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)

The End of an Era

Tomorrow is the day that I voluntarily end my child-bearing years. I do this with mixed emotions.

On one hand, the thought of sex without concern for an "OOPS" baby (if I conceived today, I'd be almost 45 years old with a newborn - can't think of anything much more terrifying) is almost orgasmic. On the other hand, it's kind of sad to finally make that decision that I'm just too damn old to be birthing any more babies.

My "baby" will be TWELVE in a little over a month. Six more years and he'll graduate from high school. Ninety days after that he'll either be heading off to college, or getting a job and moving out. Those have been the rules since day one and all three kids (one of whom is already in college) have heard it at least weekly all of their lives. Six years and I can sell the house, buy a motor home and travel the NASCAR circuit *gigglesnort*! Now why would I even consider another eighteen year obligation?

The truth is that I wouldn't - but knowing that I wouldn't, and knowing that I couldn't, even if I wanted to, are completely different things. I don't know, maybe it's a little of that good old chick logic, but it makes sense to me!

Anyone want to toast my fallopian tubes before they are severed??? I have until midnight to partake in the fine, distilled spirits!

Oh, one more really important thing ('cause this other thing isn't really important)! I "won" a Golden Spork Award! Now, I'd like to say that this has something to do with my profound wisdom and amazing writing abilities, but if the truth be known, Tink has pity for those of us new to her blog and gives us the "Great New Find" Spork Award just for showing up! Thanks Tink!!