Finally - Ella's Meme

FINALLY.  Thank you Ella for this - I think I am probably the last person doing this meme.  It's a good one and made me think - can you smell the burn?

1. Name a tender song that can almost make you cry?  I'm a crier, so tv commercials can make me weepy.Right now I'm watching GMA's coverage of Hurricane Harvey.  It's showing a line of trucks from everywhere,  boats in tow, people helping people  - my eyes are leaking. I''m not much of a music person but the Star Spangled Banner always brings tears to my eyes - corny huh.

2. What is my favorite shade of lipstic?  Nail polish?   Lipstick - years ago I had a shade of stain made by Laura Hutton's company that I loved.  Have never been able to replicate it.  Shade of nail polish - Usually don't wear polish on my fingernails but if I do, it's usually french.  Toes - anything goes - sometimes I let the pedicurist choose the color.

3.Name a children's nursery rhyme or song that I loved and remember all the words.  Wow, this is tough.  Can't think of anything other than Itsy Bitsy Spider.  

4.What do I put on in the morning if I wanted to feel happy and well dressed and something in which I looked pretty damn good?  In the summer, I have several gauzy type dresses that are my 'go to'. Since I'm retired, my closet is filled with clothes that make me happy - well dressed, that's another story.

5.If I had money to buy just one, which would it be - a cabin in the mountains or a place at the beach. No contest - a place at the beach.  We've had the cabin(house) in the mountains.

6. Favorite Beatle?  George Harrison - he had that hang dog look that always melts my heart.

7.Name a smell that you love.  Petrichor.  Not familiar with that - it's that smell that accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.  Learned that it had a name from Han Van Meergan, a fellow blogger.

8.How often do I defuzz my legs? Wax, razor.  In the winter, I ignore them.  In the summer, I could defuzz every damn day - I am hairy.  I don't but I could.  Razor in the shower.

9. How did I choose my blog name?  Aimless Rambling because that's what it is aimless rambling. Sunny Girl - well we had a little doggie - I used to tell people she was the child that didn't leave home. She brightened our lives for sixteen years - she's been gone longer than that but she was a sunny girl and I can't not think about her without smiling.

10.What do I like to eat for breakfast?  Coffee or tea.  Breakfast, I'm not fond of eggs, but I love pancakes or waffles even though I don't eat them often.  Actually, anything in the fridge is pretty much game.  Coffee, in the am with stevia, cinnamon and 1/2 and 1/2 - any other time black.

11. How many siblings do I have and what is the birth order?  I have two brothers and a sister and I'm the oldest.

12. What is my favorite salad dressing?  I'm not too crazy about any dressings and I usually order them on the side and then dip my fork into the cup with each bite of salad.  I'd have to say that plain old EVOO and a red wine vinegar are my favorite.

13. If I could sit next to anyone on a long plane ride, who would I pick?  As long as they don't have body odor and don't crowd my seat, I don't care. 

14.  Have I ever done any retail therapy?  Believe it or not, I don't like to shop - it's a chore for me. Give me a good book or a plate of comfort food and I'm there.

15. What is the one thing that can make me lose my temper?  I am not a volatile person, so losing my temper doesn't happen often.  I'm slow to burn but man's inhumanity to others (animal or human) has to be the number one trigger.

16.  What is the best photograph I've every had taken.  I hate having my picture taken but have been told I'm photogenic, guess I don't like how I look.  I think that Katie of This Whole Thing has taken the best pictures of me.  Thank you, Katie.

17.  Have I ever been skinny dipping and where?  Yes, in our own pool, on a secluded gulf beach at dark, friend's hot tubs and so forth.

18. What do I like on my pizza?  Lots of cheese, a veggie pizza with peppers, onions, olives and mushrooms are good too.  I'm not fond of meat on pizza and the untraditional items don't appeal to me either, ie, ham, pineapple.
. 

Thank you Ella.  This was fun, even if it did tax my brain early this morning.  See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Kismet

Another week just flew by and I just realized that next weekend is Labor Day Weekend. 

Where did the summer go?

Kismet

Jenna Marx was the last of her college group of friends still single.  She had been on more fix ups than you could count.  Each friend’s husband had a friend and so on and so on.  It put her in a difficult situation because she didn’t want to upset anyone’s feelings or ruin a friendship over a blind date.  Somehow all these fellows would find someone – it just wasn’t going to be her. She must have finally drained all of their resources because she hadn’t had a request in a while. 

Her 30^th birthday was on the horizon and her friends invited her to lunch.  They pooled their funds and bought what they thought was the perfect gift for the girl who had everything but a husband.  They bought her a speed dating session. 

For those of you who are unaware of this, it is an event that allows individuals to meet a myriad of partners within an allotted period of time.  Each participant is allowed five minutes to get to know the other person.  If so, they exchange numbers and, if not, they move on to the next contestant.

Jenna couldn’t believe they would do this, but they did.  Being the good friend she was, she begrudgingly agreed to accept the gift.   The next speed dating session was scheduled for the following Friday and Jenna signed up.

There were twenty contestants of each sex.  The room was set up with desks and chairs on each side.  The women stayed put, while the men moved on when the buzzer sounded the end of their five-minute time allotment.  After meeting her first three men, Jenna understood why these men were here.  Like her blind dates, they were all misfits for her as far as she was concerned.  When the fourth guy sat down, Jenna was mildly interested. Outward appearances gave her the impression this was a man who might get her number.  He was well-spoken and mannerly and when the buzzer sounded she gave him her card.

The next two men were unacceptable to her and she’d had enough.  She’d been through half of the twenty men and only one peaked her interest.  Not one to waste time, she faked an urgent phone call and left the building.  She was at the revolving door when she heard her name called. Turning, it was contestant number 4.

“Leaving?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Isn’t that rude – after all you made a commitment?” 

  

“Maybe so,” she replied and entered the revolving door.  ‘There goes the only interesting possibility, I’m sure he’ll never call.’

Jenna was correct – he never did call but then Kismet wasn’t done with her.

Several weeks later, she and her associates were gathered in the conference room to meet with a potential new client.  Much to her surprise, contestant #4 was the client.  Their eyes met and recognition set in.  Introductions ensued and when it came Jenna’s turn, he smiled and said that he and Ms. Marx had already met.  All eyes turned to her, but neither of them elaborated and the meeting commenced.  The presentation went well enough to make changes and scheduled another meeting. 

 ‘Will you be sticking around, Ms. Marx?’

Flummoxed at being singled out, she assured him that she and her team would be available to him.  As the meeting ended and all were filing out of the conference room, he detained her.

“May I have a moment of your time, Ms. Marx?”

Her associates looked at her quizzically but continued emptying the room until it was just the two of them.

“Does my presence make you uncomfortable, Ms. Marx?

“No, not at all.  I was a little surprised at first to see you considering the circumstances of our last meeting.”

“and why is that Ms. Marx?”

“You’re the head of a rather large company and participating in a speed dating service doesn’t seem to fit the picture.”

“Yet, you did it.  Couldn’t the same be said for you?”

“It was a gift from friends, I couldn’t very well turn it down.”

“Yet, you did in a way, didn’t you?  You never stuck around to see it through to the end. Is that a habit?”

Jenna wasn’t sure how to handle this situation. If it wasn’t for him being a client, she would have told him to get lost, but circumstances being what they were, she had to respond in a more professional manner.

“No, it isn’t a habit.  Perhaps I should ask if my being on this team is making you uncomfortable with choosing our company to run your campaign?”

She detected a small smile.  “No, Ms. Marx.  I have no doubt about the capabilities of not only yourself but your associates too.  I think working together will be mutually beneficial.  I was just curious – you don’t seem the type of girl that would seek male companionship in that type of setting.”

“and why wouldn’t I?”

“You seem a little too snobbish and opinionated.  Not the type of girl who would be open to an experience of that sort.”

“I could say the same of you – not the snobbish or opinionated part.”

He smiled a little at the last part.  “I’ll tell you my reason.   I’m new to the area and my job takes so much of my time that I haven’t had the opportunity to meet anyone outside of work. I have no friends or family and it seemed a good way to meet people that are looking for the same thing. Does that answer your question?”

“Yes, it does.  Now, I have to get back to work.  Nice meeting you again and I look forward to working with you.”

She walked him to the elevator and shook hands.  He watched her walk away and that sway in her backside fascinated him.  ‘Was that for his benefit?’ he wondered.  ‘Maybe when this project is complete…’

The project took six months to complete and in all that time, never once did Jenna interact with #4.  About two weeks later, there was a message on her phone.

‘Care to have dinner with me sometime?’  No hello, goodbye or anything but that simple statement.  The man intrigued her.  She texted back and asked for details.

She received the same no nonsense reply.  Saturday night, pick you up at 6:00. Need address

‘Was this guy for real?’  She had to follow through.  Since the first meeting with John J. Mc Intyre, she was intrigued.  Was he always so cryptic and no nonsense? If so, did he have a soft underbelly, she would soon find the answers.

John J McIntyre picked her up dressed in khaki’s, a blue button down shirt, and loafers with no sock.  As if that wasn’t surprise enough, he drove a late model red Corvette convertible. 

“You are a surprise.” she told him as she climbed into the car.

“How’s that?”

“You seem so button down and corporate, a man of few words and here you are in a flashy car and not buttoned down at all.”

“Impressions can be misleading."

When he pulled into the joint – and that is the only word she could think of that fit, she was a little apprehensive. It looked as if the building could collapse at any moment, the décor was early junkyard with all sorts of mismatched tables and chairs, the wooden planked floor had had indentations of thousands of feet.  She doubted this place would ever receive any Micehelin five-star rating or any rating at all, for that matter.  She only hoped she would escape without food poisoning.  Was she ever surprised.  The shrimp, was plump and moist, the salad crisp, the potatoes browned beautifully and the steak to die for. 

“This place is amazing, how did you ever find it?  I’ve never even been in this part of town and I’ve lived here all my life?”

“Not surprised, I’m sure it’s a little out of your comfort zone.”

“You really do think I’m a snob, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do, but I think I can change your mind about things.  With the right incentive, you might become a full-fledged down to earth person that doesn’t always judge a book by its cover.”

“Why do I get the feeling we’re going back to the speed dating thing?”

“Not at all.  I simply wanted to point out that things are not always as they seem.  For instance, you may think I came from a background similar to yours.  You couldn’t be further from the truth.  My beginnings were very humble and my folks still live on and run the family farm, eking out a living. What my siblings and I have we earned by hard work.”

“I’m sure you have and good for you.  On the same hand, I am not going to apologize because I had a better life than you.”

“I never said anything about a better life. My life is wonderful, I have two loving parents, siblings on whom I can rely, food on the table and a place to lay my head, I’m grateful for my upbringing.  It taught me the value of hard work and that there are good people in all walks of life, rich or poor.  It taught me that you don’t look down on those less fortunate than you whether it be in manners, brains, money or anything else.  It taught me to be grateful for what I have and appreciate but for the grace of God, I could be in their shoes.”

After that soliloquy, Jenna didn’t know what to say.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to go on.”

“No, that’s fine.  I applaud you and maybe you can teach me to be a little more accepting about certain things.”

“I’m sure I could, but I’m not sure you would like the way I teach.”

“and how’s that?”

“It’s the way I was taught.  By example or failing that, the feel of a wooden spoon or belt on my bare behind.”

“Really.” Her eyes widened.

“Really.  There is nothing that makes you learn faster than the threat of that sting and the humiliation of having your bottom bared to receive the spanking.”

“I’ve never experienced that.”

“I don’t doubt that for one minute but I’ll be glad to show you.” 

 He grinned and Jenna wasn’t sure whether or not he was joking. ‘Maybe someday, she’d let him and learn the answer.  Until then, she would take it one day at a time. One thing she knew though, JJ McIntyre was an intriguing man.'

One day this week, I'm going to do Ella's meme, it's been on my agenda for weeks.  Until then see you later for more Aimless Ramblings.

Cruisin' can lead to a bruisin

Another week has slipped by without me realizing it was gone.  I seem to constantly chase my tail.  It's amazing to me how I used to get things done when I worked.  It's definitely true that you will up the time you have - kinda like a big purse.  

Tomorrow's the day of the eclipse - it's all we've been hearing for the past week.  Well, that and the antics of 45 - talk about someone needing spanked.  Anyway, I'm not sure how many of you will be watching and how much you'll get to see, but it's pretty spectacular.  I remember one from years ago and it wasn't even total - not that I'll get to see the whole thing from here.  Be sure to use those glasses though - want you to be able to read my story.  Get those glasses ready - that or the box with a pin hole.  Remember that?  Ray bought me glasses, so I'm set.

Here's this week's story.  I wouldn't mind taking a twenty-one-day cruise.  I think Ray might jump overboard after fourteen days - he's done ten though.  

Ginger LeBlanc had a fabulous job as the assistant to a high-powered executive.   She was present in his life for all occasions and in all places.  It’s not at all what you think.  Their relationship was strictly professional and Blake Winston’s wife was fully onboard with Ginger. They worked in complete partnership to ensure that Blake Winston was able to maintain a balance between home and work.

When Blake’s wife convinced him to take a twenty-one-day cruise to de-stress, it was only with the proviso that Ginger also come along.  He would cut back on his daily activities but he needed at least an hour or so a day to keep abreast of his work. Ginger was well versed in the machinations of the company and was the recipient of any communication that came to Blake. With her on the cruise, it was easy for Blake to relax because he knew that Ginger was more than capable of deciding if anything might need his attention and with very little input, handle the situation.

So it was, that Ginger LeBlanc was experiencing the cruise of a lifetime, all expenses paid.  Sure she was on call but the rest of the time was hers to enjoy. On the very first day of the cruise, she was on the Lido Deck enjoying the ocean breezes when a man sat in the chair next to her. Cruises are friendly places and it wasn’t long before they were chatting like long lost friends. Ginger introduced him to Blake and his wife.  They got along famously and spent much of their time as a foursome, sitting at the same dinner table, taking tours together, shopping and on and on. 

The relationship between the four of them was so open and easy and one day during the last week of the cruise, she realized that she might be in love with Greg Townsend. Could it be he felt the same? Was it was merely a shipboard romance and once they docked, they would go their separate ways and never see each other again?  Deciding not to let her worries cloud the last days of the trip, she embraced her good fortune and put all thoughts out of her head and enjoyed the remaining time with Greg.

At dinner, on the last night of the cruise,  they talked about what a wonderful time they had together and how tomorrow would bring the real world into focus.

“So Greg, what is awaiting you on docking tomorrow?”

“That depends,” he replied.

“Okay, I’m falling for it, depends on what,” Blake asked.

“Depends on Ginger.”  Ginger dropped her fork and looked at Greg.   Four eyes turned to Ginger. The look on her face told them she had no idea what Greg meant.  They didn’t have to wait long for an answer.  Actually, Blake’s wife, Catherine had a smile on her face before Greg spoke up.

“Ginger, I have had such a wonderful time with you and your friends.  It’s been something I’ve missed and I don’t want to give it up.  I realize this is quick and shipboard romances usually run their course, but I want this shipboard romance to continue long after we disembark tomorrow. What say, you give us a chance to make a go of it on land?”

Ginger was flummoxed but Blake and Catherine were all smiles. “Greg, I’d love it but how would it work, we live so far apart.”

“Ginger, I didn’t plan on announcing my plans in front of an audience.  It just happened.  Sure there are details but I think we could work out any problems.”

Ginger looked to Blake and Catherine and they were both nodding their heads in assent. The Winston’s took their leave saying that the couple had some details to work out and they’d leave them some privacy. 

 Ginger knew that Greg Townsend lived in South Africa.  He was a widower and had taken the cruise on a lark when his former in-laws took his daughter for the summer.  His daughter was going on twelve and according to Greg was filled with raging hormones that he didn’t know how to handle.  He was only too happy to get some space between them and had three weeks before he had to return home to resume parenting.

 

His plan was to stay in Manchester to see if their shipboard romance could flourish on land. Ginger explained that although she’d have to work she would reserve her evenings and weekends for him. 

The weeks flew by and with each day their feelings for each other strengthened.  They had their battles, Greg learning that Ginger was not always acquiescent and he saw in her some of the traits he saw in his daughter.  His wife had been the soul of submission but Rowena had inherited his stubborn streak. He witnessed that Ginger had that same streak and wondered how it would work between the two of them.

They were both aware the three weeks were almost up and it took a toll on them.  Both were a little snarly Greg handled it the only way he knew how.  He threatened Ginger that unless she changed her mood, things wouldn’t end on a good note.

“I don’t know what you think you’ll accomplish by threatening me, but I’m quite sure it’s not what you expect.”

“That may be so, but keep it up and you’ll see. They are not idle threats. I only take so much before I lash out.”

“Greg, I don’t want our last days to be fraught with anger, let’s talk about things.  I hate that you have to leave.”

“I hate it too.  I have a solution.”  With that, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box.  “Be my wife Ginger, and we can leave together and live happily ever after.”

,

“I love you, Greg. I love that you just asked me to be your wife, but it’s not as simple as that. I don’t think I’m ready to give up my life here and move to a strange country. That’s not the only consideration either.  Think of Rowena, how would she react to her father bringing home a woman to live in his house and share her father’s affection?  As much as I’d like to, I just can’t give you an answer right now.

They left the matter unsettled.

Ginger was bereft that day Greg left.  She was so teary eyed Greg suggested she not accompany him to the airport, but she was determined. “Let’s just say our goodbye’s here.  It won’t seem so drastic.” He told her.

“No, I’m going.”

‘Baby, I’d rather leave you here instead of waving goodbye at the curb.  Now be a good girl and kiss me goodbye.  The car is waiting.”

“I’m going.”

“Am I going to have to spank you to make you listen?”

“What, spank me.  Is that what you said?”

“That’s exactly what I said.”

“Go to hell Mr. Townsend.  I wouldn’t travel to the bus stop with you now.  Go get on that plane and I don’t care if I ever speak with you again.”

“Does that mean you’re not coming over in November?”

“Go, get out.  I don’t want to look at you.”

“Ginger, you know you don't mean that now be a good girl and give me a good bye kiss.”

“Never,” and she pushed him out the door, closed and locked it behind her.  The nerve of him. She could tell he was still standing by the door, but she refused to give in.  Finally, she heard him say I love you and heard his footsteps as he walked away.  She ran to the window to watch him leave and then ran into her bedroom and cried her eyes out.

She cried the remainder of the day and finally so exhausted she fell asleep. 

 She went to work the next day and sitting on her desk was a vase filled with twenty-four red roses and card that read “Are you sorry you didn’t kiss me good bye?  I am, Love.”

The tears started all over again and when Blake arrived he immediately wanted to send her home.  Knowing she would only be worse at home, she told him she would pull herself together to just give her a few moments.

“Okay, but as my parents used to say, if you don’t stop crying, I’ll give you something to cry about.  Those words always preceded a spanking and while I would never do that, I might suggest that to Greg when next I see him.”  That only caused her tears to intensify.  He ushered her into his office and called Catherine for help.

Catherine took Ginger to lunch.  Ginger was finally able to stop sobbing and told Catherine the whole story of how he proposed, how she told him her feelings and then of yesterday at the door.

“I’m quite sure that Greg won’t hold that against you.  He loves you.”

“Yes, but he threatened to spank me.  I’m a grown woman.”

“Yes, a grown woman who was acting like a spoiled child.”

“I suppose you’re right but what can I do about it now?”

“Call and apologize.”

“You think he will take my call.”

“After seeing two dozen roses on your desk, yes I think he will take your call.”

He took that call.  They skyped daily after that and Ginger arranged to take some time off from work and visit him in South Africa.  He met her at the plane in Johannesburg and before driving to his home to meet Rowena, they stopped at a hotel.

Ginger was surprised and questioned him about it.  “We have some unfinished business I want to settle before we go any further.”

Ginger wasn’t sure what Greg was referring to but she soon found out.  He registered them and held her hand as he escorted her to a room filled with roses of every color.  He hugged and kissed her passionately.  “I’ve missed you so, Ginger, I love you but I think you should know that what I’m about to do is something I will do again and again if you misbehave.  It’s what I do and what you can expect in the future.  If this isn’t what you want, I’ll take you back to the airport and we’ll go our separate ways.  I don’t want to upset Rowena by bringing you into our lives if you’re not going to stay.”   With that he pulled her over to the chair and placed her over his knee, her head and legs dangling off the floor.  That’s when it dawned on her what was about to happen and she wasn’t very accepting.  She began spewing expletives to and about him and raising her legs to kick him.  He managed to anchor her legs between his, and before reaching to hold her hands, flipped up her dress.  Since she was wearing a thong, he didn’t have to remove her panties.  Her two white globes were there waiting – waiting for him to paint them a nice rosy red.    He raised his knee slightly to have better access to his target.  Her wails of protest reverberated around the room as his hand walloped her bare bottom.  He admired her spunk because she fought against him as best she could, her mouth never stopping cursing him to the high heavens.  She squirmed around and he held on tighter and spanked harder.  He was exhausted and wondered how much longer she would carry on when he realized she was silent and he felt her beginning to sob.  He gave her four final slaps, two on each thigh and two on her now glowing bottom before he stopped. 

Not sure of what to expect from her, he let her up cautiously and took her on his lap, carefully avoiding letting her tender bottom rest on his thighs.  He held her close and was surprised when she nuzzled herself into his chest and rested her head on his shoulder. Her body shook with sobs and he gently kissed her head and rubbed her back. She nestled there for several minutes before he asked if she was okay.

“I’m not sure. What happens now?”

“That’s is entirely up to you, Ginger. “

“Kiss me, Greg and tell me again that you love me.”

“ I love you Ginger Le Blanc and want you to be my wife.”  While he was kissing her, she decided that getting her bottom spanked every now and then wasn’t such a horrible thing – she could live with it.

When he broke the kiss, she looked at him.  “When do I get to meet Rowena?”

See you later for more Aimless Ramblings.