Thursday, January 25, 2018

The Golden Rule - er





When Sam and I travel, we occasionally enjoy visiting the odd antique store.  We usually aren't looking for any big pieces, but it's fun to comb through old books, tools, miscellaneous chotchke, and nondescript junk.  I like to find unique gifts this way, too.  Especially ones for someone who collects a certain item.  
   

In December, we took a short trip to a mountain resort town.  We have visited this same spot often but always in the summer for fishing.  Winter is ski season in the area.  Some days were warmer than others, but on the colder ones, we probably spent more time in the shops and restaurants than usual.  




There is a used book shop in this town that we love no matter the season.  The shop is located in a big, old house.  There is room after room of books on shelves and perilously stacked on the floor.  The owner is quite the character.  Sam says you could nicely describe him as a "crusty old guy."  I laughed because I have heard Sam described the same way!  We pored through the dusty shelves for almost 2 hours.  Sam found several thick history books that we dropped off at our hotel before resuming our travels.




The temperature was frigid the day we decided to drive along a more rural highway to reach an antique store we knew.  This was also located in a huge, old house along with several outbuildings that contained some really cool farm equipment and large rustic metal tools.  For a time we stayed together and talked about some of the interesting things we saw.  Soon, though, we drifted apart as we explored each room.  I found an old book that I knew would be appreciated by a friend and also a ceramic Virgin Mary figurine for my daughter-in-law's collection.  That actually finished my Christmas shopping, so I was feeling quite good.  




It was a weekday, and the shop was not crowded.  I glanced up as Sam came into the room where I was.  He was smiling and rapping something on the palm of his hand.  When he came closer, I could see that it was a type of large ruler.


"I have been looking for one of these.  It's an old 18 inch ruler," he told me.  And with that, he whacked me on the bottom.  Although the ruler made quite a noise connecting, there was no one else close enough to hear.




"Holy hell, Sam!  That hurt right through my jeans!  Are you buying that thing?" I asked.

"You bet I am," he grinned.

"Can it just be for play?"

"We'll see.  Be sure to listen to me, and you won't have to find out." 


Point taken.  He waved it around a bit when we returned to the hotel and popped me on the bum a few more times.  Then it went into the stack of Christmas things we had purchased.  When we unpacked from our long weekend, the ruler was added to the stash in Sam's bottom drawer.


As the holidays approached, I decided that I needed to do better than last year with my sugar consumption.  About five pounds better, in fact.  As always, unless I ask my guy
for help with my food choices, Sam could care less what I eat.  When we discussed my request, we decided that the sugar rule this year was to be that I had none unless Sam put it in my hand.  I kissed my handsome diet coach and agreed to abide by the new rule.



Gosh, I surely do love to bake, especially at Christmas.  I made all the family favorites and more this year.  Not once did I eat a cookie warm from the oven, since Sam was not there to give me one.  I didn't even lick the spoon.  After they were all tucked into tins, Sam would bring me just one cookie while I relaxed with my Kindle in the evening.  Over the days before the 25th, I tried them all and never cheated.


Christmas Day is a buffet at our house.  Everyone brings a dish, and there are lots of yummy things to graze on while Sam finishes the main course.  My cookies were on the table as well.  It makes me quite happy to have our friends and family dig into the tins and enjoy all my efforts.


 

Did not even think of eating my cookies.  I knew there was a chocolate peppermint pie for later.  It wasn't until my sweet niece and her family arrived that temptation knocked at the door.  She added another tin of cookies to the table and announced that she had used her Grandma Beth's recipe.  That's when the little sugar devil on my shoulder started talking in my ear.  Surely I didn't want to hurt her feelings?  Just one.  Just to be polite.  I would talk to Sam later.  He was busy right now.


Maybe that would have been OK, but the devil had settled in and planned to stay for the day.  As I flitted about making sure everyone had drinks filled, opening more presents, playing with the baby, and helping Sam where I could, I would filch another cookie.  Lost track of how many, but it had to be at least 8.  Um, maybe 10.  And, yes, I had the pie, too.



 
It wasn't until hours later that my conscience started to prick at me.  We were both dead tired, and Sam was spooning me in bed.  We talked back and forth about the day.  It really had been a wonderful time.

"And you've done so well avoiding the sugar," Sam said as he kissed the back of my neck.

Oh, shit, I thought, I really need to fess up.

"Sam, I....did cheat a little today," I whispered.

"Did you have a cookie?" he asked.

"Well...," I mumbled, stalling a bit.

"How many?" and his voice had deepened.


"Um.... about 8, I think."


I could hear his disappointment when he said, "Ell...a?  Why didn't you ask me for help?"

"Don't know," I said.  "I was doing fine and then...."

"We'll talk about this in the morning.  Get some sleep."

Sam slept in the next morning, but I got up early and spent over an hour cleaning up the holiday devastation.  I had just finished and had poured another cup of coffee to sit by the fireplace and start some thank you notes.  My guy does not usually do anything before his coffee, but suddenly he was in the doorway.

"Let's get this settled, Ella.  Come with me."  He had not forgotten.




I was standing by the bed and saw Sam take that old ruler out of the bottom drawer.

"Sam, you said that thing would only be for play," I pleaded.

"No, you said that, Ells."

Over the bed I went, and that ruler was the meanest thing west of the Pecos!  OMG.  I was making so much noise as Sam spanked and talked.  He went on about keeping my word and asking him for help.  He talked about how I needed to obey him.  I did scream once as that nasty thing hit its mark.  Sam lightened up a bit but didn't stop right then.  He gave me some stern diet coach advice and reminded me of the rule upon which we had both agreed.  When he was finally finished, I just lay there for a few more moments.  Then Sam pulled me up for a most amazing kiss.





"See, Ells, if you break the Golden Rule around here, I might just use the golden ruler," he said while he patted my bottom.

"The Golden Rule? I questioned.  "You mean like "Do unto oth-" 

And he interrupted me, "No, my Golden Rule."

"So, what is your Golden Rule?" I asked and looked into his eyes.

                              He smiled and then held me close, 
                         "My Golden Rule is anything I say it is."

     And that's the true meaning of that old adage according to Sam. 



27 comments:

  1. Love the support and love - you can feel it in the words of your post...and the fun, too! :-) I would stay away from that ruler and listen to whatever the golden rule is at the moment. Hugs

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    1. It is fun, Terps, although the ruler was not. The thing is I haven't been back in the cookies since then. Sam keeps me on the straight and narrow.

      Hugs From Ella

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  2. I love reading about the two of you....that is a tough rule, but I am sure it helps...and keeps you closer. I am always looking for new ideas to add to M's 'toy bag' but I will pass on that ruler. Laughed at Sam's version of the golden rule...M would agree. hugs abby

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    1. The thing is that Sam's golden rule is a bit amorphous. It can be anything he says it is. That man keeps me on my toes, for sure.

      Hugs From Ella

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  3. Ella,
    Oh, my! Sam can be on tough task master! It hurt just reading about that ruler. We are in the same pickle here. Jack wants my interrupting to stop and he is ready to stop it his way. We prowl the antique shops too and I will steer Jack clear of those old rulers. Once these men learn that they can truly lead, our bottoms suffer. Right?
    Meredith

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    1. You are right, Mere. The next time we visit an antique shop, I will be more watchful. I do love when Sam helps me with my sugar cravings, though. It was something I never seemed to conquer on my own.

      Ella

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  4. Wow - your Sam can be tough.Guess you won't be eating are more cookies for a bit.

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    1. Hi Sunny Girl,
      It is better that there are no sweets in the house, but that is tough to do when there are holidays and guests. Funny that I never overdo it on salad!!!

      Big Hug From Ella

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  5. Hi Ella,

    I really enjoyed reading this, made me smile :) Sounds like a wonderful trip away and Christmas with the family but oh my, that thing has got to hurt!

    How wonderful that Sam was able and willing to help with your sugar goal. Apart from your bottom. Ouch! Definitely not easy over the Christmas period with all those temptations in the way!

    Love Sam's golden rule, and now he has the golden ruler to back it up :)

    Hugs
    Roz

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    1. It was such a wonderful little getaway, Roz. We found an Irish pub with a live band on Sundays. I could listen to the music and drink good beer forever. I think that is what I hope heaven will be for me.

      Ella Sends Her Love

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  6. Hi Ella, I was a bit like you. I made it all through Christmas sugar free and then when we had everyone over for a party I lost the plot :(. It took me a few days to get back on track. It is so hard. You have all my sympathy, I hate my beloved's long wooden ruler too. Why it is his favourite I have no idea....
    love Jan, xx

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    1. Yep, that is exactly what happened, Jan. The thing is...when I cheat with other foods the weight comes back off easily. When I cheat with sugar, it is weeks to get back to where I am supposed to be.

      Ahh! Sorry to hear about another ruler wielding husband. Stay off the sugar, my friend.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  7. This is actually a very fun story, though you did pay quite dearly for those cookies. I'm like you. I can do really well until I cave and then it's like, "well, I already blew it and tomorrow I've got to get back on it so I might as well cash in all my chips - chocolate chips, that is". I have friends who eat one small bite size chocolate per day. Not me. I am the all or nothing girl. All the chocolates or not a one
    Best of luck with the golden ruler. Ouch!
    Amy

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    1. Yes, when it happens, it is truly a binge. I am exactly like that, Amy! Then I hate myself. Better to never even start. Think I need to find a different hobby and give up baking.

      Hugs From Ella

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  8. I think avoiding those antique shops might be in your best interest, far too much wood to be found in places like that.
    I am very impressed by your will power regarding the treats leading up to the holidays, good for you. That would be very difficult for me.
    Good luck going forward with that Golden Rule, it sounds like Sam’s loving that one!

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    1. Sam likes a wide choice of implements in the toy box. That is fine if they are for play, but not so fine if he is upset with me. In truth, he is wonderful about helping me manage my weight. Very attentive and free with the compliments on my successes. Love that guy.

      Hugs to Lovely Laurel,
      Ella

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  9. Ooh ouch! Rulers hurt!
    Ive got a fit for friday post up today. Come round. U may be interested :)

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    1. This old ruler surely does. Sam had a thin wooden ruler that broke the first time he used it. This antique ruler is more substantial. I must come to visit, Fondles. I love the idea of a "fit for friday" post.

      Hugs From Ella

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  10. That golden ruler is sure an incentive not to break Sam's golden rules. Bet you won't be eating cookies again for a while. Nice Sam is taking care of you Ella.
    Hugs Lindy xx

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    1. Thank you, Lindy. I do have an incentive.

      Just Say No to Cookies!

      You are always telling us about some delicious thing that Bear has baked for you. My mouth just waters.

      Sending Hugs Down Under,
      Ella

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  11. Ella,

    Your post made me smile. Sam's a toughie so I think you'll be staying away from those cookies. P has a ruler like that and it hurts.

    Love,
    Ronnie
    xx

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    1. Glad you had a smile, Ronnie. When we are away on a trip, I always eat too much, but if I can avoid the sugar, it isn't a problem. Am already dreaming of the meat pies I enjoy in the UK! Love those.

      Hugs Across the Pond,
      Ella

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  12. Sam's golden rule gave me a chuckle, Ella! :) Sounds like something that Rob might come up with.

    How fun that you both enjoy browsing around antique shops! Does sound like you will need to keep an eye on your beloved! That ruler looks like it stings like... a ruler! We won't be having one of them around here.

    Love how the two of you are working together, as you tackle your diet goals. That fella with the golden ruler sure does love his Ella! Many hugs and love,

    <3 Katie xoxo

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    1. Katie!
      It always makes me smile to have you visit. Sam's golden rule is very witty, but I do not have much nice to say about the ruler.

      He helps me when I ask for help with the sugar madness. I am not very good at managing it on my own. Almost always I get big hugs and compliments. Sam is my coach and my friend and my lover and my leader. Lucky me.

      Hugs From Ella

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  13. This made me chuckle. Sam is a good guy and I am glad that he was reliable and held up his job as the "coach and disciplinarian". I know if Ty uses an implement I like then it isn't much of an incentive to not cheat on my diet. He saves the worst ones for those kind of spankings.

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  14. Ella, I love the word ‘filch’ it just speaks to me of naughtiness! I’m sure it will be a long time before you filch any more cookies. Hope you observe Sam’s Golden Rule in all it’s guises, that nasty ruler is one to avoid!
    Rosie xx

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  15. Ella,
    Somehow I missed the middle of the story and then landed on
    Oh, shit, I thought, I really need to fess up.

    "Sam, I....did cheat a little today," I whispered.

    "Did you have a cookie?" he asked.

    "Well...," I mumbled, stalling a bit.

    "How many?" and his voice had deepened.


    "Um.... about 8, I think."

    I laughed my head off and read the story to Storm while my mouth was full of a Peanut Buster Parfait. :)

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