In today’s economy, we all need to save and most of us have less do-re-mi to spend on a night on the town, let alone a weekend getaway. As a result, a couple’s date night too often involves a remote control and, before you know it, you’re in that rut you said you’d never fall into. So, try this on for size . . .

Put a decorative bag or box in the bedroom and every time you have sex, throw money in it. Pick an amount based on your economic ability and set a savings goal. Brenda and Gill wanted to go to Hawaii and, at the time (which was before this economic crunch) they could each afford $20 with every occasion of conjugal bliss. What’s more, they gave tips for exceptional performance and multiple Big O’s! It took them less than a year to earn that trip. And, I swear, I never saw them without a smile on their faces which leads to the next point.

More sex can be good for your bank account and it’s definitely good for your relationship and your health. This is a time when fear of job loss, worries about economic security, and everything from wars to oil spills to global warming to you name it, can lead to down-in-the-dumps lethargy or even full-on depression. Having sex is the antidote. Sex stimulates feel-good hormones and helps you stay in your happy place despite the economy. It relieves stress and who among us can’t use a little stress relief? It helps keep your immunity in tiptop shape. It increases and helps you sustain emotional intimacy. Now, more than ever, we all need feel-good hormones, to be in our happy place, to have less stress, be healthier, and have greater emotional intimacy. And who can’t use a bigger bank account?

Open your Sex Savings Account and start making deposits today. It doesn’t matter whether you toss in twenty bucks or a quarter. Make it within your economic reach, set a goal, and see how quickly you can get there. Next time you’re tempted to splurge on a fattening Starbucks coffee, think about adding to your Sex Savings Account instead. Rather than buy lunch, pack a brown bag and use the savings for a deposit to your Sex Savings Account. With a little thought you’ll come up with dozens of ways to spend less on stuff you don’t need and put more into your Sex Savings Account. You’ll have more money. You’ll feel better. You’ll smile more. And, you’ll be closer than ever to each other. Pretty cool, huh?

Shela Dean, Relationship Coach, Speaker & Author

http://www.ShelaDean.com; http://www.FrequentForeplayMiles.com

Alex is running out of gas, starting to pant a little bit. They decide to dock the boat to walk for a little while. As he rows to the edge of the pier, the boat hits the side of the wooden ramp and makes a thudding sound. The water between the boat and the ramp resembles the sound of sitting in a bathtub, hearing the water touch the sides of the bath. Alex rests the oars inside and braces himself to step out of the boat. His black tennis shoes grip the boards and he lifts out the boat, tying it off immediately. Extending his hand, Tonya takes hold and climbs out with him. The man in charge of the service comes over to offer some assistance, but they’ve already got things under control. Alex shakes the small gentleman’s hand, and off they walk on their day of relaxation and celebration. Hand in hand the couple walks the path that follows along the pier and enjoys the historic views of Seattle. About a mile from where they were boating, they arrive at the piers that are the shipping lanes. It’s such a busy area, and full of traffic on the accompanying street. Alex spots something interesting. All the beauty and activity in this city amazes them, but Alex sees Pier 35, a closed down shipping area that is surrounded by mystery, folklore, and death. It’s somewhat of a legend in the city. “Baby, let’s go in there for a moment.” Tonya looks at Alex as if he’s crazy.

“Now Alex, I’ve done some crazy things in my life, but I’m thinking this isn’t a good idea. I’ve heard about this place. Look at the sign,” she says pointing in its direction, “It says off limits, Pier 35.”

“Come on, stop being superstitious…there’s no one around here to even notice. As long as we stay on the path, we’ll be fine. I’ve been hearing about this place since I’ve been here. I wanna see it with my own eyes. It’s fascinating to see the legend up close. Besides, I might wanna get some ideas for the book I’m writing. Come on…please….” Tonya thinks about it for a moment.

“You don’t play fair. You know I won’t say no. You buster.” Alex takes her hand and they walk through the entrance of the pier that’s still in operation. Walking gingerly, they try to avoid the few employees working on the neighboring pier. They move closer to the actual pier area, walking over the cracks in the concrete leading to the actual pier. The long concrete and wood pier extends past the tall and wide building for storage. Tires marks, broken bottles, concrete stumps all litter the area. Tonya is initially nervous, but finds her curiosity opening up. Walking the distance of the building, they emerge to see the pier, with its rusted gates, one of which is broken. “Did that happen when that car lost control and went into the water?” Tonya asks. Alex looks around, trying to recall the story. “Remember, it was on the news some time ago. They were racing down here and some kid lost control and went into the water.” Alex stands there thinking for a moment, “Oh yeah, I remember that.” Alex walks to the edge of the pier with Tonya inching slowly behind him. They both look at the sight and find it all very amazing. Their heads turn from left to right, observing history. The sounds of the water can be heard slapping the huge wooden logs that surround the pier. Feathers blow past their eyes, as many birds have made this their home. Alex takes a seat along the pier, allowing his feet to dangle. Tonya joins him and sits, staring at him, wondering why he’ so taken with this place. She looks out into the scope of the water, feeling captured by its beauty. This place has some beautiful views of the city, as they sit hand in hand, sharing such peace and quiet. “This is really beautiful. This isn’t the craziest thing we’ve done but it’s by far the most nerve wrecking.” Tonya comments. He smiles at her while observing the traffic moving across the bridge. Tonya rests her head on his shoulder, forgetting they are sitting on the infamous and mysterious Pier 35, but realizing that someone they both once loved dearly, lost their life here.

The End

Across the hall, Tonya has awakened some 30 minutes ago and gazes outside her bedroom window. Dressed in her favorite petite gray shorts and white t-shirt, she pulls on the oversized cotton housecoat she loves so much to fight the morning chill. With goose bumps forming across her body, a sight outside has captured her attention. A small Robin is nested on the tree branch, apparently enjoying the oncoming of the spring. Temperatures are still a bit cool, but any sight of the sun brings all creatures together. She can remember as kids how her and Alex loved when the sun came out, it meant they could spend more time together playing. Things were so simple for them then, as she wonders how adulthood changed all of that. Hearing footsteps, she can hear Alex walking from his room to the bathroom.  A small part of her isn’t ready to see him today. That’s the fear that lies in every human that opens up his or her heart to love again.

To avoid waking her, Alex tiptoes down the hall to the stairs and walks to the kitchen to create one of his culinary delights for Tonya. Mr. Theo, their only known father, taught Alex how to cook some years ago. He loves to cook, although sparingly, and Tonya loves when he cooks. She figures that’s why he was sneaking around the house. Down in the kitchen, the cold morning air has changed the temperature in the house cool. Alex reaches into the pantry to grab the skillet, and two small pots to prepare a feast for them. As he exits the pantry, he barely sees her standing there and jumps, startled at Tonya standing near the counter.

“What are you doing up sneaky?” Alex asks.

“I’ve been up waiting on you to get up. What you cooking?” She pulls out a stool from under the bar and sits, awaiting his answer.

“I was thinking about some eggs, maple bacon and some grits. What do you think?

“Sounds like a plan buddy.” Alex begins preparing their hearty breakfast or what he calls the real breakfast of champions. Tonya watches him and sees the person she used to know emerging once again. A smirk appears on her face, happy to see him once more. “Alex, I want to thank you for last night.”

“What did I do?”

“Well, you listened to me last night and I didn’t really have to say anything. You were actually listening to me all this time I tried to find you. I thought my words were falling on death ears, but you listened and last night was the best time I’ve had in a long time.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Alex responds.

“You don’t have to say anything, especially with that morning breath.”

“See, you always know how to kill a nice moment…jerk.” Alex throws a few drops of water on her as she, turns on the water faucet and douses him with all the water she can hold in her hand. Alex ducks to prevent from being hit and grabs old of the waterspout from the sink. Pulling it out, he turns, points it at Tonya and drenches her. The two friends laugh and play in the water as she runs to grab hold of the hose. Water shoots everywhere, as they fight for control of the hose, slipping and sliding around the counter. Their laughter can be heard outside the house, finally enjoying themselves and letting loose. Laughter like this hasn’t echoed throughout the house in some time, and it’s a soothing sound to both of them as they play. Suddenly, the two kids fall to the floor, as Tonya slips and grabs on to Alex for stability, pulling him down too.  The loud thud against the wood floor would seem like it hurt both of them, but they continue to laugh, holding one another. Looking into one another’s eyes, they finally see the love shared between them.

To be continued….

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

“I’ve dreamed of dropping everything like we used to do and starting from scratch, but I don’t wanna think anymore. There’s nothing for us to think about. I know I love you and you love me.” Tonya places the back of her arm on the top of the couch, leaning her head against her head to relax. She’s visibly enjoying the touch of his hands upon her skin, as her body relaxes. “You’re letting me do all the talking. Why don’t you say something, so I don’t do all the talking.”

“What do you want me to say Tonya?”

“What do you wanna say?” She immediately responds to prevent him from backing out of the conversation.

“Well, I want to take you on a date?”

“Oh yeah?” she sarcastically states because she half believes him.

“No…I was thinking something different.”

“What would that be old man?”

“That would be the two of us somewhere quiet, sharing our deepest thoughts over a dinner of wonderful delights. You and I sitting across from one another on a night not unlike this one, minus the rain of course,” he says jokingly. “Tonya, I just want to be with you. No more games, no more time wasted. If we’ve learned anything, it’s not to waste time avoiding life. I’m tired of hiding behind my pain to prevent me from loving you. I’m ready to take the next step if you are.” Removing her foot from his lap, Tonya leans towards him and asks, “Is it okay if I….” Before she could finish the statement, Alex leans in closer and kisses her for the first time in years, rekindling a love they’ve had for one another for some time.

“Okay, now I know I’m ready,” Alex states. Tonya smiles at him lovingly, thinking, “Finally.”

To be continued…..

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

“Ummmm…is there a reason that you’re looking at me like that?” Tonya asks in a bewildered state.

“I can’t just look at you?”

“Well, you can, it’s just the way you were looking and right now I don’t feel like getting my hopes up Alex.”

“What do you mean?” he asks.

“Nothing…it’s not important.”

“No, but it is important Tonya. At least it is to me.” Tonya places her book down on the table and curls up in the sofa chair, realizing that there is definitely something on his mind that needs to be said; however, she doesn’t want to get her hopes up on them trying to be together if it turns out to be another healing session for him. Thinking that’s what it is, Tonya begins telling him how she feels.

“Look Alex, you know I love you and I’ll be here for as long as you need me to, but this back and forth, talking about our feelings is driving me crazy, so if that is what you want to…..”

“I love you Tonya.” Alex interrupts with a direct comment.

“What?”

“You heard me…you’ve always been in my corner as I in yours and I’m tired of fighting what we should’ve done some time ago.”

“Are you serious?” she asks with tears forming in her eyes.

“Of course I’m serious. I’ve been thinking about the times when it was just you and I. There was so much love there and we were too stupid to see it. Now, I don’t want to waste anymore time. Life’s too short, and if we’ve learned anything in the past year, it should be just that.”

Alex leans forward and extends his hand to her, causing her to lean forward and take his hand. Tonya is still a tad bit leery, but this is the most she has seen from him in a long time.

“So, how would you like to go out on a date?” Alex asks. Tonya laughs as the tears from her eyes move down her face. He immediately embraces her, showing her that he’s serious about the words expressed. The two hold one another as the fire continues to light the room and play a soothing tune for them. Now that they have initiated, its time to travel a road neither one of them have traveled for a long time: The world of dating.

To be continued…

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

The crush is defined by that first so called “love” of your life. You meet, fall in love and then they leave you crushed and abandoned. I’d have to say there is merit to this phenomenon. High school perpetuates the formative years in any adults life, and as I look back at those years, I’m reminded of how the thoughts in my mind now are thoughts that flourished then. This is during the late 80’s and early 90’s when times were a tad simpler, music was fun, and the average R&B group were producing old love ballads and dance songs frequently. Groups like Faze, Guy, Game, Silk, Boyz II Men, A Few Good Men, etc. Rappers such as Heavy D, Rakim, and other rappers dominated the charts with more dance and party geared music. Nothing was like a good Keith Sweat love song for the dances or a Jodeci ballad. With the music come the emotions we connected to the music.

There are those insecurities that we have, the dreams that are lodged in my mind and many other thoughts. My mind recalls walking into this weathered building with three other separate buildings called high school. The school was an older structure but it had a personality about it that made it somewhat appealing. The nerves within me shook thinking: What do I do? Will I fit in? Will anyone like me? Will they hate me? There was a parking lot that separated the two schools. The walk from building to building made me adjust quickly to the lifestyle of high school. On that first day, walking from class to class, eyes were upon me as many people walked throughout the parking lot to change classes. Would I be placed in one of those categories that you didn’t want to be a part of in high school? Everything would be done to fight that, but my parents expected me to concentrate on books, not friends. You have committed high school suicide if you are a smarty pants, so I made sure the perception of me being smart was below radar. My main concern was making friends, especially being that I was coming from an entirely different district. Initially things would start very slow for me. However, during that 9^th grade year, there were allegiances made; however, there was one that would change my life forever.

As a skinny 5’8, 146 pound kid in the 9^th grade, I was a long way from finding that infamous thing called a girlfriend, but I never realized she was in my face the whole time.  Self-esteem is one of those things that you either have or don’t. It can increase as well as decrease. It’s unfortunate that it takes a shorter time for it to decrease, whereas it takes a significant amount of time to increase. After a day at school of being ignored, Tonya walked up to me and touched my shoulder to check on me. At that moment, I was in love, but too scared to ever say anything really or pursue it till now.

To be continued….

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

The image of her brown looked soft to him as he watched her walk along the pathway, now it glows in the crisp night. Tonya walks inside the house and lights the candle in the window like she normally does for her father’s spirit to find its way back.  As the candle from the window flickers from inner breeze, Alex is reminded of her beauty. The shape of her body is majestic and piercing at times. The two stairs that lead into the house play host to his body. There, on the stairs, she preoccupies his thoughts, lost in her more than before. It’s been a while since he’s looked at her in this manner. The night smothers any light with the exception of the light beaming from the house or the small candle. With just a pair of shorts on, the sweat still forms upon his chest and brow, as a result of thinking about her soft lips, deep brown eyes that light up when she smiles, her succulent neck that calls to him on this night. These thoughts clutter his mind as Alex happens to see inside straightening some items. With her silky black hair pulled back, and a long white cotton sheer dress on that highlighted her radiant body, she walks peacefully to the door to look outside. She seems to have something on her mind, as she’s a little withdrawn. Was there something on her mind? Tonya is mysterious as she looks out to see if the night has truly begun. The night air ran through the screen and through her dress, lifting the bottom, displaying her radiant thighs.

Her small feet ran across the floor to the armchair inside. There she sat with her arms wrapped around her knees staring at the fireplace of which she started. She seems to be lost in the sounds of the crackling wood, the scent wood, and her own thoughts. What could she be thinking?

His thoughts begin to betray him, thinking of impeding on her space, but she appears to be lonely. Arising from the worn stairs, he walks inside and stares at her with a look of admiration. She stares upwards, wondering what his intentions are. Alex smiles at her and leans down to kiss her upon her lips.

To be continued…

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

The night is one of loneliness and sadness, covering the walls of our home. The thunder beats down like a bass drum to create a somewhat eerie night. The darkness of night descends down upon our home like it normally would around 8 pm. The trees lie against the house and scratch at the second story window. I always felt like the trees were talking to me. They only seemed to make that noise when something was about to happen. There are no leaves on the trees to hide the design of the branches. The window sits facing the stairs and it’s my usual spot to sit and listen to what happens in our home. As the old hardwood stairs support me, the sounds from my mother and father’s room echo to me in an eerie manner. Sometimes I wish there was a way to grow wings and jump from this window to avoid hearing this mental clutter. From the outside, our home stands two stories, white, with a big porch up front. There isn’t much in the backyard but two electrical wires that run from the house to the utility pole. From my bedroom, the wires sit next to the window. Often times, I dream of one day jumping on to then and scaling to the bottom to see how it feels. But they are just dreams of mine that help me dream. I’m never really lonely because the house makes enough noise to keep me company with all the creaks and strange noises we hear at night. Suddenly, on the steps I feel the stomps of feet pounding away at the wood. “Daddy, what’s wrong!’ I yell. He smiles at me as he runs past me laughing. He’s running from my mom as they play some childish games. There’s no surprise that they have been play fighting again. Sitting here in this spot, one can hear the sounds of voices, but not exactly what they’re saying. These are the sounds of tones going up and down. There is this feeling of happiness I have at that moment because the house was so warm. Suddenly, there is this pounding on the door that takes me out of my dreams. Fearful I run upstairs to my bedroom and hide under the bed.  Sliding under the bed, the banging against the door gets louder, followed by a loud crash. The dust under the bed climbs into my nostrils, making me want to sneeze but I can’t because it would give away my hiding spot. As if lightning was striking in the house, I hear the loud piercing sounds ring out several times with voices that followed. Then there was nothing, but quiet. At that moment under the bed, she knew something was terribly wrong. Being only 6 years of age, her parents were taken from her through the hands of thugs who had mistaken her parents for someone else.  Lying in the bed, Tonya begins to cry, still affected by this tragic event, but at the same time finally facing something that devastated her.

To be continued…

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

Through the years, Tonya was shipped from three houses before she ended with Mrs. Anderson, a foster care thief who used the kids to gain the money. Being that Tonya was the oldest, she took care of all the children in the house while Mrs. Anderson came and went as she pleased. Sometimes, Alex would come over and help her monitor the children. As she grew older, she is still an awkward teen with her granny clothes, and long frizzy hair. Her light colored skin was smooth and almost flawless. Frequently at school with Alex, many of the children thought they were related. There were even days when he truly acted as her protector. Once he beat a boy fiercely for slapping her and calling her names. It was actually a boyfriend that didn’t like that she was talking to him, so he became violent. She came to Alex and told him what happened; that was that for him. He beat the boy so bad that he urinated on himself. That’s a beating if it makes you pee your pants. After a while, it was known that no one mess with her, just out of respect for him wanting to protect his sister. He’s always been protecting her, but now she is protecting him in more ways than one as they sit and try to move on with their relationship.

To be continued….

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!

“Not much,” he replies. Tonya moves down the back stairs, closer to her ax-wielding brother.

“Alex, can I talk to you for a second?”

“Sure, I thought we were done talking” he says as he’s swinging the ax blade into the log to split it.

“Why didn’t you tell me you kept the place?” she asks referring to him not telling her he held on to the house.

“I did initially attempt to sell it, but I couldn’t go through with it?”

“Why not?” Stopping the work of chopping, Alex leans the ax against the log and looks at her.

“It’s not the why, it’s the what for?” He says cryptically.

“What does that mean Alex?

“I just couldn’t, plain and simple. Honestly, there’s no need for us to have this conversation.”

“So you can make decisions and I can’t.”

“Wait, wait, wait one second…I don’t owe you anything and I’m not going to stand out here and argue with you. You want someone to argue with, you go your old boyfriend back in Seattle. I’m in a great mood and nothing is changing that. I’m getting over the death of my wife, and that’s it. You can either like the fact that the house is still here for us to enjoy or you can’t like it. I really don’t care one way or the other. Now if that’s all, I’m going to finish this. I mean Tonya, when are you gonna grow up. We haven’t really discussed our feelings all this time and all you want to do is pick a fight. Could you please go away so I can finish? Thanks…” Alex picks up the ax and continues to chop, sending her the message to just walk away. Head down, she walks towards the back of the house, foregoing the door, and walking around the side of the house to sit on the porch. Arriving at the old swing bench on the porch, she sits, mentally kicking herself for not just talking to him.

Sitting there for a period of time, she see’s Alex enter the house to place the wood by the fireplace. Rising from the rigged old bench, she rubs her hands together to warm them because of the clamminess that has set in. The old porch swing moves back and forth, drawing attention to the partially rusted chains. Opening the door she sees Alex stirring the fire, just like Mr. Theo used to do.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” she says to him as he loads the wood into the fireplace.

“Um, sure…” She notices that Alex isn’t at all upset, although her past attempt could have made him upset.

“I’m sorry for what I said to you earlier. Didn’t mean to start anything.”

“Okay…”

“I’m also sorry that I haven’t had the time or made the effort to talk to you.”

“Tonya, sit down on the couch.” Alex gets the fire going and the flames rise with every second. Slapping his hands together to remove the dirt from his hands, he sits on the couch. Tonya remains standing in the doorway, “Please, have a seat Tonya. I’m not upset with you.”

“You’re not?” She asks, surprised at his response. Tonya removes her black fleece jacket and places it across the arm of Mr. Theo’s chair.

“No…so what’s on your mind?” Alex asks.

“I feel so disconnected from you, that’s all.” It was the beginning of a conversation that has been waiting to take place. Maybe now they can learn how to move forward, and be together. Maybe?

To be continued….

“Return to Pier 35” is on every Monday at 9am PST. Please participate in the show by leaving comments and suggestions about the show or what you think it should happen next! Our author might consider your ideas for the next episode!