Conference

I was away the last several days attending a conference and presenting some of my research.  Even though it was fun, I am glad to be home. 

This particular conference was not one that was attended by my pipe-smoking friends from other universities, so that was not a worry I had going to the conference.  But, I *did* find it quite challenging in two regards.... one evening I did indulge in a few libations, and when I did so, the desire for a pipe *was* quite strong.  I did not have a pipe with me (I did not take any on the trip.), but if I had done so, I believe I likely would have given in and indulged.  Also, in the city where I was for this conference, there was a wonderful, traditional tobacconist near by and I did peruse their wares quite extensively after I found the shop.  I did feel quite a bit of temptation to buy myself a pipe and some tobacco while there.  I had to work quite extensively on myself to dissuade me from making the purchases and I used my tendency to be a "penny pincher" to my advantage in this case.   The one pipe I found quite beautiful and enticing to me had a price tag of ~$80.00 (some tobacco I would have liked would have added another $20.00 to the cost as well), and even though I really would have liked it, and would have very willingly broken it in.... I was able to force myself to put the pipe back on the shelf by reminding myself how foolish it would be to spend that money when I was trying my damndest to NOT smoke a pipe.... and that I had PLENTY of pipes at home so the purchase would be utterly superfluous given my current state of mind.  

So, I made it back without indulging in a pipe.  That was an actual accomplishment for me. 

PipeTobacco