I'm going to stay positive and I am going to succeed. I have found in the past that this can be accomplished better when one develops a sense of humor. Additionally, this can be greatly helped if you spend time finding things that amuse you and/or develop friendships that encourage your spastic type humor......or at least friendships that tolerate your childish, toilet-orientated, fart-joke-type, foul-mouthed attempts at humor.
Thank GOD I have a group of equally unhinged and childish friends. Bless you.
With that said, I have to bring to the attention of my viewers and various friend types my take on stop smoking tools and effective strategies offered up by those of the American Lung Association, the Langley AFB Health & Wellness Center and other associated programs.
*AHEM*
1) "Lower your caffeine intake" - it is believed that coffee (caffeine) consumption increases your want/desire/habit of smoking. I am sure this has been scientifically tested and proven. And rather than debate this little factoid, I would rather point out my take on the matter.....
FUCK YOU. Your argument is invalid.
2) "Knit a scarf" - Because apparently when you stop smoking you turn into Martha Fucking Stewart. If I pick up a pair of knitting needles, my next activity will not be knitting it will tracking down the dumb ass when thought of this and...well.....I need a smoke.
3) "It is important to remember that there is no magic pill that will make you NOT want a cigarette" - Well, now that we have a firm grasp of the obvious we can move on. We are people attempting to give up something as addictive as heroin - we are NOT stupid. Seriously, continue to talk to me as if I were 3 and I'm going to drop kick someone.
4) "Hang on dearly to a caramel apple sucker" - I'm not even sure how I feel about this one. I mean....hang on 'dearly' to a....huh? Apparently, we need to molest candy in order to beat a cigarette carving......*creepy*
5)"Walk in an old graveyard with the man you love" - Again WHAT? Is this supposed to be some messed up metaphor? Is this to remind us that the urges will stop when we eventually die. Seriously people take a damn anti-depressant.
I'm a slowly backing away from the list and the other helpful hints provided by the programs that are supposed to be helping me....because they are seriously starting to creep me out and damage my calm.
Wednesday
Tuesday
"The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things"
"The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things"
I'm not sure why this quote struck me as appropriate for this post; I want to talk about one thing. Just one. I want to talk about something personal and maybe a little taboo. I want to share an experience and journey that many have made before me, but one that I have chosen to take for myself, by myself.
Today marks the Day.
I am going to stop smoking today.
Today I am going to take a step forward.
I am sitting here this morning, staring at a little piece of cardboard. This little piece of two-toned cardboard is currently home to a series of little white pills. These foil-enclosed pills hold the promise of something new; they hold a promise I have made to myself and to my family that I will be strong and I will not give in.
The pills I hold in my hand remind me of the promise I made to my father far too many years ago; a promise I failed to keep. Sorry Dad, I wasn't ready then as I wasn't ready to lose you. I felt as if I didn't keep my promise, that maybe, just maybe, I wasn't admitting that I was losing you. Crazy, huh? Your time had come and I have come to terms with that --- this is the final farewell.
A little dramatic?
Maybe....but each person has their reasons for quitting or not. I believe that deep down everyone has an emotional connection to everything they do -- smoking is no exception. If it were, we could more easily part with it.
So here it is, folks. My story.....well, at least some of it. I felt that today I should mark this day with something.
Smoking.
I started smoking as a teenager. He (of course there is a 'he'....I was a teen!!!) was gorgeous! He was older than me and I wanted him to recognize me. Only problem was, HE spent most of his time out of class, hanging around with other assorted 'cool, older kids' and I needed a way into that world.
It was called the "smoke pit" -- he and his friends would hang out there and, well...smoke! So, I decided to give it a try. And I did. And I didn't like it. But he saw me.
Needless to say, I was seen, throwing up my lunch after my first smoke and that was probably the most mortifying experience of my life. Well, my teenage life.
That was the first taste.....
I didn't really start buying my own cigarettes and smoking more than one or two a week until my first job in a restaurant. The stereotype of stressed out, over-worked, underpaid, aimless young twenty-something as a waitress was pretty accurate. As such, I started smoking on my breaks, smoking at the bar and generally smoking anywhere I wanted.
The habit was born!
Over the years I have stopped....briefly......and always found an excuse to start again. Nothing is more difficult than a spouse who is also a smoker. But those days are behind me.
Why did I pick up the habit again? Stress. Boredom. Anxiety. And after my Dad passed away, I needed something. Something to fill the void. Something to help me deal with the stress. And then it just kinda snowballed; gaining speed and momentum until I can't figure out how to stop it, without slamming myself into a a brick wall.
My brick wall seems to come in a form of a little white pill. Better living through pharmaceuticals!!
So here we are folks. Day one.
I'm aiming low here and just looking to make it to day two.
And then maybe day three.....
I may punch someone by Day seven.....but I will hopefully do it tobacco free!
FYI: I may be doing this in honor of my Father; but there are so many people in my life that I look up to for support, encouragement and as a role model. So I hope to continue to write this portion of my blog to help document my journey and to put the spotlight on those whom I look up to as I travel down this road.
I'm not sure why this quote struck me as appropriate for this post; I want to talk about one thing. Just one. I want to talk about something personal and maybe a little taboo. I want to share an experience and journey that many have made before me, but one that I have chosen to take for myself, by myself.
Today marks the Day.
I am going to stop smoking today.
Today I am going to take a step forward.
I am sitting here this morning, staring at a little piece of cardboard. This little piece of two-toned cardboard is currently home to a series of little white pills. These foil-enclosed pills hold the promise of something new; they hold a promise I have made to myself and to my family that I will be strong and I will not give in.
The pills I hold in my hand remind me of the promise I made to my father far too many years ago; a promise I failed to keep. Sorry Dad, I wasn't ready then as I wasn't ready to lose you. I felt as if I didn't keep my promise, that maybe, just maybe, I wasn't admitting that I was losing you. Crazy, huh? Your time had come and I have come to terms with that --- this is the final farewell.
A little dramatic?
Maybe....but each person has their reasons for quitting or not. I believe that deep down everyone has an emotional connection to everything they do -- smoking is no exception. If it were, we could more easily part with it.
So here it is, folks. My story.....well, at least some of it. I felt that today I should mark this day with something.
Smoking.
I started smoking as a teenager. He (of course there is a 'he'....I was a teen!!!) was gorgeous! He was older than me and I wanted him to recognize me. Only problem was, HE spent most of his time out of class, hanging around with other assorted 'cool, older kids' and I needed a way into that world.
It was called the "smoke pit" -- he and his friends would hang out there and, well...smoke! So, I decided to give it a try. And I did. And I didn't like it. But he saw me.
Needless to say, I was seen, throwing up my lunch after my first smoke and that was probably the most mortifying experience of my life. Well, my teenage life.
That was the first taste.....
I didn't really start buying my own cigarettes and smoking more than one or two a week until my first job in a restaurant. The stereotype of stressed out, over-worked, underpaid, aimless young twenty-something as a waitress was pretty accurate. As such, I started smoking on my breaks, smoking at the bar and generally smoking anywhere I wanted.
The habit was born!
Over the years I have stopped....briefly......and always found an excuse to start again. Nothing is more difficult than a spouse who is also a smoker. But those days are behind me.
Why did I pick up the habit again? Stress. Boredom. Anxiety. And after my Dad passed away, I needed something. Something to fill the void. Something to help me deal with the stress. And then it just kinda snowballed; gaining speed and momentum until I can't figure out how to stop it, without slamming myself into a a brick wall.
My brick wall seems to come in a form of a little white pill. Better living through pharmaceuticals!!
So here we are folks. Day one.
I'm aiming low here and just looking to make it to day two.
And then maybe day three.....
I may punch someone by Day seven.....but I will hopefully do it tobacco free!
FYI: I may be doing this in honor of my Father; but there are so many people in my life that I look up to for support, encouragement and as a role model. So I hope to continue to write this portion of my blog to help document my journey and to put the spotlight on those whom I look up to as I travel down this road.
Sign of the Times
Inauguration 2013 -
The first term for President was indeed a momentous occasion - first black President...
Nearly 150 since the Emancipation Proclamation and almost 50 years since the Freedom March; we, the people, of the United States of America have not only voted into office a Black President but we have chosen to vote him into a second term.
I cannot help but wonder how many people actually sat down to watch the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States? And of those people who did watch this historical event; how many realized the history that was being made?
I couldn't help but get a tear in my eye when I watched the event unfold and listen to his inaugural speech. Not only was I moved to see our nation join together to see President Obama take office for a second time, but I was excited to hear the mention of equality for all - to include our gay community and women's equality in the work place.
We the people.
I can only imagine the emotions felt by those in the crowd, and indeed around the country, who lived through the turbulent times of segregation; for those who have lived a lifetime of prejudice for being gay; for those marginalized by society.
Our 44th President spoke of equality and acceptance.
He spoke of change and unity.
He called for social change and for moving forward.
We the people.
Richard Blanco - First Latino, openly gay poet to read at an inaugural ceremony
Myrlie Evers-Williams - Civil rights icon giving the invocation
This is a sign of the times.
The first term for President was indeed a momentous occasion - first black President...
Nearly 150 since the Emancipation Proclamation and almost 50 years since the Freedom March; we, the people, of the United States of America have not only voted into office a Black President but we have chosen to vote him into a second term.
I cannot help but wonder how many people actually sat down to watch the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States? And of those people who did watch this historical event; how many realized the history that was being made?
I couldn't help but get a tear in my eye when I watched the event unfold and listen to his inaugural speech. Not only was I moved to see our nation join together to see President Obama take office for a second time, but I was excited to hear the mention of equality for all - to include our gay community and women's equality in the work place.
We the people.
I can only imagine the emotions felt by those in the crowd, and indeed around the country, who lived through the turbulent times of segregation; for those who have lived a lifetime of prejudice for being gay; for those marginalized by society.
Our 44th President spoke of equality and acceptance.
He spoke of change and unity.
He called for social change and for moving forward.
We the people.
Richard Blanco - First Latino, openly gay poet to read at an inaugural ceremony
Myrlie Evers-Williams - Civil rights icon giving the invocation
This is a sign of the times.
Friday
Needy....LOOK AT ME!!!
I'm needy and I'm looking for validation!
Not really....I can't back that up.
Honestly, I am just looking to expand my blogging base.
I am working on a blog post that basically lays out my resolutions, fears, goals and dreams for this year and the following year.
One of my resolutions/goals for the next two years is to finally commit some real time to my blog and to writing. I have several blogs (some of which are for personal use; some for writing my epic book of useless stories of my life...and well....some are for bitching about my life)
-- I am not brave enough to share all of it with my current readers, but that needs to change.
So here it is blogging friends and world wide web of fellow humanoids....
Add me, share me, talk about me.....whatever.
I want to take the plunge.
I am ready to come out of the blogging closet and share my madness with the world.
So if you visit and like what you read - TAG ME, ADD ME or otherwise make nice with me.
If you don't like me.....well, you're missing out!
Not really....I can't back that up.
Honestly, I am just looking to expand my blogging base.
I am working on a blog post that basically lays out my resolutions, fears, goals and dreams for this year and the following year.
One of my resolutions/goals for the next two years is to finally commit some real time to my blog and to writing. I have several blogs (some of which are for personal use; some for writing my epic book of useless stories of my life...and well....some are for bitching about my life)
-- I am not brave enough to share all of it with my current readers, but that needs to change.
So here it is blogging friends and world wide web of fellow humanoids....
Add me, share me, talk about me.....whatever.
I want to take the plunge.
I am ready to come out of the blogging closet and share my madness with the world.
So if you visit and like what you read - TAG ME, ADD ME or otherwise make nice with me.
If you don't like me.....well, you're missing out!
Wednesday
I'm sorry...but I'm not that kinda girl!
At the risk of offending, well....everyone, I wanted to say something; put it out there.....
"Gun control, isn't my bag, baby" (Austin Powers reference anyone?)
Should it be? Should I being raving like a rabies-infected, gun-toting, NRA card holding madwoman, screaming about my 'Merican right to bear arms? Should I be writing my elected officials, demanding that they oppose the President and his possible decision to use executive action on gun control???
Should I be worried that I may not be able to hunt for food and defend my property against the native population???
My GOD! What is this world coming to??
Seriously.....
Come on people, get a grip and dial it down.
While it might be obvious to those who read my blog on a semi-regular basis, that I am about as liberal and obnoxious as you can find in your everyday, run-of-the-mill Dem., not only surprised by the reactions of American public, but in some ways I'm confused.....
Things I have read thus far about the gun control issues.
1. Oregon Sheriff will refuse to enforce law banning assault rifles & any new laws pertaining to gun control.
My opinion: A sheriffs position is an elected one. If you don't want to follow the law nor do you wish to serve the public with their safety in mind; then resign. If you want to continue in your elected position; if you want to continue to enjoy the support of the majority of our voting base.....dial it in, Deputy Doolittle.
2. Texas. Congressman threatens impeachment if President Obama use executive action in gun control.
T.E.X.A.S. - do I need further explanation? This is coming from the same *level -headed* state that wanted succession from the Union after the most recent elections. The same *I'm not bitter* state that wants to allow an OPEN TO ALL gun law so anyone can buy, sell and shoot ANY TYPE of weapon.
Personally, I say let 'em. Put up a big bullet poof plexiglass wall around the state and allow anyone and everyone to buy a gun.....and then watch as Darwin's Theory of evolution is proven.....only the strongest aka. smartest will survive and then move.
3. I'm not going to pretend I'm not a Facebook junkie. But I swear to God if one more 'friend' posts a link or a 'cause' that I need to support or 'like' I'm going to scream.
What about me makes you think I'm going to accept an invitation to sign a petition entitled, " My right to bear arms'?
I'm sorry, did I miss something? Do I live on the Great American Frontier, where this is no lawman for 100 miles and the native folks gonna pillage my homestead???
Holster your pistol there Skippy and wake up to the 21st century. You spend way too much time in an office, on a computer, playing with your phone and driving & texting....that I'm more scared of YOU holding a GUN than a criminal.....at least they know how to use a weapon.
4. If we need the ability to buy any gun we want, at any time, for any reason......why do we have law enforcement??
5. I would be interested to poll all people who are going crazy over the laws the President would like to impose and see how many people actually own, know how to shoot, have been to a range in teh last 6 months, taken a class and have a right to carry permit?
Yep. That's what I thought.
End rant.
I continue to shake my head and wonder why I would like to bring a child into a world, into a society such as this.
My final thought. Forget Gun Control......I think BIRTH control is a more pressing matter.
"Gun control, isn't my bag, baby" (Austin Powers reference anyone?)
Should it be? Should I being raving like a rabies-infected, gun-toting, NRA card holding madwoman, screaming about my 'Merican right to bear arms? Should I be writing my elected officials, demanding that they oppose the President and his possible decision to use executive action on gun control???
Should I be worried that I may not be able to hunt for food and defend my property against the native population???
My GOD! What is this world coming to??
Seriously.....
Come on people, get a grip and dial it down.
While it might be obvious to those who read my blog on a semi-regular basis, that I am about as liberal and obnoxious as you can find in your everyday, run-of-the-mill Dem., not only surprised by the reactions of American public, but in some ways I'm confused.....
Things I have read thus far about the gun control issues.
1. Oregon Sheriff will refuse to enforce law banning assault rifles & any new laws pertaining to gun control.
My opinion: A sheriffs position is an elected one. If you don't want to follow the law nor do you wish to serve the public with their safety in mind; then resign. If you want to continue in your elected position; if you want to continue to enjoy the support of the majority of our voting base.....dial it in, Deputy Doolittle.
2. Texas. Congressman threatens impeachment if President Obama use executive action in gun control.
T.E.X.A.S. - do I need further explanation? This is coming from the same *level -headed* state that wanted succession from the Union after the most recent elections. The same *I'm not bitter* state that wants to allow an OPEN TO ALL gun law so anyone can buy, sell and shoot ANY TYPE of weapon.
Personally, I say let 'em. Put up a big bullet poof plexiglass wall around the state and allow anyone and everyone to buy a gun.....and then watch as Darwin's Theory of evolution is proven.....only the strongest aka. smartest will survive and then move.
3. I'm not going to pretend I'm not a Facebook junkie. But I swear to God if one more 'friend' posts a link or a 'cause' that I need to support or 'like' I'm going to scream.
What about me makes you think I'm going to accept an invitation to sign a petition entitled, " My right to bear arms'?
I'm sorry, did I miss something? Do I live on the Great American Frontier, where this is no lawman for 100 miles and the native folks gonna pillage my homestead???
Holster your pistol there Skippy and wake up to the 21st century. You spend way too much time in an office, on a computer, playing with your phone and driving & texting....that I'm more scared of YOU holding a GUN than a criminal.....at least they know how to use a weapon.
4. If we need the ability to buy any gun we want, at any time, for any reason......why do we have law enforcement??
5. I would be interested to poll all people who are going crazy over the laws the President would like to impose and see how many people actually own, know how to shoot, have been to a range in teh last 6 months, taken a class and have a right to carry permit?
Yep. That's what I thought.
End rant.
I continue to shake my head and wonder why I would like to bring a child into a world, into a society such as this.
My final thought. Forget Gun Control......I think BIRTH control is a more pressing matter.
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