I am obviously pleased with myself.

What an exciting year. As I previously stated, I've given up cigarettes, and I'm on day 4 with no nicotine. After last night at work, I thought I had broken down and would buy a pack on the way home, because I wait tables. Everyone who waits tables smokes cigarettes as well. A year on the job and you'll know why.

But I stopped for gas, and just pumped gas. I thought about it, the smell of lighting up, and that I could in fact SMELL it now, and realized I didn't want a cigarette. I wanted something, but it probably wasn't a cigarette.

Still no cigarettes. And now I have this crazy idea in my head that I'm going to cut out booze for a few months to shave off some pounds and save maximum money. What's happening to me?

Believe me or not, I don't care: I'm pointing my finger at the crazy trip on New Year's Eve. Cigarettes were so offensive, and I didn't want to drink for days afterwards. Plus I was broke for about a week and a half after that road trip. All makes sense, right? Thanks buddies, for dragging me to Oklahoma City and making me spend all my money, trip MOUNTAINS, and quit smoking.

Another exciting thing about this year:

"Smoking cigarettes costs you $43.75 per week, $190.10 per month, and $2,281.25 per year."


I'm gonna buy some real cool shit this year that probably won't give me cancer. That's a lot of money, people. I could live for 6 months in a foreign country for that much.

Making real changes in your life is one of the most exhilarating and motivating things you can do when you're in a rut. It's the only thing you can do that will get you anywhere closer to leaving said rut. Don't take this as, "Take a trip: quit smoking", please. Doesn't work that way.

Now for a bike ride. Hello, lung capacity.