cat

I have recieved many emails with addresses that had me on the floor gripped in sidesplitting laughter. What I find annoying are the obvious alias. I have more John Smiths than I care to count. Makes it easy to remember names tho. I find that email addys like [email protected] sometimes arrive at the most inopportune moments. I have an ancient bb and I can't count the number of times something pops up like this and I giggle at it. My people will want to know whats so funny and we end up discussing the need to put [email protected] out there. Fortunately they know what I do and they all have a wonderful sense of humor. If [email protected] shows up, it simply goes in the "when I get around to it" pile. It just doesn't carry the same priority as [email protected] does. Now board handles are a different story. When I first discovered the boards, I stayed away for many reasons. Since I have had the pleasure of meeting so many here I now realize that the handles are really well chosen. igotaboner could not have picked a more appropriate name and incognito is just that. If I had been Snow White with an 8th dwarf I would have never left the cottage unless Lurker was in the bushes. loneskater could have pulled off loneranger and Passmore could be WhiteKnight, but thats just my take. They all make sense once we meet. And for me...cat...is what I am. Not because I'm feline in nature. Quite simply I have 9 lives, possibly more and have proven it many times to date. For those of you who don't know my story you will have to come see me to understand this. I think the thread on having email addys that do not stand out is right on the money. Remember how important 1st impressions are and the 1st impression you make on me is with your address and then your words... Catherine

Oh my igb! Don't feel left out, I was just talking about you last night and it was all good! I have a very big surprise for y'all when I get back! Cat

Darling ulixestrojan, As any provider on here and I am sure she will back me up when I say... "WE LOVE NERDS!" Catherine

I second that! Not that I ever get PMs like that, but once again you have come up with a solution before I had the problem! Hats off!!! Catherine

Darling MisterE, When the stars align we will meet! I do believe everything happens when it should. I will be listing here in Calgary shortly and then I'm going to take it slow. I'm in no rush out here, just looking for a few wonderfuls to make the time more enjoyable. I'm a little out of my element if I'm not entertaining in some capacity. The sky here is so beautiful, the view I have is spectacular and sharing it makes it even better! Catherine

My Darling antlerman & Incognito... You both certainly know how to make a girl long for home!!! I can't wait to get back, be there by the 20th! Really missing you both! (not being kiss-kiss, it's genuine!) Catherine

I can imagine you have read this thread and is sitting with your stomach in knots and a feeling of dread engulfing you. If it was your intention to decieve, the shame of being found out will be overwhelming and if you are trying to go legit, you're wondering "What now?". Either way, I know you are trying to make sense of the next step. I have spent some time surfing other boards, and I keep coming across an underlying feeling that comes thru as cynical and jaded towards all but the favorite SPs and even then integrity is often questioned. What isn't recognized is that SPs have a pleasing gene, and any indication of disapproval is internalized on a very deep level. The picture you posted indicates you are young and I know your self esteem is probably a little shaky. I have never met a young lady who decided to become an SP cause it "just sounded like fun!". You are working because you need to. Shame is a powerful emotion that SPs stuggle with. Those that say differently are usually decieving themselves. The litmus test is whether or not their family knows. If there is no shame, then those that love them are included. Being exposed can be so difficult regardless of what kind of expose is happening. Whether you are being outed or caught doing something less than who you really are...it hurts. You've been linked to practices that don't look good and now you have to decide to come clean and do things right or roll over and disappear. Both decisions have challenges. I think that it shows a true spirit here on CERB to allow you the opportunity to correct the situation. It will also be an excellent opportunity for you to show what you are made of. If you choose the high road, I think that shows an inner courage and soul that is often missing today. It is easy to walk away, but it does more damage in the long run because when it happens the only person who is let down is the one walking. I can assure you the CERB community is one worth belonging to if you are going to be an SP in Ottawa. Jessica, if you need someone to lend a hand to get you off on the right foot...drop me a PM. Sometimes just having someone listen can help with the clarity. Catherine

Mod, I appreciate the fact that you have chosen to give her a chance to correct things. Inexperienced SPs who have come up thru the "personal manager" system often have never had the alternative business model explained to them and they are just doing what they know to do. Perhaps this will give her the opportunity to set things up properly. Catherine

One of my very best friends is a Lurker! Becoming a hobbiest is a process and it takes time to figure out which pond to start the swim in. Always take the time to get things figured out before jumping in with both feet. The good thing is that it is actually really simple. Best thing to do is just to ask how deep the water is and then dive in! Catherine

My Darling P.S, Thank you so very much! You are right, there is no shortage of spectacular women in Ottawa and I know y'all are in good hands while I'm out here. The main thing is to enjoy them! I come back home once in a while, can't stay away for too long cause I would definitely go into withdrawl!!!! Sweet Kisses... Catherine

I'd just like to take a moment to introduce myself...Catherine St.Claire... recently relocated to Calgary! I'm not working here at the moment, but I have been noticing the western input on the chat and the complete lack of action on our Calgary board! Time for a change I think! I have thoroughly enjoyed the Cerb interaction in Ottawa and with all I have seen in this great city, I'm certain the hobbiests here can get this board up and running in no time! Catherine

My daughter forwarded this to me. Gotta love Jack Black and Tenacious D! Cat

Last time I checked, most ladies have a tendancy to recoil from this kind of intention. Not because of the desire itself, dancers enjoy being wanted, but the "bang" statement is quite telling. I would gently suggest a slight change in your approach and I think you would have a far better chance at achieving your quest. Thought this YouTube sums it up nicely. Just MHO... Catherine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVcouoRqNBA&feature=related

I think this thread is about a local no-show/timewasters list and it is something I would gladly contribute to, altho my input would be limited. I simply don't really have an issue with this happening often. I agree, it is a double edged sword. When I was an agency girl down south I had a client that was an established regular. He was a bit disorganized at times because he always called after a night of indulging too much. I had him for a year with only minor hiccups and then one night he snapped. I spent 4 months recuperating with no income. I told the agency (she had fallen asleep and didn't realize the magnitude of the situation at the time) but she continued to send other girls and it happened again. Greed was the motivating factor there. It was the only time my safety was jeoprodized in my entire career. Clients who are not mentally stable can and will be very cunning with their contact information. But having a list forces them to invest more time, enegy and capital because they can't dupe using the same information. On the most part, clients that waste time do so because they fail to plan properly, it's not intentional. The small percentage that take up the hobby of jerking us around are just yahoos who have no life. They are lonely souls who have empty lives, an axe to grind with the world and take it out on those that can't hold them accountable. To address a couple of the other posts, I believe that this business is built on professional beliefs and the idea that we would waste our time feeding false information to competitors isn't applicable. We do think for ourselves and behind the scene communications would quickly identify anyone who was pulling this. We are all here to make life better and those that run their business from a position of fear of competition have limited longevity and will burn out. Just my 2 cents... Catherine

I realize that cancellations and no-shows happen on both sides. This thread was intended to bring to light the challenges a travelling SP faces. I realize life happens, and I have never implemented a cancellation fee in Ottawa because when my guests have to cancel it is almost always a reschedule and it rarely happens. But I have the luxury of it being my home town, I have a location and my overhead is controlled. The summer of '05 I toured. I spent 3 months on the road in Ontario, planned the trip to the finest detail and came home with a grand total of $1200 net profit for three months work. Most of that came from quick trips back to Ottawa. I would have 25 appointments for a week in a city and 5 would show. Those that did show often wanted to negotiate my rate that had already been lowered to $250 for 2 hours and I had several that walked without paying. So I made $10 per day for the summer. I didn't add in the expense of advertising which required print ads and that was an added expense that actually put trip into the negative. Very disheartening, and I decided not to take the travel route again. I will never "tour". I came home exhausted, demoralized and it was the reason I pulled my ads across the board. I did not have the sparkle or the strength to meet anyone new. I simply maintained the guests I had in Ottawa and did not entertain any new clients. The issue at hand is the expense incurred. Growing up I had it drilled into my head that if something doesn't start well, it probably won't end well. When I see someone like Emma, who seems to share my committment to this as a profession and is so well liked by those that see her, my frustration with the situation comes to the surface. I would like to see the SP's that take this seriously be taken seriously. This thread wasn't directed at the gentlemen whose conduct is governed with integrity, it was for those that fail to realize their behavior has long term consequences on an SP's decision making process. For all those who weighed in...thank you! Catherine

Sweet leyley, Too Much? Now please, we all know how that reads, and it certainly doesn't apply to you! You enjoy completely when the company is right, and by the sounds of it...she's the right kinda girl! Don't wait, she might be the kind that grandfathers rates and 6 months from now $270 will be a deal... Catherine

I do realize that it happens on both sides, but those of us who take this business seriously don't cancel unless the sky is falling in. SP's who are part time or not professional cancel because they fail to realize the fallout from such behavior. I have cancelled appointments but it is a rare occurence, and I always ensure I make it up to my guest at a later date. Quality SP's conduct themselves accordingly. The women who have made this their path and give it their all deserve to be treated with respect. I know those that post on CERB regularly are not the culprits, but most of the members are lurkers and even more just cruise so this will get out there. If you do not cancel, please do not take offense. But for those of you who do.... POP YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR ASSES!!! Catherine

This a rant about a bee that sits in my bonnet and it's about time it got put out there. I have just heard from yet another Indie SP who is coming to Ottawa for a visit because she has been asked and encouraged. Now that her travel date is almost here, she has had numerous cancellations. This is a standard MO for Ottawa, I have spoken with agency managers and indies alike and they tell the same tale. The plans are made, the hotel deposits paid, flights paid for and then the cancellations start to come in and the inevitable no shows happen. The visits are seldom truly profitable, and it leaves a bitter taste on the tongue. So I will take a moment and break down the costs of a trip so it is understood what is involved when an SP takes on a trip... 1. Travel - if an SP is flying one will spend about $1000 for flight, extra bags, taxi etc. 2. Hotel - even a good deal online will run about $140 a night for a decent hotel so for week it will be a financial committment of another $1000. 3. On top of that there are the incidentals, food, refreshments for guests, and a number of other little niceties and toys that are expected which add up to about $250 for the week. That is a bare minimum of $2250 outlayed to "come for a visit". At $250 a visit, that is 9 appointments for the week just to break even. If we stay put, we don't spend that time, money and effort and will still be able to service our established guests. When an SP makes a committment to travel she is putting her money on the line upfront, and I think that it's about time people realized that. Ottawa had a longstanding reputation as being the "cancellation capital" and girls didn't like to visit because of it. The Ottawa market is now seen as "hot" because of the activity on CERB and the quality of the regular posters. This can be misleading because there are only so many appointments to be had with the local hobbiests and the behind the scenes communication shows that guests are making appointments ahead of time with an SP only to change and book with another SP just prior to the intended arrival of the first SP. I realize that everyone has the choice of who to spend their hard earned dollars with, but please show some integrity and when you book with someone try to follow thru, don't cancel on a whim. It gives Ottawa a bad reputation that it doesn't deserve. The time will come when quality SPs will again avoid Ottawa, and that would be a shame because it is a great city full of great people.... Catherine

The sunshine followed me west, I have it here! Cat

Of course we do! Over the years I have seen many SP's become involved with clients, sometimes it works...sometimes it doesn't. It all depends on why it happened. The "knight in shining armour" is often the reason, a client falls for the illusion the SP presents. The SP is the damsel in distress and is thankful for someone being willing to attempt the rescue. This relationship is often doomed once the real personalities start to emerge. In this scenario the SP's working because something in their life isn't and they just want to put things right and move on. When this combination happens, it is often difficult to distinguish the fact from the fantasy until it's too late. Very tricky, feelings get hurt and no one is happy let alone happily ever after. Others end up really getting to know each other over time, and the relationship developes slowly and this type has a chance. I know several couples that started out as business and ended very well, most are still together. It's important to remember that SP's are human and our emotions can come into play at times. I have never seen an SP fall for someone without the someone putting the proposition forward initially, meaning I've never met a stalker SP personally. Good question tho... Catherine

Again sitting outside drinking coffee looking at the endless western sky, it is so blue, not a cloud to be seen and the sun can only be described as glorious! Reading these sentiments it's nice to know my feelings are shared, I think of each and every one of you. I will be back, I promise!!!! Catherine

This made me laugh because I am a dominant female and if a woman has to spend 24 hours with me while I cycle, she will start even if she has just finished. My ex use to say he wanted to go live in cave for the week because there were 7 of us all cycling at the same time under one roof! His patience and inner strength was one for the record books. As for the consistency/variety I would have to side with those that like both. I like to develope the relationship with someone, get to know their fancies and fantasies and then move in that direction. But if I had to maintain it with only one playmate it would inevitably wind down for me. It is not in my nature to be monogamous, was successful at it for over a decade, if you can call it success. My sex drive took a nose dive and eventually turned to a deep seated uneasyness that spilled into other areas of our life. I find the variety keeps me focused, loving life and I look forward to waking up in the morning. I love the change of the partner because every experience is so different. The connections feed different parts of me. Once at a silly bachelorette party which was attended by a followers of the "happy ever after" philosophy, I was asked to describe the perfect man. When the lists were finished and turned into the hostess she was shocked to see I had a over a 100 characteristics listed and not one of them had to do with income, occupation, or the lifestyle they would supply me. The women were stunned with the detail, and promptly agreed I would never find him. Little did they know, I had someone in my life that already had what I was looking for, it just wasn't all in one man. As I always say, "I love little boys because they grow up to be big boys!". Celebrate the differences in all of us... Catherine

Extracts and kitties don't mix well sometimes because of the alcohol content and the tender tissues involved. You would need to find one that is alcohol free, but be careful because extracting agents are by nature harsh. Another note for kitties, anything with sugar content can cause spin off issues. We all have flora that is commonly known as yeast, it is a necessary and natural occurence. But introduce sugar and it can grow into a monster and cause a kitty great discomfort for several days post play. Just an FYI... Catherine

Dear Randy, I read this and gave a little giggle because the impression your post gives is that a good recommendation here can make or break a girl. I didn't advertise online for almost 2 years and still had a strong client base. The recommendations here help solidify a reputation online, but the majority of my clients are not on the boards and would not know to look. As time goes on, that will change but for now its just the icing on the cake. To assume that an SP would think that she can sparkle for a couple of days, get her name on the list and then rest on her haunches isn't reasonable. There is a tremendous amount of work involved in getting up and running and we are all too well aware of the necessity of repeat business. As the gentlemen above have so completely explained, the numbers are subjective. I am well aware if standing next to most of the Ottawa SP's, I should accurately rate a 7 on the physical scale. I have many years on most of them and am still all natural. Next to women of my own age I'm at least an 8, or maybe even a 9. But I am well aware that men who love women love us because we are uniquely crafted. No two of us are made alike, just as no two men will have the identical tastes in the fairer sex. My suggestion is that you drop the SP a note, and just honestly explain your impressions. If you are honest and upfront it gives her a chance to either correct the situation with an explanation or apology and also gives her a chance to recitfy the situation. I have had guests that I knew that I wasn't at the top of my game when they came to play. If they leave smiling then it's all good and I simply give them 120% the next visit. If it really didn't click, then I simply put the envelope back in their pocket and tell them to come back and we'll have a do over. Maybe she would welcome the chance to make it right... Catherine

This is big fun! It's the main reason I love naked lunches, the food always tastes better off of skin. Aside from the obvious sweet preferences (caramel and chocolate with cashews and pecans are my absolute favorite!) I really enjoy the unusual. I love mayonaise (should be Dukes but that can't be had north of the Mason-Dixon), Presidents Choice makes a garlic mayo that is to die for. I love eating hotdog toppings off of where ever they fall. Cream cheese spread properly can take hours to lick off (no teeth, has to be a full tongue lick) and peanut butter with raspberry preserves are also alot of fun. Pies offer an entire menu, with Thanksgiving so close you can try pumpkin sprinkled with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves and topped with whipped cream. I also enjoy liquers like Creme de Menthe or Baileys for an afterdinner start. Licking cognac out of a belly button is a wonderful way to finish an evening along with a good cigar. If one enjoys extremes, I really enjoy ice cream with warm chocolate sauce or frozen berries with warm cream. Textures can include brown sugar (rough and sandpapery) contrasted with creamed bananas or smoothed avacadoes with kettle chips. The possibilites really are endless... Catherine