoogle

Don't know if anyone out there also uses iGoogle, but they just made some layout changes that really suck. Tabs used to be on the top -- now they're on the left side, totally screwing up my gadgets. And it's not an option, they're just there.

If you use iGoogle and are also unhappy with the changes, a petition has been started and can be accessed here http://www.petitiononline.com/igoogle/petition.html
Can't be certain Google will pay attention, but I would think that the more people who complain, the more likely they are to pay heed and hopefully make the requested changes.

Ok. So you can see I haven't been posting all that much lately (hah -- hardly at all).

But, thanks to Google I am able to keep up with all my favorite blogs. I can take a brief break while at work and read them in the Google Reader. Only problem is... I can't comment :(
OK, I probably could, but that would require actually going to the blog which then has a possibility of showing up in my computer history (I'm at work, remember). So... I don't risk it. I make notes of posts I want to go back to so I can comment, but by the time I leave work, go to the gym, make sure the kids are fed and then in bed, I'm too exhausted to get on line.
Point is, I am still here and avidly enjoying all of you out there who do manage to get regular posts and comments in. I'm feeling like a major lurker (bad, bad, bad) when that's really not what I like or want to be.

Very little beyond TV and sleep is happening in our bedroom lately. And the TV watching is pretty much controlled by DH. Damn sports. And the moment one sports season finally ends, another 1 (or 2) pops up to take it's place. 3 out of 4 of DH's preferred baseball teams are out, greatly reducing the number of games he may want to see, but I know we'll be watching 'til the end. And now football and basketball are starting up. DH isn't so much into football, but if the local team is playing, we're watching. And basketball? That's the very first sport he got hooked on -- LA Lakers. And he still watches that like crazy. Only good thing when he travels is that I finally get to watch what I want. :D

Speaking of DH and travels. He's home this week but leaves Sunday for Russia and then France. And just in time for his parents to arrive. I'm stressing already. They're nice people but there are some major cultural and language gaps. Hopefully relatives in the area will help keep them entertained while I'm working.

And work -- I have 10 unpaid furlough days I have to take between now and the end of the year. YEAH to no work, BOO to no pay and no decrease in workload, just fewer days to use it. And they're taking money from me every pay period whether I take days off or not. So 10 furlough days, 1 vacation day, 2 floater holidays, and 2 freebies to take in the next 3 months. My hope is that on some of these days off I can catch up not only with some household things I've been putting off, but also with the blogosphere (reading, writing, commenting, etc.). I plan to start by using one of my freebies tomorrow -- DH is taking the day off and the kids are in school; I'm really hoping for some quality time *wink, wink, grin*

Hmmmmm... can't think of anything else to jot down right now.... maybe later...

Cravings

Why is it that the moment you can't have something, you want it more than anything else? You think about it, dream about it, fantasize about it, see it everywhere...

And, yes, I'm talking sex (and spankings) here. Although it does apply just as well to chocolate :)

So, DH and I are still struggling to get back in sync. Had some nice times last weekend, but we're not back like we were a while ago. DH is off travelling again this week (unavailable) -- and I've been sooooo horny. It's driving me nuts!

Now, I can of course *cough* take care of myself :D But's just not the same as being with that special someone, pleasuring and being pleasured.

And it's not only while I'm home that I'm feeling this way. It's like I'm in a constant state of arousal -- when I get up, while I'm commuting, while at work, after the gym (ok, for some reason, working out really works me up, the endorphins fuel the hormones, or something). And naughty girl that I am, I don't always wait 'til I'm home, locked in my bedroom, before I scratch the itch. And I know I'm not the only one who sneaks away into the bathroom at work, or finds a secluded parking place, or even indulges while driving (a woman called the radio station day and admitted it).

DH gets home this evening. Not sure what the weekend holds, between travel exhaustion (him), work exhaustion (me), baseball games (him), laundry (me)... Hopefully we'll find the time and energy to fully enjoy each other.

100

Well, I finally did it -- 100 posts! Whoo hoo!

And in all the work craziness I managed to completely miss my 1 year blogiversary, way back in July.

And look at my stat counter -- up over 40,000.

Wow. So much has happened in one year and 100 posts -- the good, the bad, the downright ugly; trials, tribulations and triumphs.

Well, here's to 100 more posts, another year of blogging an 40,000 more "hits". Thank you for staying with me so far, and I hope you continue to keep me company.

My Own Spanking Story

Go here and get your very own story...

I love the messages that pop up even before the story:

"Robin Michelle! You've been buying books? You're in for it now, naughty girl!"

"A good panties-down spanking with the bathbrush, that's what you'll be getting!"

Robin Gets Herself a Spanking
Robin was in trouble and she knew it. She wondered if DH would spank her right away or make her wait. ''Waiting is the worst!'' she thought, though in this case maybe it would be better to put it off... She didn't need to speculate, though, she'd know soon enough - she could hear a man's footsteps approaching the door. As she watched, the handle turned with what seemed like an unnatural slowness. An icy hand gripped her right in the middle of her bottom.
''Act natural,'' she told herself, which only caused her to give a nervous giggle just as her husband walked in.
''What's wrong?'' DH asked immediately.
''Me? Nothing! Why do you ask?''
''Just that you have a strange look on your face.'' So much for ''natural,'' Robin thought. DH continued. ''Okay, what have you done?''
''Um... nothing?''
''Robin...''
''Yes, DH?''
''Come on, out with it. Now.'' He had never been all that patient in these situations and was already heading toward the bedroom. Robin hurried to head him off.
''It's nothing, honest. It's just that... Well, I...'' Try as she might, she couldn't think of a way to make it sound any better.
''went to the bookstore and bought more books I didn't really need,'' she said with a rush. DH stopped in his tracks, slowly turning to look at her.
''Robin Michelle! It's nothing, honest?'' he mocked in a voice of disbelief. ''It doesn't sound like nothing. It sounds a lot like buying books.'' Robin felt herself tighten at that words - it had unfortunate connotations - unfortunate for her and unfortunate for her bottom. ''We've talked about buying books, haven't we?'' DH's speech went on. ''We have a way of dealing with buying books, don't we, naughty girl?'' Every time he used the term ''buying books'' he might as well be saying ''spanking,'' she thought. ''Robin Michelle, you do know how we deal with buying books, don't you?'' Instinctively Robin's hands shot back to cover her bottom, in a way answering DH's question very clearly. Though that's not the answer her voice gave.
''Well, I know... but... I thought... maybe this time...
''You thought maybe this time what, naughty girl? That you wouldn't be spanked? That buying books wouldn't get you a good bare-bottomed spanking?''
Robin didn't want a spanking - DH's spankings hurt! While she was getting them they stung like mad - she was always convinced she just had to get away and never could - and they left her so sore! Not just sore, very sore - sore like when you sit down a long time later you can still feel it like you just got it, that kind of sore. And she certainly didn't want one of those - especially not on her bare bottom!
And that was exactly how her husband was going to spank her - over his knee, her head down, jeans off, bottom up, panties down, bottom bare, her pale skin inviting his stern reproval! DH had never once let her keep her panties up. Quickly Robin's mind raced to remember what panties she'd put on, thankful that her black lace ones wouldn't add any to her embarrassment - having her bottom bared was embarrassing enough as it was!
Part of her wanted to run and hide, but most of her simply followed DH into the bedroom - the bedroom, where she was always taken to be spanked. Much as she hated getting a spanking, especially one of DH's spankings, she really did dislike buying more books when she already had so many, and really wished she could stop doing it. If having her husband spank her would stop her from buying books, maybe that was a good thing - if only it didn't have to be such a spanking!
Once in the bedroom, DH looked at her sternly as he sat on the bed, extending his legs as her soon-to-be ''resting'' place. My God, already? Robin thought to herself, but DH, instead of immediately motioning her over his lap and into place, clasped a hand on each of her arms.
''Now , I want to be fair about this, you know that, I hope. You should also know that I'm disappointed to hear about your buying books.'' Robin's spirits sunk even lower, though for a new reason now. She didn't like to disappoint DH. ''Very,'' he added. Maybe she really did deserve a spanking. ''I want you to tell me how this happened,'' he concluded. She tried to bow her head but with a gentle touch he raised her chin and made her look him in the eye.
''I don't know...'' was all she could think of to tell him. It would take too long to explain and not do any good anyway - but he wasn't about to settle for that.
''This buying books of yours, it must have had some reason. It didn't just happen, now did it? And I want you to tell me how or why it did.'' His face hardened even further. ''And you are going to tell me.''
''It's like this - I'm a bookophile/readaholic. I see a book that sounds interesting and I just have to have it.''
''I see. Robin?''
''Yes, DH?''
''Did I just hear anything that would keep me from giving you a spanking? Anything that would discourage me from giving you each and every swat of the spanking you've earned?''
''I don't know... maybe...'' she replied sullenly.
''Robin Michelle.''
''No. I guess not...''
''No. Nothing I heard dissuades me in the least. You, naughty girl, have behaved yourself into a panties-down spanking and now you are going to get it.''
Fighting off thoughts of how soon DH would have her pale skin bare and blushing, Robin moved hesitantly to her husband's side and was a little surprised when he didn't immediately pull her over his waiting lap. Glancing up at his stern face, her surprise turned to dismay and she felt her stomach tighten.
''Oh no,'' she said softly, hopelessly.
''Oh yes,'' came his reply. ''You know better.''
''No, really - please? I don't need that... do I?'' This last was no more than a whisper.
''You need to learn, and the bathbrush helps you learn. Don't make me waste my time - spanking you by hand has never changed a thing.
''Go,'' DH demanded and commanded.
Reluctantly - very reluctantly - Robin trudged off to get the bathbrush. Retrieving it from his bedside table, she took just a tiny moment to feel both its unfeeling wood and her own twinge of rebelliousness - ooo, to throw it, hide it, destroy it! Now that would be satisfying! Instead, the bathbrush would have its satisfaction on her, heating, punishing, scalding her poor helpless bottom. And if she ever did manage to do away with it, Robin had no doubt that DH would produce something even worse to deal with her current infraction and that additional one as well!
Shaking herself free of such imaginings, Robin and her thoughts returned to the bedroom and her husband's side, meekly proffering the demanded and dreaded bathbrush, knowing full well that in mere moments it would be blistering her bottom, and thoroughly. Her poor little bottom! What did it ever do? It wasn't the one that had a problem with buying books, she was. Why should it have to suffer? It just wasn't fair!
Oblivious to these objections, DH still sat like a deity on the bed, waiting to tumble her over his unforgiving thighs. As he reached to take the bathbrush from her, she pulled it back slightly.
''You'll start slowly, won't you?'' She knew she wasn't supposed to ask and he always replied with ''Is that what you deserve, naughty girl?'' But this once DH just took the bathbrush from her and nodded sympathetically.
Seeing his reaction Robin realized that she must be in even more trouble than she imagined. Her whole body stiffened and shook and she couldn't keep herself from turning and trying to run away - but DH was too quick for her, he'd grabbed her wrist even as the bathbrush left her hand. Before she knew it she was over his knee and the blood was rushing to her head.
Spank! He began immediately - spank spank spank spank spank!
''Ow! Oh! Wait!'' No matter how much time DH would take leading up to it, the first swat always startled her. Alternating stiffening and squirming, she quickly sunk into place as her husband jostled her for a better and steadier grip.
Spank spank spank - spank spank spank spank! spank! spank! spank! spank!
''Ow! No! Too hard!'' Robin protested, though really her jeans muffled the effect considerably - nearly all of this pain was caused by her own tension and apprehension. So far!
Spank spank spank spank! spank! spank!
''Ow ow ow!'' she continued, only to have DH chastise her further.
''Settle down, naughty girl - we haven't even started. I''m just getting you settled in. You can't even feel anything through your jeans.''
Spank spank spank! spank spank! spank spank!
''No, no! I feel it! I do! don't!'' Robin insisted somewhat nonsensically - the chance that he would stop already was non-existent.
''Shall I stop already? I thought I was doing this for you - you do know what's next, don't you?''
Ah - here was the dilemma upon whose horns Robin lay. To be spanked over her jeans, and therefore longer - or to shorten it a little and jump right to ''pants-down''? Or even panties-down? She made the same coward's choice she always had before.
Spank spank spank spank - spank spank spank! spank spank!
''No, no - that's okay,'' she decided immediately, and having done so found that this phase was much more tolerable. Maybe by the time he gets to my bare bottom I'll be ready, Robin thought. Right. And maybe his arm will wear out first - or I'll just fly to the moon!
Spank spank spank - spank spank spank spank! spank! spank! spank! spank!
''Owww. Owwwwww,'' Robin moaned softly, concluding that some sort of reaction was still in her favor. ''Hey! Wait!'' For no sooner had she resigned herself to an over-the-jeans spanking than the jeans-spanking was over! ''Stop! Not yet!''
''Oh?'' Spank spank spank spank!!! ''Haven't had enough yet? I thought you were in a hurry!'' Spank spank spank spank!!! Robin's husband saw to it that these final swats before her jeans deserted her made all the more of an impression.
''OW! Geez!'' She twisted around in an attempt to see if he was still using his hand - it seemed harder than ever! All she managed to see was Alex removing her first line of defense. He slid the blue fabric off her bottom, revealing her black lace panties.
Spank spank spank spank!!! Haaaaah, Robin thought.
''Haaaaaaah!'' Robin said. She had thought of her jeans as sort of insubstantial it but had been giving her more protection than she realized - now with nothing between his hand and her thin panties his every spank stung and stung to high heaven! Spank spank! spank spank! spank spank spank! spank spank spank!
''Owwwwooooooo? Oww? Ow, ow?'' In her mind Robin questioned if DH really needed to spank her quite this completely.
Picking up on this, her husband didn't hesitate. ''If you didn't want this spanking, naughty girl, you shouldn't have been buying books,'' he decreed, his logic unassailable. Like she hadn't thought of that! ''You know what buying books gets you - maybe next time you'll have an easier time deciding what you really want!''
''Grrrr,'' Robin grrrr'd - quietly.
Spank spank spank spank spank spank spank! spank spank spank spank spank spank spank!
''Ow oh ow oh ow ow ow!''
From long experience DH knew just what he was doing. Half or more of his spanks landed where her panties had ridden up due to her unflattering position. Not only did they sting all the worse, they were those same low spots Robin already knew she'd feel long afterward. How was she ever supposed to sit again?
Spank Ow Spank Ow Spank Ow Spank! On they went, like partners volleying on a tennis court - except that her soft bottom was no match for her husband's hard hand, and in this match she was being soundly beaten! And the sounds of that beating were Spank Ow Spank Ow Spank Ow Spank!
''Oh oh please,'' she protested - a lot of these spanks should count as panties-down! Not that they would, and not that she thought otherwise for even a moment. Nonetheless Robin felt that some sort of protest was called for. Spank spank spank - spank spank spank spank! spank! spank! spank! spank! spank! spank! spank! spank! Ooooo, DH knew just how to make her feel those! And Robin's poor little bottom did - each and every one!
Then quickly a lot more protest was very much called for!
''Oh no - really - no, please, no. Please?'' Her husband had stopped spanking long enough to pluck at the waistband of her panties - and she did not want them down! She grabbed them herself and held on tightly. ''Not those - they don't make a difference anyway,'' she claimed, fibbing slightly - though she was always surprised what a difference they did make. One by one, DH peeled her fingers from her black lace panties. And then they were gone.
Spank! spank! Her pale cheeks, only slightly colored by his gradual chastisement, were now fully under his hand - and eyes. Hold still! she told herself, wanting to minimize any jiggling or inappropriate exposure - try to hold still!
Spank! spank! Spank Spank! SPANK SPANK!
Maybe kicking and squirming was a better approach after all!
Spank! spank! Spank Spank! SPANK SPANK!
Suddenly he was in a hurry, a man with a mission. Now that he had her bare bottom in sight and squarely in his sights, he wanted it sore and stinging - both, a lot, and right now!
Spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank!Spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank!Spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank spank!
Couldn't DH hear her at all? Nothing seemed to slow him down! Just as she thought her poor little bottom would burst into flames, her husband's grip tightened! Her stomach followed suit as Robin recognized the meaning of this gesture!
''Oh no! No! No! OW! OH!'' His spanks rained down so much harder without slowing down at all. Her kicking and struggles became furious, but the harder she fought, the harder he spanked!
Spank! Spank!
SPANK! SPANK!
Spank! Spank!
SPANK! SPANK!
''OW OH OH OH OW OH OH!'' she cried. When, oh when, would this be over? And then, with frightening abruptness, it was!
''Now, naughty girl, it's time we took care of this buying books,'' DH pronounced.
Oh no! The bathbrush - whack whack whack whack whack whack whack! By the time she realized what was about to happen her bathbrush spanking was already well underway! Instantly the warmth of his hand was replaced by the sting of the bathbrush's wood. Oooo, did that hurt! Robin could never remember quite how much until she was feeling it - but as soon as she felt it she could remember - remember all too well!
whack whack whack whack whack whack whack!
''No, no - stop! Enough! I'll be good! I promise! Oh owwwwww...''
''Robin Michelle! Your buying books? This is most certainly NOT enough, except that it's enough out of you. Now hold still. You know you've earned this - and more. If you're good you'll get a lot less of the ''more.''''
whack whack whack whack whack whack whack!
Try as he might to be ''fair,'' when it came to buying books her husband was strict. That bathbrush HURT!
whack whack whack whack whack whack whack!
''No, no, not more - please, not more. Ow oh ow oh ow...''
whack whack whack whack whack whack whack!
''No - no please! I'll be good! I've learned my lesson - I have!'' As well she may have - her usually pale cheeks shone from the bathbrush's harsh wood.
''Then hold still, , so I can finish.'' And finish he did. With a flurry of whack-whack-whack's he made sure she'd have no place to sit, not for a good long time. Then the hardest yet, right in the center - whack whack whack whack whack whack! Even as Robin recognized these as his final spanks she could take no relief as the barrage drove her past all limits of ''taking it.''
''Whaaa - aaa - ow - oooo - ooo - ooo - ooo - NO!''
''Okay, Robin. Okay, . Breathe. Now breathe...'' DH encouraged. As slowly as it had begun it just as suddenly ended. Slowly Robin calmed down and her breathing did steady a bit.
''Now, young lady - no more buying books - understood?'' Somehow Robin nodded her acquiescence. And as she returned the bathbrush to bedside table, she never wanted to have anything to do with buying books, the bathbrush, or even her husband sitting on the bed - ever, ever again!
--
Matt Anglen - 2004
--

Sex Talk with the Kids

Before I get to the main, here's an update:

Work is still horrible. Still no end in sight (there's a big box of paperwork and my work computer sitting in the kitchen to prove this). I like the manager where I work, I think he's basically a good guy, but he's pretty clearly in over his head -- and the VP has gotten wise. Not sure what the future will bring...

DH and I are getting along, fitting sex in here and there, connecting. Trying to get him to read Tantric Secrets for Men (I had to read it first). Have to get a book cover so he can read it in public (while travelling) without embarrassment -- his request.

Spending a quiet, lazy day home. It's been raining constantly the last 2 days with more to come. We're nowhere near the Gulf Coast but Ike is definitely affecting our weather. What a mess down there. I hope any readers from there are safe and sound and their homes are okay. My sister-in-law and her family live in Houston -- they evacuated.

****************************************************************************

So, to my main topic ---

I have 2 teens, a girl and a boy. And sex-related discussions do occur -- I think I'd be worried if they didn't. General discussions started when my daughter was in 5th grade and had her first sex ed class. The school arranges for the students to attend a special class at the local college health center. They had a meeting for the parents first so we'd know what our children would learn. One thing I really like about the program is that for the basics the boys and girls are together -- learning what both genders experience in puberty. I know some parents were shocked but I think it's great -- removes some of the mystery and ignorance.

We've talked not about how to have sex, but about emotions and consequences and safety. I've told them more than once that I made it through high school without drinking, smoking, drugs or sex and still had a great time, probably a better time than some of the kids I knew who did those things. I never had to worry that someone was going to catch me, that I'd get pregnant, drive drunk, or any of the other things that I saw happen to several students.

I've talked specifically to my daughter about waiting for a man who wants to have sex with her because she's special and he wants to make her feel good, not just take his pleasure. My first time was good, precisely because my boyfriend didn't force anything, helping me relax and pleasuring me until I was ready -- and I enjoyed it. I've heard enough horror stories about miserable first times that I'd rather my daughter didn't have to experience that.

My son gets talks about being responsible and not using a girl just for sex (unless of course, that's what she wants). About condoms and birth control and never to assume a girl is on birth control or disease free just because she says she is.

So what brings this on? A couple discussion with my kids this past week. Last weekend we went to a bookstore (OC needed books for school). Bookophile/readaholic that I am, a bookstore is a dangerous place but I was determined to buy only one book (Tantric Secrets...). So I separate from the kids and head to the Love and Sexuality section, where of course they had several books cover facing out with suggestive pictures. This is where MC found me and started exclaiming that I was in the "dirty book" section. I'm sure I rolled my eyes, looked at him and stated that there is nothing dirty about love and relationships. He just kept repeating "dirty books." Jeeeesh.

We head home. I'm working on my computer, having difficulty figuring something out, when MC enters my room on his way to the laundry room. He offered to help, but since spanking blogs were up, I told him no. His response -- "Why? Is it something inappropriate?" If you could just hear how he says this... Then he notices the tantric secrets book on the bed and starts in on the "dirty book" thing again. Try to tell him again that there is nothing dirty about sex. He stops, then brings up an incident from his sex ed class last year when a fellow student asked the teacher why men like porn but women don't. I stood there for a minute, trying desperately to think how I was going to answer this... Then finally said, seriously, that many women like porn, too, although not necessarily the same type that men like, that we often like something a little more erotic. He got this look on his face and turned to leave the room, shaking his head as he walked out.

I shared all this with DH later on a trip to the store and he got all weirded out that our son would come to me to talk about sex instead of to him. I didn't know what to say. Finally I said that I didn't start this, MC did, and if he's comfortable enough to come and talk to me, I'm not going to turn him away. Sigh.... DH can be a little uptight...

Later, OC came into my room and I related the MC porn question to her. Her response? Well, of course women don't like porn. We're not as sexual and we're not turned on visually. I stared at her, dumbfounded, thinking, "where have I gone wrong?" Then I looked at her and stated seriously that she was wrong, that that is what society and religions have conditioned women to believe but that is not the truth. Now it was her turn to look dumbfounded. I don't think anything else was said, and she left the room.

Talking to MC later about his dads reaction, he stated that he was more comfortable coming to me because I actually answer him (apparently DH just repeats how he needs to be careful and use condoms) and because he finds it helpful and interesting to get a woman's opinion. He's realized that what guys think girls want is not necessarily correct. Smart boy :D

So that pretty much covers the highlights of last week....

So, doing nothing much today. DH gets home late tonight, so he's not here to get me up and doing things. House cleaners were here yesterday, so there are no household chores except laundry. Working on bills and miscellaneous paperwork. Do have to go out an run a few errands -- stop by the bank, get OC some books for school.

Saw Google now has a reader -- spent some time last night adding feeds to that. Saw there is another feed reader in the Blogger dashboard -- imported the feeds from the Google reader to that as well. Unfortunately, not all the blog feeds I've previously subscribed to were picked up -- not sure why -- I'll have to keep trying :)

Killing time, I typed spanking into the Yahoo! search bar. Haven't done this in a while and this seemed like a perfect opportunity.

Wikipedia has some interesting entries, chiefly:

• Erotic Spanking
• Spanking Art Wiki

Going to each one of these leads to even more. I spent an enjoyable time just jumping from site to site, reading, reviewing, checking out even more links.

Sadly, this is the closest I've been getting lately to anything spanking related.

As mentioned before, DH and I are out of sync. We've exchanged a few emails, trying to sort it out -- we tend to communicate better when there's a little bit of space and time.

Basically, he thinks I don't find him satisfying and am pulling away, that I want more than he is willing or capable of giving. So not true. I think it's pretty clear from what I've written here that I find DH eminently satisfying, in and out of bed. Sure, sometimes I wish we would try some new or different things, mix things up a bit -- and not always at my direction. Sometimes we have disagreements, but we try to work them out civilly instead of meanly. I'm not forgetting what happened back in February, but there hasn't been an similar incident since and DH does seem to be working on his anger issues.

I fully admit there's been some withdrawing, but it's only because I'm so exhausted and stressed from work. I'm still working 9-10 hour days + several hours on the weekend and I still can't seem to get caught up -- in fact, things just seem to get worst. Ever get so stressed and worn out that you know you are on the edge, that it wouldn't take much to push you right over? Well, that's where I've been for the last couple of months. Only DH doesn't like to hear about it or see any sort of emotional outburst. So I hold it all in, but it's simmering just below the surface. And the only way to keep it from erupting is to hold myself back, keep myself a little separate. Sometimes I'm so fragile that I know that the slightest bit of TLC from him will open the floodgates. So I pull away. But I don't push him away when he approaches me -- at least I don't think I do...

Anyway, he gets home tonight. Guess we'll see how things stand then...

Cucumber

DH is off again. Mexico again.

YC went to a friend's house to play yesterday and came home with a cucumber.

Can you guess DH's reaction?

Uh huh, yep, you got it. He brought it upstairs and told me that while he was gone, I could use the cucumber, to, you know...

I told him that if I used that, I wouldn't want him -- it's about 12 inches long and about as big around as a soda can.

His response -- I could only use half of it, the rest was handle.

*shaking head*

Happy Labor Day

From the lack of activity on this blog, you're probably wondering if I'm even still around...

I am alive, if not exactly well. Not ill, just worn out from work (still hell on earth) and all that exhaustion and stress means not much is happening between DH and me. At least nothing fun and exciting or that's noteworthy. Haven't even been getting online to read other blogs -- a) too exhausted, b) it's too depressing to read about others who are doing well and having fun.

Take this weekend -- 3 days off from work for me and DH (although I did bring a box of home, planning to spend some time on catch up) and 3 days off school for the kids (school started on the 25th). Saturday: got up, did chores, napped while DH and the two older children went to a major league baseball game ("our" team lost), got up, showered, had YC shower, took YC out in DH's convertible to return library books and get a treat from Dairy Queen. DH came home from the game, we had dinner, cuddled a bit while watching TV --- and he fell asleep. No fun Saturday.

Sunday -- did manage to get in a quickie :D Enjoyed it, even without any spanking to speak of. Well, there was a little spanking -- afterwards. DH got it into his head that I hadn't been completely truthful about something. I thought something was done, apparently it wasn't completely, he noticed, pulled out the paddle and lit into me -- hard. Of course, we're both laughing the whole time -- he's spanking, I'm wiggling, giggling and exclaiming "Ow! Ouch! That hurts!" 'til I couldn't take anymore and rolled away. He stopped. I rolled back (so I could get up) and he started in again, saying, "That's not enough, not yet." A few more hard, painful spanks and I moved completely out of his way and got up. Sheeesh. It's been so long that my butt was incredibly sensitive -- lost any toughening up it might have developed.

Spent the rest of the day on chores -- laundry, housecleaning, shopping. Of course, while I did the last, DH napped. We did go out, saw "Tropic Thunder." Not sure how I feel about the movie. It had some very funny parts, but I felt the profanity became excessive at times. I'm not a prude, I swear (lately a lot, what with the way work is), but still.... It's like some of the characters only knew one work -- fuck. And every other word was that, or some version of it. After the movie, we grabbed a bite to eat, had a couple of drinks, then headed home. Because DH napped, he was full of energy, but I'd been up since before 9 am, doing chores and all, and now it was after 1 am... Guess what, I was too tired for anything (see what I mean about being out of sync?), so we cuddled and went to sleep.

Now it's Monday -- before I even woke up, YC was in our bed, snuggling with DH. And she didn't want to leave.... So, once again, nothin' happening here. I got up, got dressed and headed downstairs to work on brunch and finish the laundry. Now it's the afternoon. I should be tackling the box of work I brought home, should be vacuuming, cleaning, etc., but I'd really just like to take a nap. But if I sleep now, I'll have difficulties tonight and it's back to hell, uhhh, work tomorrow morning. There was mention of showering and some fun before bed tonight. Yeah, ok, right, given the way things have been going, I'm not holding my breath.

I hope everyone else has had a good weekend, holiday or not.

A little clean up...

While on hold with the IRS for 50+ minutes plus another 15 or so with a rep, I pulled up this blog and started working through my "blogs I like" list.

Pretty quickly became clear that some some links needed removed, some updated and some added. I was very sad to see that Annie's Blog (spankinggoodblog.blogspot) was completely gone, as was Everything Goes (everythinggose.blogspot). I hope Annie and Robert and Griz and Good Girl are all ok -- I knew they hadn't posted in a while, but still...

I also deleted a few others where there has been no posting for at least the last few months -- I still have them on my feeds list so if they come back, I'll relist them.

I added a few that I've been trying to keep up with:

• Hermione's Heart
• LA Kink
• Just My Random Perverted Thoughts
• A Taste of the Birch
• Domestic Discipline Dreams
• Love Boudoir

I'll slowly keep adding as I get the time (I've got several more on my feeds list). They run the gamut from vanilla to hardcore kink, fantasy to reality, fun to discipline... As eclectic as I am :)

If you ever notice that a link's no longer working, please let me know.

If anyone has any recommendations, I'd love to hear them.

Is it Friday yet?

I ask because I haven't had a day off work since Sunday 27 July. And they've almost all been extra long days. I'm exhausted. But it looks like we may be past the major, work-halting problems, so after tomorrow I hopefully will no longer have to arrive early and stay late. VP has been at our facility all week and has more than once expressed his gratitude for all my hard work. He's granted me a couple extra days off -- and I'm hopeful all my hard work will have a positive effect on my review and raise next year.

Anyway, what with all the crazy work hours, there has been absolutely nothing 'fun' going on here -- not since the 28th (I started to write it down and hope to someday finish and post -- it was pretty darn close to perfect). We've gone from 3 to 4 times a week to once every ten days or so.... Ugh. If DH made a move, I wouldn't resist, but I don't know how actively involved I'd be. It's 8:3o and it's all I can do to keep my eyes open now...

Don't know if you've noticed but I've signed onto Twitter and have added it to the right hand column. I may not have time and energy to get a full post on here regularly, but it's easy to find a few moments here and there to "twitter."

Am now waiting for DH to get home with cooking oil so OC can make the brownies we're all craving -- may not be able to stay awake :/ Oh well.

Tonight, Tonight...

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).

Anyway, next up is a shower and maybe some work (I did bring my work computer home). But a shower is a must.

Why, you ask. Because DH is heading to Mexico tomorrow and won't be back to Friday, just in time for me to have to work all weekend on the big work project. He called me at work, asking if my period was over because he's leaving and wants to make sure there's spanking and sex before he leaves -- you know, to tide us over. He also suggested that to help me get in the mood, I turn my cell phone to vibrate then put it in my panties so every time he'd call I'd get a treat. Yeah, right -- cell phone's a little too bulky for that :)

So, this is just a quick post. Hopefully I will have something more exciting to write about later -- you know, when I have more time.

padme

Don't know if you read Journey to the Darkside by padme and Master Anakin, but they can use all the loving, supportive, and understanding thoughts you can send their way.

Padme had shared recently that she was pregnant. Sadly, today she suffered a miscarriage. Both are in a lot of pain and will be taking a break from blogging until they are up to it again.

I had recently joined Twitter, after seeing it on their blog, and had been 'following' padme. With all the work-related craziness, it was the closest I was getting to reading any blogs, let along posting to mine. So when I saw today that she was feeling bad enough to head to the emergency room, I worried... First thing I did when I got a chance to log on tonight was to check their blog for any updates... my heartaches for them. I can't imagine what they are going through...

I had other, light hearted things to post today, but this is more important.