I need to admit something. Even I was not fully prepared for this one. My mother decided to take scrappy out to visit three of her close friends. All women around her age. All adults. All very aware of exactly what kind of house I run and what it means when one of...

Interview nine has a name now. Ben accepted our offer and officially starts January 2. I am relieved, satisfied, and very much looking forward to settling into a rhythm with him in place. Before that, I decided to wrap up a few remaining applicants. Now that I have...

I spent the last few nights staying with a sub while I was in town. Sweet boy, eager to please, kept the fridge stocked, kept his mouth shut unless I needed it open. One thing that caught my attention? He mentioned the rec room in his building had a pool table....

My mother arrived on Monday and will be staying with me through the holidays. For those who need a quick refresher, she has full access to my boys. Not my husband, but thing1, thing2, houseboy, and now scrappydo as well. She enjoys the comforts of my home very...

So this one still kind of makes me shake my head when I think about it. Annie had arranged for a construction worker to come by. Early twenties, blond, built like he actually uses his body for a living. The confidence was there the second he walked in. The only...

Christmas here was actually pretty damn good. Which feels weird to say, because my holidays usually involve some combination of awkwardness, teasing, and me realizing I am not in charge of literally anything. But this one? Solid. I don’t know if I’ve mentioned...

every year, giving Madam her gifts is one of my favorite responsibilities. it is not about price or size. it is about knowing her, paying attention, and choosing things that feel like they came from me and only me. there is always a piece of jewelry. that part is...

I’m pleased to report that the trade worked. Hannah and I finalized everything, and she has agreed to let me have Charlie for three nights. He’ll be here Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and I am already very much looking forward to it. A special holiday indeed!...