1. When was the last time you tried something new?

Jayden: I try new things all the time. I especially love to try new things in the bedroom. Maybe you’ll be lucky and I’ll share some stories. 😉

Richard: Technically an old thing, but I tried on one of my favorite t-shirts from college today. I didn’t think I’d ever fit in it again, but I made it.

2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?

Jayden: My mom. In some ways we’re a lot alike, and in other ways, we’re total opposites.

Richard: Everyone. I am a terrible comparer.

3. What gets you excited about life?

Jayden: Love. There isn’t enough love in the world.

Richard: 80s power ballads. I’m partial to Pat Benatar, but most of them work.

4. Are you satisfied with your work?

Jayden: Yes. I got a new job in 2020, and I love it.

Richard: Nope. But I’m going back to school, and I’ll be actively looking for a new one soon, so hopefully this can be my last year.

5. What have people most often praised you for?

Jayden: My openness and caring for others. I guess there’s a bit of irony saying that here where I’m mostly anonymous.

Richard: My patience.

Bonus: When you think of your home, what immediately comes to mind?

Jayden: Lilacs and dogwood flowers. Mostly because they invoke a feeling of safety and security.

Richard: Cooking! Because nothing brings people together like food, and I’m pretty sure Jayden is going to put family, and I don’t want the same answer.

(Jayden: Ha! You were wrong, Richard!)

---

Last week’s answer is: Salmon – We were right! We both said Salmon! See the original picture and other TMI Tuesday blogs at the link below:

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

DEEP THINK

1. First question relates to the photo above–what is it?

Jayden: Uhh, I’m torn between grapefruit and salmon.

Richard: I’m going to say shrimp or salmon. That white fluffy part looks kinda shrimpy.

2. Should we be signalling our existence to alien life? Why?

Jayden: After 2020, we should just lay low and not tempt there to be more shenanigans.

Richard: Obligatory, “I’m a smut writer, not a scientist” disclaimer. Yes, but only because it’s a moot point. We can barely make it to the moon, but we can look for life in other galaxies. We’ve been blasting signals into the cosmos for decades already, and will most likely continue to get “louder” even if we’re not specifically trying to signal. It seems like anyone advanced enough to actually get here from however many light years away won’t have a problem finding us.

3. What is one thing you do not understand about yourself?

Jayden: I don’t understand … I don’t know. I don’t understand how other people see me the way they do.

Richard: How I’ve managed to make it this far mostly intact and successfully.

4. What weird food combinations do you really enjoy?

Jayden: I like a little bit of mayo on meatball sandwiches. (A bit of mayo, meatballs, parmesan cheese, American cheese, and marinara sauce.) Try it. Trust me.

Richard: Chocolate ice cream on apple pie. My grandfather liked it, and supposedly almost got refused by a server once over it. It’s tasty, and it’s a nice way to remember him.

5. What are two of your go-to strategies to help make big decisions?

Jayden: Journaling and therapy. God I love therapy.

Richard: Lists and thinking way too long after I’ve already made my mind up.

Bonus: How replaceable are you?

Jayden: Oh, well, this is a question that pokes at my insecurities. I think I’m easily replaceable. In fact, I’ve been replaced many times over in relationships. I’m grateful to have some partners now who tell me otherwise, but it’s probably my biggest worry.

Richard: My brain says completely, but my fingers don’t want to type it. I guess not at all? If someone else asked me if they were replaceable, I’d say, “no, no one else is as good at being you as you,” (I think that’s a Sesame Street lyric) so I’m going to try to be as kind to myself as I would someone else.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

Whew! We made it out of 2020. Thank you to Corrupting Mrs. Jones blog for this week’s TMI Tuesday questions.

1. What was the best part of your holiday season?

Jayden: Spending it with some very good new friends. ❤

Richard: Getting to try goose for the first time!

2. Did you have the opportunity to get down and dirty over the holidays? Please share.

Jayden: Oh yes. Several times, in fact. It was a little unexpected. Maybe it will be a blog post. What do you think, Richard?

Richard: I want to know how you didn’t expect to “get down and dirty” when you had me over for as many nights as you did. Honestly, I think we came in under par.

Jayden: But you weren’t supposed to stay over as many times as you did!

3. You receive a gift from a family member that is exactly what you DID NOT want. Do you:
a. Smile politely and bin it at the first opportunity?
b. Say thank you and re-gift it next year?
c. Do some detective work and return it at the first opportunity?
d. Try and tactfully suggest something more appropriate for next time?

Jayden: Either b or c. If I can return it, I will, but I will be polite and say thank you, of course!

Richard: C. Most stores will take anything without a receipt this time of year, as long as it’s in their system, so it’s really not much detective work.

4. Sex toys as gifts yea or nay? Was there a time when you unexpectedly opened something R-rated in front of your family? Tell us about it.

Jayden: Sure! If it’s for a partner or close friend. I have never opened something R-rated in front of my family though. My friends and partners know better than to give me something like that at the wrong time.

Richard: I feel like a partner must’ve gotten me something to use with/on them at some point, but I honestly can’t remember a specific time. Either way, totally fine with it. My partners have all been good about keeping my gifts in front of family to a soft PG. So far…

5. What is the best present your significant other has given you?

Jayden: Love. Attention. Time. Things are nice (and I love the jewelry and flowers I’ve received), but having quality time means so much.

Richard: Going off what Jayden said: Family. I don’t come from the healthiest family, and the holidays have been pretty rough for me for the last decade or so. Being able to spend the holidays somewhere happy, where everyone doesn’t spend the whole time screaming at each other, walking on eggshells, or trying to escape, is the best gift.

Bonus:  Share your New Year’s resolution(s) or reasons why you do not make them.

Jayden: Well, we shared our writing resolutions on New Year’s Day, so I’ll still with that. I didn’t make any others.

Richard: I do a lot of goal setting throughout the year, but I usually skip out on New Year’s resolutions. With all the holidays and craziness, I’d rather wait for things to settle and start a new goal in February.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

1. What is the dumbest thing you are reading and writing right now? (uh-huh I know what you’re thinking :p)

Um, writing? I was going to write a really stupid letter, but I think I’m not going to write that now. And other than that, I write a ton of fluff, so that’s maybe stupid, but I don’t think so, and I doubt you do either. As for reading, I’m reading a good novel right now. At least, I hope it’s good. My new boyfriend bought it for me for Christmas, and he likes it, so hopefully I will, too. I’m only a few pages in so far.

2. If you were to start your own country who would sing your national anthem?

Probably me, even though I don’t like singing in public, I’d probably just sing it myself. Plus, no issues with royalties!

3. If you were to be eaten by an animal of your choice (and you will die), what animal will eat you? Why?

A whale. I love them. So like, at least I’d be feeding one.

4. What word makes you smile?

Asparagus. Sorry, it’s an inside joke.

5. What word makes you cringe?

Cupcake. Weird, I know. But it’s a thing. I’ll get over it.

Bonus: Will you board the love train?

Always. Everyone should love lots of people. I’m ALL about love. And in fact, have fallen in love (again) recently. I’m full of love to give and have many people giving me love, so yes, let’s board the love train!

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

1. What is your phone screensaver at the moment?
It’s just pretty colors. Nothing fancy.

2. What is currently on your playlist? (list top 5)
Fallin’ All In You – Shawn Mendes
Fire Escape – Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
Smoke the Clears – Andy Grammer
Ripple in the Water – Pat Monahan
Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia

3. What are your last three internet searches?
Facebook – looking for someone who followed me
PUSH – Prompts Unity Scavenger Hunt
TMI Tuesday Blog

4. What is your favorite sandwich filling?
Peanut butter and jelly, triple berry, but I’m not picky.

5. What is one staple item all men should own?
A screw driver

Bonus: If you couldn’t be convicted of any one type of crime, what criminal charge would you like to be immune to?

I would want to be immune to public indecency. Public sex is definitely something that’s alluring to me, but sooo risky. (And yes, there is the factor of consent. But you may notice that there are a lot of rooms in my stories where people can have sex and be watched.)

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

1. The best part of your job is _____ .

Ack! See, I don’t want to talk about my day job here! (Actually, more on that tomorrow.) So, let’s pretend that writing is my full time job (Ha!). The best part is getting feedback and knowing that I brought joy to someone’s life.

2. My favorite quote is _____ .

Uh. I don’t know that I’ve ever had one. I’ll have to put some thought into it…

Okay, I did some googling and thinking and I picked one (author unknown): I choose you. And I’ll choose you, over and over and over. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat. I’ll keep choosing you.

Love is forefront on my mind lately (that’s what happens when you fall rapidly in love). But so many quotes and thoughts about love center around that ONE person who “completes” you and other such BS. I have one person who I’ve been in love with for over 15 years. I choose him every day, and I will continue to choose him. But I also choose several other partners who enrich our lives. We choose those partners together. Anyway, that’s what I like about this quote–it doesn’t suppose that there’s only one person involved. (Uh oh, I feel a rant coming on… Maybe I should save that for another blog post… stay tuned. Maybe Thursday.)

3. The best part of my day is _____ .

The best part of my day is usually bedtime. It’s the time I get to spend with the person/people I love. Being cuddled and touched (often not sexually) is the best feeling in the world for me. And I am lucky enough to have several partners who offer me that. Very, very lucky. Lucky enough that I often worry no one deserves this much love.

4. What is the hardest part of your job? How do you deal with it?

The hardest part of writing is fact checking. Cross checking details, “Was she wearing pink or green?” I once had a main character change hair color halfway through the book. It wasn’t even remotely intentional. Whoops! The problem for me is that I tend to write more about feelings and emotions than about physical appearance. On one hand, I like that because it offers the reader the opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of the main character. The moment I’ve described her as a brunette, my blonde readers aren’t picturing themselves anymore. I don’t know if it’s “right” or “wrong” in terms of writing, but it’s the way I like to write.

So how do I deal with it? Well, for starters, I stopped caring what other people think. Maybe that’s stupid. I want people to buy my books (obviously). But I also like the advice to write what you want to read. So I do. And if it doesn’t fit with what publishers want (Hint: It doesn’t), then I’ll publish it myself (I do).

In terms of fact checking myself, I keep a side by side view document where I keep detailed notes on my character’s physical and mental characteristics, their life experiences, etc. I also keep an outline of what’s happening in each chapter. And when I wrote my first choose your own adventure, I kept a literal note card (3×5) for each chapter. Let me tell you how much fun that way! (A lot of fun, actually…)

5. You must write a “how to guide” about something for which you have expertise. What is this guide about or tell us the title?

Ack. I don’t know that I feel like an expert on much. Not much I would talk about here. I think I would probably write a how to guide titled, “How to be uniquely yourself when the world wants to put labels on you.” How’s that?

Bonus: What would you name your boat?

The Sea Rose

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

1. How replaceable are you?

How replaceable am I, or how replaceable do I feel? Those are two totally different answers. I am one of a kind. I’m unique. I’m special. But most of the time, I feel like there’s someone better out there. Lots of someones, in fact. When will that friend/partner find someone better and move on? I try to push those thoughts aside and my current partners are excellent at reassuring me. But I often feel replaceable.

2. Does jealously have value in driving humans to improve themselves or is it a purely negative emotion?

I don’t know if it’s purely negative. I think it depends on what you do with it. If you feel jealous that someone accomplished something and you didn’t, maybe it will drive you to try harder and put forth more effort. If it makes you angry and you give up or treat someone else badly because of it, then it’s not positive. As with most things, it’s what you do with the emotion that makes the difference.

3. A section of your life’s memories needs to be erased, which era will you elect to have erased?
a. childhood memories – age 3 to 12
b. teen and young adult years – age 13 to 23
c. adult – age 24 to 35

Well. If I could break up (b) a little more, I would go with that. But I met my husband in that range. I got engaged and married. I wouldn’t want to erase those memories. And I’m not 35 yet. So, I guess (a) then.

4. With no laws or rules to influence your behavior, how do you think you would behave?

Absolutely. I might have some public sex though. Okay, I definitely would have some public sex. (Don’t worry, I’d make sure it was in an area with no kids!) I would also shout from the rooftops about the people I love. But since I’m married, I can’t do that.

5. Does anonymity encourage people to misbehave or does it reveal how people would choose to act all the time if they could?

I think it’s the latter. If people are willing to misbehave because of the anonymity, then that’s who they truly are.

Bonus: In the time of coronavirus pandemic, what are you rocking–homemade face covering or manufactured mask?

I’m working with manufactured until my homemade ones come in from a family member.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

1. Do you have a strong imagination? Why do you think this?

I do! It’s why I’m a writer. I can’t shut off the stories. On the down side, I often imagine the abso-fucking-lutely worst case scenario. Every. Fucking. Time.

2. Are you confident?

In some things. I’m confident in my writing abilities. I’m not very confident in my musical abilities (which is silly, because I am pretty good).

3. Do you consider yourself to be sensual?
a. You bet I am!
b. Eek, no way.
c. In the right moments, I can be.

a – all the way! I love touching, cuddling, caressing, scritches. Love, love, love.

4. When was the last time you dressed provocatively to entice flirting or attention?

Um. I don’t know. I don’t often dress provocatively. It’s not worth it just to take the damn clothes off. I guess if one of my partners really wanted it, I’d certainly be game.

5. How often do you think about sex?

A lot. A lot a lot. Like, constantly. Or, almost constantly. I’m good at compartmentalizing when I do my day job, usually, but this working from home thing has even that fucked up. Focus is not easy.

6. If someone called you ‘sexy,’ what would you do?

Blush, and disagree.

7. Are you comfortable with your body?

Not particularly. Okay, not at all. I’ve been losing weight, and I’m super excited about that. But I still weigh a lot.

Bonus: Are you good at getting what you want?

Yeah, kinda. If it’s something I want, I’ve learned to go for it, but I won’t manipulate to get it. And actually, I guess that’s been something I’ve been good at for a long time. Someone I was friends with in HS (I graduated 16ish years ago) recently said to me that she was always envious of me in high school because I always knew how to get what I wanted. It was an interesting perception of me.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Comment below if you’re playing along!

1. As the world deals with covid-19, are you masturbating more?

Nope. I’m locked in with multiple partners, so I have no need.

2. With stay-at-home orders and lock-downs, are you able to have more kinky fun at home?

Yes. Lots more. It’s wonderful. One bright spot.

3. Do you think you are watching more porn since you are home more?

Not really. A little bit because we’re kinkier.

4. Fill in the blank. “I am so sick of _____ .”

Not being able to go out and see my friends! I miss them terribly.

5. If this is your first time having an outside job with which you are now working from home, do you think you are more productive now versus when you were at the office?

Definitely less productive at home. I’m more distracted, and it’s not nearly as effective.

Bonus: Would you rather know when you are going to die or how you are going to die? (You can’t change the time or method of your death.)

When. If I knew how, I would be constantly worried about it. If I knew when, I would be able to really live life to the fullest (and spend that retirement savings early, haha!)

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

1. If you are self-isolating, under lockdown orders, or quarantined, what is your main daily activity?

Working. I’m working from home now, which sucks. I am also gaming a lot with friends digitally.

2. Would you rather be alone for the rest of your life or always be surrounded by annoying people?

Be surrounded. I don’t do well alone.

3. Would you rather never use social media sites/apps again or never watch another movie or TV show?

Uhh… This is a tough one. I think I would have to keep social media/apps over movies and TV. I do watch them, but not that often.

4. Would you rather live in a utopia as a normal person or in a dystopia but you are the supreme ruler?

I would like to be a normal person anywhere, thanks. No leadership positions for me thank you.

5. Are humans better at creation or destruction?

Destruction. Way better. It’s sad, really.

Bonus: Would you rather find your true love or a suitcase with five million dollars inside?

Can I cheat and say that I already found my true love, so I’ll take the suitcase? Oh wait… that sounds like it would have a monkey’s paw kind of twist. I’d lose my true love when I found the suitcase or something. If that’s the case, I’ll keep my true love, thanks. He’s worth wayyyy more than five million dollars to me.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

1. What is something new you’ve done because you are under coronavirus self-quarantine?

Realized how large my normal social circle is. Otherwise, I’m doing more of the things I love: write, edit, watch TV, movies, crochet,…

2. What three habits have improved your life?

Writing (especially trying to write 1,000,000 words in a year), singing (never underestimate the value of loud music alone in a car), and getting up and getting dressed most days.

3. What really makes you angry?

This FUCKING VIRUS. And the way it was handled. Because, OMG incompetence. Anyway. I literally raged about it one day recently, and it felt really fucking good.

4. What is the craziest thing you’ve seen somebody do in the workplace?

Uh… I’m not sure. Play games instead of work and then get annoyed when someone pointed out that they had down time.

5. What is something that everyone looks stupid doing?

Working out, haha. I know I look stupid, and so do most people.

Bonus: If you were in a band, what kind of music would you play?

Pop music, probably. I have a very pop-style voice.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

1. Who are you really?

I wish I could tell you, I really do. But at my heart, I’m someone who is compassionate, who always wants to help others, who will do almost anything to bring a smile to someone’s face.

2. Are you better at starting or destroying relationships? Why do you think this?

Starting. I love meeting new people. I love talking to new people. I love connecting with new people. Sometimes they stick around and we form great relationships (not necessarily physical/sexual/romantic).

3. What is the biggest doubt you have?

That we’re going to make it through this mess. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

4. Tell us the name of 3 best programs (TV, movie) that you have watched since being side-lined due to coronavirus lock-downs, quarantines, etc.

I haven’t been watching a lot, honestly, but let’s see… Survivor (trying to catch up on this season), Frozen 2 (which I missed in theaters), and Lord of the Rings.

5. What product do you think the world could do without?

Social media, haha. They are some great connection tools with friends, but some of the political stuff is too much, and all the posts about corona is overwhelming. (Not that I’m downplaying the seriousness of the situation. I just need a break sometimes.)

Bonus: If you died today, how would you be remembered?

What a great question. Um. I feel like this is a question that my friends would have to answer. 😉

But, I’m a mom, a writer, and a whole bunch of other things that I would likely be remembered for.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

1. Assume that in the future there will be huge leaps in human augmentation. Given a scale from completely human to completely machine, how far would you choose to augment yourself with robotics? What parts would you augment and why?

If there’s some augmentation that would give me better working feet, I’d take it. I’d also like to be able to sleep less. So, ultimately, sleep less, move faster, be more efficient. #Goals

2. In your community, are events, school, and large gatherings forbidden or cancelled due to COVID-19?

Yep. Everything’s cancelled. I get it. I support it. I hate it.

3. Has your work schedule changed due to COVID-19–i.e., onsite work changed to teleworking or shortened shifts or no work at all?

Yep. My work is closed for two weeks, minimum.

4. What gets too much attention in the news?

Oh lots of things. I’m sick of hearing about COVID-19 for one. I get it. I’m just…so exhausted by it. I wish it weren’t necessary to convince people that it’s a serious issue.

5. How do you get your news?

Social media, I’m afraid to say.

Bonus: Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? This year how will you celebrate?

Sometimes? Last year we were at a bar with live music. This year… well, there isn’t anything happening this year.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

1. What word is a lot of fun to say? Can I go with a phrase? Son of a bitch!

2. What is your go to euphemism for sexual intercourse? Fuck! Let’s fuck. Wanna fuck? Can we fuck?

3. What current trend do you hope will go away very soon?
Saying “my person” for finding love. (Bonus points if you know what show that’s a catch phrase on.)

4. If you could hack into any one computer, which computer would you choose? One that allows me to change my years of service so I can suddenly retire magically!

5. Would you rather never be stuck in traffic again or never get another cold? Why?
Never get another cold. Ever. I’ve been sick for weeks. I really, really want to never have that again.

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!

Hello. Welcome. Do tell because it is TMI Tuesday!

1. What time of the day do you feel the most energetic and what do you usually do in those moments?

I often feel the most energetic mid-morning. I like to lay around leisurely for a little while, but then get I want to get moving! When I have the urge, I’ll clean or write or do some organizing.

2. What’s the coolest thing about your life?

The people. My friends make my life so full. I have so many friends from so many areas of my life, and all of them are amazing people. ❤

3. When are you most yourself?

When I’m at home, with my friends and family.

4. Would you rather be an ugly genius or a hot moron?

Hot moron. It’s not being ugly that bothers me. It’s that being a genius when there are SO many morons just sounds like a curse.

5. Would you abandon your phone, internet, family, and friends for three months for a prize of 1 million dollars?

No. Phone and internet, maybe. Friends and family, no way. (Doesn’t this sound kind of like Survivor?)

Bonus: If you could wave a magic wand right now and have your life be perfect, what would that new life look like?

The people in my life who are suffering would no longer be suffering. And that annoying budget I do every week would be unnecessary due to abundance. Other than that, I wouldn’t change a whole lot. (Unless we’re talking that I can change things on a global scale, because then I’d be overhauling the world.)

On that note, my current WIP (Work In Progress) is a novel in a world that is nearly perfect for me. It’s a futuristic world that you can learn all about in April for my A to Z Blog Challenge!

Check out other TMI Tuesday Blogs here!