Life Marched On and Now I'm Late Posting My Answers

I am so sorry to be so negligent.  I know I keep saying this to everyone, but busy seems to be my middle name right now, or maybe my last name as life seems to be running me and not the other way around.  So today I will plan to finish up my belated March Q and A and then I have a post I'm working on that I plan to share later in the week.  I seem to have trouble following instructions (stop giggling, I can hear you already!).  Actually, that post will have to do with my first two experiences with capsicum cream and thanks to Amy fully explaining the instructions (after the fact, mind you) I will have a lovely post up and running soon.

Now that I have already overshared a bit about my next post, I had best get busy and answer last month's questions, so I can start the other post with a clear conscience.  It was not my intention to leave you all hanging for two weeks to answer these questions.  So without further ado, here we go!

Speaking of Amy.... I think I will start by answering her question first.

So, my question to you is what made you start to comment, to then start to blog, and to reach out by email?
Well, let's just say it was the desire to review an ARC that enticed me.  Another blogger and also author, Jane Henry, had put up a request for ARC readers and I sent her an email asking how to go about reviewing the book.  It's funny, but I actually (at least I'm pretty sure, mind's a bit fuzzy here on the details) but I did not comment on a post until I became Baker, at least as Baker, I may have done a few anonymously, but those were very, very few.  I remember being frustrated with figuring out how to do it anonymously and that stopped me for the most part.  Yes, I know computer illiterate and all.  I keep meaning to improve that part of me, but it is what it is...

Okay, so that's the first part of Amy's question down.  Second part.  I started to blog because I was encouraged.  Meredith thought I wrote well and encouraged me, though it took a lot of convincing.  She stuck with me through those first timid steps until I was off doing my own thing.  I am grateful for her patience, guidance and words of encouragement as I made my beginning.  Also to the others, including Hoss, who supported me in this fun endeavor.  

Lastly, Amy asks about emailing.  Well, that's how I did it backwards.  I did not comment first, I know, silly Baker!  I actually emailed a few including Jane, Cat, and Meredith early on.  Tested the waters and driving others nuts by asking questions.  I am good that way!  Anyway, after blogging I continued to email and kept asking questions.  I still do to this day and most of my blogging friends are those that I email at least weekly.  

Now, I'm not sure how many of you know this about us, but those friendships help me immensely, but it was a reader that became a friend (Bea), that truly helped answer a ton of my DD related questions.  It was that friendship that kept me blogging when I wanted to stop.  So even though many of you out there never say a word through comments, I really wish you would drop me an email from time to time.  I think that's where I've found the most happiness with blogging.  Hearing from those reading in an email or comment.  That is encouraging and helps me really learn from those around me.  And to blatantly honest here, I get why you do not write or comment, but for me taking that step just opened so many doors.  Yes, it was hard and at times I felt burnt, but I would not be here now if I did not step out of my comfort zone and emailed.  I found the benefits far outweighed any downfalls and to be truthful, those downfalls were so few and far between.  Stepping down off my soap box now!

Second up is one of my favorite bloggers, Miss Lindy.

My questions are for both of you. If you could live anywhere in the world where would you choose?

What's one item you always pack when travelling?

Hoss already answered his last month, so my turn!  I love the mountains, but where we live is perfectly beautiful and home to me.  It would be hard to leave, so instead I will tell where I'd like to visit.  Alaska and Australia are both on my short list!  Maybe Canada as one of my friends tells me it's quite beautiful there as well.  

What do we pack when we travel?  Bertha typically.  Even though I have suggested she take her own vacation...else where....away from me!  Too bad Hoss insists on her traveling with us.  She really needs to find her own man, don't you think?

And now we hear from Ronnie.

Have you or Hoss bought any new implements lately and if so what are they?

Not really anything new here that I can think of?  Whatever you do though, I beg of you not to mention the cane to Hoss.  I do believe silent implements are deadly to my bum and really and truly do not wish to meet any new ones!

Roz asked two questions.  One I'd answered in my last post because it was easy.  This question has taken considerably more thought.

What changes have you noticed in both yourself and Hoss since starting ttwd?

Well, Hoss had a quick answer. Sorry, folks, I am way more long winded than he is on questions such as this one.  I have noticed I am internally calmer.  Not that I am a total freaked out mess before.  I was not, but I do yell or get frustrated or get rude when I have just had enough.  I do not like that part of me.  So DD helps considerably there.  Also, I think I use my words more.  Before I would bottle everything up and it would randomly come slipping out when I'd had enough and I'd kind of blow up, melt down and then try to do damage control.  That is not the same now, for the most part Hoss can see me heading in that direction and a spanking stops it, like almost immediately.  I also am happier in our relationship.  We both feel heard and valued like never before.  This is one question I truly could go on and on about.  We have both truly seen that much growth in our relationship.

Whew!  All done!  That was so much fun!  I feel so much better getting those answers out to you all and not sitting there mulling around in this noggin of mine.  I will have my next post up soon.  I'm hoping by Friday, but you know...life happens.

--Baker