Day Number 2

Hello everyone!

Karisma, Thank You!

Today is Day Number 2 without smoking!

And the Score Is

3 to 1 to 0

I have not smoked today!!!

Yesterday I smoked only 1 cigarette.

It's the Computers Fault

I have stayed away from the computer because that is where I used to sit and smoke. Breaking the smoking habit means much more than stopping smoking. It really means to change where and when you smoke so the urge to smoke will subside.

Not only have I had to just say no to the urge, I have had to stay away from my computer. In the morning when I wake up, I have to busy myself instead of smoke. After meals I take a walk instead of smoke. When I'm driving I have to chew gum. And the list goes on and on. Right now I am chewing on pumpkin seeds. That is the only thing that I can do when I am at the computer. I guess because I use the hand mouth motion to put one seed in my mouth and remove the hull once I get the goodie out of it. I guess once I break that hand to mouth habit, I will be able to move on to gum or something else.

Ok - so it really isn't the computers fault but darn it, I needed someone or something to blame it on. Just kiddin...

Into My 3rd Week

As of today - I am into my 3rd week. I am doing really well but I do think that I could do much better. If you haven't been following along, I'm talking about me stopping smoking. I was smoking almost 2 packs a day. Today has been my best day - 3 cigarettes. Yippee for me!!! I don't have the craving very much but the habit is something else. Once I change the habit, then I will be home free.

Dreams - I have had some of the weirdest dreams in the past couple of weeks. I mean really off the chain stuff. Last night it was about one of our trucks being stolen and seen in Indiana being driven by someone. The night before I dreamed about taking the boys to the dentist. Not only did they get their teeth done but they all got a hair cut. Yeah - from the dentist. LOL The best part was that it only cost me $10. Imagine that!
And the list of off the chain dreams just goes on and on.

Sleep - I have noticed about 2 hours after I take my am pill that I get extremely sleepy and cold. I wonder what's up with that? If I move around there isn't a problem but if I sit still for just a few minutes, my eyes are closing and I am freezing.

Sick stomach - My first 10 or 11 days I was sick to my stomach. Almost to the point of up chucking. It's much better now and I don't really notice it.

The boys have been just awesome about the whole thing. I know that I have been in some odd moods and I really feel for them. I have to give them credit though, they are wonderful, as usual.

A quick little note...

Superman is quitting too. Sunday on our way to church he backed the car out of the driveway and made a comment about our habit. He said something like this - one day we aren't going to just wake up and not smoke anymore. We have to resist the urge. I agreed and all was fine. About 10 minutes later, right before we got to the church, he ask me where my smokes were. I said I didn't bring them with me. Oh my gosh - you would have thought that the earth just opened up and swallowed the whole car with us in it. No joke! It was so funny. He said that he has known me for 8 years and in that 8 years he has never seen me without my cigarettes and that day of all days and that moment of all moments, I didn't have them with me. It was just one of those priceless moments.

Your Easter Bunny Name

I thought this was so darn cute that I just had to share. Below is my Easter Bunny name. Leave a comment and let me know what yours is.

Your Easter Bunny Name is


Dandelion Fuzziwugs



Get your Easter Bunny Name at Quizopolis.com

How Many Days

I was going to be so good and keep a little journal of how my adventure to becoming a non-smoker is going.
Here's what I have to admit...
Not good!
My journal that is. Gotcha!!! Ha ha ha

I can hardly believe that I am on day 11 and I am doing so well. I started out taking 1 pill for the first 3 days. On the 4th day, I took 2 pills. I am still taking 2 pills a day. All just like my prescription advised me to do. 1 in the am and 1 in the pm.

I am still smoking but you would not believe how awful the cigarettes taste to me. I am not joking when I say this...I light up the cigarette and it taste just like I am licking the nastiest ashtray. Serious - it is so gross! But every now and then I have that little craving. Today I have smoked a total of 5 cigarettes. I was smoking 2 packs a day (40 cigarettes) and now 5 a day. Isn't that awesome?!

I am just so darn proud of myself. It seems to be getting easier and easier to say no to the cravings. It won't be long before I will announcing that I am a non-smoker.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are getting worse and worse. I'm not joking! I read an article today either on CNN or MSN or some well known website like that, that said that oil prices were at an all time record high. It said that the National average price is $3.22 a gallon.

Check this out. These are some prices that I found online from our area. They are listed in this order - Unleaded, Plus, Premium, Diesel. They are prices from different stores.

$3.279 03/10/08
$3.379 03/10/08
$3.479 03/10/08
$3.799 03/10/08

$3.299 03/11/08
$3.399 03/09/08
$3.499 03/09/08
$3.759 03/11/08

$3.319 03/11/08
$3.419 03/11/08
$3.529 03/10/08
$3.999 03/10/08

$3.359 03/11/08
$3.459 03/10/08
$3.559 03/10/08
$3.999 03/11/08

It is only going to keep going up. We have got to stop running here and there. Stop running to the store for one simple littel thing. In the past week our family car has been driven once and that was to go less than 10 miles round trip.

Let the Quitting Begin

Monday March 10th 2007 - I began an adventure like no other adventure I have ever tried.

Today is the second day of my adventure. I know it isn't going to be easy and I know it isn't going to be completed over night. I know that I must stick to this and see it to the end.

Let the Quitting Begin!

I'm quitting smoking!

I have finally got the money to pay for our prescriptions. That was an adventure in itself. The cost of the CHANTIX was - well let's just say it's expensive. Will it be worth it? I certainly hope so. If I see this quitting thing to the end then the answer will be yes.

For 26 years I have smoked cigarettes. Up until recently, I didn't even want to quit. I don't know what happened but at the beginning of this year I got the urge to quit. Off to the doctor Superman and I went and we walked out with the prescriptions in our hand. We went straight to the pharmacy to check on the price of filling the prescription. Ok, we had to go home and regroup and figure out how we were going to pay for the prescription. Income tax rebate! Oh yeah!

Our prescriptions are filled and sitting on each one of our desk. We took our first pill yesterday. I had gotten to the point that I was smoking over 2 packs a day. I opened a pack yesterday around 7pm. Today at 8pm, I have 4 cigarettes left in that pack. From 2 packs a day to 16 cigarettes in 24 hours. I already see progress.

I smoked my first cigarette about 1 hour after I took my first pill. It didn't taste any different. About 2 hours after my first pill I smoked my second cigarette. It tasted different. Almost like I wasn't smoking. More like I was just taking in air through a straw. Really kinda weird.

Today I haven't had the cravings like I usually do. The cigarettes taste a little different. They are actually kinda tasting weird. I have a little bag that has life savers and gum and tic tacks in it. I'm not much for hard candy but sometimes I think I want a cigarette, I just pop in a piece of gum.

I am pretty amazed that I am seeing a difference so soon. I'll keep you informed as the days go by.

Absurd Politic

I don't follow the election very close. I read a little hear and a little there but that's about it. I pretty much stay out of the whole political thing. But this I found to absurd not to pass on.

Tonight I read an article that one of the Presidential Candidates isn't saluting the United States of America flag.
I kid you not!
How in the world can anyone expect to be elected as President of a country that he or she won't even salute that countries flag?
Seriously, how can that be?

Here is what I found Barack Obama Failing to Salute the Flag

Don't just take my word for it, go and check it out for yourself.

And if that isn't enough to make you believe, then check this out

Criminalizing Home Schoolers

Do you live in California and home school your children? I would really enjoy hearing from you. It would really help all of us home schoolers if you would let us know your thoughts about this issue.

Parents of the approximately 200,000 home-schooled children in California are reeling from the possibility that they may have to shutter their classrooms — and go back to school themselves — if they want to continue teaching their own kids.

Be sure to read the rest of the article.

Schoolhouse Rock

I grew up with Schoolhouse Rock. I really did learn something from those little songs or jingles. They are so adorable. Back then I didn't think of them as adorable. But I did enjoy them. I think they used to come on the tv during Saturday morning cartoons. That sure was a lot of years ago.
I found a couple of those videos went we went to the library the last week. Finally, today I was able to show them to the boys. Funny thing was - I had to sit and watch the videos with the boys. I remember the darn songs. Once the video was over, the boys ask me if they could watch it again. That is just so cool!

I am on an adventure now to see how many more of the Schoolhouse Rock videos I can find.

Here is a video that you can watch that will give you a better idea.

Grocery Shopping

What a day! Yes - Grocery Shopping! I have put it off all week and finally today I had to do it. Grocery shopping really isn't that bad, it's just all the people. It always amazes me, no matter what time of day I go grocery shopping, it seems like everyone from everywhere is there.

My boys sure are a big help. They are always so willing to just jump in and do things at the grocery store. They pretty much know everything we buy and they just ask how many cans or bags or what have you.

This month they each have to fine a recipe and fix it. WW and JD has already found their recipe and yesterday they helped me with the grocery list. They made sure to have their recipes with them so they could add what they need to the grocery list. MJ just can't figure out what he wants to make. With WW and JD they have to make theirs from scratch. I think I will just have MJ do a box recipe such as a cake or cupcakes. I did buy a cake mix today that I want to use to make cupcakes for St. Patty's day. I think I will help MJ do that. I know that he will enjoy it and shoot, so will I.

I'm off to do a few things and enjoy the quiet of the house while everyone is asleep.

A Better Job

Yeppers - That's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna do a better job at keeping you all posted. I think it is horrible how I have all but abandoned my blog.

One place that I have been is here.
I have also been trying to get the boys on target with their school work. JD is still defiant but nothing like he used to be. He has come such a long way.

We are still very active with our home school group and we love it. We recently had a trip to the zoo and guess what - I even have pictures to prove it. LOL Finally, I remembered to drag the camera along with us. I'll tell you all about it before this week is over. I have lots to tell you!

Gotta run for now. The boys are watching the North and South series. It's really helping them with their history.

Our Third Sunday

This is kinda odd but I am really enjoying it. Today is our third Sunday that the boys and I have been in church. We really don't belong to any church. Of course everyone has their own beliefs of God and of church. Some may not even belief. It is your choice and I don't condem anyone for their personal belief.

I was raised in the Church of God. I remember as a kid watching the believers and listening to them speak in tongues. I was scared when it happened and I never really understood it. It was explained to me with the best explaination that my parents could give me. I think they did a wonderful job of easing my mind and not scaring me any more that what I already was scared. Thank you mom and dad!

Since I have become an adult (many, many moons ago) I had a life to live and I didn't go to church very much. Superman and I have talked about getting involved in a church, but finding the right church isn't always easy. A couple of time we attended the Methodist church near us. We liked it but it just didn't call to us. Somehow, some way we found another little church to check out. Some people call it church shopping. It sounds kinda funny but in all reality that's exactly what it is. You go from church to church trying to find one that you feel comfortable in. I think we found it. It's a small country church. They don't pass the offering plate around, they don't call you if you don't attend one day or a week or even a month. Actually Brother Andy talked about this today. I was extremely impressed. I don't think anyone needs to have their arm twisted to do something. They're either going to do it or they're not. Simple as that.

Now I gotta go back to the first of this month. Boy Scout Sunday was the first Sunday in February. Our boy scout troop attended and the kids really enjoyed it. We went back the next Sunday. Last night while the boys and I were sitting at the dining table, I ask them which church they wanted to go to. They all (almost in unison) said "Uncle Larry's church". Ok, that settles that.

Our third Sunday leads us to today. We actually walked into church late. The boys headed to childrens church and I took a seat to listen to a powerful message. Brother Andy has a strong voice as he stands on the pulpit in his jeans and boots to tell us all about the power of God. This calls for an Amen! Amen! I'm not rich. I can't afford fancy clothes and fancy cars to go to church and listen to the Glory of God. I'm not there to see how someone else is dressed or what they are driving. I am there to be closer to God and to hear the word of God.

WW, JD and MJ are all excited about going back. They told me all about childrens church and how much they enjoyed it. I'm excited for them!

We're going back! We won't be able to attend next Sunday but there isn't anything on our calendar for the following Sunday.

The Hits Just Keep on Comin

Right when I think that I am finally going to get caught up - The hits just keep on comin.

Honestly they do! I still have a mound of paperwork on my desk. This morning I started going through some of it and I actually threw some things away. I'm sure later on I'll be wondering where they are, but that's ok. I'll just deal with it then.

Over the last 2 weeks I have been really slack in the boys schoolwork. We have strayed from the books and did some fun projects. I sure wish that I would have taken the holidays to do that. Live and learn! LOL

This week I am really trying to get back into the book work. It's going pretty well - so far. Since we had 2 weeks of slacking, the boys ask if they can do this or that. I think I may have made an impression on them with some fun activities. That's not a bad thing! Our homeschool group is really picking up with activities. Now throw up the activities with the Boy Scouts and once again - the hits just keep on comin.
Ok - throw in a Valentine supper. I really wanted to have the kids do some Valentine decorations but there just isn't enough hours in the day. One thing I have really figured out is this...Kids have to get out and run to burn off that energy. Really, they do. I have noticed that our bad days are mostly because they didn't burn off enough of their energy.
Oh yeah - I almost forgot. It's garden planning time. Mention a garden and they boys just go bezerk. Really they do. Is is because they like to watch things grow or because it gets them outside. I don't know - I just like the fact that they are interested in it.
I sure do remember being in the garden with my dad. I also remember all the good meals that momma used to cook from the things that dad grew. Mmmmm - I can smell it cooking now.

Ok - that reminds me that I need to finish cleaning off my desk. Help the boys with their school work and I want us to take a little walk after lunch today. Have a wonderful day!

A Slacker I Am

Ok - I admit it. I'm a slacker! There! LOL

I really have slacked off on my posting here and keeping you up to date. I guess there isn't too much new to tell you about. Unless you want to hear about my 2 broken fingers. It's really a long story. I just hope that the swelling will eventually go down enough that my wedding band will fit a little more comfortable.

We have been busy with school and with the Boy Scouts. Somehow, I managed to get deeply involved in the Scouts. I really don't mind. But it really does keep me busy.

Oh gosh! I almost forgot! No more dial up - we are now among the fastest of the fast. Yep, we know have high speed internet. I love it! I hope I never, ever have to go back to dial up. Now I can enter my coke rewards points and it doesn't take a whole darn day. LOL I can do a few other things too. I am a gatherer and I love making a few extra spending dollars there. I'm also a boomertowner. I like watching my points build up really fast. That way I'll be able to cash them in for the gift cards.

Let me think. Hmm...
Last week in school we broke away from the book study. We worked on our counting money, drawing, reading aloud, learning our States, doing some word search puzzles and just plain out having fun. Our home school trip was even a break away from the river. We all meet at one of the members houses for some fun time with her horses. It really was just a very nice meeting and a nice break away from the routine. I have some pictures that I will share with you, when I'm not slacking.

Personality Test

Have you ever had to take a personality test? I have had to take one for two different jobs. I thought it was odd that I should take a personality test for a job, but I trudged through them.

If you haven't taken one, zip on over here. I think you will enjoy knowing more about your personality.

Here are the results from my test.

The Portait of the Inspector (ISTJ)
Inspector Guardians look carefully and thoroughly at the people and institutions around them. Making up perhaps as much as ten percent of the general population, Inspectors are characterized by decisiveness in practical affairs, are the guardians of institutions, and if only one adjective could be selected, "superdependable" would best describe them. Whether at home or at work, Inspectors are nothing if not dependable, particularly when it comes to examining the people and products they are responsible for-quietly seeing to it that uniform quality is maintained, and that those around them uphold certain standards of attitude and conduct.

These quiet, no-nonsense Guardians have a distaste for and distrust of fanciness in speech, dress, and living space. Their words tend to be simple and down-to-earth, not showy or high-flown; their clothes are often homespun and conservative rather than of the latest fashion; and their home and work environments are usually neat, orderly, and traditional, rather than up-to-date or luxurious. In their choice of personal property (cars, furnishings, jewelry, and so on) price and durability are just as important as comfort or appearance. Classics, antiques, and heirlooms are especially valued, having achieved a certain time-honored status-Inspectors prefer the old-fashioned to the newfangled every time. Even on vacation, Inspectors tend not to be attracted by exotic foods, beverages, or locales.

Their thoroughness and orderliness, combined with their interest in legality and standardization, leads Inspectors to a number of occupations that call for the careful administration of goods and services. Inspectors feel right at home with difficult, detailed forms and columns of figures, and thus they make excellent bank examiners, auditors, accountants, and tax attorneys. Managing investments in securities is likely to interest this type, particularly investments in municipal bonds and blue-chip securities. Inspectors are not likely to take chances either with their own or others' money, and the thought of a bankrupt nation, state, institution, or family gives them more than a little uneasiness. The idea of dishonoring a contract also bothers an Inspector -their word is their bond-and they naturally communicate a message of trustworthiness and stability, which can make them successful in business. With their eye for detail, Inspectors make good business men and women, librarians, dentists, optometrists, legal secretaries, and law researchers. High school and college teachers of business administration, home economics, physical education, civics, and history tend to be Inspectors, as do quartermaster officers in the military.
Queen Elizabeth II, Harry S. Truman, Warren Buffet, Queen Victoria, James K. Polk, and J.D. Rockefeller are examples of Inspector Guardians.