Hey that's pretty cool.
My father loses his cool over little things too. He takes it out on everybody! It might be abusive, but I'm not the sensitive type and I can brush it off pretty easily without going on Oprah's show. I like to think it's the harsh viking blood in my veins. Haha!
Still losing one's cool can seem pretty darn primitive, right?

I think as a result of my fathers reactions I have tried to discipline my desires; perhaps much in the way you have done.
Discipline, in terms of getting "shiny boots" I might covet the boots first, then become disappointed for not being able to get them. To cope with "not getting them" I would conjure up my own reasons for not being able to get them. In part, this was so I would not react irrationally like my father might, but also it helped me break free from a harsh reality that I just might not have what it takes to get shiny boots! Shiny boots being buxom wenches, financial stability or even heaven when I die.