Hello all,
I just wanted to say this out loud (well, sort of, typed out loud anyway lol). I made this decision a week ago and have spent the last 7 days gearing up and mentally preparing myself. I have to say that overall my feeling has been excitement more than anything. The thought of being smoke free - no more huddling outside in the winter, no more feelings of isolation with non-smoking friends, no more smell in my house, on my clothes, in my car and on my dogs. I've made the decision to not say "I'm trying to quit smoking" but to say "I'm a non-smoker" to myself, it just feels more encouraging. It's all good.
I'm two hours into my day and have made it past morning coffee and the half hour drive to work with the help of an NRT losenge. Two hours in, the rest of my life to go!
Cheers everyone and best wishes and good thoughts to everyone else.
Kathy
Thanks, folks. I've smoked for nearly 30 years and always said I'd quit but it had to be when I was ready. I didn't want to do a half hearted attempt because I felt pressure from outside sources, fail and then lose my motivation. It's now 4.5 hours, and still only the one NRT. I'm under no illusions that it will all be this easy but it's a decent start. The test will be tonight when I'm home. I intend to spend the evening washing and spraying every soft surface in the house to clear out the smell.
Thanks again!
Thanks so much for the words of encouragment, I think I'm getting a bit teary. :) Yes, I've got looks to keep me occupied this evening, maybe even bath the dogs. The cat's another matter - anyone know if Frebreeze works well on cats? (Just kidding, seriously)
Anyway, yes, I will use the forum if I'm feeling weak in my resolve. I've been reading a lot of posts this morning and they're helpful.
So far, almost 8 hours in, there's just really been a bit of light headedness a couple of hours ago that felt a bit different than my usual hunger headache, but I have some real natural licorice and honestly that seemed to clear the fuzzy head right up.
Thanks again all!
Kathy
Actually, my old Siamese howls through the whole thing and makes half hearted attempts to get away but otherwise, she's not bad as cats go to bathe.
And you're right, showering at work isn't an option, unless, I suppose, you're a fitness instructor or gym teacher. But really, work isn't that big of a problem for me, especially this time of year. I'm a real whimp and if it's cold/snowy/windy out, I have absolutely no problem staying right at my desk. It's the drive home in the warm car that will get me.
Thanks for the encouragement. :) I wish more pet owners took the responsibility for grooming their own pets like you did. I was a groomer for 10 years and had to shave a lot of cats as well as dogs like Samoyeds, Golden Retreivers, etc., because the owners let them get so far gone in tangles. Or thought bathing them would 'loosen' the snarls. Wish they'd asked first before they tried that solution!
Kathy
Day 2 - Yesterday wasn't bad actually, no real physical issues although I found myself with the fleeting thought that a cigarette would be good right now. But since there were none in the house and the nearest store is about 4 kms away and it was snowing, I didn't have a lot of choice but to ignore the cravings. Today is going to be harder physically and mentally as I'm snowed in and working from home. That's why I chose to make my quit day a Monday in January. Standing outside in the cold and snow don't appeal to me so I rarely have a problem resisting an urge. At home I'd smoke where ever and when ever I felt like it so this is the real test. Anyway, sorry for the ramble I just needed to write it down. Thanks for listening and I guess I'll move over to one of the other boards since I've already Introduced myself.
Stay strong all!
Kathy
Day 3 - Day 2 wasn't bad. I was snowed in and worked from home so whenever I got a craving I just got up and cleaned something. I've washed or frebreezed every soft surface in my house and car and bathed my dogs so things should be smelling pretty good in my house. Unfortunately, I'm so congested I can't tell! What I'm wondering is, is this a withdrawal symtom or just bad timing on the part of my body in catching a cold? I woke up this morning feeling in my head like I had a hangover, not really like a cold.
Anyone else have this type of congestion as a symtom?
Kathy
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/14/2008
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 2
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 40
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $15.20
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 24 [B]Seconds:[/B] 5
Thanks for the input. Any suggestions on what might help clear my head? I've got allergy sinus medication but I'm not sure that's what's called for here.
Kathy
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/14/2008
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 2
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 40
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $15.20
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 28 [B]Seconds:[/B] 56
Thanks, Kristilu. Everything else I've been able to handle fairly well but this thick head is a pain (literally and figuratively). It doesn't make me want to run out and have a cigarette, though, since I know that cold or withdrawal sympton, it will pass.
One added benefit to quitting, along with the obvious health benefits, my house will be cleaner than it has been since it was new. :)
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/14/2008
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 2
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 40
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $15.20
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 31 [B]Seconds:[/B] 34
I'm new to the site and forum but I've been reading about you, Mr. Ed. What a great job you're doing! Thanks. :)
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/14/2008
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 2
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 40
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $15.20
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 32 [B]Seconds:[/B] 13
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