Thanksgiving

I'm so thankful for..........

• My family: I'm thankful that they love me, and that they let me love them back!
• Drama free living
• My friends
• My experiences. They have made me question things, brought me pain, but at the same time have let me grow.
• People that have touched my life, even though they don't know they did.
• My oak tree
• To be home
• My truck White Boy.........he's getto, but in a good way!
• That I've gotten to know Jennifer Craven. She's my sis in law, and my friend!
• Spiders :)
• Music
• Good Books

THANKSGIVING DAY

THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

We had so much fun yesterday just being gamers and doin nothing. It really was a blast.

John's Game area!

My area!

Korissas play area!

Jess is serious like her dad, she's got 2 game areas....ha, ha!

Nick gaming on the big screen!

Isaac

Johns really good friend Isaac passed away last night. We met Isaac years ago when John first got into Warhammer. He worked at Borderlands and actually taught John how to paint his minis. It was always nice seeing Isaac at Borderlands, even though he was stressed out a lot with his work overload, he always had time to talk with us. The kids even knew him by name when they were younger, and would ask on our trips to BL's if Isaac would be there. When he found out John and I were back together, he was so excited for us. He of course had a lot of questions for us, like how and things like that, but you could see it in his eyes that he was so happy for us. He had a lot of back issues and sleep disturbances, that now I'm sure had to do with cancer, but everyone thought it was just his back. On Friday the 11th he was taken to the hospital. He thought he was just getting another cold, but he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and it was also discovered in his bones as well. He was only 35 years old, I remember just wishing him a Happy Birthday in September. He will be so missed.

Rest in Peace Isaac, you were a great friend with a great soul!

Quittin' Time

Sooooo, it's that time again, the time to quit smoking. I have had a hella time with this quitting process this year. After being smoke free for I think 8 years I had started up again in August 2010. I'm going to be totally honest, that first cigarette was good! You read so many times about how when you have quit and you start again, that first cigarette is horrible, nope, mine was good. I remember after taking the first drag even saying outloud "damn, that is soooo good". But, that's where the problem lies isn't it? It's great at first. I overlook the smell, heck, I get used to it. I rely on those cigarettes, they become my friend, my best friend really, because they are always there when I need them. And I'm a great friend to them too, because I will do anything to get them,  if I had to choose between spending money on them or food, they would win.

But then, the glamour wears off. I see how much I spend on them, not just money, but time too. When I lived in Portland, I smoked in my apartment, now I've had to smoke outside, and what a waste of time. I couldn't multitask. Not too mention, brrrr, freezing!!! I have tried I don't know how many times to quit in 2011. I believe I even tried a couple times in 2010. I have lost count. I haven't ran in months, I still have a lingering cough from when I was sick over a month ago.....seriously? I think I have a bruised rib too, very painful. 

Friday was my quit day. I am not going cold turkey, and I'm not following the whole patch plan. I have started with the final patch step and will use them for 2 weeks, just to take off the edge, then no more nicotine at all. I am ready this time. 

Dear American Spirit Menthol Light Cigarettes,

You were there for me when I really needed you. I was stressed out beyond belief, and there you were. It was like no time had passed, we were right back to our old relationship. I had forgotten how much you meant to me. I forgot how much I relied on you. I forgot how good you made me feel. But, I also forgot how I lost myself to you. I had to give up a lot of things for you, and in the end, sorry to say, you're totally not worth it. I am not going to lie to myself or to you, I know I will miss you at times, but I've just got to remember, that me and you, we're just not good for each other...............