Sunday, February 28, 2010

Still Quitted

It's been a while since I mentioned how the not smoking was going, and didn't want any of you to think this meant I had caved, so I will mention it now...

I had to check my own blog archives to see when I quit smoking. It seems like forever ago, yet was just February 2nd. This coming Tuesday will be one month. I quit using the patches two weeks ago because they were irritating my skin, so I've just been plugging along on determination.

It gets easier with time. I can now drink a cup of coffee or a beer and not even think about smoking. I do, however, still get the craving right after I eat, but even that is less severe than it was. The urge to smoke while driving or talking on the phone is gone. The toughest day of the week is Saturday. Not sure exactly why. I still get those intense "punch in the gut" cravings, but there are fewer now. Still using, "I quitted!" on Mrs. Leslie to get attention. Works like a charm.

I really think it is safe to say I am out of the woods, and won't be going back.

NOVA: What Are Dreams?We got home too late to watch a movie last night, so opted for a documentary instead. I had to flip a coin (my favorite means of making decisions), as it was between "What Are Dreams?" and "Beer Wars." Dreams won.

Quite interesting research has been done on dreams. I found it particularly interesting since I dream so much, and have such vivid, off the wall dreams. It's worth a rent if you are interested in such things.



We have lots to take care of this week, and I really need to make a list. The next two weeks will be hectic, but this kind of change is good, and it's all worth it. Things are going so well for us now. If I'm dreaming don't wake me, or I'll punch you square in the neck! :)

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Treeless Mountain, Both Versions

Do foreign movies ever have a real ending, or get to the point? We watch so many, and they never seem to have the big finish, happy/sad/shocking ending, or moral to the story that American movies have.

Case in point: Treeless Mountain. Now keep in mind that this could be any of a number of foreign movies we have watched over the past two years. I'm picking on this one because it was the latest viewing.

Treeless Mountain

I freely admit that I chose to watch this one, based on the following description: "Sisters Jin and Bin must fend for themselves when their mother abruptly packs her things, leaving the girls in the care of their alcoholic aunt without a word as to when she'll return. In a tale of innocence lost, the sisters try to make sense of their mother's absence. But in the meantime, 6-year-old Jin will be forced to mature far beyond her tender years."

Sounds dramatic. Poignant even, eh? Nope. Mother dumps them off. Monotone. Aunt keeps them for a while. Monotone. Aunt gets tired of them and dumps them at the Grandparents house. Monotone. The End. 

While watching, I Americanized the script in my head...

The Mother is a raging crackhead hooker that decides she can no longer care for her daughters. She dumps them off at her sister's doorstep in the middle of the night in the pouring down rain while her sister is out at the local bar getting wasted with old perverts. 

The sister returns, sees the girls, and is majorly pissed. She tries to call the the girl's crackhead Mother to come get the little brats out of there, but her pre-paid phone is out of minutes. She tells the girls they can stay, but only if they do everything they are told. Otherwise, they will be sold to the Carnies that come through a few times a year. The ones that eat children.

For months the Aunt makes the girls massage her feet, brush her hair, drive her to the bar, clean up her vomit. [insert many drunken, dramatic scenes where there is screaming and things get broken] Finally, when the Aunt has use for them no more, she decides to push them off on the Grandparents.

This is the best thing to ever happen to them. Their grandmother is Carol Brady, and their grandfather, Mr. Miyagi. 



They are shown love, kindness, and how to catch flies with chopsticks. They flourish, and their hard knock lives become just a distant memory. 

Of course the grandparents die [insert emotional crying scene] but this just gives the girls enough screen time to reflect on all they have learned. By now they are fine adults, and when they walk away from the grandparents grave, hand in hand, into the sunset, you can't help but be moved knowing that if they can overcome such adversity in their life, then you can too! 

Yay for movies! Yay for life! Yay for lessons learned! Yay for...oh, enough already.


Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Turn the Page

The move to the new house can't come quick enough. I'm so excited to turn the page on to something better. Not that our current place wasn't a blessing, quite the contrary, but we have both worked hard this past year, and now have the ability to move on to something bigger and better.

Of course it wouldn't be possible without the help of my Dad and his partner, Don. I am so thankful that when my biological father took off, God put a REAL father for us in his place. I am extremely fortunate.

Need to shower, throw some dinner together, and then settle in for a movie. I love the s-video cable, and wonder why I never listened to Mrs. Leslie a few months ago when she said, "We should go buy a s-video cable." No, I just waited and then one day announced, "Let's go to Best Buy and get a s-video cable" and then stood there with a huge grin on my face like it was my idea all along.

Mrs. Leslie, not one to ever just roll over, or be outdone, replied, "Sure, just like I said we should months ago." Doh!!!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

You Don't Know Jack(s)

I did get a few things done yesterday, or should I say, "half done" which is really unlike me. I generally finish what I start. So yes, I am a tad perplexed as to why I would clean the walls and edge of the shower, but then walk off and not finish the bottom inside of the tub. Lucky for me, when Mrs. Leslie went to take a bath she finished the job with no questions asked.

I also replaced the broken vacuum cleaner belt, and the proceeded to not vacuum even one room. Clothes in the washer? Never made it to the dryer. I'm blaming PMS. It throws me so out of whack. Today I will go back and finish the things I started. I swear it!

Mrs. Leslie and I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to decided what (if anything) to do last night. I wanted the track or bowling, she had no preference. Finally we decided to just grab a burger and stay in and watch movies. The reason I'm even telling this is because it reminds me of a funny story...

The place we went to get burgers is called, "Jacks." All of you that live in the South are very familiar with it. Mrs. Leslie, who is from Vermont, was not. One Sunday after church my family was trying to decide where to go eat. Someone needed to hurry, and we knew all the sit down places would be packed and take forever, so my Mother says, "Let's just go to Jack's."

Everyone agrees. We load up in our cars and head down the street. Mrs. Leslie looks at me, dead serious, and says, "Who's Jack?"

She had never heard of the place, and thought we were going to someone's house. It still makes me laugh, two years later.

For those of you that don't know Jack(s), here you go: Jack's Restaurant - History

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Move Along


So much I need to get done before our upcoming move, and my motivation level is low today. This, of course, makes procrastination viable. Good thing is that it's still early, so plenty of time to talk myself into getting something done. This should be our easiest move by far, especially since I am so excited about the massive upgrade in housing, but any move is stressful.





 Mrs. Leslie was able to score some Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies from someone at work. I can't stop eating them. They are soooo good. It's probably a blessing that she only bought two boxes, because had she bought four or six I would eat them all and then feel horrible guilt.

If you're bored, you can read the history of the Girl Scout cookie here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Scout_cookie






Watched "Step Brothers" last night. I love Will Ferrell. It made me laugh out loud several times, and had some of the funniest lines I've heard in quite a while....

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but I will kick you repeatedly in the balls"

"You have the voice of an angel. Your voice is like a combination of Fergie and Jesus!"

Those are some of the mild ones. It's really crude, lot's of cursing, and not kid friendly, which is exactly why I recommend it. 

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Working Order


Work today was an absolute BEAST, but the good news is that the espresso machine in the Starbucks area that had been down for the past two days is up and running again! I celebrated it's return with a triple shot, iced.

I'm pretty sure the girl that works in that area thinks I'm a coffee crack head. I think the electric boogaloo I launched into when the "Out of Order" sign was taken down was a hint. Or maybe it was the "way too long, man this is awkward" hug I gave her. Either way, I think she's on to me.


Alright, now that I mentioned "Electric Boogaloo" I must google image it to see if that's really what I did.


Oh yeah, that's spot on. Just wish I could have been in a group like these guys so people would have known where I was going with it, and not assumed I was having a seizure. Blah.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Joan of Who?

Look, I know I only have myself to blame for not re-claiming the Netflix queue from Mrs. Leslie sooner, but dang! She was even kind enough to give me a heads up about it. But really, I thought it would be alright. Sure, she would pick some things that aren't up my alley, but they will be at least watchable, right?




Let's compare a few of each of our choices shall we?

She wants to see:
The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) 
"This stunning emotional drama recounts the events surrounding Joan of Arc's 1431 heresy trial, burning at the stake and subsequent martyrdom."


I want to see:
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (2009)
"Based on the best-selling book by Tucker Max, this comedy follows the gleefully boozy antics of the author whose outrageous behavior at a friend's bachelor party jeopardizes the impending nuptials. Now, Tucker must find a way to make amends to his pal and get himself reinvited to the wedding."
 

She wants to see:  

Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) 
"A French actress working in Japan meets a Japanese architect with whom she has an affair. Their relationship consists largely of conversations about the bombing at Hiroshima, the horrors that he and his family endured and her perception of the cataclysm back home in occupied France."


I want to see:  

Daytime Drinking (2008) 
"After his girlfriend dumps him, Hyuk-jin spends a night getting drunk with friends, who convince him to go to the distant town of Jeongseon. But when he wakes up at the Jeongseon bus stop in the morning, none of his friends are there. Walking along the road in his underwear, he finds himself on an unexpected journey as he becomes involved in a series of misadventures."


I think you can all see the problem here.

I announced in the car earlier that since I pay for the Netflix subscription, that I get to choose all the movies we get. To punctuate it, I let her know what those Fiber Plus Bars I had earlier were all about. (Still laughing that she thought it was an animal...brought me to tears it was so funny!)

So, I laid down the law, and I guess you know what happens next...

"No, I won't push play on "Joan of Arc" until you are ready. Sure, I'll bring you some popcorn. Extra butter? No problem. I love you, Mrs. Leslie."

Sunday, February 14, 2010

The Love Boat



In honor of Valentine's Day I have been singing a modified, slightly naughty version of the theme from Love Boat off and on throughout the day. Let me just tell you right now that Mrs. Leslie is thrilled! That scowl and those squinted eyes are looks of love, right? Maybe I will have to "fall down" later, or use my new pitiful voice in which I announce, "I quitted" (smoking). Right now that one gets a much better reaction than falling.

We have opted to stay in and save money (see new house info below). I made us pancakes for breakfast, she is making us a spinach quiche for dinner. No flowers or cards, but I'm sure we will hit Walgreen's for the after Valentine's candy clearance. Hope to find some Lindt on sale. Those things are truly magical. We took a nap, so we should be good to go for snuggle, watch movies, and "make a the sexy time" later, lol.



It is supposed to snow AGAIN here in Birmingham tonight. I'm not sure where global warming ran off too, but I'm ready for Spring. That said, I guess I can tough out anything that gives us even a remote chance at a snow day. History is depressing though, according to co-workers that have been around for 7-8 years, our place of employment has never been closed due to weather. Closed or not, we live on top of a hill, and should it ice we won't be going anywhere.

The exciting news of the week (waited until it was official to mention it) is that we are going to buy my father's house! It's so much nicer and larger than this one. We currently have two bedrooms, one bath, living room, etc. Now we will have three bedrooms, two full baths, living room, den, dining room, laundry room, large closed in back porch, nice yard, carport...I could keep going and going. 

Move in date is set for March 6th. We have lots to do before then. I want to get our current place sold as quickly as possible so we won't be paying for two places and only living in one. I'm optimistic that it will sell relatively fast.

Guess that's it. Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Snow in Southtown, USA


Ok, so it wasn't like that, (where are her pants?) but it actually snowed here. I would take some pictures, but I'm sure you have all seen snow before. Actually, I'm sure many of you have it in your yards currently. It's pretty rare here in Birmingham, and to wake up with it all still around is even more rare. Should melt off later today, but it was nice to see. 

I'm still smoke free, but the patches have started to irritate my skin if I wear them for more than 12 hours. Not quite sure what to do other than change them when it starts to hurt and move to a new spot each time. Of course this is wasteful and costs more money, but I guess it's better than the alternative. Soon I will step down to the 14mg, then 7mg, then nothing, and this will all be behind me.

Next task: Get Michelle to quit. Carrying a tank on my back around the block would be easier. I've started with the not-so-subtle hints, and will soon move on to flat out bullying. Wish me luck.

It was a brutal work week. I hope the weekend lasts forever.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

No Impact?

Apparently someone leaked the Netflix password to Michelle, so last night we watched a documentary called "No Impact Man."


The premise was for this man, his wife and daughter to live an entire year making the most minimal impact on the environment possible. Normally I would be all over this, as I admire (and envy) anyone who exerts the effort to do the right thing where the environment is concerned.

However, something about this guy just did not sit right. For starters, he is a writer. I'll give you three guesses what his next book is about. I do believe he did without most of the things listed in the documentary, (though going without toilet paper is far fetched) and I admire him for it. I can't imagine what it would be like to go without electricity for six months. But I watched the entire show feeling resentful of his ulterior motives.

The mainstream media was all over this man and his efforts. I'm certain the book will sell like hotcakes.

Successful author? Soon. Environmental hero? Of sorts. Publicity whore? Definitely.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Sweet "Vivid" Dreams



Nicotine patches come with plenty of instructions and warnings. My favorite is a little piece about how I might want to take it off before going to sleep because it can cause "vivid dreams." I found this strange because I've been smoking like a chimney for five years, getting plenty of what the patches claim to contain, nicotine, and never had a problem. And really, did they seriously think I would consider giving up my crutch over some dreams?

I honestly thought it was hooey. As usual, I was wrong.

Today is day seven, and every night I've worn the patch to bed I've had crazy, "vivid" dreams. I have lots of wacko dreams even without the patches, but these are getting out there even for me.

Last nights involved living in my grandparents house. Might not be strange except for the fact that I haven't been in it for umpteen years. Michelle was there, topless. Some of my family members show up and walk in. I try to persuade her to put some clothes on, but she'll have no part of it. Finally, I physically direct her to the bedroom with instructions to put something on, "or else." Then I go outside and it is pitch black. I feel really scared, but am not sure of what. Then I begin to levitate and circle around the house over and over again, taking in every little detail. What else would I do in the middle of the night when I'm scared to death and Michelle is inside parading around topless in front of my family?

Not sure what any of this means, but after a week of consistent dream world craziness, I can't wait to see what I will now call "The Magic Patch" will cook up for me tonight!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Picked Up Stix

Michelle and I had been talking about going to Stix (http://www.stixdining.com/). The reviews we read were really good. We decided to go for it yesterday as a celebration for my giving up smokes.



We ordered a basic sashimi tuna, shrimp, and salmon sushi plate, something called "Las Vegas" which was a salmon and cream cheese roll, and then the old standby, Chicken Lo Mein. I'm not going to say the food was bad, but it just was not impressive at all. We left feeling like we just paid $50 for what we could have gotten at our little local place for $20. Oh, and the waiter spilled almost half of my first beer and didn't bring me a replacement. That alone is reason to never go back!

In order to get our money's worth out of Netflix, we went to Best Buy yesterday and purchased S-video and sound cables. It took me almost an hour to get the settings right, but I managed. Now we can watch instant movies on the large screen tv, as opposed to much smaller computer monitors. Good times.

I'm on Day Six of not smoking. Yesterday was the first non-work day since quitting, and it was very difficult to deal with so much free time. I was fighting a bad mood all day. It felt similar to PMS, times three. Today I feel a good bit better.

Today is laundry/clean up the crib day. I'll do what I can, and then settle in and watch the Super Bowl. I'm pulling for the Saints simply because I like New Orleans (the city), and dislike Peyton Manning.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Keep On Truckin'

Day three of not smoking will be coming to a close soon.

Today was pretty much the same as the first two. Even with the patch I have moments of wicked cravings that sneak attack me. They are amazingly strong, but pass pretty quickly. When they hit I divert my attention, and find each time that I have survived with my goal intact.

I'm noticing that I can smell things more intensely. Example, the litter box. Nancy really needs to be checked out. I'm certain that something horrible has crawled up inside her and died.

Eating is a double edge sword right now. I want to eat because I can't smoke, yet there is no longer the satisfaction of having a cigarette when I am done. No fun at all.

Haven't dared to have a beer. Not because it's yet another trigger, I know I can overcome that, but because it would lower my resolve. I know I won't avoid it forever, (come on, I can't give up EVERYTHING!) but it's best to allow some time and distance between me and my little enemies before I attempt it.

About to snatch Michelle off her computer and watch "Saw VI." Hope it's not as clone-like as "The Final Destination" was.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Day One Quitter

  

I honestly thought this was going to be much easier than it is. I thought I was sufficiently scared about the task at hand. It's not like I am one of those lifetime smokers. What's a few years, right? These patches will work like a charm! Little to no effort required on my part. Yay! 

Man, I had no idea. 

I woke up a little after 5am, and quickly slapped the nicotine patch on with hope of avoiding that, "You just woke up from an entire night of not smoking. Grab one, quick!!!" feeling. Seems it doesn't work like that. Certainly wasn't kicking in when I went to get my morning coffee. Not on the drive to work. Not at work... You get the picture.

If this is what it feels like with 21mg of nicotine slowly and consistently releasing into my body, I can only image the hell quitting cold turkey would be. I feel the urge to chew the inside of my mouth out, and kick even the cutest of kittens.

The plan is to go to bed early. Get this day over with, and surely each one will get easier and easier after this. I know 100% that I am going to accomplish this, and the knowledge that this suffering is for the greater long term good is comforting.

But in the meantime..."Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!"