6 Months of Tobacco freeness on Jan 23, 2008

It is a fantastic thing to be able to declare. It will be, tomorrow. I'm excited and know other things now fill the void. I haven't counted the time as much lately as I did early on. Hell fire, 48 hours was HUGE!! My quit buddy, BFF, is supposed to join me for a celebration dinner after work tomorrow. If it weren't for her purchasing the Chantix and declaring her quit I'm not sure I would be where I am today.

She helped me focus all that frustration and excess energy into brisk walks. They could be around the block or several blocks to make over a mile. Breathe in some fresh air, clear the cobwebs between the ears and get the blood pulsing through your body. She and I have been there for each other, grab coffee, talk through all those things that happen in life with spouses, children, and colleagues. Sure has made it healthier than grabbing a 10 minute smoke break a few times a day.

There have been many people to stand by me, support me, and encourage me along the way. I need to make sure and thank them all in some special way. It's been great that my Sis and Hubby quit a few weeks later. I've made some new friends with cycling and hoping to grow that list even more.

Anyone wanting to quit smoking should talk to their doctor about Chantix. There are side effects, some much more serious than others. I had tried everything and never could quit. Chantix helped me to create an opportunity to break into a healthy lifestyle.

I will spend less time talking about not smoking and more time about life, adventure, fitness and anything else that comes to mind. Hope it's not a huge bore. I'm not sure I'll have any more milestones to count, at least not about tobacco freeness. This one has given me the confidence to go for more goals.

End of the year - should be fun - can be stressful -- Very Full Of Stress!

I thought I should post a warning to everyone that is either trying to quit smoking or have already quit in the last months.

This is a very stressful time of year for some (a lot) people. We put off the inevitable like shopping, decorating, mailing Christmas cards and so many more task. (I've bought 4 gifts to date). Money can be tight and the pressure to spend on others can be stressful. Relationship strains make us sad if we won't see loved ones this time of year. The loss of a friend or loved one in the recent past makes this time of year much more difficult and leaves an empty place.

Monday and Tuesday tested my will power. But Wednesday I wanted a cigarette all day long. I haven't had an urge like this since August! I didn't smoke, I kept trying my old diversions: Dum dums, chewing gum, nice walk in fresh air, mini altoids, finding alternative things to focus my attention. It just kept coming back. I made it through and I didn't succomb, but it was scary. Monday was 21 weeks since my last cigarette! This just goes to show how there are still triggers ready to tempt you.

I'll be sending out all the good karma and smoke-free thoughts to all of my 'quit-buddies' for this holiday season.
Merry Christmas to everyone!

I'm so grateful I found you guys and Chantix!

5 Weeks + and a wedding in 3 days!

It's amazing that I haven't had a bad urge to smoke for a few days. Especially since it's my monthly on top of all of this!

I've ridden my bike for 25 minutes every day getting close to 7 miles each time. I've added crunches and a few other stretching and toning routines at the end of my ride. It's still been terribly hot, so haven't tried running again Yet. Think I'll see what it's like Sunday and Monday. Hope I'm not too hung-over!

The house is almost in order. I'm wondering what we've forgotten in all of this. I've been out twice shopping with the bride to be. She's doing very well. We both had a very blonde day on Monday. Took a break from each other on Tuesday, but went back out today. She needed gifts for the bridal party and I needed shoes!

I've missed my walks with my quit buddy. She's been very busy and in meetings this week, so we haven't done much communication.

We all hope Saturday goes well. I know something will go awry, just hope it's fairly insignificant. Or at least funny and memorable.