Final Answer

Things are coming together.

Since January, I have been fortunate enough to work on a great new History Channel show called "Extreme Trains". This has been one of my most positive work experiences. I've met people who are not just co-workers, but true friends as well. So, it was with sadness and anticipation that I gave my two week notice on Tuesday because...

...I accepted an offer to be a researcher for "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire". I am beyond excited for this. My love of game shows is well documented and this is the genre of television I want to work in. After passing the "Millionaire" test twice to be a contestant but not getting picked for the show, I decided the only way I was going to make money from this show was to work for them. I've been trying to get in for quite some time now, and on Tuesday, that effort and determination paid off.

So here's what my next couple of weeks look like: finish things up at "Extreme Trains". Fly to Las Vegas. Turn 30. Start new job.

Let's hope all of this good luck holds up in Vegas!

Quote of the Day:
"It was such a lovely day I thought it a pity to get up." -W. Somerset Maugham

One Year

This is a momentous anniversary for me today. It has been one year since I have had a caffeinated beverage -- no Cherry Coke, no Dr. Pepper, no Pepsi. It's a wonder the soda companies have not crumbled because of this.

I have always loved soda with every fiber of my being. It was as commonplace in my home as water and milk. It was not uncommon for me to drink at least 20 ounces a day. Each sugary sip was better than the last. It became a necessity which I thought I would never be able to do without.

Last year, seeing the age of 30 looming, decided to curb some of my bad habits. I still eat badly, and that is more of a gradual process. Exercising is still an effort for me, so although something I want to improve, not something to dedicate to fully. That left my one beloved vice -- soda.

It was hard. I can only imagine trying to quick smoking or alcohol, because the withdrawl from soda sucked and I'm sure is tenfold with other vices. I had huge headaches and went to bed even earlier than I do now. I longed for one more sip of Cherry goodness, but willpower took over. I plead guilty to the occasional root beer or Shirley Temple, but those were seldom and caffeine-free. Weeks turned into months and months into this one year.

I am proud of my accomplishment. I know a lot of people have bigger demons to conquer, but this was a big thing for me to give up. Next up, that pesky gambling problem. Probably not a good thing the NCAA tournament is starting and Las Vegas is right around the corner...

Quote of the Day:
"I never intended to be a run-of-the-mill person." -Barbara Jordan