Blood from a stone

I'm not politically minded - I read the news and try to stay on top of stuff, but politics bores me (Special K loves it, but then she's a whole smarter than I am :) ). For those of you not in the state of WA, they've increased the cigarette tax. Again. We just did this last year. So I wrote a letter to our estemed governor:

My domestic partner and I both want to share with you our extreme displeasure with the latest cigarette tax increase. We have been very supportive of you and what you're trying to accomplish, but we cannot stay quiet on this. You've raised the cig tax. Again. We just did this last year. Again. How far can you punish an already unpopular part of the population? How high can you go? Another $10 per carton? Let's see; two cartons a week (one for each of us) = $20 x 4 = $80. A month. That's insane. X 12 is $960. A year. Almost one thousand dollars. For just a "little" tax increase.

Should we be smoking? That's our choice. Health-wise; no, we shouldn't. But that's not the issue here. We don't want to debate whether or not one should smoke. But if we chose to, we shouldn't have to pay so very much over and above what it costs to make the product.

There's only so much blood you can get from a stone. So OK; fine. I'll just drive once a month down to Oregon to buy my cigarettes for the month. Oh, wait - that's illegal, isn't it? Which I find very silly. Thought we lived in America - the land of free. I should be able to buy what I want, where I want. Government shouldn't be able to tell me I cannot shop in the state next door just because they then don't get the tax.

Well, get a clue! Could it possibly be that the tax is too freaking high?

We are both middle-aged, sedate, mature women, not prone to drama. We work, we come home, we enjoy our canine companion - very quiet life, with very few vices. That you can just wreak havoc and charge us more of what we don't have that much of to begin with is very painful and disruptive.

We love America. And we love the state of Washington. But you are making it very difficult to keep us interested in staying in Washington. One of the highest taxed states - you've got to start looking in better places for your budget dollars. And don't respond that you have. We're sorry. You have not. Not by a long shot. Too much wastage; too much being taken from necessary areas and not enough focus on areas that need cutting and haven't been touched.

Sincerely,


For the record, the "you" in this note refers to government - not you, personally, Governor.

Thank you for the opportunity to vent. Not that this will do one iota of good, but we had to let you know how very unhappy you've made us and how disruptive this is to our lives. And we are but just a couple. Imagine all the other lives to which you've done the same.

Whew!

Stepped on the scale this morning - first time in quite a while. I've been afraid. Afraid that I've topped 200 again.

I am still 195. What a relief. I know, I know - it's only 5 pounds away, but it matters. Not sure why it makes a difference, but it does. And I've been 195 for a while now - have I settled down? Don't know. I have good days, but more often not-so-good days, eating wise.

Vacation was wonderful - will have pics up as soon as I can remember to take my memory stick home to put the pictures on. So nice to get away. We went through all sorts of weather (from sunshine to a blizzard). It was terrific to see R&W and their new digs. Still can't figure out the Patterson part, but they're happy, and that's what's most important.

While I didn't deny myself while on vacation, I found I was not eating that much only cuz we were so busy. I was fearful that I was going to gain a lot over the week just because my time was my own, and I've always been a nibbler on long drives.

Special K's nephew is getting married in May - I would really love to drop at least 10 lbs by then so that some of my summer stuff fits (it all does; just really skin tight). Plus I need to buy a new outfit for the wedding and I would hate to have to buy bigger than L or XL.

So, back to salads for lunch and no sweet snacks (cookies, cakes, candies, cookies - that sort of thing.) Did I say cookies? Was never such a cookie hound as I am now, especially those I make myself. I revised my almond shortbread thumbprint recipe and they are now killer, if I do say so myself :)

I can do this. Where's that chalkboard? I can do this.

I am so ready....

We leave tomorrow morning, early, on a road trip down the coast to mid-California to visit friends that deserted us , er, moved there last year. We saw them last at Thanksgiving, so it's been a while. Very excited. A little over 800 miles; could do it one day, but why kill ourselves. We'll stop half way Saturday night, have a nice, relaxing evening, and then head out again Sunday early. We should get there mid-afternoon Sunday.

It's been a very long time since Special K and I took an actual vacation. We did a little long-weekend thing last year, when we did the Cascade Loop in July - was great fun, but too short. So, this will be very nice. And we're bringing the Sparkster with us - he does love his car rides and he loves to be with his people.

At first, I was bummed, because after much talking about our coming, our friends decided they'd rather not have Sparks in the house (we were going to stay with them) because they have new carpets. Don't blame them, plus knowing their carpets are new, I'm glad it worked out the way it did; we found a nice hotel not a mile from their house that takes dogs and has smoking rooms, so we'll be more comfortable, anyways :o)

Eating wise, it seems I'm able to eat more and more normally. Quanities are still less than it used to be, but not much bothers the pouch any more.

Bummer.