It had to happen…

Viruses for Windows are well documented – and a commonly used argument is “use a Mac, it’s safer” – well in the space of a week two vulnerabilities for the Mac were released. The first was a trojan horse-esque virus, designed to infect applications on Mac systems and propagate itself to users of iChat. The second was a threat to the Bluetooth protocol. In each case the actual severity of the threat is low, and in the case of the Bluetooth, users who are updated with latest patches are already secure.

But it does just go to show that virus creators are branching out. No doubt 2006 will be the year of the virus.

Day 6: Feeling Good

I successfully navigated a night in the pub last night without succombing to the pleasures of the smokey teat. With my sense of smell slowly returning, it became immediately apparent how strong the smell of smoke really is (which is something you totally underestimate when smoking). Admittedly, I was working in the pub, as opposed to drinking in the pub, so I suppose that is still one hurdle to jump, but still, one thing at a time. Cravings are becoming less frequent now so maybe it’s getting easier? I’m not sure. But I’m doing alright…

Day 5: Getting tricky

I’m still ‘on the wagon’ but it’s getting tricky. I do feel much better for not having smoked for 5 days now, but I have to admit the feelings of “I can just have one” are much stronger today. I’m not sure why my brain is so convinced that I just want one (when it knows full well that if I just have one then I’ll be back on 20 a day before you can say ‘Excuse me mate, have you got a light?’). And I will be in the pub later tonight – the first time I’ll be properly surrounded by smokers since I quit.

What’s annoying is that I keep forgetting why I’ve quit – and have to keep reminding myself – so that when I think I really want one – I have to tell myself not to. I’m fighting against myself, and it’s a most unusual situation to be in.

How many numpties does it take to fly a plane?

On my recent flight back from Southampton, sat in the terminal waiting to board. At one point there were 11 fluorescent jacket adorned sub 21 year olds stood around getting paid, costing me money.

Day 4

I’m still ill, but now I think the cough is non-smoking induced more than sickness. Trouble is, I must be getting the cravings as I’m now thinking about smoking more and more. The “ooh, I could just have one” thoughts have started, and the “just one, it would be sooo nice, you know you want it” persuasions that smoking is actually nice. I reckon if I can get through today (and tomorrow) then the very hardest bit will be over – it’ll just be about staying off after that. But still, 4 quid in my pot, wonder what I could buy for that!? (Ironically, I could get a packet of fags for 4 quid…).

Day 3

I’ve picked up a nasty strain in the left side of my back. I’m not sure I can blame that on not smoking, but I think my disrupted sleep (as a result of needing a cigarette) is to blame, so indirectly it is. Fortunately, only one person in my immediate office smokes, so I get a craving every time I see him disappear down the fire escape… could be worse. According to The Big Quit today and tomorrow are going to be the worst days in terms of cravings. I actually disagree – when I’ve quit before, I’ve usually found the first week to be OK, because I’m still on a smug high about having given up. It’s always towards the end of the 2nd week where the complacency sets in and I start to think I’ll be OK if I just have one.

It’s hard to remember, but this time is definitely feeling harder than the last time I quit. Perseverance is the key. And to get rid of this cold so I can cycle to work – I think exercise is a real helper to this process.

How to Catch Mice

Little tubs of poison don’t work. Empty-baited traps (in the hope they’ll just sort of sniff about a bit and get caught) don’t work.

The ultimate lure for mice? Toblerone. I’ve used the plain chocolate variety so far but have the white and plain chocolates to try as well. The poison and traps had been there for weeks without catching a thing. After rebaiting them last night, I caught three.

So now you know.

(I was going to post pictures of them up here, but I thought that would really be much too sadistic).