4/12/10: 10 cigs.

I think it's time to take the quota down to 8 cigs. It was as hard as I imagined it to be. But it is only the first day.

With Lab Michelle was out sick, and Leilani didn't get in until noon, I didn't know if that woman felt comfortable with just the boys holding down the fort, but E and I managed. With flying colors.

4/13/10: 10 cigs.

Applied for more jobs and faced more rejection. Made more chemistry models and cursed the 14 carbon limit. I then fell asleep to season 10 of South Park with Michelle's giant face on my computer.

4/14/10: 11 cigs.

As I paid for a Rockstar and 2 packs of cigarettes ($1.47 off at your neighborhood 7-11!), I realized I don't remember the last time I bought cigarettes. It's a good thing, I think. I can't imagine going lower than this, but eventually I'll have to. I guess pacing is the key. She already likes how I smell less like cigarettes.

4/15/10: 10 cigs.

Axiom in life: Ramen are best served in a dingy hole in the wall place.

And I just realized I'm down to half of what I used to smoke on a regular basis.

4/16/10: 10 cigs.

Went to the wrong hotel. I guess even GPS cannot prevent me from getting lost.

4/17/10: 8 cigs.

Sitting in a hotel in Pomona waiting for Michelle to finish her 8 hour Fundamental of Engineering exam. I'm glad I don't have to take this test. With many hours to go, I think I need to tackle some homework. Pandora and free wifi connection is a good combination.

There are some young fraternity clad Adonises wrestling in the pool area. I suppose the Greek influence never really dies, it just remains subtle and ironic. Two hours later, as I smoke another cigarette on the balcony, the boys are still cajolin' and a-wrasslin' in the pool. Oh youth and their endless energy.

4/18/10: 4 cigs.

Drive-in movies are really just as fun as Fonzie would have you believe, especially when your sweetheart is sharing an iced tea and nachos with you. How to Train Your Dragon is just as good as the reviews. Clash of the Titans, on the other hand, thoroughly sucked even with all the sweet Greek mythical references.

Mission Tiki Drive-in in Pomona. Highly recommended. Their Mexican food is exceptional.