Why blog?

1. It helps me stay in the moment, instead of worrying about the past or the future.
   
2. It helps me see my life and what's important to it and in it.
3. I like writing -- this provides a non-threatening way to indulge myself.
4. I love the idea of chronicling, not only my life, but others' as well.
5. Telling about my life in a blog is the most transparent I've ever been. But I will admit that it almost doesn't count because I don't know if anyone is actually reading it. It's not like I've been listed in the Blogs of Note column and scores of people are flocking to my blog. So the thing is, if people are reading it and not leaving comments, then I have the same response I would have if no one was reading it. If they read it and leave a comment, then I have a completely different feeling about it. I know that someone has seen me and I experience being seen. This is getting way too philosophical and metaphysical. I will likely have to pick this part up later.
6. It provides a creative outlet -- arranging posts, photos, links, choosing colors, fonts, etc.
7. I feel connected to something cultural. I haven't had that since the '60s and I was too stoned to realize it then.
   

Why I quit smoking

1. So I can breathe.
2. So I don't stink.
3. Better health overall: circulation is improved, teeth and gums are healthier, less toxins traveling through my entire body (and goodness knows I don't eat enough foods high in anti-oxidants).
   
4. No cigarette butts to worry about when I'm out (even though my sweet husband keeps buying me portable ashtrays).
5. So our house doesn't stink. When we lived in San Diego, I only smoked outside. Here in Florida I had been smoking inside. Yuck.
6. No ashtrays to clean.
7. Save $$.
8. To impress people.
9. So my clothes don't stink.
10. To prove that I could do it.