Boo

Breathing a sigh of relief. The high winds and torrential downpours have passed. With the exception of a few downed tree limbs, we didn't experience any damage here at the house. A little bit of flash flooding in low-lying areas of the county, but the water levels are ceding quickly. I guess I'm entertained by weird things, but I'm kinda looking forward to firing up the chainsaw tomorrow morning.

The mental fog passes, it always does. What follows is a greater clarity than you ever experienced as a smoker. The challenges of quitting are temporary. The rewards of quitting are permanent.

Not only is it okay to struggle, in hindsight I'm thankful for the challenges I faced early in the process. Facing the facts, dealing with some uncomfortable truths, and being thrown out of my comfort zone was exactly what I needed at that moment in my life. Accept the challenge and enjoy every victory.

Welcome aboard the Quit Train Joe. You've made a great decision for yourself and the rewards of quitting will continue to accumulate as you go. Monumental changes can result from nothing more than time and repetition. At twenty-seven days without a cigarette, you have already started the process of rewiring your brain. Stay the course and enjoy the ride.

Great job Steve. You're making great strides. (sorry 'bout the terrible pun)

First of all, I'm a hillbilly not a redneck. Secondly, I suppose the surprise comes from the fact that I never had a sports car or muscle car phase. I was always content to watch fast cars from a distance. A buddy of mine back in the day had a souped-up Chevelle. I drove it a couple of times. Admittedly it was fun to drive a car like that, but I couldn't get around the fact that strapping a canoe to the roof and loading it up with gear didn't seem like a feasible option. Not to mention the fact that the lack of ground clearance on a sporty car like that would end up with me stuck in a rut on some forest service road miles from nowhere. Some guys buy a sports car as part of a "mid-life crisis." Seeing as how I waited until my mid-forties to settle down and finally live like an adult, that's not an option either. Can't imagine myself strapping a car seat in the back of a muscle car...Hang on Baby Boo, I'm gonna drive this thing like I stole it.

On a serious note: I hope you and your fellow Aussies get the relief you need and deserve very soon. Watched a news report online last night about the fires down under...heartbreaking and devastating. Godspeed Australia. On a lighter note: walking or running out in the woods during a rain is one of the most underrated things in life. I've found very few places as peaceful as the woods on a rainy day.

Sugar Britches drives a Toyota Avalon. The car is four years-old and the only repair job needed was replacing an O2 sensor that went bad. Toyota builds good, dependable cars and trucks. That's as close as I can come to providing information on "small" cars. Some people, including the aforementioned Sugar Britches, think this is a really weird fact about me: I've never owned a car. I've owned trucks, SUVs, and a couple of Jeeps but never a car.

Doubling down on freedom. Good job Octain.

It is a big deal. You've taken the first steps. You're laying the foundation. You have started a process that will transform you and provide countless benefits going forward. A big deal indeed. Congratulations Mona.

Went over to Laurel-Snow this morning. Ran out to Bryan Overlook and back for a total of 10.8 miles. It was a cold and rainy morning, but the rain slowed to a drizzle just after sunrise. Made for a perfect start to a day in the woods with the sun breaking through the fog. Added bonus: following two-straight rainy days, the waterfalls were roaring this morning. A fine day. On New Year's Day, I ran the Hemphill Bald loop over in North Carolina(13.8 miles). Getting some trail miles on the legs is a good way to start a new year.

Two years on Earth is equal to 3.7 years on Mars. Impressive.

Contemplation. Preparation. Motivation. This is what we told ourselves we were doing. Procrastination. This is what we were actually doing. The process of quitting could not be more simple: don't put things in your mouth and set them on fire. Commit this one rule to memory and you're good to go.

Welcome to the lido deck Abby. Celebrate and enjoy, you've earned it.

Great job DD. Stay awesome.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who ride the Quit Train. I hope your holiday season goes well and the new year does right by you. I'm going to be out of touch for a few days so hold down the fort while I'm gone. See y'all again in 2020.

Went to see "Ford v Ferrari" this afternoon...great movie. This is my favorite new release that I have seen in a long time. It's a new movie but feels like an old movie. That's not criticism, that's high praise. The story line was great, based on real events with some "creative liberties" taken to enhance the entertainment value. The acting was rock solid with the characters portraying figures who were talented and strong-willed but also flawed...you know, like real life human beings. The driving scenes were done the old-fashioned way and didn't rely on CGI effects. Ford v Ferrari is like a movie Steve McQueen would have done back in the day; and that's a solid stamp of approval.

Great book. I also enjoyed "Lost Highway" and "Last Train to Memphis" by Guralnick.

One of Sugar Britches' favorite Christmas songs. Special dedication going out to the better half...

Upon further inquiry, all evidence points to it being Santa Claus.

Boom! Pulled 485 pounds on the Deadlift this morning. Listened to an episode of the Barbell Logic podcast a few weeks ago and changed up my technique for a one-rep max lift based on their advice. Slowed it down...way down. Basically pulled the lift in increments, really focusing on the feeling of trying to push my legs through the floor. Strength is vital in lifting, but technique can be a game changer. Well...I think I've patted myself on the back enough for today.