Day 89: Tomorrow will be a full three months of not smoking! I feel like the blog has run it's course and helped in keeping me off nicotine but I really don't have that much to say. I will end it with a few truths, some which I have mentioned previously and perhaps some new...
1. I still want to smoke, not everyday but there are definitely days.
2. I am constantly planning the times when I feel like I can cheat and smoke, I'm not sure that I will actually follow through, but I have a list of acceptable smoking opportunities on the legal pad in my head.
3. To clarify my cheat situations are mostly vacations with or without casinos, without children and accompanied by drinking. A couple of years ago I went to Tampa with my girlfriends, I had previously quit smoking but knew as soon as I landed, me and Newport we were going to have a reunion. It wasn't an issue when I got back on the plane to Utah I didn't smoke again. Obviously not never, we started again for something, a good reason I'm sure.
4. What I have found is I can not have cheat situations at my home, because then the habits come back too easily, like the cup of coffee with the cigarette or the after dinner cigarette. That is what happened above.
5. I know whether at home or on vacation it's probably not the best idea for the ex smoker to light one up.
6. Three months is really a drop in the bucket not a great milestone, but a milestone nonetheless.
7. Based on my previous attempts to quit and even adding in my "free cheat situations" it's the 6-9 months that are killer. I've never bypassed the 9 month mark so here's hoping!
8. I have saved a minimum of $349.10 since Feb. 27th that is just me based on 1/2 pack a day. However adding in M smoking the other half we have saved nearly $700.
Maybe my hardest trials are the next three months, when the warmth from the sun screams in my ear to take the clothes off. Sweatshirt not allowed! I'm usually a fan of summer but with my back surgery and the no smoking this weight gain is dragging me down. Here is my final blog bitchin, M started running three weeks ago, maybe 3 times a week and has lost 8-9 pounds, no real diet change to speak of. WTH! I walk at least 3 miles every day and don't loose a thing. Oh don't get me wrong I know why, because for the other 23 hours of the day I'm sitting or laying down with a few aimless wanders around the house. I can't fully express how insanely boring doing nothing is. I started breaking up my 3 mile walk, into smaller walks two or three times a day, yeah I know, not gonna make a difference. I see the doctor next week so maybe I can start doing some vacuuming or mopping. Dreaming big.
To the few who read this, thanks for taking the time over the last three months, it has helped.
You're amazing Sherri!!! I'm so proud of you. Weight gain is hard yes... I'm struggling too! And it's a guy thing. I kill myself walking and working out and have nothing to show for it. My M does something different and loses 8-10 in a week or two.... Which takes me 6 months!!!
ReplyDeleteAfter more than a year, there are still times when I still want to smoke and I too think I can cheat. But the reality is that I know cheating will lead to my bad habits and then I will be right back to where I started. I'm just starting to see huge improvements in my breathing from the COPD. I have recently started walking about 5-6 miles every other day again.
Hang in there!!! Be strong!!! Be proud of yourself! A milestone is a milestone and celebrate the smallest of successes.... Huge success is made of tiny achievements! I know you can and will do this!
Here is a truth for you: There is no acceptable cheat! Even if you smoked "just one", your heart and lungs would know it and ask you "WTF?" Throw away your legal pad and don't give yourself the chance to fail. As for weight, smoking won't cure that. Maybe you need to start a weight loss blog? Did I ever show you my fast pics?
ReplyDeleteLove your wit and humor. You will succeed because you are strong.
PS - Went to Heart Song to make appointment yesterday and they said only about 20 percent need collars. Do you think we could get away with waiting until we pick them up or should we buy them and have them on stand-by if needed?
Oops, meant fat photos. Don't have fast photos - lol!
DeleteThanks Charity I'm so happy you can tell a difference in your breathing, I hope improvement continues for you.
ReplyDeleteCarol no I've never seen your fat pics, but you're looking pretty good now :) as for the collars the first night they won't do anything generally they are too drugged up. I would probably err on the side of caution and get them just in case, if you don't open it you can always take them back. I've never had a dog that left it completely alone. If I can find the one we had I would be more than happy to share I'm just not sure it would actually fit Murphy or Stanley at this point :)