Living in my style has many benefits. That said it is not always smooth sailing. Once in a while a submissive will stray from the balanced, even keel set out as a daily routine. When this happens my rules need enforcement. It is not for some silly game that rules exist but to maintain the, our, relationship as it should be lived. My own mistakes in life have taught me never to back away from rule enforcement, every time I have, things slip to an uncontrollable mess. So today's actions caused my head to shake and disappointment to her actions have lead me to prepare a punishment time. Punishment is not my pleasure. It diminishes me. To my mind it represents a failure to training I have done or expectations and understandings that did not sink in. I know she will accept it. I hope she will not repeat it.

I work strange hours. I go when the work calls. That is the nature of computer network administration. It means that I can leave for a day with little or no warning. Most of the time I'm home doing remote control system diagnostics.

Yesterday I was called away. It was a 4 hour drive. I left early in the morning so as to be on location as the company opened the doors. I called home to announce my arrival so she would not worry about the driving. I got the answering machine. I went in to the computer room and started to quickly bring back up all the systems to allow work to function, as I diagnosed the problem. That took but a few minutes to switch to back up systems. The rest would be harder. Two hours later I came outside to make another call and report my schedule as I now expected it to be for the completion of work. I got the answering machine. I left my message and returned to work.

Lunch time finally arrived and I again left the building. My cell phone reported 4 voice mails but all were work related. I called the house again and got the machine. I did not leave a message this time I just noted the incident to memory and ran out for food and returned all the calls.My work progressed slowly. It takes lots of concentration to do my tasks and I do not allow interruption once I am focused. After spotting the issues I realized I was in for an overnight stay. This is an occasional issue in the trade. I exited the building at closing with all the other over achievers a few minutes after darkness. My voice mail remained empty of her replies to previous calls and this made me concerned. I called her cell phone after the house machine kicked in. The cell went straight to voice as it always does. I know she gets bad signal in the house which is why I rarely use it. I left an abrupt message, "Call me I'm stuck here.".

I went out for some dinner at a local dive. I tried the phone a couple more times and tossed down my napkin with a tip and the check. I knew what I had to do.It was 9:00pm. I put my car north to home. I thought about all the things that could have happened as I made the drive back. I was not going slowly. I put some hard fast miles under me. She was my responsibility. This is a position I take so seriously it is hard to describe. All aspects of our lives are controlled by communication. That is now out of my reach and it means that something has broken down. It was 12:10am when I pulled into the driveway to a dark house. As I entered and looked quickly around to see if she had fallen or otherwise was incapacitated I noticed nothing was really out of the norm except for a pile of laundry and dirty dishes in the sink.A glance at the flashing light on the machine showed all my messages unheard.

Knowing that her car was gone made me feel a little calmer, but not totally comfortable to the situation as it stood. I puttered around the house cleaning things up. As I threw the load of laundry in the washer I heard a car pull in.I went to the living room. She stumbled into the door a little out of breath. I imagined she had run in the house having seen my car. She leaned back against the door with a passive smile as she saw my face. I just looked at her. I could see fear in her. I turned and walked away to the kitchen. I filled a cup of coffee as I heard the keys and purse land on the hallway table. As I poured milk in my coffee the answering machine was playing.I noticed my first message of arrival at the job site had been played and all others now sang out. When she heard the last one she let out an expletive. I sipped my coffee.

She walked into the light of the kitchen. It was then I saw her eyes. She had been out drinking and the smell of alcohol was prevalent. I could tell she was struggling for words so I added to her difficulty,"Check your cell too."

She walked over to her purse, I heard the dialing, a minute later the phone snapped shut. I waited. The sound of her shoes being kicked off and hitting the wall as she flipped them came from the other room. Her appearance at the counter a moment later showed a woman who knew she had screwed up. "So what happened today?" was all I said. "Jesse and I went out to lunch and things got outta hand I guess." was her response. "We went shopping after and then dinner down to Billy's Place. A bunch of the girls came in and we just lost track of the time." "Hmmm," escaped my throat as I sipped again. "So the cat was away is that it?" She looked at me, looked down, "Yes Sir I guess so.""I have to go back to work in the morning and it's late. You're in no condition to handle what is coming. Go take a shower, I'm going to bed. Tomorrow when I come back from the jobsite we can handle this better, don't you think?" "Yes Sir." was her reply.I put down my now finished coffee, rinsed the cup in the sink, and placed it in the drainer. I turner out the light and went to bed.

4:30am came early. I got up and showered. Waking up to a long driving day is not my idea of fun. I made coffee, a full breakfast, then headed out the door. I drove into the rising sun most of the way to work. When I arrived I called home to say I was there. She answered the phone on the first ring. I chuckled. I gave her my planned agenda then went into the job.Things went quickly. All my codes seemed to work first time every time. By lunch I completed the job. The company owner and I went out for lunch to review the systems and all the updates. We talked of other work in the future then parted company. I started back to the house.Funny how you tend to focus harder to detail when you know where your heart is. I called the house. Again on the first ring it was answered and I could hear the vacuum cleaner motor still spinning down in the background. I explained how well things went and I could hear the sigh of relief in her voice to that news. She knew how I got when computers don't co-operate with my plans. It always helps my mood when things go as I want them, imagine that. I told her my arrival time and to be ready for me. She understood what that meant without further explanation.

I pulled in the driveway at 5:30. I had taken it easy on the drive home because I was tired. I made it a point to listen to relaxing music during the drive to keep me calm. I knew what I had to do when I arrived and never look forward to this. I want my anger completely gone when performing a necessary evil such as a punishment. I know that she will be equally disturbed and I do not want to add any more fear to this than has already been generated by just the actions to complete. I turned off the car and took a deep breath. Gathering up all my stuff from the backseat I walked up to the front door and stepped through.

My eyes fell to the site of my girl naked, on her knees in full approach position to me. This is a protocol position we have used since the beginning of our relationship. She is on her knees, butt on her calves, legs spread wider than her shoulders. Toes are pointed flat back and touching at the big toes. Her back is straight, hands behind her head with her head up and eyes down. She has placed a large, thick, wooden paddle on the floor in front of her in acceptance of her coming punishment.

I placed my stuff down on the hallway table. She never moved. I kicked off my shoes and turned to face her. She continued position without a flinch though now she knew I was looking right at her. I walked over to her, reached down to her chin and lifted it up and then kissed her. She responded with a moan and a whimper. I walked past her to the bathroom for a shower. She firmed up to her position.

After a quick cleaning I slipped on a pair of jeans and nothing else. Barefoot, still drying my hair I walked into the bedroom. I tossed the towel to the hamper, I missed. Standing in the mirror I looked at the man. I could see in my own eyes I had reach a point of resolve. I combed back my hair, slipped on a belt and left the room. In the kitchen I poured a fresh coffee. She had made a new pot and it was good to see everything in it's place. I added milk and took a sip, placed the milk back in the fridge and took a deep breath.

I called to her. She walked up to the counter placing the paddle down upon it. She kept her eyes down. "We had a problem yesterday, didn't we?" I asked. "Yes Sir." she replied. "You made a mistake and you knew better didn't you?" Again "Yes Sir." "We are a team in this world and you went solo. You scared me and could have jeopardized yourself by my not knowing where you were. You were not in support of me on the road and I may have had a problem or an accident when you were unavailable is this correct?" Trembling lips near tears now responded "Yes Sir, I'm sorry Sir." "Worst of all you went drinking without permission so as to make yourself completely useless to any needs I may have had and drove home drunk. Is this true?" Tears now flowed as a weak impassioned "Yes Sir, forgive me Sir." fell from her lips. "Punishment position. Now!".

She turned and went into he living room after handing me the paddle. At a blank spot on the wall next to the hallway she placed both hands. She positioned herself to almost a 90 degree bend, exposing her naked butt. She spread her legs wide apart so as to keep her balance for the coming blows. I watched as she settled in. After I heard her give a deep hard breath I stepped up beside her. I placed the paddle against her ass. "I counted three full offenses in yesterdays actions. Is that how you see it?" I asked in a low deep soft whisper. "Yes Sir, I agree Sir." she said. Tears were dripping to the floor and a sniffle escaped from her. "OK, 36 then." is all I said.

When using a wooden paddle a Dom must be mindful to serious injury. The contact will create impact bruising that can be dangerous. The use of this implement takes much attention to force. This is always the first thing that comes to my mind as I line up for the first strike. My practice is three quick smacks per cheek then stop, move to the other side very slowly and repeat the strokes. During punishment I do not rub or allow rubbing. My pace is determined by pure reaction.

36 with a paddle is a severe punishment. It cannot be rushed. This particular evening takes special care. One point is her mental state. Her tension to the blows makes a lot of difference. Relaxed muscles need less force. The device will splat and cause a blister. This must be avoided at all costs. Her first few minutes will be tense, then change at the end as she acquiesces to her fate. I move through the punishment accordingly.

I place one hand on the small of her back so she knows I'm about to begin. With a slight pressure downward her bottom arches out to full extension. I draw back the paddle and land it three times in succession. CRACK, CRACK, CRACK. A loud OWWW emanates from her as I apply the other cheek. CRACK, CRACK, CRACK. I move around to the other side. She is shifting her rump to try and move the sting as I apply the next three back on the first cheek. CRACK,CRACK,CRACK. She is up on tip toes, then back down. Her crying and apologizing begins in earnest know. CRACK,CRACK,CRACK. I shift position as she leans up and down, trying to catch her breath, crying and drooling to the increasing pain of the paddle. I wait on the otherside for her recovery. Again I place my hand on the small of her back. A small puddle of sweat is there letting me know she is taking this punishment through great strain. I observe her cheeks. Red with small blotches now appear in distinct placement. I adjust my target area to compensate. CRACK,CRACK,CRACK. I push down on the small of her back. Her feet shift accordingly and her legs rise up again. CRACK,CRACK,CRACK. "Half way there" I say as I move around. "YYYYYyyyes SSSSsssir" escapes through the crying.

Observation and knowledge come directly into play now at the half way point. A submissive in punishment is not going to sub-space. She is trying to put the pain somewhere but as it is a complex mental state she is in, the guilt will interfere with placement. My voice is the only comfort she will find in the moment and even though I'm wielding a painful lesson on her she needs the reinforcement of my voice to bear up to the task.

I kneel down next to her head to whisper, "Your taking this well girl. I'm proud of you. Keep it up." She can't speak, her breathing is herky jerky and gasping, I understand that. I stand and deliver quickly, CRACK,CRACK,CRACK, pausing for just a couple seconds I finish this side. CRACK,CRACK,CRACK. She can't even vocalize a cry any longer. I need to get this over with. I move around. Look for a fresh target point and dispense again quickly and lighter. CRACK,CRACK,CRACK, pause, pause, other cheek, CRACK,CRACK,CRACK. I shift for the last time and strike fast. CRACK,CRACK,CRACK, pausing letting her breath, CRACK,CRACK,CRACK. It's over. I stand straight up and look at her. I rub my hand down her back and lean it to say, "It's over. You may rub."

Her knees buckle as she kneels to the floor. She reaches back with both hands to her very tender ass and barely touches them to start putting out the fire. I watch closely. Slowly she rolls to her side and into a ball. Crying is now coming back to normal. She is a ball of sweat too. I turn around and go to the couch. I toss the paddle down on to the seat and get the afghan quilt which decorates the back of it. As I walk back to her I unfold it. I step up to my punished little girl and place the quilt over her as she lays there on the floor. I tuck it under her chin and kiss her wet cheek. I reach over to the table beside me and bring down the box of tissues. I snap a couple out and place one on her nose so she can blow. She does and I wipe her dry and clean as I can with the other one. I pet her hair and head for a second. "You took it well." is all I said as I stood and walked to the kitchen. I need a coffee.

I stirred some milk into my coffee. My hand is shaking a little. I really hate doing what I just did. I take a deep breath to relax. Then a large sip from the cup. She has stopped crying now and is occasionally gasping a breath to compose herself. I walk to the refrigerator and pull the juice out. I open the freezer and grab a large handful of ice from the bin. My elbow closes the door as I turn to the counter. I put the ice in sink. I open the drawer next to me and pull out a plastic baggy. Opening it I place the cubes inside. Upon zipping the bag I get a dry dish towel off the stove and wrap the ice in it. I pour a large glass of juice as she appears at the counter.

I walk over and hug her. This is a hard squeezing hug. I hold her as close as I can. She whispers "I'm sorry Sir" in my ear as she begins to cry softly again. I lean back, wipe the tear from her eyes " I know dear, it's over." I reach over and pick up the juice. I hold the glass for her to sip from. I let her take several drinks. I adjust the afghan around her shoulders and head her off to the bedroom bringing the glass and ice with me. Once inside I place the glass and ice on the bedside table and pull the covers back. I take the quilt off her and guide her to a laying position on her stomach. I pull only the sheet to cover her for a moment as I go into the bathroom. I open the medicine cabinet and pull down some lotion. It is her favorite and she has earned this for taking her punishment so well. I return to the bedside and pull back the sheet. I drizzle the cold fluid on to both cheeks. Gently I rub it in. She is very tender. Hints of black and blue are starting to really show now. She flinches slightly as I touch certain spots. I finish quickly. I reach over and get the ice. This I place in her hand. She reaches back and puts it right where she needs it. I stand and pull the sheet over her again, lean down and sweep the hair from her face. I kiss her cheek and leave the room. We can talk later about all of this if she wants to.