Athos

just back from the grocery store, and now enjoying a snack: dried figs and apricots. Yum.

Pictures are undoubtedly important. Having said that, I've booked with ladies where the pictures left me uncertain, only to be completely blown away by their beauty when the door opened. I've also had the reverse reaction. Sometimes the pictures can create too much anticipation. So, I take a bit of a wait and see attitude where pictures are concerned.

I'm looking forward to a week of no responsibilities. Porthos

If it was in March I might even be able to make it down for the festivities. Porthos

Well, 2013 was a year of ups and downs. Professionally it has been rewarding, but sometimes difficult. Like RG, I've had to deal with the ill health of aging parents. My mother continues to be in extremely poor health. In 2014 it looks like we will continue counting the days she has left. On the positive side, I met many fabulous people this year, both inside this community and outside it. My children continue to amaze and inspire me and make me incredibly proud. So here is to 2014 .... may it bring everyone health and happiness. Porthos

sushi ... yum!

congrats on 500 posts ... keep them coming.

For my Newfoundland friends: "Green Grow the Rushes, o" I love the version by the Irish Descendants on their Celtic Christmas album. Also a Newfoundland favorite, I like "The Seven Joys of Mary", especially the version by Great Big Sea.

Wonderful post, and i too would like to thank everyone who contributes to making this a great place. I take breaks from time to time, from the hobby, and sometimes I'm less active on the board. It's great knowing it is here, checking in on old friends, and knowing that there is always a place here for every one of us. Cheers, and Merry Christmas Porthos

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts roasting by an open fire) ... esp. Nat King Cole's version. Porthos

we spend it at home ... some egg nog, a roaring fire, maybe a wee dram of something stronger. Carols playing, sometimes we watch an old Christmas movie. Always a classic ... Alastair Sim as Scrooge, or It's a Wonderful Life. Porthos

back to the OP's inquiry ... i still sometimes get the jitters when seeing a new lady. That is part of the excitement. Porthos

I've done both as well ... very fun and very hot with the right partner. Porthos

Of course ... I frequently have dreams about the ladies I see. Perfectly normal it seems to me. Although I will confess that my dreams usually involve the physical part of the encounter. For about three years I saw one lady fairly regularly. When she invaded my dreams I knew it was time to make an appointment. Porthos.

Some great posts here. I think it is very important to take into account the feedback from the ladies here ... Some great advice. definitely put it out of your head and move on. Porthos

I can remember the first time I went to a spa feeling very nervous, about many of the same questions you are asking Jake. How much, will I have enough? I don't like negotiating, so my inclination is to go to spas where there is a clear pricing structure. I also, I must confess, don't really go to spas looking for extras. So that makes things a bit easier for me. Nevertheless, my advice would be to take the plunge. You've got some excellent advice in this thread regarding the general price structure. Go, make sure you have a couple of hundred over and above the door fee. Don't hesitate to tell your attendant that you are a little uncertain of how it all works. She'll gladly lead you through the money questions. Once that is done, lay back and enjoy. Porthos

shovelling snow!

decorating for Xmas.

I remember when I lived on the prairies, and -15 meant you could forget your hat and gloves and not bother zipping up your parka. It felt like bliss after weeks at -30. Porthos

watching Luther ... a great show. Thinking of pouring myself a beer.

happy birthday

so if you go through with this you absolutely should tell her up front. I don't think escorts are surprised to find anyone looking through ads and seeking companionship. They are used to seeing all sorts of people, from all walks of life. I'm not at all sure what "sort" is supposed to be seeking companionship this way. There is no such thing as typical, and if there is, it likely is that we are all pretty "unexpected". But, I actually think Notch is right ... there is lot's of potential for this to go pear shaped and you would be well advised to avoid. There are lots of wonderful providers. I don't necessarily think seeing a provider because she is someone you wanted in civilian life is a good idea. Porthos

facial attractiveness is very important to me. But, the absence of a face picture has never once determined whether or not I would book a lady. As others have said, do what you feel comfortable with, and don't feel pressured to go beyond that. Porthos

Isn't Christmas a pagan festival??? Porthos

the scotch I"m drinking right at this moment.