Why is it that I feel so much more creative,
and write ready in the afternoon/evening?

Let me first elaborate on the bulleted goals that I have declared above, one of which is to quit smoking. I decided to try about a month ago proceeding almost seven years of lung abuse. I’ve heard all the reasons to quit (ie. Money, health, smell, time spent) and yet never felt the urge to take this step, until my lovely non-smoking, health conscience boyfriend entered my life. After many arguments, urgings, pleadings and talks (on both sides) I finally made the decision it was time. I never planned to smoke my whole entire life, yet I am not getting any younger.

I take solace that I am making the right decision, however, there are many things that keep me tied to it, that urge me to stay the smoker’s path. It is not nicotine addiction like many assume, for I can go a whole weekend without a puff. There is something that the cigarette companies don’t tell you about that is more addictive that the nicotine itself. The things I will miss about smoking, after I have successfully quit:

• Smoking is like a statement, explaining to people without having to make a peep that I am not perfect. I have bad habits just as you, I have weaknesses that I indulge. It’s a guilty pleasure that is becoming more and more socially unacceptable.
• This guilty pleasure is one that is always a convo starter. If you go outside to the smoker’s corner at work, smokers can always strike up a conversation with each other without prior knowledge of the other person. It’s like a secret club, and you can talk to almost anyone holding a cigarette as long as they are within hearing distance. Smokers are friendly people.
• I will miss drinking coffee/wine, smoking cigarettes, while having way too long in depth conversation with close friends. This has always been a favorite pass time of mine, and without cigarettes it just doesn’t feel the same. Its about sharing that smoking time, that indulgence with each other while disposing stresses, concerns, funnies, and gossip. Coffee and wine just don’t seem to taste the same.
• The excuse to leave a boring party, get together to retreat into a small dark corner for a breather without someone thinking you are being anti social or something is wrong with you. It allows me time without having to seem rude enough to say, ” I just want to get away from you, and your ridiculous logic for five minutes”!

Although I will miss these things, I am on my way to a smoke free life… soon.

*le sigh*As I sit here and contemplate what I should write in my annoying first blog, my eye scans the google query, “What should a first blog post include?”; Google is my best friend. I have procrastinated this beginning due to the vast possibilities my blank blog proposes. I shall start from my humble beginnings and work my way through the next week of entries in hope that this blog may find it’s voice among millions.

My name is Sarah, ordinary and plain much like the book, Sarah, Plain and Tall, which was one of my favorite books growing up. I tend to love books, songs, and characters with my name, as egotistical as it is.

Reading is intoxicating given the right book and setting. Being an unsuccessful avid reader, I tend to go through multiple books in a month only to follow with a two-month dry spell.

My day consists of being in a cubicle from 8-5, Monday through Friday. My job squelches creativity, yet somehow some of mine has survived. This blog is an attempt to keep what creativity I have left alive. Call it my creativity fern, much like a love fern, it must be nourished and cared for.

I love criticism of all kind, thus it is the key to growth. As a one-day writer (To be a “writer” insinuates that is your profession, which I have not achieved) I am always looking for ways to better myself and writing.

I have a lovely boyfriend, and two lovely cats. I live in a smaller that most apartment full of memories and knick knacks that my boyfriend lovingly refers to as “junk”. I am pack rat that tries to be organized.

I heart women ran publications and sites such as kirtsy.com and Bust magazine (bust.com).

Goals (Some small and trivial, others grand and intimidatin exhilarating!)

• To pay off my credit card and build my savings, as most Americans in this recession era. I actually instated a new budget today, execution being key.
• To graduate in x amount of years with a BA in writing of some sort.
• To start a small garden in pots and to be more environment friendly.
• To quit smoking ( I say this after a cig break…enough said).
• To clean and get rid of unneeded items; being a pack rat this is harder said than done.
• To learn more about the technological world and it’s treasures.
• To live in the present.