Thursday, July 30, 2009

Two Days Later

Tuesday morning around 9:30am I smoked my last cigarette. Let me say that again. Tuesday morning around 9:30am I smoked my last cigarette. It was touch and go the first day. The next day was too but not quite as bad.I switched from lozenges to the patch. I bought a store brand patch though and they wouldn't stay stuck, so I went back with the lozenges.

Dum Dum suckers and Werther's candy remain part of my cessation program. I know sweets may lead me into looking for the best diet pill. I'm still using the rationalization that a few suckers or pieces of candy is better than stuffing my face silly and much better than still smoking.

Last night while watching TV in bed, I reached for a lozenge and realized I didn't need one. I reached for a sucker instead and didn't want that either. (Both of these I have scattered around my apartment in little clusters.) I smiled and went back to watching TV.

I've begun the task of cleaning my apartment to rid it of the smoky smell. I've washed the bedding and steamed the carpets. I washed a few walls yesterday. Today or tomorrow I'll be steaming the living room furniture. (I tested a spot yesterday and it was ok after it dried.) I don't think it will EVER be completely gone, but I can do what I can do.

I think part of the reason I've been successful so far is that I'm avoiding things that used to trigger the smoking urge. I'm not online much. I would sit here and chain smoke a whole pack over half a day without even realizing it. I haven't gone anywhere mostly because I don't like going outside but also because driving produces another time when I would routinely light up.

The hardest time for me right now is something harder to avoid and that is right after eating dinner. I keep a sucker and a lozenge next to my plate. Just in case.

I have crocheted so much to keep my hands busy that I completed the afghan I started earlier this week. Maybe I should start another one.

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Does anyone know where I can get one of those ticker things you put in a sidebar or at the top of your blog that counts days for you? I found the place that counts DOWN to events, but I can't find one that counts UP. Not one that isn't huge and tacky anyway.

6 comments:

Sara said...

Awesome! Keep it up!

Grace said...

WOO HOO for YOU! Fantastic news. I knew you had it in you. Keep up the good work. I will go on a search for the ticker thing for you... Triggers... I so know about them. Someday they won't be triggers for you at all. I have an update on me on my blog today... not the great news you have... but news all the same. Have a FANTASTIC thursday. Man, I'm still smiling for you... good for you. :)

MAGGIE AT COFFEESHOPMAFIA said...

You should start sewing (crocheting) things and sell them on Etsy.com

1. you will keep your hands busy
2. have a project you have to finish so you won't want to put it down to smoke
3. make a little money

Lucy said...

http://www2.philipmorrisusa.com/en/quitassist/
index_flash.asp

I am so proud of you skitts!
go to this web site!! friends who have quit love it! there is a way to keep track of how many days you've quit and the money saved and health saved. Hope you find it useful! xox

Jan said...

That's awesome news, Barb! I'm so proud of you! Sorry I haven't been around much. Life has gotten in the way. You keep up the good work! I quit 4 years ago. If I can do it, you can! hehe

Misty DawnS said...

Not trying to be nosy... but did Mr. Skits quit too?

Ummmm I'm thinking you should make an afghan with different shades of ummmmm.... oh let's see... how about... PURPLE!!!!!!