13 May 2008

TMI Tuesday

TMI Tuesday

1. Is there a TV show you HAVE to watch? If so, what is it?

There aren't any TV shows I have to watch, but there are a handful I like to watch: House, Criminal Minds, CSI (Las Vegas - the original), Numb3rs and Law and Order: Criminal Intent are my top 5.

2. What is you favorite drink if you are going to drink more than one?

Non-alcoholic? Coffee, but none of that froo-froo-poo-poo soy vanilla whipped blah, blah, blah. Give me a cup of Joe, preferable STRONG, with a little bit of skim milk.

Alcoholic? Grey Goose Vodka on the rocks with a lime twist.

3. How long do you carry guilt around with you?

It depends on what the guilt relates to. I'm not one who generally feels "guilty" except when it comes to my son. When I know I've made a bad parenting decision - something that I think could have long-term impact on my son - I carry a great deal of guilt. I like to think that is somewhat "constructive" guilt. What is "constructive" guilt? It's the stuff that keeps me from making the same bone-headed mistake multiple times.

4. Where is or would be your number one romantic get away spot?

I'm a firm believer that romance is a "crime" of opportunity. It's not about the place - it's about the moment.

5. Have you ever seen a counselor?

Last Thursday!

I've actually seen a counselor at three different times in my life. The first time was in 1990 after my husband's suicide. I went for a few months - I should have gone much longer.

The second time was after I relocated, half way across the country, in 1998 - the result of a corporate buy-out. It was a difficult time for both Cam and I, but a friendly face to talk to once a week made the transition bearable.

Now I'm in round three of counseling and this time it's family counseling. Not sure of the outcome on this one, but having a sane, impartial voice in the process has been extremely helpful to me.

I used to think counseling was for weak people, but then I had an epiphany. It really takes a strong person to step outside of themselves and seek help.


Bonus (as in optional): Last summer the Archives of Sexual Behavior revealed the 237 reasons people have sex and the Top 50 Reasons Men and Women Have Sex. What are your top 5 reasons?

Here you go - in no particular order:

  • I want to give the gift of sexual pleasure to someone else
  • I want to feel desired
  • I am sexually aroused and want the release
  • I want to experience physical pleasure.
  • I desire emotional and physical closeness (intimacy)

31 comments:

Mike said...

Oh i love your answer to #4!
Happy TMI Tuesday

Lu' said...

House was good last night, did you watch? #5 I've never gone for counseling, considered it, but have told anyone I thought that would benefit from some outside help that there is no shame in seeking it and it is out there for you. Yep, I'm pro counseling.

buffalodick said...

All very honest and informative! Your statement about being strong to ask for help struck a cord with me- I do this poorly...

Dana said...

Mike, planned romance has never worked for me. Some of the most romantic moments in my life have been spontaneous.

Lu, I DVR'd House last night - baseball was more important.

Buff, counseling has never been easy for me - more of a "things have gotten so bad this is a last resort" kind of thing. It's difficult to admit to strangers that your life is out of control.

Mike said...

oh i totally agree, those spontaneous moments are the best ;)

Christo Gonzales said...

maybe I need counseling?.....naaah...good answers

Unknown said...

Your reason for #5? I used to think the same thing, until I started counseling. I realized I was AFRAID to go, but it did me worlds of good.

tt said...

I admire your candidness. I think I use my blog as a type of therapy I think. I can release my emotions w/o any reprocussions or flack and sometimes i get amazing insight from people I don't even know- but ...usually trust. Funny huh?
I find it also helps hearing about other peoples struggles....to figure out things...it makes me feel as though I'm not alone. Not that I 'like' to read about othersstruggles....some are too sad, but...we know htat we're not alone.
Keep on keeping on Dana!

Leighann said...

I dig Criminal Minds but still miss Mandy Patinkin.

Dana said...

Mike, I actually think spontaneous romance is far more memorable than planned romance.

DB, nahhhh ... I don't think you need counseling - maybe intense psychotherapy, but not counseling *wink*

Bina, I think fear (of being judged?) keeps many people away.

Jay said...

I can't believe you left The Hills and Viva Hollywood off your list of TV shows! ;-)

I've considered counseling a few times, but have never gone ahead and done it. I probably should someday though.

Vodka is okay, but for me it's tequila all the way!

Deech said...

Happy TMI Dana! Just stoppin in to read your list.

Flyinfox_SATX

Dana said...

tt, candidness - at least in writing - is all that I know. It's always been a way for me to be me without having to face people who might take that information and use it against me and/or judge me. And that feeling of not being alone? It's exactly why I remain candid and continue blogging!

Leighann, I miss him too, but am still hoping he'll come back! Did you know he's from Chicago??

Nicey said...

Dana,

I love the way do these questions things its cool, provides a little insight in to ya even though I don't know you from a can of beans.
Nothing wrong with councilling it takes someone with some balls to go along and open their heart out to someone that doesn't really know them..,
Stay safe, Laters
Nicey

Dana said...

Jay, it was really Dancing with the Stars that I was too embarrassed to list *gigglesnort* Tequila and I have a history that includes bruises on my forehead and no knowledge of how they got there. Although I love it, I have to be sure there is someone I trust to watch over me when I drink it *wink*

Flyinfox, my "Sex, not War" campaign slogan must have peaked your interest!

Dana said...

Nicey, I'm usually an anti-meme gal, but that's because they have too many RULES! TMI Tuesday allows me to share a bit of myself AND lets me make up my own rules! And I should be the one to say "Stay safe!"

Slyde said...

you arent watching "lost"?

for shame, woman!

Acrimony said...

Did you watch House last night? It was SO Good, all the twists and turns and confusion I thought I was watching an episode of LOST, which, btw, you promised you'd watch and never did. :P

Anonymous said...

Dana I really do love your answers to these TMI things. You manage to give a complete answer, yet nothing too wordy that loses us. You express yourself very well. I totaly agree about the parenting guilt. It is hard to deal with the emotions of thinking you may have really messed up your kid. I am proud of your choice to seek counseling. It does demonstrate an inner strength. You know that you really can't do it all alone, and have reached out for help. That, to me says you are on the right track. Sometimes admitting you need the help is the biggest "problem" for people. Of course I am sure we are all pleased that one of your outlets is HNT. Which I must say is more and more artistic every week. You really are capturing a mood with them.

Doc said...

Coffee, but none of that froo-froo-poo-poo soy vanilla whipped blah, blah, blah. Give me a cup of Joe, preferable STRONG, with a little bit of skim milk.

There should be more people like you in the world...

Dana said...

Slyde, I tried - I really tried - but there were too many seasons to catch up on! One of these days ...

Tali, I've got House on the DVR (heaven forbid I actually be able to WATCH what I want to watch when it's on) and will be imbibing sometime this week.

Amber, when I keep repeating the same behaviors and expecting different results, it's time to find SOMEONE to give me a swift kick in the ass *wink* The HNT outlet has been a surprising one for me.

Dana said...

Doc, some people call me simple, but life is complex enough without adding flavored syrup and soy!

Schmoop said...

I have to echo the thooughts of some others...Your answer to number 4 is perfect. If only more people thought that. Cheers Sexy One!!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

I watch the same shows (except House - he makes me crazy...)

Gentleman Jack or Jack Single Barrel (4 icecubes only)

Love #4 and agree and actually committed the 'crime' this weekend!

As American as Apple Pie said...

Dana--as always, a great glimpse of part of who you are. I really enjoy these. You one of the first places I check on Tu, Th and Sun. Never a dull moment.

I love your answer on #5 about being strong enough to accept that you need help. I have been to counseling 4 times and each has done a little bit of good. Currently I'm seeing someone who has been able to get me to go farther and the payoff has been great for my life and those in it. I think everyone can benefit from talking to an objective party. We don't all have to be crazy! (I'm speaking of myself, not you)

Dana said...

Matt-Man, I am always amazed at the number of people who look to fulfill internal needs externally. I just shake my head - makes no sense ...

Bond, House makes you crazy? Would that be because he is beyond obnoxious? I kind of like that quality in people *giggle*

Apple, oh ... you know you're just waiting for Doc to post that Tuesday word game - who are you trying to fool? And by the way, I *am* crazy, but wouldn't want to be any other way!

Mike said...

Oh yes, those spontaneous romance/moments is way better than planned. Those moments keep fresher in your mind too ;)

Anndi said...

House is my kinda guy LOL

Romance happens whenever I'm in ONE place.. my honey's arms. *sigh*

Anonymous said...

those five reasons to have sex work for me 24/7 and 365!

captain corky said...

"I want to give the gift of sexual pleasure to someone else"

Now that's the kind of gift I want to receive. 24/7 and 365! ;)

Dana said...

Anndi, I don't know what it is about House, but I find his "in-your-face" mentality refreshing!

Birdman, are you and I having sex without my knowledge?

Corky, what's really funny is that really is my #1 reason for having sex - or for not having sex, which is currently my dilemma.