TresSugar

Gordon Ramsay: The Early Years

GiggleSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Hell's Kitchen's Gordon Ramsay is famous for being a perfectionist and a windbag with anger management issues. This video imagines him as a child - and what a charming, foul-mouthed, abusive little child he is!

Little Gordon Ramsay Eats Out

GiggleSugar — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:00:00 -0700

Little Gordon Ramsay has branched out. He's now no longer just verbally abusing his mum - he's being taken to restaurants where he practices giving the kind of obnoxious, abusive advice that will make him famous years later on Hell's Kitchen. Good job, parents! You've raised a little terror.

Illinois Sheriff Checks Himself Into Prison

LibertySugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:15:34 -0700

Despite overcrowding in US prisons, an Illinois jail has booked one man who hasn't committed a single crime - the sheriff. The creative experiment sounds dangerous to me, but Sheriff Mark Curran, who will be behind bars until Aug. 27, thinks spending time in another man's jumpsuit is the best way to understand the inmate experience.

Sheriff Curran sleeps in his own cell for safety reasons, but so far most inmates don't seem to realize he's the sheriff. He hopes to gain the trust of those who do realize his true identity by becoming one of them. During the day he'll take part in a substance-abuse support group, GED courses, and a family-communications class. He also plans on working in the kitchen and eating jail food with his fellow inmates. To see what he wants to get out of the experience, read more.

Curran thinks the experience will help him figure out how to solve the problems he can readily fix, like security concerns. But he also believes the hype surrounding his public incarceration will have positive results on the whole system by raising awareness of chronic issues like overpopulation and the disproportionate amount of prisoners who are mentally ill, undereducated, or repeat offenders. While some may consider this a publicity stunt, I think it shows a commitment to improving the chances of prisoner rehabilitation.

You Asked: Can I Force Them to Clean?

DearSugar — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 06:00:00 -0800

Dear Sugar,

I live with my boyfriend and his brother, mostly for financial reasons. If I had the money, I'd live just with my boyfriend. Kris, who is 26, just moved out from his mother's house. He's a very nice guy but he is the baby of the family. His mother always cleaned up after him, cooked for him often, did his laundry, cleaned his room on occasion, kept the kitchen clean, did his dishes, the works. Now that we all live together, I find that Kris doesn't do a very good job of cleaning up after himself. I'm not perfect, believe me, and neither is my boyfriend, but when the trash is full, I don't think that it's common sense, or very nice, to just pile things on top of the lid rather than take the trash five feet to the garage!

I am the only person in the house who puts my dishes in the dishwasher, turns it on when it's full, and empties it when they're clean. I've avoided doing it occasionally to see who will do it without my asking, and neither of them will step up to the plate. The dishes will pile in the sink while the dishwasher is full either with dirty or clean dishes. If I ask my boyfriend to do it, he'll complain about my "nagging." Finally, the kitchen will get so disgusting that Kris will call their mother and she'll drive the 20 miles to our place and clean it up for them.

The main problem is that I find it offensive that their mother, my potential mother-in-law, still babies them. I feel like this is our house, I live here too, and that the people who live here should take care of it and come to an agreement. I can't really put into words WHY I find it offensive that she cleans up after them, but in some ways I feel like she's looking down on me as a bad "woman" because I'm not doing a good enough job at keeping a clean house. My boyfriend thinks I'm crazy for feeling this way yet doesn't do anything to chip in. How can I convey to them how I feel? Am I really just acting crazy? Please help! - Living with Two Slobs Tommye

To see Dear Sugar's answer read more

Dear Living with Two Slobs Tommye -

When you share living space with someone, it's imperative to be respectful of your roommates, and it sounds like your boyfriend and his brother are just so used to someone picking up after them that they don't know the basic fundamentals of cohabitating. With that said, you need to lay down the law ASAP. Living together before marriage is a good way to get a glimpse into the future, so set your ground rules now before it's too late.

If I were you, I would call for a house meeting and suggest hiring a maid immediately. If you split the cost three ways, it can't be all that expensive and it will eliminate the "nagging" that your boyfriend feels and the frustration you feel about the boys being slobs. To maintain a clean house, I would also fairly assign chores and make sure they understand how important it is to respect each other's living space.

You are not crazy for feeling the way you do and I happen to think it's completely inappropriate that their mother still cleans up after them. She certainly isn't doing them any favors by continuing to baby them. Hopefully, once the maid comes on a weekly basis and everyone pitches in accordingly, you will be future mother-in-law free and living in a clean house before you know it. If they aren't willing to change their lazy ways, you're going to be better off living on your own. Good luck!

Source

Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 10:00:00 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

As I slammed down the phone I could feel my face flush with pure anger I can't believe she had the nerve to set her wedding date on the same day as mine! If I had the nerve I would've knocked her out! I could feel the tears coming so I took a few deep breaths and said my social security number backwards. I had to focus on work right now. So I turned to my computer, opened my e-mail, and saw a message from my boss. She said, "I know that this is short notice, but I need to see you in my office ASAP. There are several things that we need to discuss."

I grabbed my yellow legal pad and blue pen, and went in to her office. Why was I sweating profusely all of a sudden? "Please close the door," she said. I sat down in the chair across from her desk. What I wouldn't give for this view, I thought. "What's up?" I said casually?

"Emily," my boss said looking me straight in the eyes, "you have been doing such an amazing job lately that we have decided to give you a promotion! Congratulations!" "Really?" I said, "That's great, but, uh, isn't that job stationed in London?" "yes," my boss said "is that a problem?" "Of course not. It's amazing. Thank you." Emily said but what she was really thinking was, "A destination wedding in London will top them all, especially hers."

I went on the Evite website and did a mass invite to my wedding explaining that I would be sending the real invitations later. Perhaps if I got mine out before her more people would go to mine. In the midst of my anger, I even sent one out to her. The next day I got a call from her. "Hi Emily," she said, with so much fake sweetness it could give you diabetes. "Just got your evite, sweetie. 'Course I can't come, you know... Jared and I are so busy with wedding planning and all that. Can't wait till our honeymoon in Milan... Jarad rented out an entire villa! Did he ever take you to a villa, Emily, hmm?" Emily cringed, thinking back to the days of her and Jarad's tumultuous relationship if she only knew what we did before they got engaged. I wish I could just rub it in her face how he thinks I am a better lover than she is. The ignited passion between us that stemmed from the mutual contempt we had towards each other. I guess what they say is true: there's a thin line between love and hate. "Haha, no he never took me to a villa, but we had a most amazingly hot weekend together in Paris, Dans le Ritz" I said, using my most excellent french accent. "In fact, it was him not me who ended up begging for more. Anyways, Matt is a much more generous lover and our wedding is taking place in London..."

I tried not to smile but it was all too true. I could hear her breathing, she was angry. I could tell things were going to get competitive and ugly. It was going to be a battle of the weddings. I was almost ashamed of myself for being this determined to make my wedding better! Besides, she had no idea that I had already hired her sister, who was a personal trainer, to help me look and feel amazing on my wedding day. Which reminds me, I have to go meet her soon to discuss my pre-wedding workout program plan. "Listen hun, I actually have to run. Gotta look super skinny for the wedding," she said. "Yeah you could lose a pound or two or ten," I said as b*tchy as I could before she hung up. I then began thinking to myself about the weight I have been gaining lately. I have been trying to lose weight, and unable to. I have already cancelled four of my morning classes due to feeling sick. Wait could I...no...I can't be pregnant can I? I better not be! I can't have my fabulous London wedding looking like a blimp! Amanda would surely love to see my wedding fail and all the rumors she'll spread! Oh dear god. hopefully it's just pre-wedding weight due to the stress of planning this.

I can't handle the fact that my future mother-in-law is wanting me to wear her old wedding dress! It's the most hideous dress ever and probably won't even fit me since his mother is larger. What am I going to do I thought to myself. Problems are already arising out of nowhere. I took a breath, laid down on my bed, and completely passed out! I awoke to the intoxicating smell of my fiancee cooking dinner. I couldn't shake the dream I just had, well, if you could call it a dream, more like a sleep panic attack. Flashes of me, in a hideous wedding gown, half of my guests not showing because London is crazy far, and my 'friend' laughing her holier than thou ass off at my misguided attempt at being 'better'. I got up and tipped toed over to the kitchen. I wanted to catch of glimpse of my fiance cooking without him knowing I was watching. I couldn't control my laughter as I saw him dancing around the kitchen to a popular Michael Jackson song. It was in that moment that everything came together -- he is definitely the love of my life. How could I ever doubt that he was the one for me. When he proposed I took a week to give him an answer. He proposed over cell phone while he was on tour. I didn't think he was serious at first. I told him I need a ring and a bended knee and he had the nerve to say I wasn't special enough! Luckily he was joking. God, how amazing will our life be together? After he noticed I was watching he laughed and motioned for me to sit at the table.

After eating, I told him about London. He was ecstatic! But I had to make sure of one thing: I wasn't pregnant. I told my love I was going out to Walgreen's and would be right back. I didn't want to alarm him. When I got back, before I could get the door fully shut I dashed into the bathroom. After 15 minutes of waiting the test read... Pregnant. OMG I AM PREGNANT. Well, maybe now by the time of the wedding, I will have to wear my mother-in-laws dress after all. I decided to tell Matt right then and there. I stormed out of the bathroom and up to Matt.

"What's wrong luv?" "I'm pregnant." He looked at me and just stared. Literally, just stared! I don't think he even blinked!!! "Well?" I asked. Then Matt said,"Well if its a girl I've always been partial to the name Chauntelle, and if it's a boy Liam." I couldn't believe it!!! "What about your band?" I asked. "I can be a rock star Dad." Matt then dashed off to write a song about the baby. I couldn't believe it! A man not freaking out over becoming a Dad so young? He came out of his studio room an hour later. He had wrote a song called Baby Wedding. I screamed out of frustration. This can't be right, those stupid sticks always can make mistakes so I'll just go to the doctor! I told Matt, and grabbed the car keys.

I rushed to the doctors and took the test and awaited my results. As I flipped through a magazine, well none other then Amanda walks in, pale as a ghost! She didn't see me, and made her way to the desk, where the secretary whispered. "Oh my God, is she pregnant too?" I thought to myself. "NOOOO" Emily screamed. "I can't be pregnant, I'm a bride to be!!" She glanced over and saw me staring. I was trying not to laugh. Then my results were in... "Negative"

YESSSSSSSS!!! Amanda's jaw dropped and I left her like that.

Fast Forward 7 months later.

The weddings of Emily and Amanda was next week. After Emily's pregnancy scare and Amanda's miscarriage, they realized it they are so alike and they should have a joint wedding. Everyone was looking forward to it, however no one expected cousin Billy Bob to show up with his new male partner. Who knew that he was gay???

Emily glanced up and down the hallway of the chapel and pulled her head back into the dressing room. Why had she agreed to wear matching dresses? That was a seriously emotional decision. Regrettably, she puffed the skirt as she stared in the mirror she was sharing with Amanda. Thankfully they had at least opted for separate hairstyles. Emily's was red and pulled up half way and had a feeling of summer about it, while Amanda had her blond hair pulled into a chic chignon. They looked at each other and opened their mouths to speak. Embarrassed, Emily conceded, "You first" "It looks better on you," Emily snorted, suddenly bursting into tears while pulling a bottle of mace from her Lulu Guinness pink leather purse. Amanda screamed and ran behind the mirror. Peeking out she saw Emily poised and ready to attack. "Are you serious? I mean are you actually seriously pointing MACE at me?" She barked. "No," Amanda replied cooly "I'm just...going to... I can't do this! i can't marry Jared! I am in love with Matt, yes, YOUR Matt, he belongs to me!" "He does not! He's mine!" Emily grabbed at Amanda's perfect chignon and yanked it out. "I knew I couldn't trust you!" She gave her a hard shove then another one until she was backed up against a wall. " I knew I couldn't trust you the moment I met you when you..." *BAM!* a loud noise was heard outside their dressing room's door. Amanda and Emily stopped what they were doing and stared at each other in shock.

Jared and Mat walked into the room, Matt grabbed Emily and said, let's get the hell out of here, your friend Emily is a whack job, I have a car waiting outside, we are eloping, I can't wait anymore to be your husband, I love you I love you I love you!

Emily, grinning ear to ear, basically left tracks not even thinking about the fact that she won after all!

Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:30:00 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

"Next time we go wine tasting, can we please do it on a Saturday instead of Sunday?" I typed to Sandra from the office Mac.

"I am super exhausted and have a wine hangover!" "Maybe if you hadn't DRANK so much Kammie," Sandra said. "I can't believe you got drunk from a wine tasting. What was that all about anyway?"

I knew I should've told her yesterday that I had seen Marcus from across the room. He wasn't alone; he was with a girl and what looked like a toddler, too old to be his that was for sure. He had everything I had ever wanted with him, but it was what he wouldn't give me.

L-O-V-E. They were four single letters that meant nothing without one another and everything when put together. Sure he had cared about me, but I cared about the barista that made my iced non-fat vanilla latte too, but that didn't mean I wanted to spend my life with him. The fact that he was clearly playing for the other team didn't help that fact either.

Kammie sighed and started to type back her usual tirade about men and how she was going to join a convent if her love life didn't pick up in two weeks. In the middle of a paragraph, she stopped and started to re-read what she had just written. With a sense of purpose, she highlighted and deleted the self pitying e-mail and typed "Give me a break. It was free wine! Anyways, it's lunch time now. How about we try the new retail diet? It's guaranteed to make your waist line AND your bank account shrink at the same time."

"Oh yeah. Where?" Was Sandra's quick reply. "Hush on Union Street at noon." I typed back. I've been dying to check out the new boutique since it opened in August. I'm sure I'm going to have to max out at least one credit card, but I'm dying to get my hands on a new DVF dress and some wide leg pants before winter gets here.

Now, back to work. Why couldn't I get this bank statement to balance? Maybe because I had a headache so bad I can't see the numbers straight. Why did I have to drink so much?!? I head to the kitchen to grad some Tylenol from the drawer, only to find that someone took the last one and put the empty bottle back in the drawer. I guess I'll .just have to wait on that. I grab a citrus Italian sparkling water from the office fridge and an oatmeal muffin and head back down the hall.

Tabatha, the office gossip, is heading towards me, giving me that I know something that you should know look. "Kammie, you will not believe who I just overheard saying that she saw you drinking a lot yesterday at Stone Villa Winery."

"Somebody else from the office was there? Oh sh*t," I squeaked. "Can you please tell me who, I am really hungover as you now know and I want to eat my muffin sooner rather than later."

"Laney Ridgeway," Tabatha said. "She was there with her fiance and her daughter." "Wh-who's her fiance?" I ask remembering that I saw Marcus with a slightly familiar face. "Marcus Ambrose. He works on the other side of 46th and 7th street I think at that new agency," said Tabatha.

"Yes, I'm familiar with that agency. Thanks Tabatha, that's juicy. I gotta go now." I didn't want to give Tabatha any ideas that might fuel her motor mouth. I took off down the hall and was totally engrossed in my thoughts when I turned the corner and ran right into Laney Ridgeway looking like she had just stepped out of the pages of a magazine.

"Why?" I screamed in my head as she shifted to the side to avoid colliding with me. "Hi Laney. How are you? New bag?"

Laney took in my limp, unwashed hair, and the wrinkled shirt I had picked up off the floor five minutes before running out the door this morning and frowned slightly. I squirmed under her gaze and literally just wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. She looked down at the gorgeous, quilted Versace bag in her hand and nodded curtly.

"Yes, my fiance bought it for me as a surprise. In fact, I think you two know each other. He seemed to recognize you last night at the wine tasting."

"He what?!? I mean, I didn't even know you were there last night. What a surprise! I'm sure he was just mistaken. People always mistake me for other people." Laney narrowed her eyes. "Don't you want to know his name in case you actually do know him?"

Saved by the bell.. My Blackberry chimed just in time. "Ready? I'm downstairs," Sandra had sent to me. "Gotta go! Bye!" I half-heartily told Laney, or should I say Snotty McBoyfriend Stealer. Okay I know she didn't "steal" Marcus but the smug self-pleased look in her eyes told me she knew we had history.

Alone, finally, I looked into my reflection on the elevator doors and felt like my heart was being wrenched out of my chest. As my sad face disappeared as the elevator doors opened, I was staring into the face of none other than Marcus Ambrose.

He was there picking up Laney for lunch. We did a little dance trying to get off and on the elevator, and sheepishly said our goodbyes.

Once I got off the elevator, I walked through the crowded lobby out into the fresh air. I needed that after the last 45 minutes took me for a ride. Sandra was walking towards me from the cab. "What the hell took you so long Kam?" Sandra asked. "Get your butt over here, otherwise this cab ride will cost us about as much as we want to spend today."

"Sandra you will not believe who I just ran into and what I just heard. It was crazy up there for a bit. Tabatha told me about Laney being at the wine tasting with her fiance and her fiance turned out to be Marcus, who I saw at Stone Villa yesterday," I said in one breath.

"WHAT? Do we need to walk to get the whole story? Should we be shopping? Let's get out of the car, find a cafe, order heavily caffeinated drinks and talk about this. Driver please stop at the next cafe, Starbucks, whatever comes first," Sandra said.

"OMG do I need a latte with a shot of espresso," I said. "Sorry about the shopping San, I know you were looking forward to it. How about this weekend?"
"Honey, when you have gossip like this, shopping can wait. And besides, this way you have to buy me something in return for listening to your life story," Sandra said.

"Ma'am, I got you Starbucks; that's be $24.50 ladies," the cabbie said.

After talking to Sandra over our Starbucks lunch, I felt much better. What could I do about it anyway? I went back to the office and ducked into my office quickly, so nobody could see me. I needed to refresh and get this whole mess off my mind so I could do my work and get the hell out of here.

I turned on my monitor and noticed that I had received a new e-mail since this morning. It was from an unfamiliar address. I didn't have time to mess around with personal matters, and the subject line didn't seem very business-like: "What is Going on With You?"

I was about to crack a folder open to start research for the new company ad we just received moments ago when my phone rang.

"Kamron Smith," I said. "Hi Kam. What is going on with you?" Jim said.

I knew instantly that I could safely delete that e-mail because it was from Jim, "my office buddy" who was 2 offices down, but always decided to call me instead of dropping in to chat. "Jim, you realize that we are 2 offices apart and can just come in anytime. I don't think either of us have anything to hide."

"I know, the secret phone calls are just too thrilling to me though. Nobody knows who either of us are talking too," Jim breathed. "So what is wrong with you? I saw you this morning not looking so hot and really frazzled."

"Oh, Jim, why worry your pretty little head over these issues? You know you don't have to pretend to care right? It's only sex between us, not emotion," I said you under estimate me, Kammie. I care about you much more than you give me credit for. So what's up?" Jim was so convincing sometimes.

"You do not. Anyway, I just found out that my ex is marrying Laney Ridgeway and after a night of drinking too much at a wine tasting, I just wasn't ready for that." Why did I feel safe confiding in Jim? He was so easy to talk to.

"Well, you are better off without him, and she probably deserves him. You know, I heard that she isn't even sure who the father of her kid is? Okay, so let me take you out tonight and you'll forget all about what's-his-name?" Jim said.

"I can't possibly go out tonight, I feel like I've been hit with a garbage truck." I sighed. Jim was very firm in his reply. "Then I'm coming over and we'll order in and get cozy on your couch and watch a movie."

I agreed and hung up with Jim. Only three hours to go until our "date." Until then I needed to focus on this research project.

The afternoon seamed to drag on. Finally it was 4:50 and I shut down my computer and tidied up my desk. Just as I leave my office I catch a glimpse of Jim getting in the elevator. I decide to take the stairs. My Blackberry rings, it's Sandra. "Hey Kammie, do you want to grab a bite at the new Italian restaurant on Lincoln?" " Sorry hun, I just need to go to bed. How about tomorrow?" I know I should not have lied, but I don't want her to know about Jim just yet. "Oh, of course. I'll talk to you later." Sandra hung up. As I entered the parking garage noticed a letter tucked under my wiperblade.

"What was up with all of the notes and e-mails today," I said under my breath. The envelope was addressed to Kamren. Nobody who would tuck a letter under my wiper would call me Kamren. The note read:

I'm sorry for the awkwardness at your office today. I didn't think I would see you since I have been coming to pick up Laney every Monday for lunch since we've been together. I should've told you before you had to see us together or heard from someone else about us. P.S. was the wine really that good yesterday? I didn't think so, but we never could agree on much, could we? Cheers, Marcus.

Where does he get off ending his letter with a cutesy little comment like that, I thought. I threw the letter in the backseat as I turned the key to start my car. Speeding out of the parking garage, I finally see daylight. This afternoon was drab, perfectly matching my mood and look. Suddenly, Pearl Jam is blaring from my phone as it vibrates and rings.

"Hello?" I say. "Kamren, hi. How are you?" "I'm doing ok, but who is this?" "Oh, um, Marcus. I guess I thought you would remember my voice or still have my number programmed or something." "Oh, no. I just cleaned house when I got a new phone; I took out of the numbers that I don't use anymore," I said.

No, I took that out of my phone and my memory when you took out my heart you bastard, is what I really wanted to say.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" I sarcastically said. "I just wanted to call and make sure you were okay. You looked....well you looked miserable when those elevator doors opened up." "Gee, thanks. You sure know how to charm the ladies," I said ,while silently cursing life." "You were the best girlfriend," Marcus suddenly blurted out.

I was shocked and nearly hit one of those annoying bike messengers. The silence dragged on and I asked "Why are you telling me this now? It's been almost a year since you broke up with me."

"I - he truth is, I feel guilty. I still have dreams about you and in them you're always yelling at me and calling me a bastard. I know I really hurt you and you didn't deserve it one bit. I had some things I needed to get over in order to move on and I just wasn't ready to let go of them during our relationship. You were a fantastic girlfriend and I'm sorry I didn't trust you enough to give you everything I had."

I was shocked. There was not a single thought floating in my head for a good 10 seconds. I was finally hearing everything I had wanted to hear. Did I really want Marcus back? No, but it hurt so deeply when he ended it and despite all the "independent woman" messages we're barraged with every day, I felt like somehow I was to blame for how things ended up. What is it about matters of the heart that can take a perfectly confident woman and reduce her to a quivering, self-pitying, puddle?

"Kamren, are you still there?" Marcus stammered. "uuummm...yeah...I'm here." I took a deep breath and tried to pull myself together. Why!!! Why, why, why???? My head is racing with a zillion thoughts. "I don't know what you want me to say," I tell Marcus as I try and keep an eye on traffic as I inch along. Please I silently beg, please just let me get home. I am going to need a long hot bath to be able to deal with Jim. "I am not sure either..." Marcus sighs heavily.

"You called me and unloaded all this on me and you cannot even tell me why!!" Cause I am supposed to know how to fix everything!! Why do men do that? Why couldn't he have just stayed lost in my past??????

"Marcus, I appreciate your honesty, but I am finally moving on and I think it would be best for everyone involved, especially your fiance, if you just forgot my phone number like forgot yours. Good luck Marucs, and good bye."

I hung up the phone and felt a huge sense of relief - and surprisingly excited about my date with Jim!

Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 11:00:00 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

I woke up with the sun pouring through the blinds...My head was throbbing and my mouth was very dry. As I slowly opened my eyes, the blurry memories of the previous night came rushing back...did I really make out with that fireman in front of my crush??!!! I reached over to my nightstand to grab my blackberry and called Katie in hopes of piecing the jumbled up night together. Only my blackberry wasn't there....crap!! Why was I such a hard partyier??? I sat up immediately, where was my purple Miu Miu handbag??? I scanned my bedroom to notice that it wasn't my bedroom at all! What have I done? I rolled over as slowly and quietly as possible to get my barrings, and low and behold, I was in the fireman's bed. I laid back, put the covers over my head and shut my eyes in disbelief. Just as I was about to come up with a plan to get out of there before he got up, my fireman grabbed me and, gave me the most passionate morning kiss I have ever experienced. Then he pulled away and said "I'll make us some breakfast". He got up leaving the covers on the bed.

I couldn't seam to resist looking at his rear end as he left the room. Just as I was checking him out, he turned around and I noticed he was still quite excited. My heart started to beat fast as I tried to remember the sex that we had last night. Before I could think he jumped back into bed and said breakfast is going to have to be lunch, "I just got called in to work, but help yourself to anything you want, I'll be back in a flash" and hopped out of bed, into his uniform (which did I mention he looked way too hot for words in) and ran out the door. I looked around the bedroom to take everything in and realized this guy couldn't be so bad! I mean, he knew how to decorate considering it looked like page two through twenty six of the pottery barn catalog. Just when I had a good feeling about this, I saw a picture that caught my eye on his nightstand, a picture that made my spine itch, it was a picture of my youngest cousin, Carrie, who had just graduated from college within the past month. The very same picture had been mailed to me and reluctantly stuck to the fridge. I ran past him, guarding the door.

"Who the hell is this?" I shouted, near hysterics. "It's my colleague's daughter?" he said, a little off balance, probably wondering why he'd spent the night with a crazy person. "I've known this kid practically since birth, and her father is my best friend. And knowing that this girl has followed through on her dreams, I can too." Touched by his sweet, even if a little strange story, I let him through and made my way to the kitchen, feeling rather silly for not remembering my uncle was in fact a fire chief in a nearby town. He followed me and said "Last night was so amazing, I will forgive your insecure little outburst. Please stay for lunch." He gently kissed my lips and left the house. I helped myself to some coffee he had already brewed and contemplated whether I should stay. After having my coffee and toast I decided to give Katie a call on his house phone.

“Hey Katie… you might not believe this, but I spent the night with that hot firefighter from last night! “Oh my god,” Katie gasped. “Don’t you know that everyone was talking about how good you two looked together?! So, where are you? Can I come pick you up so we can get coffee and re-cap the night?" I took a moment to figure out if I wanted to leave and then thought to myself, what the hell. "Katie, I am still at his place and he asked me to stay for lunch, so coffee is going to have to wait!!! Just as I hung up the phone I heard a knock at the door. I peeked out and saw a woman-cute, blonde hair, nice tan, low cut shirt with what HAD to be an expensive set of fakies, my heart was saying I shouldn't get jealous that this may indeed NOT be the one who the fireman is actually dating mental note to self: find out fireman's name anyway, I am trying to figure out whether or not I should open the door when I hear the noise of a key being fit into the lock. I freeze, unable to decide whether I should go to the closet or shut myself in the bathroom. I hear the lock catch and before I could run and hide, I was face to face with a very surprised looking woman.

"Oh, sorry to barge in like this," she said, sticking out her hand ready for a shake, "I'm Michelle, the nanny for Nick's daughter. She's at her Mom's today but apparently she forgot his favorite blanket at Dad's place, so here we are." With half of the introduction out of the way, I relaxed a little bit, and said oh yes. He asked ME to drop that off for Nicky. You drive and I'll take shot-gun. we can chat on the way." I was going to find out all I could from this woman. I introduced myself, dressed quickly and we got in her car. I started asking questions, trying not to be obvious. He was 32, single, wanting to get married and have more kids. Nicky's mom cheated on him 3 years ago and his heart had just healed enough to try again. he was so lonely, and depressed. He seemed like the absolute perfect man. But, as we chattered on, it seemed he had his flaws. Turns out, he was a sex addict. I opened my mouth in shock and said "No way! I'm a recovering sex addict as well!" Michelle glanced, up, surprised at my enthusiastic admission, and said, "Well, I guess you have a lot in common then." She paused, considering her words. "I try to stay out of his business, but you seem nice, so I'll tell you this. You aren't the first person I've found alone at his place on a Sunday morning, and no offense, but I'm sure you won't be the last."

I felt a pang of jealousy as she said that, but then I thought about it well, he brought me back here and he has brought others back also so maybe I can change the future part. Then she said "But you are the only one that has ever wanted to come to his ex's house...." then, I added "and can we not tell her about the circumstances in which you found me?" She said sure as we pulled into the driveway. Suddenly I was sick with panic. Am I insane?? What am I doing here? Meeting some guy's ex who I just had a one night stand with? Why do I always get stuck in these crazy circumstances. What would the fireman say when he finds out. Thinking fast I undid my seat belt, opened the card door, and jumped out. Thank goodness we were at a stop light, I thought, as I ran, fists pumping, down the sidewalk in the middle of a quiet, tree-lined suburban street. I heard a horn honking ahead of me and I tried not to look, but it was persistent and getting louder. I finally turned to see who was honking, and could not believe who I saw! It was Katie, to the rescue! She slammed on her breaks and I opened her car door and jumped inside. "Oh my god, what are you doing???" Katie asked, looking at me like I was crazy. "Katie, I am going to drop off the fireman's daughters blanket as his ex wife's house! What am I doing?? Thank god your here, this is all just too much too soon. Will you drive me by the firestation so I can say goodbye to him and finally put this day to an end?" Katies obliges and off we go.