Wow! Thank you, SweetPea & everyone for your good wishes. What a great surprise after being off on MLK Day. I must say there was a time, not too long ago, that I was in awe of our fearless leaders w/ 500+ days. Seems so weird to be on the receiving end of congrats from some of my heros. Hard to imagine that I made it into the NoSmoke 500 myself, (driving the blue Cold-Turkey car, of course.) I guess my next goal is 18 mos. I scheduled that for my birthday so I would never forget. Wait - when's my birthday?..
Anywho, at 500 days I will confess that I've been having the odd Smoking dream of late. Waking up grateful again that it wasn't real. From what I've read here this is a phenomenon that will probably continue for life. Thank goodness I no longer have the [i]almost[/i] overwhelming cravings to go with.
The only thing I need do now is take a deep breath once in awhile to remind me why I quit in the first place. The still-vivid memory of burning lungs & sinuses, and the lack there of now, should keep my resolve solid. Also, knowing a few people who still smoke has helped: If I'm nearby I will sometimes take a sniff of what I've been missing. Thing is I find that I don't miss it at all! The smell reminds me of the smoldering sack of chemicals I used to live in, wondering why I always felt so crappy all the time.
So, 500 days later I guess I have certain bragging rights. So I do, when the occasion arises. I also try to spread the word, trying not to sound like one of those "ex-smokers".
Well, thank you all again.
Stick the quit.
Just say N.O.P.E.
[I can't think of any other clever sayings right now. Oh, except:]
Don't smoke, okay? It's bad for you.
Cold Turkeys are feeling quite humble now.
mc
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/31/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 503
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 7,551
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2012
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 50 [B]Hrs:[/B] 8 [B]Mins:[/B] 7 [B]Seconds:[/B] 19