Random

Photo taken in Long Beach, MS by M. Suzi Gravenstuk

Broken? These thoughts I send.

Time will mend. Ask me how I know. 

Scars buried deep no longer show.

Our lives intertwined creating an odd blend

Of Love, of Laughter, of hot tears and searing pain

Memories of you mock me ex lover, my friend.

Blow wind blow, tossing my thoughts to and fro.

Breathe deeply, enjoy, peace you will soon know.

…There’s always a few who don’t play well with others

I couldn't help but stop. Having observed birds for long periods of time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and cattle--I conclude that in all species there are always a few who march to the beat of a different drummer, who break away from the herd, the flock, the crowd.

Shot is a typical TP scene...Texas Panhandle.

Today's Walk and Thought

Today was a great day to take advantage of my nearby beach, in Long Beach, MS.

I have mileage markers from the pier at Jeff Davis and Beach Boulevard. The first third of a mile is the Holiday Inn Express (seen in the background).

This is where I am likely to run into guests of the HIE, if the weather is nice.

The weather IS great. The water is warm to cool. The only jellies I have seen so far are the clear, non stinging ones. I passed by several mothers sunbathing while young children splashed in the water. Later down the beach there was a couple of sets of parents flying kites with their children (It would have been an easier job a couple of days ago when we had wind).

So, I was walking and thinking of the project that I trained for last week in New Oreans. We haven't started yet. Sooo, there is this group of Interviewers scattered about Mississippi and Louisiana, stomping at the gate, ready to go. There is one thing left for approval. So, we are ALL waiting. Note in the video, the laughing gulls just hanging around waiting:-). They're squawking a bit...that would be us emailing and calling our administration--just generally bugging them and being a pain through the waiting process.

THEN, we get the word. That would be us--taking off squawking. Well, if you have ever been trained and ready, then you wait for THE go ahead, you know what I'm talking about. You may need to see the video to appreciate my parable; unless you are familiar with the behavior of Laughing Gulls or a trained group waiting for release to go to work.

Anyway, if things go right this will be the last Saturday I will leisurely walk my home stretch of beach through June 8. Then who knows what Providence will bring my way.

Think Reflective!

Please! All of you, or any of you (ya'll) wear something reflective when you are walking at night. That's all--short and sweet.

...Actually, a little more. When you go out at night you may not think you will be walking. If your car breaks down, you may in fact end up walking--so just make it a habit when you go out at night to wear something reflective.

Photo of Thank You Wreath to Combat Vets

I could not resist this shot, today. It is in the front lobby of Keesler Air Force Base 81st Lobby, Biloxi, MS.  It is beautiful. I do not know if it was from or to--the Combat Vets Association.

It is a touch of irony that the near by Emergency Room sign appears with the wreath.

Okay. I am going to get to the point. I don't want anyone to ever feel unappreciated. We all know that star players need support--and so it is with Combat Vets.

However, when I think of what this group has gone through I feel a special designation is called for. For example, when I think of my daddy on the battle field as a tank commander during world war II, you know he gave a little more than someone who had a desk job in the states.

Let me know if you think I am off base.

Trident Vitality Helps Me Forget About Smoker Cravings

  
      May 30^th, of this year is the last day that I smoked, so far. I am getting a little help from Bupropion. Bupropion is also commonly known by other names. Wellbutrin and Zyban being the most familiar.  (Yes, Bupropion is an anti-depressant, but for some people helps squash cravings. I am giving it the wide category of cravings because I think it can help with a host of addictions. For example, I found I no longer wanted coffee—I am a coffee addict. I was no longer attracted to sweets either.) Hmmm, yes I actually lost a few pounds, at first. I also had another odd result--it is more difficult to maintain focus -for me- , I am not saying this will occur with everyone who tries it.


So, in an odd way, decreased focus helps me not to smoke because if I start thinking about it, I rarely carry the thought through. I forget about it.  I wonder if anyone else has had this experience? Of course in conducting work throughout the day--if focus is important for you; be alerted.

I did not want to try any stop smoking product with nicotine in it. No gum. No patches. I did not want to try the electronic cigarettes, either. I discovered the Bupropion did not totally remove the urge to smoke as I have seen claimed in some advertisements. However, it was the help I needed.

I did not torture myself by telling anyone, including myself, that I was quitting smoking. I took the following actions:


1.     I set goals, or landmarks: My first goal was to stop smoking in my car.
2.      I kept triggers at bay by keeping them out of site—for example, my husband and adult son had no intention of quitting smoking. I asked them to simply keep cigarettes and lighters out of my site.
3.      I had my teeth cleaned.
4.      When I wanted a cigarette, I would distract myself (a fairly easy accomplishment)
5.      I discovered that when I wanted a cigarette, if I took a breath as if inhaling a cigarette, it felt similar to smoking. Breathing in this manner both distracted and satisfied me.
6.      I have loved ones that smoke, I simply removed myself from their immediate environment when they smoke. I do not nag them.

My dividends:

1.   I no longer “need” a break ever 2 to 2.5 hours. (I am more productive? –maybe- )
2.   I no longer spend time looking for cigarettes and a lighter, or emptying ash trays.
3.   I no longer burn holes in clothes, new car seats, furniture…
4.  I rarely wake up with headaches; which saves me a lot of time in getting ready as I was having to wash my hair daily because it helped get rid of headaches.
5. I don't need to treat my eyes with eyedrops nearly as often because I have red eyes less often.
6.  Last, and most important—I fully enjoy spending time with nonsmokers (as opposed to the time I wasted excusing myself from good company to go have a smoke.)

I chew a lot of gum. No, not the nicotine gum. My favorite chewing Gum is Vitality by Trident. I find it very satisfying. It has enough substance (strength, texture) to it that I can blow big bubbles when I am by myself. The flavor of 1 piece lasts a long time. This Trident line is so tasty and satisfying, it is hard to believe the gum is sugar free. My goodness, I can get rid of the 5 calories in this gum by chewing the gum. I am careful to mind my manners. Some people find bubble blowing gum chewers as irritating as smokers.

So, Trident gets a high 5 from me for Vitality--Awaken…(a peppy peppermint with a dash of Ginseng). However, I also tried Stride which is made by same manufacturer as Trident –Cadbury Adams, USA LLC--. I was very disappointed, especially after Vitality. The gum had inferior chew appeal and when left in the hot sun, the gum dissolved in my mouth. Ick. Trident Vitality did not do that.

My last tip—I have not smoked today. I make no promises for the future. However, when I seriously contemplate smoking a cigarette—I remember that I would have to start my tobacco sobriety date from the last smoke. That would make the battle from May 30^th¸ meaningless.

By now you have probably guessed my last resource. Yes, I do the “One day at a time.” If I have to, I break it down to one minute at a time, one breath at a time.

I have no intention of fighting with or alienating smokers. I do want to share one last thought with you, however.  …Shhh, even geniuses look stupid with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths.

To Friends and Family Regarding Facebook

With all the changes at Facebook--things may be better; maybe not. The thing is there is plenty of alternative methods of communication. If you know me, you know that experimentation should have been my middle name. Combine that with the experience of Katrina and you have a person that tends to have back-ups to my backed up-back ups.

My point is--if you ever lose my contact information and should I have deleted my Facebook account, which is unlikely--even when satisfied, all you need to know is put my name in your search engine and press enter.

If results are not satisfactory, combine Suzi Gravenstuk with Mississippi Gulf Coast, or Suzi Gravenstuk photos, Suzi Gravenstuk blogs, etc.

There are so many resources on the Internet for Friends and Family to keep in touch--its mind boggling. This era is truly resource rich.

One thing I would encourage each of you to do if you have not done so already--establish your own website/blog. This is a free and easy thing to do using resources such as Blogger.com or Weebly.com . I would opt first for blogger.

Then, if you have not done so--apply for a Google Adsense account. It takes forever to start earning any money; but some of you have a strong friends and family base that would help kick it off. 

Instead of spending time posting to Facebook, post to your own blog and send that post to your Facebook Home page.  Facebook makes money on you, you might as well try to make some too.

Ok. Let's say you communicate to Facebook using your blogger blog. Folks reply at your Facebook page. Well, that is sweet--but it would be far more helpful to you if they would answer to your blog. Of course they can do both, but if someone had to choose one or the other--you are helping the original writer more by posting to the blog.

Kapiche? By the way, setting up a Blogger.com blog is easy. But, should you need help I am willing. I stand to gain nothing monetary; not even meaningless points or icons. 

Let me know what you think. Right here:-)

Leaving for my route now. It is 11:18PM Sunday night. I wish you all a safe, happy, and productive week.

Love, Suzi