Easy going day today. Cravings, so I decided to cook.

Wow! I am so impressed with my effort to clean out my freezer. I have been craving a smoke pretty bad today. I think it's from boredom, so I decided to make a little headway in cleaning out my freezer. I found some big bags of frozen corn and decided I would make some sort of corn casserole. OMG! It turned out so good, I wrote down the recipe. I actually threw it together from ingredients I had on hand, and I am sharing it here so you can enjoy it also. I call it Cleaning out the freezer Corn Casserole. I believe in keeping things as real and simple as possible. Can't you tell?

Cleaning out the freezer Corn Casserole

Ingredients

1 32 oz bag corn niblets
1 can diced tomatoes with green pepper &
onion
2 cups instant brown rice
1 cup unsalted chicken broth
1 T. cumin
1 T. chili powder
2 t. salt
2 t. parsley flakes
Fresh black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes to taste
Half a package of Kraft cracked black
pepper cheddar cheese


How to make:

Mix corn, tomatoes, half a tomato can of
water, rice, and chicken broth in large bowl.
Mix in dry ingredients and sprinkle the top
with parsley for color. Bake at 350 for 50
minutes in a 13 x 9 pan. Remove from oven and top with
grated cheese. Cook for another 15 minutes
until bubbly around edges.

I think I may freeze this and reheat for thanksgiving. No cravings now. Yay! Now I'm putting it right back in the freezer. Makes no sense at all, does it? Oh Well...I tried.

Even more stress, but still not smoking thanks to Chantix!

I have not been posting regularly again, but wait until you hear the latest goings on. My last post was on October 30th. On November 1st, Mom had her follow up visit to check on that second shoulder surgery. Turns out, her shoulder was dislocated again. So depressing. The doc thinks it is from movement. He had stressed that she keep her arm immobilized, but it wasn't happening. His medical advice was for her to let him go back in and change one of the parts, so it will be more sturdy and stressed that she will need to keep her arm immobilized. Her other option was to not have surgery and live with her shoulder dislocated. Option 2 is what Mom chose, and it's against medical advice.

She's been in quite a bit of pain, but she has her meds that take the edge off. She has 24 hour sitters, and it doesn't really matter now if her arm is in a sling or not. Her balance is very bad, and I think when she was standing up, she was reaching out with that left arm for balance. The wrong type sling didn't help keep her arm immobilized either.

It gets even worse. That same day (last Tuesday), I got a call while we were in Mom's apartment. My cousin called with news of my Aunt's passing. It was sudden and unexpected, and I was asked to tell my Mom and brother. When I told Mom, she was heartbroken. I was, too. I wound up going to her funeral last Thursday, and traveling over the weekend on a visit. I've been busy all this week with Mom, taking a friend to the doctor, and cleaning, and doing laundry. It's been crazy.

Today is my daughter's birthday. She is no longer a teenager. Wow! I remember the day she was born so well. I feel old now. Oh well! Even with all the drama and sadness and stress, I have not smoked. I thank Chantix for the extra push and help to quit, but I want to stress to those considering using it, it takes self control and will power to stay quit. There are links on the page to the right to quit smoking message boards and discussions. They are an invaluable support system. Go ahead, do some reading. You'll see. The folks are nice and very helpful and I am eternally grateful to them.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Lots of stress in my life, but I'm not smoking!

If you've been reading my blog, you know my Mom had shoulder replacement surgery on August 22nd. It took a pretty long while for her to recover from the effects of all the drugs they gave her. She was totally whacked out, but she recovered, and I was just thrilled for her. She was back in her apartment in the assisted living facility and had physical and occupational therapy there. All was well with the world.

 The weekend of October 8th, Mom's shoulder was hurting and a bit swollen. We chalked it up to aggressive therapy and sore muscles, but by Monday evening, she was in the hospital because she was hurting so much. X-rays had been taken and her shoulder replacement had become badly dislocated. She was discharged the next day because cultures needed to be grown to check for infection. She couldn't have any repair surgery for a week. Agonizing! A CT scan was ordered and the doctor discovered a broken scapula. Ugh.

On October 17th, Mom had surgery to fix the break with a metal plate and screws and relocate her shoulder. Turned out, she had no infection. Now she has a scar on her back to match the one in the front. The break was eventually blamed on aggressive physical therapy, and the doctor ruled out a fall. She is back in her apartment now with 24 hour sitter care. Her arm is immobilized, so she has trouble doing basic things and she's not allowed to use her walker yet. Her recovery from this second surgery was much better and she's our good old Mom we all know and love again. I think they changed her meds this time, because the doctor noted all her confusion after the first surgery.

Now you know why I haven't been posting regularly. I've been super busy and quite stressed out. Some health issues of my own have cropped up, but I'm getting better every day. Through all this drama and stress, I have not smoked. I have had some pretty strong cravings, too. I especially crave a ciggy when I see someone smoking. Strangely enough, I don't crave one when I smell cigarette smoke on a person in the store. I am happy and proud to be a non-smoker. A cigarette would not solve any problems, and would only cause me more stress. It would also give me a heavy dose of guilt, which I definitely don't need.

I used Chantix to help me quit. I had some minor side effects, but nothing major. It really helped me quit. The dreams were interesting to me, not scary. It was fun to try and analyze them in the mornings. If you want to quit smoking, it is certainly something you need to discuss with your doctor. There are other prescriptions that can help you quit smoking as well as over the counter things, but your personal doctor can advise you best. Just make sure you are firmly resolved to quit smoking.

To those who have already quit, congratulations. Stay happy. Stay smober! Peace everybody!

Getting back to cleaning mode. Helps with cravings to smoke.

I have been cleaning like crazy. I cleaned out my closet and had about a dozen kitchen trash bags of clothes to donate. I haven't been craving all that strongly, but when I smell smoke or smell someone who smells like smoke, I get a twinge. It goes away quickly.

Anyway, I've been cleaning like crazy to cut down on any cravings, the house needs to be cleaned, I need to exercise, and we are putting our house on the market. We'll be moving into my Mom's house. She deeded it over to me, so I've had a lot going on with painting and sprucing up there and getting our house ready to show. It's been crazy!

I'm hoping our house will sell really quickly, but we'll see. There's no mortgage at Mom's so that's one less thing we have to worry about. Her house is older, but it's in good shape. Our house is not even 10 years old and closer to malls and such, so we're keeping our fingers crossed.

Through everything going on, I have not smoked. I'm tickled pink to be a non smoker now. I feel free. I am happy. There is a bit of stress in my life, but I'm handling it just fine.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Over 6 months smoke free!

I can't believe how fast the time has flown. I am over 6 months smoke free! I haven't posted in a while because I've just been swamped with things to do during the day. When the evening comes, I'm just not in the mood to post, so I go on Facebook and play games there to relax.

As a result of staying busy and running around during the day, then relaxing in the evening, I have put on weight. I haven't been doing my exercises, and I've been eating on the run. I gained 10 pounds in 2 months. Not good. My sugar has been running higher than usual, so I am just starting to carve out time to do my exercises. My tummy muscles are a bit sore from yesterday's workout, but my sugar went down after I did it.

The main reason I have for working out is my diabetes and keeping my sugar down. Second reason is vanity. A lot of my clothes don't fit, and those I can squeeze into, simply don't look right. I was feeling so confident before and fitting into cute clothes and feeling strong and great, so I need to get back to that. I started yesterday, and will fit in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. I'll also start back with healthier eating. I wonder how long it will take me to lose this 10 pounds. Two months to gain it. I'll keep you posted on how long it takes to lose it.

I'll be using Myfitnesspal.com to track food and exercise. That helps keep me on track. I posted a link to their site over on the right. It really helps you track calories, and you'll probably be surprised at how much you eat in a day. I know I was.

Anyway, through all this, I am still smoke free, and I couldn't have done it without Chantix. Peace y'all!

I have been soo busy!

Sorry I haven't been posting as frequently, but I have been so busy with my Mom and daughter. My daughter was sick last Friday, took her to the doctor, and she had a bacterial infection. Of course, Mom has kept me fairly busy with her move to rehab Friday, and then through the weekend making sure she had everything. This past Friday was a busy day, and I have been running.

Despite all the hubbub going on in my life, I haven't smoked. Oddly enough, I have dreamed of smoking. Last night, I dreamed I took a couple of puffs, thought it was nasty, and put it out. In my dream, my husband busted me for smoking, and I felt so guilty. He found a pack of cigarettes in my purse or something. All of that was a dream, thank goodness.

I have had some fairly strong cravings lately, but I think it has to do with stress. I know in my mind and heart that smoking doesn't help anything. I guess I can imagine smoking again, but I won't. There's every good reason to stay quit and none to start smoking again. I'm so glad I made the decision to quit, and I'm glad I told my doctor about it, because he prescribed Chantix for me. I just know I couldn't have quit without Chantix.

I hope everyone has a terrific week and you either stay smober or get that way! 

My Mom has had her shoulder replacement surgery. I want a cigarette!

I don't really want a cigarette. My Mom had her reverse shoulder replacement shoulder yesterday morning, and by the afternoon, she was like a hurt animal. She was lashing out at everyone. It was pretty crazy. Interestingly enough, I had no desire at all for a cigarette. I think by now after almost 6 months, I am a non smoker.

I have read stories of people who have caved after being quit for 5 years or more. I don't think I am one of those people, but I guess you never know. I am very grateful to have had the help of Chantix for my quit, and I know it doesn't work for everyone, but it did for me. I am not trying to be pushy about it or trying to "sell" it or anything. I do feel somewhat obligated to mention it though, because the name of my blog has Chantix in the title.

I will be going to see my Mom at the hospital again today. Lord knows what awaits me there. She was so snarly yesterday afternoon, but I knew she was on drugs and in pain. It will get better, so I'm keeping my eyes on the prize, so to speak. That prize would be more function and less pain for my Mom. I just can't stand to see her in pain. I want to just grab her up and protect her from it. I want to be a Mama bear. She's going to really hurt for a while, I know, but the goal is to have her bone on bone arthritis pain go away. She had a knee replacement, so she knows she will feel better over time.

I will get through all this without smoking. I will stay smober and breathe deeply because I can. Isn't that cool?
Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

This weekend will be a long one!

My Mom is having shoulder surgery on Monday, so I'm just sure this weekend is going to be a long one. I know I'll be worrying about her before that surgery. I won't smoke, though. I promise. I'll stay busy as hell cleaning or something.

I went to the mall with my daughter yesterday. What fun! It's an old fashioned indoor mall in Mobile called the Bel Air Mall. I hardly ever go across the Mobile Bay but this was a spur of the moment nothing better to do trip. It was a lot of fun spending time with my daughter. We looked at ovens and dishwashers at Sears, went to Spencer's Gifts to look at all the naughty gifts and T-shirts, and went to the arcade. I watched her do Dance Dance Revolution. The last song was so fast even SHE couldn't keep up with it. I didn't even try it. I didn't want to leave the mall with a bloody nose from falling flat on my face! :)

Looking forward to today and staying smoke free. It's been five months, and I'm still going strong. I'm so happy that I'm over the worst of the quit. I rarely have cravings, and when I do, they are very weak and short lived. I will always be grateful for Chantix because it helped me in my quit so spectacularly. It was a wonder drug for me, so if you are considering quitting, ask your doctor if you can use it to help quit smoking.

Staying smober and breathing deeply! Hope everyone who's quit does the same! Peace y'all!

Uneventful weekend with no smoking! Yay!

That's right! I'm boring! I didn't really do much of anything this past weekend. I saw my Aunt briefly on Saturday, and Sunday was a bra and makeup free day. I didn't go anywhere, but I did make myself a yummy lunch.

I have kicked the cigarette smoking habit, but now I'm hooked on popcorn and frozen grapes. The grapes are good for me, but the popcorn, not so much. I like more than the 100 calorie bags, and I like butter, so I guess I don't have to add 2 and 2 for anyone reading this. :)

My daughter got a job at Pet Smart and she's so happy. She wants to be a vet tech, so this is a good door that opened for her. She's also signed up for online classes at the community college, and I'm so proud of her.

I'll be busy tomorrow taking my Mom to the doctors. She's probably getting shoulder surgery. Her primary care doc has to sign off on that for her, so we're keeping our fingers crossed. We are hoping this will bring her relief, and from what we've heard from the ortho doc, this surgery will do the trick.

Even with all this "stuff" going on, I'm still smoke free. I am soooo thrilled to be able to say that. Cravings are few and far between, and I feel so free. It feels marvelous to take a really deep breath and not cough. Hell, it feels marvelous to simply be able to take a deep breath. I took the dog for a walk today around the neighborhood, then took him to Pet Smart, so we've had our exercise today. I may do a bit on the Wii tonight.

Thank you Phizer for making Chantix, I know there are horror stories out there about it, and everybody is different with reactions to drugs, but this med worked for me. Remember, you have to have the strong resolve to quit. The Chantix will dull the cravings. I hope everyone reading this will get or stay smober by whatever means works.

Stay happy and be kind!

A poem for everyone today!

Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.



The verse above was reportedly written on the wall of Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta, India, and is widely attributed to her. Some sources say that the words were written on the wall in Mother Teresa's own room. However, these words are based on a composition originally by Kent Keith, but much of the second half has been re-written in a more spiritual way. It can be inferred that Mother Teresa did a rewrite and edit of the poem. It is lovely, in my opinion, and I wanted to share.

Cleaning like crazy!

Well, that's it...I've been cleaning like crazy today. I broke a salad plate while unloading the dishwasher which prompted me to really clean the hard floors. I'll vacuum later tonight or sometime tomorrow. It's been fun making the house smell good again. I was so busy with my Mom, I just haven't had time to clean like I want to do.

Tuesday night and almost 5 months quit. I still have cravings, but I haven't smoked. I am staying smober and feeling great. I guess the only problem is I have gained some weight this past month because I was eating on the go and not getting my exercise.

I have also developed some neuropathy. At least, I think that's what it is. Bummer. Goes with the territory of diabetes. I'll start trying to make it better with diet and exercise. I'll have to go see the doctor at some point to get the official diagnosis, but I know what it is from reading on the internet and hearing from my aunt who has it. She does not control her blood sugar well. B vitamins are supposed to help, so I'll look into that as well.

On a lighter vein, it's shark week and mob week...what to watch, what to watch? Hope everyone enjoys their week and stays or gets smober! If you are having trouble quitting, see your doctor about Chantix. Worked for me!

Going to see Cowboys and Aliens today!

I have been looking forward to seeing this movie for a while now. I saw a promo for it months ago, and it sounded so silly and fun, I knew I had to see it. My brother and my daughter are going with me, and I'm sure we'll have a great time. Cowboys and Aliens...what a great title!

My Mom is all settled in at the assisted living facility and seems quite happy there. She's making friends and is not so isolated. I know she's getting help and care, so that's a big relief to me. Everything is falling into place and is lots less stressful now.

Wow! I really changed subjects, didn't I? I wonder what Freud would say about my first paragraph being about cowboys and aliens and the second paragraph being about my Mother. :) I just have some rather scattered thoughts sometimes. I guess that's OK. My feet stay mostly on the ground.

I am still not smoking, and I've pretty much stopped counting how long it's been since I quit. It's over 4 months, I know. I rarely even crave a smoke now, but when I do have a craving, it can get a bit intense. I just remind myself I'm not a smoker anymore, take some deep breaths, and the craving is gone very quickly.

I want to reiterate how grateful I am to have had the help of Chantix with quitting. It really performed a miracle for me. I had the drive and will power to stick with it and stay quit, and I'm sure that helped.

I think nothing will work if you don't have the right attitude and fortitude. If you are considering quitting smoking, I hope you'll remember that you have to want to be smober. Aids can help, but it's really will power that makes you stay quit.

Getting off my soapbox now, and I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Wow! What a busy week! Stessful, but I'm not smoking!

I have been sooo busy this week. Getting my Mom situated in her new apartment has been such busy work, but I don't mind. I just want her to be settled in and comfortable. She didn't go to her doctor's appointment on Monday so it was rescheduled for today.

She did make it to the doc today and she is penciled in for surgery on her shoulder late August. She's 81 years old, so surgery and rehab are not going to be easy at all. Not that they are any easier for a younger person. I know they are not, but you know....

I've been super busy and dealing with lots of stress, but I'm keeping my head down and plowing through. You gotta keep on keepin' on. Below is one of my favorite quotes. It really sums up my personal philosophy, and helps me remember my purpose on this little planet of ours.

"Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
In all the places you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can."
— John Wesley

Stressed but smoke free thanks to a strong will and Chantix. Hope all you quitters stay smober! Have a great weekend, y'all!

Early morning cravings.

I woke up at 5 am this morning, and for some reason, my cravings for a smoke are very strong. I don't have any here, so I know I can't have one due to lack of access, but still the craving persists. I have had a little protein and I am drinking water and chewing ice. I know how to work through these things, but it's frustrating they are so strong this late in my quit.

It's been over 4 months...yay! It's dark outside and it's so quiet. I love this time of day. I guess maybe I should get some cleaning done while I have the time, but somehow dinking around on the computer helps cravings the most. I have no fear of taking up smoking again. I am too strong for that at this point. I have learned how to tell the nicodemon to go away and quit whispering in my ear.

I know this is a disjointed and rather rambling post, but I just woke up about 30 minutes ago and I've only had one cup of coffee, so I figure it's OK. I'm craving and rambling.

That brings me to a good point of this post for those who are early on in their quit. It's OK to vent and ramble. The message boards can help you work through all that. I have a couple of links over there on the right to a couple of fantastic boards, so definitely check them out for support.

I'm headed over there right now. I haven't logged on in a while because I've been so busy with my Mom, I haven't had time to do much of anything. She's moved into assisted living because of a bad rotator cuff, so her shoulder does not allow her to do very simple tasks that must be done. She needed help, and she's greatful to have it. I'm happy she has the help and is less isolated. She's already made some friends there.

Off I go to start my day. She goes to the orthopod doc today. We will be discussing surgical options today. She's 81...this is not going to be easy at all. Say a prayer for me and for her please.

Peace y'all! Stay smober!

It wasn't carbs. It was the statin drug causing stomach problems.

I have to post to clarify about my stomach problems. I finally put 2 and 2 together when I accidently missed a couple of doses of my statin drug and felt better. I have now gone about a week without it, and I'm feeling fine. It was just a coincidence about the carbs in my diet causing problems. I now need to tell my doctor I'm off the cholesterol med.

I tried a little while ago to control my cholesterol with diet and exercise, but it didn't work. The first statin spiked my blood sugar, and now this second statin caused all sorts of tummy problems. I really have to see about alternatives. Maybe fish oil would help. It certainly couldn't hurt.

Things are calming down a bit, and I'm feeling a bit less stressed out. I haven't smoked at all since I quit in March with the help of Chantix. I'm feeling great now, and I'm happy to say, "I'm a quitter."

I hope everyone has a fantastic smoke free week.

Been so busy and stressed, but I'm not smoking!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have been taking care of my Mom. She has been having a lot of arthritis pain in her shoulders, and It finally became unbearable over the weekend. She let me take her to the hospital, and then she finally got admitted. I won't vent here about the whole hospital ER experience, but it was quite deplorable they were going to put a sling on her arm and send her home. They wanted to put a bandaid on the problem, and not take care of her or get her somewhere she could get help. It took my entire family being proactive to get her the care she needed. Be proactive about your healthcare!

When she was released after 2 nights in the hospital, we took her to an assisted living facility. That was her decision, not ours, and I think it was a great one. The facility is right around the corner from me, and all she has to do to get help with anything is press a button. She seems to really like it so far, and it's certainly a relief to me. She was rattling around in her house by herself at night, and it was making me very nervous that she was alone at night.

Anyway, it's a little after 7 in the morning. I just got up a few minutes ago, and I have to head over to see her in a little bit to make sure she's taking her meds, and make sure she took her meds last night. Being a primary caretaker is exhausting, but I wouldn't trade helping my Mom for anything. I'm so glad she's here and still has her mental faculties. We talk and laugh and just have the best time together. She has become a good friend to me as I've gotten older, and we enjoy being together. She's less ornery now, and we get along so well when she's being nice and "behaving herself", which is almost all the time now. Yay!

Gotta go now, but even with all this stress, I'm not smoking. Cravings have been a bit more frequent lately and stronger, but I know in my head they are short and I can get through them. Also, smoking wouldn't solve my stress. In fact, I'd be more stressed and guilty, so I'm not going there.

Peace y'all!

I feel skinny again! Low carb was the way to go!

I can't believe the change that has happened to me simply by cutting carbs in my diet. I started yesterday with protein for breakfast and felt great all day. I felt better than I've felt in weeks. No bloating or pain...yay! Today, I had some cheddar cheese and a yummy juicy in season Chilton County peach. I feel mahvelous!

I have to give some credit to my doc. I think he was right about the Metformin, and it was causing me pain, but the big change happened yesterday morning and during the day. I can't believe something as simple as cutting carbs could work a miracle on me, but for all intents and purposes, I am healed! It's a miracle!

Today, I'm taking my friend to get a mammo. She's legally blind, so she can't drive. She also needs a knee replacement, but can't get the health insurance she needs to get it. We'll have lunch and probably do a little shopping. I need to get my Mom a new robe.

I saw my Mom yesterday. I took her lunch. Her shoulder is still hurting and she's still just taking it easy. The other day, a friend was over there doing some work at her house and noticed she was having trouble cutting a banana in half, so he did it for her. That's how bad her shoulder hurts. I did put an icy hot patch on it yesterday. Those seem to help, but she has so much calcification in her rotator cuff, she'll always have pain. Personally, I think she fell and is afraid to tell us.

She is starting to get forgetful with her meds also. She had quit using her pill caddy, so I got it all fixed up for her. Yesterday, all her meds for the day were in there, but she said she'd taken them. I honestly don't think she did, and I got onto her a little bit.

Today is a good day, because I'm feeling good and I'm a non smoker thanks to Chantix and good old fashioned will power. Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

I feel so much better today!

If you've been reading my blog, you've seen that I have been having stomach problems. The doc told me to drop one of my diabetes meds, so I did that. I was still bloating pretty bad, so last night I did some online research. I researched low carb diets, eating grapes, and the glycemic index of foods.

I have been eating lots of popcorn and frozen grapes lately. Those small bites satisfy cravings to smoke I guess, but my research leads me to believe those foods are causing problems for me. I have decided to eliminate those foods and cut back on carbs. I have done the Atkins diet before, but I am not going to go to that extreme. Maybe eventually, I can drop my other diabetes med and my cholesterol med. My new goal to shoot for anyway.

I had a ham and cheese one egg omelet for breakfast this morning instead of my usual oatmeal or cereal, and I didn't bloat or feel bad. In fact, I am feeling great today! Later, I had a peach because my blood sugar was a bit low. For lunch, I had a spinach salad with bacon, boiled egg, and strawberries on it. Delicious and filling. Still feeling good. Could it really be as simple as cutting carbs? Maybe. I am experimenting and will keep you updated.

Wow! I am making some major life changes this year. I only drink alcohol once in a blue moon, I quit smoking, I'm changing my diet, and I'm still not smoking thanks to Chantix and sheer will power. These are huge changes, but I am discovering that I am pretty strong willed.

Staying smober, feeling good, and being happy! I wish all that for everyone.

Thanks y'all!

Judy

I am a quitter! I am a non smoker!

I have not had a great day today, so I'm trying to be a bit positive in my title and my post. I have been under a bit of stress worrying about my Mom and daughter, but I have not smoked. I now feel comfortable saying that I'm a quitter. :)

This evening is uneventful. Dinking around on the computer and have the TV on Hoarders. I always feel better about myself and my home after watching how some people on that show live.

I almost didn't post today because nothing is really going on, but I logged into the GetQuit page at Phizer and it mentioned I am almost 4 months quit. That is a real accomplishment, and I feel really good about that. I guess I needed to pump myself up a bit to feel better overall. GetQuit is online and phone support you have access to when you have a prescription for Chantix.

I still have my reasons for quitting posted up on my computer desk. I see them every day. It helps me stay motivated. I hope people reading this who are thinking about or having trouble quitting will ask their doctor for help. I hope the quitters reading this stay smober!

Peace, y'all!

Doc says I'm normal. Took me off one of my diabetes meds.

That's right...I now have confirmation. I'm normal! Who knew? Anyway, my body sure hasn't been normal lately, and the doc took me off metformin. He said it could be causing my bloating and pain. So far, still bloating, but pain is not as acute. It's just more like discomfort now. I need to quit bloating. There are so few clothes in my closet I can wear now.

It's a hot day, I'm feeling restless, so I'm signing off for now. I just wanted to give a quick update and let y'all know I'm still not smoking. Yay Chantix!

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Stay smober!

Going to the doctor today. Still having stomach problems.

I guess the title says it all. I'm still having stomach problems, so I'm going back to my GP. I'm taking my Mom to the doc at the same time. Her doc is in the same practice, so today will be a twofer.

I am still having pain in the upper right and then lower down in the center. It's very strange. It's like my entire trunk area is sore and hurting. I get more and more bloated as the day goes on, no matter what I eat. It's so frustrating. I guess the next step will be blood work and a CT scan.

As a former smoker, I am very conscious of what is going on in my body. I am always wondering if the big C (cancer) will rear its ugly head. I have been trying so hard to eat right and get exercise, and now I can't do the exercises I really want to do.


I'm hoping further testing will show what is wrong, and it's something that can be fixed. This is very frustrating. Even with the frustration and stress, I'm still not smoking. It CAN be done. All I'm using at this point is will power, but I don't think I could have quit without the help of Chantix.

I've been reading in the forums about people who had quit for years, and then started back up again. They decided at some point during a stressful time or a party, that just one cigarette would be OK, but it wasn't, and they fell off the wagon. I am learning that I should stick to the N.O.P.E. pledge. Not One Puff Ever! I know if I took even a puff of a cigarette, I would destroy my quit. I do NOT want to go through the quitting process again, with the cravings and withdrawal from nicotine.

I hope my blog is helping some people make the decision to quit. It's not easy, but it is sooo worth it. I used Chantix, but I believe whatever works for you is great. Just don't get hooked on another form of nicotine like gum or patches. I've read of people being hooked on the gum for years. If you are going to kick butts, you will need to kick the drug habit. Gum and patches and weaning off them over time works for some people. Just remember, they contain the drug you're actually trying to quit, so use them as directed. The same thing goes for Chantix and other quit methods. Education about nicotine and the effects of it over time are important tools in quitting also. Check out WhyQuit.com.

That's it for now. I'll update about what is wrong with me when I know, and also, you know I have to blog about the new cigarette labels coming out with the graphic pictures like the one below. Pretty graphic, but there are others that are not so graphic.

Still not smoking thanks to Chantix!

I am so grateful to Pfizer and Chantix for helping me quit smoking. After smoking for 35 years, I don't think I could have done it without the help of Chantix. I have been having quite a bit of stress and illness, and even with those, I haven't smoked. I rarely even have the urge to smoke anymore, so it is very easy to envision myself a nonsmoker for the rest of my life. I also have to give some credit to myself for being strong willed about this and to my faith. I picked the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, as my quit date. In my heart, I knew if I smoked during Lent, I would be going against God, so I couldn't do that.

I've been posting about my illness quite frequently, and I don't want to veer away too long from the actual purpose of my blog. It is a Chantix blog and review after all. I am still struggling with my stomach, but I know my docs and I will get to the bottom of it and get it fixed. I'm just not feeling tip top, and I don't like that.

I just wanted to give some props to Chantix today. I had no ill effects from taking it, and it really worked for me. I know some people have had bad side effects and everyone is different, but remember, some of the side effects are caused by nicotine withdrawal and not Chantix. I think some people blame the wrong drug for bad things actually. It can be the nicotine instead of the Chantix. Just something to keep in mind. I have some links over on the right for some online stop smoking support groups. The folks on those are super nice and have heard it all. It really helps to have their help.

I hope my blog is helping you in your quit journey. Stay smober!

Diagnosed with diverticulitis and given antibiotics.

I'm just not so sure about this diagnosis I received from the gastro doc. I've had diverticulitis before, and it always hurts on the left side. The pain I have now is upper middle to right and lower middle. I also have horribly incredible bloating. I haven't had that before with my previous diverticulitis, so I'm just not so sure it is what I have now. I am not having any problems in the bathroom either.

I am hoping that whatever is wrong will be cured with the antibiotics. I'm on a 6 day course of cipro. If I'm not feeling better by the end of the weekend, I'm calling my GP on Monday. This is so frustrating. I can't fit into a lot of my pants, but I am planning on mainly staying in my pajamas this weekend. I don't have to go anywhere anyway.

Still not smoking even with all this frustration, so I'm proud of myself for that. I am trying to keep my sense of humor especially around my Mom. I don't want her to worry about me. She has aches and pains herself, so I don't want her to have stress. She is worried about me, I know, because she's being a real Mama Bear.  I am rambling now, so I'll sign off for now. I just wanted to give an update.

To all who are contemplating quitting smoking, see your doctor and ask about Chantix. For those who have already quit, congratulations, and stay smober!

Peace, y'all!

Ultrasound found nothing. :(

I can't believe it. The ultrasound saw nothing wrong. I know there is something wrong because I am in pain. The doctor is giving me a referral to a gastro guy, so maybe he'll order some test that will see what's going on with my innards.

Even with this stress and uncertainty, I haven't smoked. I haven't even had the urge to smoke. I guess maybe my mind has been occupied with other things, and since I've been quit for over 3 months, a cigarette is not the first thing I think I need to feel calm or to cope. Maybe I have developed some good coping skills. Maybe I am aging gracefully. That's what I'm enjoying thinking at this moment anyway. :)

I hope to hear from the gastro guy today, and the appliance guy is supposed to come to the house this morning to replace my icemaker. It's not a super busy day, but that's OK, because I'm not feeling tip top. I stayed in my pajamas all day yesterday, but obviously, I can't do that today. I'm sure a nice warm shower will make me feel better. I plan on wearing some stretchy workout pants I have because my stomach is still really bloated.

The Albert Camus quote at the top of my blog is becoming more real to me since I quit smoking with the help of Chantix. I know in my heart I have to adhere to the N.O.P.E. philosophy. Not One Puff Ever. If I smoked even a puff, I'd be back to smoking again like crazy. I am staying strong and resolved, and it works for me. I hope anyone reading this who is considering quitting smoking will find an invincible summer within themselves. I also hope for those who have already quit, the strength to stay that way. Stay smober, y'all!

Went to doc yesterday for stomach pains and bloating. Gall bladder?

I was feeling really bad yesterday with stomach pain and really bad bloating. I was also running a fever a little over 100. I got an appointment to see my doctor at 4:15 yesterday, and my daughter drove me. After poking my stomach and hurting me, the doc said he suspected it was my gall bladder. I was lucky enough to get in a late ultrasound last night at the hospital. The problem is I still haven't heard a peep about what's wrong with me.

My Mom is furious and is threatening to call the doctor's office. Wow! Will she blow their hair back! I feel kind of sorry for them up there, but they know her. I'm pretty irritated at not hearing anything, and I've left 2 messages. I'm figuring no news is good news. If there was an emergency and I needed surgery, then I'm sure I would have heard something by now. I'm getting a bit freaked out, because after smoking for so many years, it could possibly be the big C. I can't imagine symptoms coming on so suddenly and strong to be indicative of cancer though. Can you tell I'm typing things that just pop into my head?

I am so glad I quit smoking, and so grateful I had the help of Chantix. Maybe after I've been quit 5 years, I won't be so freaked out by medical problems. I think after 10 years, I become like a non smoker. Boy, I hope so. Anyway, I'll post again with an update soon. Please send some good thoughts for me into the collective consciousness. We need more good thoughts there anyway. There are already too many bad.

Y'all stay happy and smober, ya hear?

Cholesterol and A1C are Ok, but triglycerides are high

The report from my doc is good, but my triglycerides have doubled since last time. Total cholesterol is good, HDL is a little low, and LDL is normal. I am pleased I got my cholesterol down, but I'm not happy with the triglyceride level. It's at about 300.

The nurse who called said I should try getting it down with diet and exercise. I gotta get back on the ball. I've been slacking on my diet and exercise. I have to promise myself I'll do better. When I quit smoking, the reward was so obvious. I felt better. I smelled better, and I didn't wake up coughing. Trying to get this number down has the only reward of getting the number down. Sure, I'll be eating better and feeling more fit, but there must be something more tangible? Any suggestions, contact me and let me know. I guess in a way, I'm a big baby wanting a reward, but I think that's OK sometimes. If all I get is the number down, then it is what it is.

Off to finish watching Ocean's 13. Hope everyone stays smober!

Getting cholesterol and A1C checked on Thursday!

I head to the doctor's office on Thursday to have my cholesterol checked. He's also going to check my A1C. That's a blood sugar test for diabetics. I am a type 2 diabetic. I'm actually very curious to see if the med he put me on for high cholesterol has been working. I was not being very good for a little while with my eating, and I know better. I'm sort of kicking myself now for eating "bad for me" food. I've been being more careful about my food and I've been exercising more though lately, so maybe that will help. My knee still acts up and my hip sometimes, but I just have to deal with that.

I haven't been up to too much. I've been dinking around on Facebook getting to know how it all works. I am over 90 days smoke free now and feeling great. I haven't experienced any 3 month icky three issues, so that's good. I can't believe I've made it three whole months without smoking! That's pretty damn amazing to me, since I smoked for so many years.

I have been making smoothies a lot, and I bought some ice pop makers at Dollar General, so I've been making smoothie pops. They are so delicious. They are so easy to whip up in the blender, too. My favorite so far is vanilla Greek yogurt with strawberries, banana and blueberries. It's pretty standard, but I made it, so it tastes better or something. At least I know what's in it and that it's good for me. Off to get one now.


I'll definitely post what the doc says and any tips he may give me for healthy living. If you are thinking about quitting smoking, go ahead and quit. If you already have quit smoking, stay smober! 

Wow! No smoking for almost 3 months. So glad I quit!

I can't believe I am almost at 3 months in my quit. I am so proud of myself for kicking my nicotine addiction. I am also getting back into the swing of exercising, so I feel good about that, too. I have already done a workout with my Wii this morning and burned 120 calories. I'll be burning more as the day goes on.

I plan on doing some housework today, and actually, I've already started with the laundry and making the bed. Not big things, but everyday activity that does burn a few calories. I plan on doing floors today, so that will really burn up some calories. I've been trying to eat a bit better because I don't like this weight gain. Yes, I admit it! I was being a slacker! No more, though. I am on the ball today. I am back on the good diet train.

I made myself a yogurt smoothie this morning. I used Dannon Fit and Trim vanilla yogurt. It's sugar free and fat free, so it's perfect for me, being diabetic. I threw in some strawberries, blueberries and half a banana, blended in the blender with a bit of ice to make it cold, and voila! I had myself a healthy and nutritious breakfast. It was delicious.

Here it is almost lunchtime now, and I plan on making some grilled chicken with spinach and rice. Simple and quick. I'll probably have some fruit, also. I was checking out the new government nutrition info yesterday. The MyPlate graphic is going to replace the food pyramid. I think it's too simplistic, and I can't believe 2 million dollars was spent in tax dollars to create it, but whatever. There is some good information on the website, but none for a diabetic diet. I'm disappointed in that because diabetes is so prevalent in the US.
Here's the graphic. What do you think?

 

Off my soapbox now, and off to make some yummy lunch and do some housework. Gotta do the floors today. I hope everyone stays happy and smober this weekend!

Getting back to a good diet. I've gained weight...ugh

I was doing so well with my diet and exercise, but lately I've fallen off the wagon. I am going to get back into the swing of things, though, arthritis be damned. I'll just do some different exercises when my knee is really bothering me.

I'll be totally honest. I've been pigging out lately, and it's starting to show in the way my clothes fit. I have stocked the house with fresh fruit and veggies now, and I signed back into myfitnesspal.com. I highly recommend that site. When you get a chance, be sure to check it out. You can see how many calories you're really eating. I have the link in my favorites over on the right. ------->

I had a couple of fairly strong cravings yesterday, but I was in the car with no cigs anyway, so I just kept driving. I am quickly approaching the 3 month mark of my quit...one of the icky 3's. I wonder what that holds in store for me. I hope I don't get weepy or bitchy like I did at 3 weeks. I'll keep you updated on how it's going for sure.

Thanks to all who read my blog. I actually have some subscribers! I hope I am helping in some small way. Peace, y'all!

Survived the long weekend without smoking! So happy!

I made it through the long weekend without smoking, and I'm feeling great! The only thing that's really bothering me is my right knee. I iced it with a bag of frozen corn yesterday for a while, and that helped the swelling. It's arthritic, and when I exercise too vigorously, it acts up. Still a bit sore, but it's mending. I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Hubby and I didn't do too much this weekend. We met some friends for lunch yesterday and that was fun. I actually had a bushwhacker. It was so good. It had a 151 floater, so it was a bit strong. Good thing it was on the smallish side, or I would have been crazy! I wasn't driving, so it was OK to indulge a bit.

Today, I'm going to help my friend with some flowers I planted for her. She's disabled, lives with her father, and he is in a wheelchair. The flowers are doing fine, and they are both so happy about having them, but an armadillo is digging in the beds. I'm going over today with grub killer. I hope that does the trick. I've always heard, kill their food, and the armadillos will go away to dig in another yard. Seems like kind of a mean thing to do to your neighbors, but...

While I'm doing that, hubby will be at the dentist having 2 wisdom teeth pulled. Bless his heart. I don't envy him today. I wonder what I can get him to eat (or sip) later today. I offered to go with him to the dentist, but he said "No." He'll call me if he needs a ride.

He is so sweet to me. He shop vacced the back porch and cleaned the ceiling fans this weekend. He did yardwork also. He is a wonderful husband, and I am so blessed to have him. Now I'm getting verklempt.

 Hope everyone has a nice day today and stays smober or gets that way! :)

I'm on Twitter and Facebook now! Still not smoking!

Yep, I've said it once, and I'll say it again. Chantix definitely helped me quit smoking, and I am so grateful to have had it to help me. I also find lots of support at http://www.quitsmokingmessageboard.com and at http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-quitsmoking. The nice folks there have been super nice and supportive, and they are there at all hours of the day and night.

I am now on Twitter, and I hope you'll follow me.  http://twitter.com/JudithAnne2

I also have a new Facebook account. I need some friends there. I think I only have 3 friends right now, and 2 are relatives. Kinda sad, but I'm just starting out there. I hope you'll friend me there.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002530891084&sk=wall

Anyway, today I vacuumed and steam cleaned the carpet in the living room. I also walked 6 miles on my Wii Walk It Out this morning. My right knee is aching, but I just can't give up on my exercise.

I have been having some pretty bad insomnia the last couple of nights, so I'm going to try and hit the hay early tonight. Hope everyone stays smober!

First dental cleaning since quitting smoking!

On Monday, I went to the dentist for my regular 6 month cleaning and check up. It was my first appointment after quitting smoking. It was a fabulous feeling knowing that this was the last time they would be scraping off tar and nicotine stains from my teeth. My dentist is so proud of me for quitting.

I have been busy online the last few days. I signed up for Facebook, so I've been dinking around over there and trying to figure all that out. I also created a new account for Twitter. Please bear with me if I don't post for a few days. I'm usually just occupied with other things. The computer is a craving stifler for me, but I can't continuously post here.

Today, I'm going to be cleaning around the house, but first, I'm going to do about an hour of exercise on my Wii Fit Plus. OK, I'm typing here, and I need to get moving, so signing off for now, but I'll try to post again tomorrow.

Hope everyone gets or stays smober! Peace, y'all!

Hope everyone has a sensational smoke free weekend!

Here it is Friday night and I am enjoying peace and quiet at home. Yesterday, I was out with a friend of mine and had a great girl day. Today, I was with my brother and Mom. We ran errands, Mom had her hair done, and my brother bought me lunch. I've had a nice couple of days, but busy. I'd like to just stay home all day tomorrow. I'd love it if I could have a bra and makeup free day. What a goal to shoot for, huh?

I'll definitely be smoke free, and I'm going to be exercising. I did squeeze in some exercise today, so I feel good about that. I've been slacking off on it lately, so it's time to get back on that train. I am still on the smoke free train and lovin' it. Chantix really did help me quit smoking, and I am obligated to mention it in my posts. I was on it for a little over a month, but that's all I needed. So far, so good.

Since I've quit smoking, I feel so free. I'm not stopping tasks to smoke or trying to find a place to smoke or hiding my smoking. I also have gobs of free time now. It's a wonderful feeling, and I highly recommend quitting smoking! To all who have already, congratulations, and stay smober!

Peace, y'all!

Smoke free girl day today!

Today, I am going to hang out with a friend of mine. We are going to have a girl day. She's never smoked, so we're all good on that front. We are going to do lunch and go for a mani/pedi. After that, we are going to hit Wally World for a little grocery shopping. I need some more pineapple, and Wally World has been having the whole ones on sale for $2.50. I've been reading good things about cherries, so I may get some of those as well.

Anyway, now I'm running a bit late, so off I go! Will update later!

Happy Monday! I can't believe I am still smoke free!

It has been over 2 months, and I really feel like I could never go back to smoking. At this point, I can't even imagine smoking another cigarette. Wait! I take that back. I can imagine it because the nicodemon still whispers in my ear sometimes. My biggest trigger now is stress. I really don't crave so much in the morning or in the car anymore, so I'm psyched about that.

I have been feeling a little under the weather the last couple of days with some upper respiratory stuff going on and a dry hack of a cough. I don't know if I'm catching a bug or not. I just came off antibiotics a couple of weeks ago for diverticulitis, so I just can't imagine I'm getting sick. I think it is a change in the weather and my lungs healing. Of course, I'm not a doctor. I just play one in this blog and for my family sometimes.

I have absolutely got to get some housework done today. The house is ridiculously dirty to me, so I have to dust and do the floors at the very least. Sometimes, I wish I could just hose it all off in the inside. That would be so easy and fast, but, alas, I'm not living in a cinder block house with plastic furniture. :) I don't think I'll move. I really love my house, and I'll get it cleaned up today. I'll also try to squeeze in a Wii workout.

I have no big plans today other than cleaning, doing some laundry, and going to the grocery store for more fruit and popcorn. I was out of popcorn last night, and was really craving it. I thought about going to get some at 9:00 last night, but I resisted. I think I'm getting addicted to it now. I'm sure popcorn is better than cigarettes, so I'll just go with it. I also have started craving grapes. I like to take them off the stems, put them in a baggie and freeze them. Eating them frozen is like having little bites of sherbet. Delicious!

Hope everyone has a fabulous smoke free day today! Off to get things done now!

Still smoke free, and I'm so happy to be that way!

First off, I am a firm believer in the power of Chantix to help a person quit smoking. It really killed the cravings for me in those first days, and I would recommend a visit to the doctor if you are considering quitting smoking.

I have been super busy this week and haven't had any time to post. Today is a more relaxed day, so here I am! I'm going to try and have lunch with my brother today and take my Mom a to go box. We were talking about trying a restaurant he's never been to called the Sugar Kettle. It's kind of a country cooking type place, and it's delicious. Those little ladies in the kitchen really know their stuff!

As I said, I've been super busy this week, but I have got to take some time to clean up around the house. It's getting a bit out of hand. I also need to get back to my exercise routine, but I've been running from morning to night, so I just haven't had the time. I did some gardening yesterday for a disabled friend, so I did get some exercise yesterday. I guess that's good, but I want to get back to my Wii routines. I should have time today and tomorrow, so Yay! I'll also try to do some housework.

Bottom line...to summarize...I am still smoke free. I am thankful I had Chantix to quit smoking. I recommend it. I've been keeping busy, and will try to carve out more time to take care of me and my house.

Oh, and I need a pedicure! That's it. Signing off for today, and hope everyone stays happy and smoke free! Peace, y'all!

One smoker's routine. Is it similar to yours?

I could really relate to this and had to share it. A very nice person at the about.com smoking cessation forum posted the link, and I just had to share it. I will also do a copy and paste. Here's the link. http://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_02_02_widow_in_isolation.html
Here's the story, in case the link doesn't work for you.


The Isolation of a Widowed Smoker
Life had become a boring routine. She had just been going through the motions of maintaining a normal semblance of existence. Waking up, having a cigarette. Washing up and brushing her teeth, having a cigarette. Eating breakfast, having a cigarette. Doing some light cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, and having a cigarette. Watching a little television while having a cigarette. Preparing a sandwich for lunch, having a cigarette. Taking a short nap, waking up for a cigarette. Reading the newspaper, having a cigarette. Making a list of needed groceries, having a cigarette. Getting ready to do some light shopping, having a cigarette. Driving to the local market, having a cigarette. About to enter the store, but stopping to have a cigarette. Checking out at the cash register, leaving the store and having a cigarette. Going home and starting to prepare dinner, having a cigarette. Eating dinner, having a cigarette. Clearing the table and washing the dishes, having a cigarette. Watching a little television, having a couple of cigarettes. Washing up, brushing her teeth and getting dressed for bed, having a cigarette. Getting into bed, having a cigarette. Going to sleep.

Ever since the loss of her husband many years ago, nothing in her normal daily existence seemed to give her life any meaning or any real happiness. Weeks would go by with her barely cracking a smile. Almost nothing seemed to bring her joy anymore. But this day was starting differently. After breakfast her phone rang. She ran for a cigarette. On the fourth ring she made it to the phone and picked up the receiver. It was her daughter. She lived only an hour away, but because of her career, her husband's schedule and the kid's school, soccer, piano, ballet lessons, etc., they only were able to visit occasionally. Well, to her pleasant surprise, she found out that they were coming on Saturday to spend the day.

For the first time in weeks she seemed truly happy. As soon as she hung up the phone she grabbed for a cigarette. She had to start planning and preparing to see the kids. She called her beauty shop to make an afternoon appointment. When she hung up the phone she took a cigarette. She got dressed and ready to go shopping, and right before leaving, she took a cigarette. In the car driving to the store she hurriedly smoked two cigarettes for she knew she could not smoke while in the store. She hurriedly went up and down the aisles, with a certain bounce in her step for she was still so excited about the visit. When she left the store she hurried to her car and lit a cigarette. She went home, put away the groceries, prepared and ate a quick bite, smoked a cigarette and hurriedly left the house to be on time for her beauty shop appointment. While she was there she smoked and conversed with the other patrons, glowing as she told of her exciting weekend news.

When she got home, she smoked a cigarette, and starting preparing a turkey for the big Saturday night meal. She smoked and ate, smoked and cooked and smoked and prepared for bed. One last cigarette and she slowly dozed off, happy and excited about the joy of the upcoming day.

When she woke up she excitedly grabbed for her first cigarette. She got up and cleaned and brushed her teeth, and took another cigarette. She ate breakfast and smoked again. She started preparing her feast and smoked numerous cigarettes. Even though she was not conscious of the fact, she was smoking more than normal. Through years of conditioning she had learned that since she couldn't smoke when around the grandchildren she had better have plenty of nicotine in her system by the time they arrived. A little last minute cleaning, and cooking and smoking. She was ready.

The door bell rings. She hurries to the door and opens it up. There is her family. Everyone is excited. She goes to kiss the youngest, who says "Oh grandma, you smell like an ashtray!" She was used to these comments, she loved him anyway. After 15 minutes of talking with all the kids and her daughter and son-in-law, she and her daughter go to the kitchen to work on the dinner. After a couple of hours she starts to feel the twinge for a cigarette. But she knows she can't smoke. The kids are running through the house vigorously. As the hours pass, her patience becomes strained. Too much noise she thinks to herself, boy, does she wish she could smoke a cigarette. She starts to complain of a minor headache. They decide they better eat early, grandma is seeming a little tired and a little hassled. They sit down to eat. The food is good and everyone is enjoying.

But grandma seems to be feeling worse and worse. Four hours have passed and still no cigarette. After dinner they all decide grandma needs some rest and mutually everyone agrees they will leave early. She kisses them all good-bye and rushes them out. As the door closes she hurries to her pack and smokes three cigarettes in a row. She finally starts to feel better. She now sits down in a quiet empty room thinking how lonely she feels and how sad that they had to leave so soon. But at least she has her cigarettes. But it had been a long day. She washes up, brushes her teeth, gets dressed for bed, and has one last cigarette.

Tomorrow would be another routine day.

I am at 2 months smoke free now. Feeling great!

So, here I am 2 months smoke free. I feel great, and I am so happy I quit. I can breathe so much better. I don't think I could have done it without the Chantix. I took it for just over a month and it helped so much with the cravings.

I haven't been exercising like I should lately, but I'll get back into it. I did clean the garage window like I said I was. Yuck...what a messy job. I cleaned it with a bucket of water and pine sol. Did the trick, and it looks so much better without the dead bugs stuck in spider webs. You know how corners and windows get in garages...eww.

I'm actually feeling tired tonight, so I may hit the hay earlier than usual. Last night, I went to bed late and woke up early this morning, so I'm getting tired.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! My daughter and I drove by some Mexican restaurants, and they were all packed this evening. Nothing really exciting to report down here. Just chillin' and staying smoke free. Hope everyone is doing the same!

Peace, y'all!

Made it through the weekend without smoking!

Here it is Tuesday morning, and I am proud to report I made it through the weekend without smoking. I am almost at the 2 month mark, and I am so pleased. I didn't exercise very much yesterday or Sunday, so I am ready to get back on that train. I guess it's OK to rest for a couple of days, and just watch movies or whatever.

Hubby cleaned and straightened in the garage, but did not clean the window in there. I told him I would do that today, and it is pretty gunked up with bugs and stuff. We saw a lovebug Sunday, and I am not looking forward to lovebug season at all. They get everywhere it seems. We just got over heavy pollen season, termite swarming is abating somewhat, and now we have the lovebugs coming. We'll get the extreme heat and drought conditions next, but I am not complaining, really. Happy as hell to be here!
My first attempt at embedding a picture in a post. Here's a lovebug.

OK, so cleaning that window is my big project today. I also need to clean the floors. My husband did yardwork, and of course, we all tracked stuff into the house. I think I may also give the dog a bath, and I have some dusting to do. I have a mirrored vanity tray on my dresser that has quite a bit of dust on it. The horizontal glass surfaces around the house are a great indicator of how dusty things are, so I try to keep them clean and dust free.

So, I have some fairly big projects today, and then some smaller day to day maintenance things to do. I also need to do some laundry, but not too much. Yay! I love having busy work to do as it keeps my mind off smoking. I still say the Chantix was a miracle for me and helped with cravings tremendously. I feel compelled to mention it in every post because it is in the title of my blog.

Staying happy and smober here in South Alabama. Yes, my Mom is being nice to me again. What a roller coaster that is! Oh well, I love her to pieces and will try to help her become happier with her life.
Peace, y'all!

Happy May 1st! Still smoke free!

I am still smoke free. I can't believe it has been so easy, actually. I smoked for about 35 years, and essentially quit cold turkey. Yes, I took Chantix which helps with the cravings and withdrawal, but when my quit day came, I simply did not smoke and have been smoke free for almost 2 months now. It really is astounding to me that even with hubby still smoking, I am able to stay quit.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I grew up with smoke smell. My Dad smoked and the smell of smoke when I hugged him was just natural somehow. I feel that old familiarity when I hug my husband now. Somehow, it is comforting to me. It doesn't make me want to smoke or make me think he stinks or anything.

Speaking of smoke smell...smoke pervades everything if you smoke inside your house. Cleaning the tar off everything is an unenviable job. Been there, done that. I will not do that ever again. Once you quit smoking, you'll want to clean everything and get a fresh smell throughout your house. It's like that old saying, "Out with the old. In with the new."

Quitting smoking really is reinventing yourself and becoming a different person. A better person physically, and ideally, a calmer more tolerant person. Sure, in the initial stages of your quit, you'll be irritable, but that is normal. Remember, you are going through withdrawal from a very powerful drug, so don't be hard on yourself. Don't be afraid to join a quit smoking forum for friendship and support from nice people who are going through similar experiences. I provided links to a couple which can be found on the right of this page. Family sometimes doesn't understand all the changes you are going through, and can't be the best support. We love them anyway.

I am about to do some housework while hubby does some yard work. I was going to change the sheets on my bed, but I can't find one of the matching pillow cases anywhere. I have 4 pillows on my bed, and in my weird mind, I must have 4 pillowcases that match. I can make a quick run to Target to pick up another pack of pillowcases. No, they are not white. Got gobs of those, but I want this other color today. It's like a lost sock or something and driving me crazy. I've looked everywhere, and simply can't find it.

So, there's my day. Cleaning and shopping for pillowcases. Whoop dee doo! While I'm out and about, I'll take a paper to my Mom and see if she really is still mad at me for nothing. It's weird. She hurt my feelings, knows she did it, and she's mad at me. She's not speaking to me, and I didn't do anything wrong. I don't understand her all the time, but I always love her. I have been calling her every day as usual, but she won't answer or return my calls. Oh well, as much stress as she causes me, I'm not smoking. I think I'm being pretty damn amazing actually!

Ok, y'all, stay smober. You can do it! You are all amazing!

Tornadoes were just horrific.

Link to help tornado victims! http://www.redcrossrelief.org

I have been glued to the TV the last couple of days watching the horrific tornado damage here in Alabama. I am in the south part of the state, but I know people in the north part of the state including Huntsville. Huntsville has no power and it isn't expected to be back on for several days. Cell phone service is sketchy. The whole region is actually without power. The TVA lost about 9 large transmission lines and power poles and lines are down. I'm pretty sure I heard or read they had to close down 3 nuclear power plants.

I am still not smoking, and wanted to update y'all about that. I have had some stress in my life with Mother and daughter, but I'm handling it. I am starting to believe they are both certifiably crazy. It's them. It is not me. I really firmly believe that.

Staying smober and sane. Hope y'all are doing the same!

50 days quit! No more smoking!

I can't believe I have quit smoking for 50 days. The Chantix really helped with the cravings at the start of my quit. I think it was a miracle for me. Now if I could find a miracle drug to cure my munchies, I'd be all set. Thank goodness I've been exercising. I can't imagine how much weight I would have gained if I hadn't.

I put up a funny Maxine cartoon I thought you might enjoy. She always cracks me up. I also put in some new links for you to check out. It's all stuff I enjoy and thought you might also. Of course, I also have links pertaining to quitting smoking. I am a member of 2 great forums, and they have been invaluable to me during my quit. They are a wonderful support system, and yes, at one time I had to post an SOS because I was having a bad craving.

Cravings are few and far between for me, but I do seem to be snacking more. I think tomorrow, I'll get rid of the less healthy stuff and buy some more healthy things. If it's not available, I can't eat it, right? That's the same philosophy I had at the start of my quit. I did not have any cigarettes at home or in the car or anywhere at all. Not here? Can't smoke 'em.

I've been sleeping well, but I've been having hot flashes. I am still taking a sleep med at night to help me get to sleep, but the whole quit insomnia and menopausal insomnia is just too big a double whammy to go without some sort of help. Mom and daughter still driving me a bit crazy, but I still love them. I guess I have to...blah. LOL

Hope everyone had a nice Easter and stayed smoke free!

Got some closet cleaning done today!

This morning, I was posting like crazy in the forums. I always post in the mornings because that's my biggest trigger time. Later, I did some general straightening and cleaning then filled a garbage bag full of clothes from my closet to donate. It feels good to weed out clothes and clean out the closet a bit. I'll be doing more over the next few days.

I have found that cleaning is a real saving grace for me in my quit. I was going to clean up around the windows today, but I didn't get to that today. My daughter and I went to my Mother's house and watched The King's Speech. We brought a pizza over and had a very nice girl Saturday. My Mom loved it.

When I got home, I watered plants outside and transplanted some seedlings. I was happy to see some more bulbs coming up in the yard. I have an orange lily about to bloom, and I'm sure it will be lovely.

I have been watching old episodes of The Waltons on Hallmark Channel. I grew up with that show. It really is a good show. Maybe I'm corny or whatever, but I actually have very eclectic taste. Last night, I watched Religulous, a movie my daughter wanted me to watch. It's Bill Maher asking the usual questions about belief in God. My daughter just doesn't realize the questions have always been there, and even religious people ask questions and wonder. She's at a rebellious "shock Mom" stage right now. She can't suck it up enough to go to church with her Grandmother and me for Easter, but she can join us for lunch. Of course she's not paying for the lunch.

She drives me crazy sometimes, but I love her. Don't worry, she's not driving me to smoke. If I get the urge too much, I'll start taking the Chantix again. I have been off the Chantix for a while now, so I may have to change my blog name or reconfigure it somehow. I added a funny Bob Newhart link over on the right. Check it out if you are afraid of quitting or, really, afraid of anything.

Hope everyone has a great Easter. Don't eat too much. Ok, pig out! Have fun. Be careful.

Feeling blah today with hot flashes

Yesterday was a wonderful day. My daughter is getting her own apartment...yay! I love her to pieces, but I have a fairly difficult time living with her.

Today, I have felt very blah. My head is stopped up and I'm having lots of hot flashes. I am probably having an allergic reaction to all the flowers blooming, and tonight, I have developed a dull headache. I've been having hot flashes the last few days. Sucks to be me, huh? I'm sorry; I don't mean to be whiny.

I am still staying off the Chantix, and I am still not smoking. I need to be exercising more. I was off my exercise last week because of diverticulitis, but now I have no excuse. It seems I am having trouble getting motivated to exercise, but I will. After all the hard work I've done, I can't let it go to waste. I feel the same way about smoking. I will not let go of my quit.

The cravings are a bit stronger, and that little nicodemon has been whispering in my ear frequently. I hate that guy. He's my junkie brain talking and trying to justify having a smoke. I absolutely will not give in. I will start the Chantix again if the cravings get too bad, but all nicotine is out of my system, so I can't imagine it getting worse.

I guess I'll find out at 3 months. 3 weeks was when I was all emotional. I've read about the icky 3's, so we'll see how I do at the 3 month mark. I hope everyone has a nice Easter weekend. Bite the ears off a chocolate bunny for me! I will see if I can find a sugar free bunny tomorrow.

Took Chantix Mar 2nd to Apr 6th. Cravings getting stronger.

I started taking Chantix to quit smoking on March 2nd. It really helped me handle cravings. I started having some tummy problems, and thought it might have been the Chantix, so I stopped taking it on April 6th. It was not the Chantix causing my stomach problems, BTW.

I have noticed over the past couple of days, my cravings are getting a bit stronger, so I am debating on whether to start the Chantix again or not. I had no ill effects using it. I suspect it is starting to leave my system and that's why the cravings are getting a bit stronger. So far, I can handle them just fine.

I'm sort of talking out loud here so please bear with my random stream of thoughts. :) If I start taking it again, I'm sure the cravings will all but disappear, but maybe I should tough it out without it. My quit has been relatively pain free and easy peasy because of the Chantix, but I can't be on it forever. I think I'll stay off it for this week, but if the cravings kick in really strong, I'm going back on it.

That little nicodemon on my shoulder has been whispering in my ear, and I've had to shoo him away more frequently. He's a sly one, but I will not let him talk me into smoking. I will exercise more now that my tummy is better. Maybe that will help keep him at bay. I'm going to continue on without Chantix as long as I can in the hopes that I won't need it ever again. That IS the ideal, right?

Hope everyone stayed smoke free on tax day yesterday! That was kind of a tough day.

Enjoying another smoke free Sunday!

Just like the title says, I have been enjoying the day. I walked 6 miles on the Wii Walk It Out, and then went to the mall with my daughter. I put any calories back on at the Marble Slab ice cream place, but I guess I could afford to splurge after burning those calories. It's a push.

Anyway, we wound up going to Petsmart where they were holding a pet adoption event. I wanted to take home all the dogs, but I resisted. :) My daughter saw a pretty conure she was ready to buy then and there. It took me a little convincing to talk her out of making a rash pet buying decision. The bird was $350.00 and a cage would be another $80.00. Even though she has the money in savings, I, along with a sales rep, convinced her to wait. She needs her own apartment and a job before she can get a pet, doncha think?

OK, so pet buying crisis averted today, no smoking, and did some exercise. I'm doing pretty well today, and I feel great! My tummy is healing, and it's not gurgling, so that's all good. I do have a supply of Beano in my purse just in case.

I still have insomnia, but I take some nighty night pills to get to sleep. I take too many really, but it's the only thing that works for me. I guess I'm weird or something. I told my doc what I was doing, but he said it's OK, and I'm not OD'ing, so thank goodness. He offered to give me something stronger, but then we got off the subject and we both forgot. I'll be seeing him again in June for a cholesterol check, so we'll see how I am then.

I am still not taking the Chantix, and cravings are few and far between. I am very grateful to have had it early in my quit to help with cravings. It's also nice to have some on hand if I start having cravings again. I really can't even imagine smoking at this point in my quit. I definitely don't miss all the deep coughing and trying to mask the smell. I don't want to go backwards, that's for sure.

Hope everyone is having a fabulous smoke free weekend!

It's a beautiful smoke free Saturday!

Today is gorgeous. We were under all sorts of warnings and watches last night here in south Alabama, but we did not get a drop of rain. Well, no rain at my house anyway. We want some rain here because we just transplanted old things and planted new things.

I will be enjoying another smoke free day courtesy of will power and Chantix. I love to just breathe deeply when I'm walking the dog, and all the blooming plants perfume the air beautifully. I just feel so blessed to be alive and kicking, despite owing taxes this year. I was so looking forward to a refund, but we owe this year.

Now how in the heck did I get from walking in the perfumed air to taxes? I guess these are just some rambling thoughts running through my mind. I only had one cup of coffee, so I guess my thoughts are a bit disorganized this morning.

Next little jog in the path...my shortness of breath is better. I was feeling like I couldn't get a deep breath, but now I'm only feeling like that every once in a while. I'm glad that feeling is going away.

My diverticulitis is on the mend thanks to some very strong antibiotics, so I should be able to do a bit more intense exercise today. I have just been walking slowly for the most part, so it will be nice to step up the pace a bit and do some stretching or yoga. By next week, I should be able to push myself harder. Lord knows, I need to eat less and move around more.

Enough of all this posting for now. I'm off to enjoy the day! I hope you do the same and stay smoke free! Peace, y'all!

Went to doctor today

Wow! I slept until almost 10 this morning. Yesterday, I had a nice day with a friend of mine. You know, a girl day, lunch and a little bit of shopping. Ironically enough, we were looking at heart rate monitors and pedometers in Walmart when I doubled over in pain. I had a sudden sharp pain in my lower left side. It went away fairly quickly, but I still had pain if I moved a certain way or pressed there. This morning, the pain was still there, so I went to the doctor. He confirmed my suspicion of diverticulitis. I've had it before, so I knew that just had to be it. The Chantix is NOT to blame for my tummy problems. It's my own body and diet and movement and what have you.

He wound up giving me antibiotics and congratulated me on staying quit. I told him I was off the Chantix, and doing fine with cravings. I honestly have very few, and when I have one, it's very weak. I have been having shortness of breath, but that is just my lungs healing and getting rid of tar buildup apparently. I'm yawning a lot to get that feeling of a deep breath. I really can't imagine trying to smoke a cigarette with this shortness of breath feeling.

Being around my smoking hubby or anyone who smokes doesn't really bother me. My Dad smoked, and strangely enough when I hug my smoky smelling husband, it's comforting. He smells like my Dad always smelled when I was growing up. I am so blessed and grateful to have a wonderful sweet husband, and I wouldn't trade him for anything.

Staying smober and happy! Hope you are doing the same!

My cigarette, my friend by Joel Spitzer

Found this in a forum and it really struck a chord with me, so I had to share.

My Cigarette, My Friend

How do you feel about a friend who has to go everywhere with you? Not only does he tag along all the time, but since he is so offensive and vulgar, you become unwelcome when with him. He has a peculiar odor that sticks to you wherever you go. Others think both of you stink.

He controls you totally. When he says jump, you jump. Sometimes in the middle of a blizzard or storm, he wants you to come to the store and pick him up. You would give your spouse hell if he or she did that to you all the time, but you can't argue with your friend. Sometimes, when you are out at a movie or play he says he wants you to go stand in the lobby with him and miss important scenes. Since he calls all the shots in your life, you go. Your friend doesn't like your choice of clothing either. Instead of politely telling you that you have lousy taste, he burns little holes in these items so you will want to throw them out. Sometimes, he tires of the furniture and gets rid of it too. Occasionally, he gets really nasty and decides the whole house must go.

He gets pretty expensive to support. Not only is his knack of property destruction costly, but you must pay to keep him with you. In fact, he will cost you thousands of dollars over your lifetime. And you can count on one thing, he will never pay you a penny in return.

Often at picnics you watch others playing vigorous activities and having lots of fun doing them. But your friend won't let you. He doesn't believe in physical activity. In his opinion, you are too old to have that kind of fun. So he kind of sits on your chest and makes it difficult for you to breathe. Now you don't want to go off and play with other people when you can't breathe, do you?

Your friend does not believe in being healthy. He is really repulsed by the thought of you living a long and productive life. So every chance he gets he makes you sick. He helps you catch colds and flu. Not just by running out in the middle of the lousy weather to pick him up at the store. He is more creative than that. He carries thousands of poisons with him which he constantly blows in your face. When you inhale some of them, they wipe out cilia in your lungs which would have helped you prevent these diseases.

But colds and flu are just his form of child's play. He especially likes diseases that slowly cripple you—like emphysema. He considers this disease great. Once he gets you to have this, you will give up all your other friends, family, career goals, activities—everything. You will just sit home and caress him, telling him what a great friend he is while you desperately gasp for air.

But eventually your friend tires of you. He decides he no longer wishes to have your company. Instead of letting you go your separate ways, he decides to kill you. He has a wonderful arsenal of weapons behind him. In fact, he has been plotting your death since the day you met him. He picked all the top killers in society and did everything in his power to ensure you would get one of them. He overworked your heart and lungs. He clogged up the arteries to your heart, brain, and every other part of your body. In case you were too strong to succumb to this, he constantly exposed you to cancer causing agents. He knew he would get you sooner or later.

Well, this is the story of your "friend," your cigarette. No real friend would do all this to you. Cigarettes are the worst possible enemies you ever had. They are expensive, addictive, socially unacceptable, and deadly. Consider all this and NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF!

Wow! I'm up with the chickens today!

I actually went to bed at a decent hour, and now I'm back to my early riser routine. It will be interesting to see how long this lasts. Sorry I haven't posted for a couple of days.

Saturday was a housework day, and Sunday was church and manual labor day. Hubby and I went to church and then to Longhorn for lunch. I had some delicious tilapia with shrimp and lobster. Then, we went to Lowes, bought some plants and came home to work in the yard. I have a pretty nasty blister on the right hand from the shovel, but the yard looks so much better now, and I'm happy with it.

Later in the night and for about half the night, I had to go to the bathroom several times. I am being delicate here, but it was not pretty or pleasant. My stomach finally calmed down, and I went to bed.

Yesterday, Monday, I was more careful to eat less fatty food. No cream sauces. My sugar was quite high from breakfast, but I had a non fat strawberry Greek yogurt, a banana, and a bowl of Life cereal. All three of those are sweet. For lunch, I had some soothing chicken and dumplings, field peas, and yellow squash and onion casserole. My stomach gurgled a bit, but I didn't do any exercise until late afternoon. I did a little yoga and some Walk It Out on the Wii. Stomach gurgled, but no trotting to the bathroom. Yay!

I have not been on the Chantix for a few days, and I'm not having cravings. Hubby smokes, but it's not bothering me or wanting to make me smoke. I told y'all I was determined to stay quit, and by golly, I intend to do just that.

Now I have to figure out the whole diabetes food exercise gas diarrhea thing, and work on that. Sometimes, I'm scared to eat because I'm afraid of having embarrassing gas. Lucky we were outside doing yardwork and working in different parts of the yard Sunday. I know hubby was very happy about that. LOL

I bought some beano, and that seems to help, but I need to work more on the food and exercise ratio. If I can't figure it out, I'll have to go see the doc about it.
Chantix helped me tremendously with cravings at the start of my quit, and over a month later, I am doing fine. I am practicing the art of
N.O.P.E.- Not One Puff Ever.

One puff would lead me back to smoking, so Nope! Peace Y'all!

Today was a good day!

Just like the title says, today was a good day. I had a wonderful lunch at Ruby Tuesday with my Mom and brother. They have some wonderful new seafood dishes available, and I had the blackened tilapia with mango salsa. Delicious!

So far as my guts go, I am OK today. I did not do any exercise with my Wii, but I'm trying to take it easy. I found info at the Mayo Clinic site that said you can have gastro problems because your body is trying to do 2 major tasks at once. Digest food and feed the muscles you are working. Made sense to me, so I'm taking it easy today.

I am still not taking the Chantix, but cravings are very rare and not strong at all. I think if the cravings come back strong, I'll go back on the Chantix. It may be somewhat of a placebo effect just having it on hand and easily available.

Anyway, happy Friday y'all! Hanging tough here, and I hope you are also.

Off the Chantix 2 days. Guts in an uproar.

Hi there! I did not take my Chantix yesterday or today, and my guts are in an uproar today. I guess the gas, bloating, and general grossness were not caused by the Chantix. I said in my last post, I was conducting an experiment. I have been eating popcorn a lot, so maybe it's just too much fiber or something. I'm sure I'll be feeling better by the weekend. I have some fun special plans. :)

Tomorrow, I'll be seeing my Mom. It is the anniversary of the death of my Dad, so I'm sure she'll be feeling blue. My brother and I have a Plan A and a Plan B, so he'll get to see her tomorrow. He can't drive due to heart health problems and the medications he is on. Better safe than sorry!

Sorry if my blog is a bummer tonight. I really didn't mean it to be. Let's see, what's going on that's happy. Oh, I know, today was a beautiful day! Some dark clouds rolling by, but never any rain with a high of about 80. It was nice outside. In fact, I just got back from taking the dog for a quick walk. The ice cream truck was out in the neighborhood, and the kids were fun to see. They were so happy.

I walked 6 miles with the Wii Walk It Out this morning. I can't believe a new one hasn't been released yet. No word from Nintendo about a new one yet either, but hopefully soon. I may do some more on it tonight.

That's it for today. Stay smober!

Had insomnia again last night. Is it the Chantix?

OK, so last night, I had bad insomnia again. I don't know if it is due to the Chantix or not. Just the act of quitting can give you insomnia as I've learned on various message boards.

I had a gurgling tummy the last couple of days after eating. Gas was really bad. Monday, I was sooo bloated and felt miserable. I did my Wii Walk It Out and that helped. I was walking and farting. Good thing I was by myself. Yesterday, after lunch, I had a really gurgling tummy and a bit of gas. I decided maybe I needed some yogurt. That helped tremendously. I don't know if all this guts in an uproar thing had anything to do with Chantix or it was me eating something funky.

Today, I decided I would conduct an experiment. I did not take my Chantix this morning after breakfast. I am about to eat lunch, so I will see how my tummy reacts. I haven't been having any cravings without the Chantix so that's good.

I must admit, though, that I have not been exercising like I had been, so that might have been the reason my plumbing was out of whack. I plan on exercising with my Wii this afternoon and getting back into the swing of things right after I pick up all the CD's on the floor. I knocked over the tall CD rack again. What a pain. Oh well...I'm a clutzy broad today. I even spilled coffee on my blouse today.

I have discovered a new snack that I really like! Spinach and artichoke hummus on an oat bran pita. I've never really been a fan of hummus, but now they have different flavors, so I'll be trying those, dontcha know.

Peace Y'all. Stay smober, and I'll update this evening or tomorrow.

I had my first smoking dream last night.

Yay! I found a new meter! Anyway, yesterday morning (Monday), I was awakened a little before six AM by my Mom on the phone. She had fallen and needed help getting up. I threw on some clothes and rushed over there. She was OK, but she'd been on the floor since about 3:30 maybe earlier. I am happy to report that I got her up and on her feet very easily. That was my first test after getting in shape a bit from exercise, and I passed the test. It really makes me feel better knowing I can help her if she needs me in that way. She's OK, and she's just a bit sore today. The way she put it was, "I'm just a bit stove up today." That's how we talk here in the South.

Now on to what I titled this post. Last night I dreamed I smoked a cigarette. This was my first smoking dream. In my dream, I didn't even realize I had smoked until a few minutes after I had put it out. I remember apologizing to everyone for smoking, and realized it was just a reflex. In my dream, I was under stress. It had something to do with camping and not getting approval from my parents. They were totally against me going camping with a girl friend. We were going to stay in a tent in the middle of a big forest. I know the camping thing came from a joke about my Mom camping on the floor. The forest was a scary place with dangerous animals. Maybe that has something to do with my quit. The whole parent approval thing....don't we all want that?

The dream is really the only quit related thing that's happened the last few days. The Chantix is taking care of cravings. I am rarely experiencing them anymore, so that's a relief. I really didn't think this was going to be so easy, so I'm very pleased with the Chantix. If you look to the right, you'll see I posted a link to their website. That will tell you everything you need to know about it, so I hope you'll check it out if you are considering quitting. Quitting smoking is so freeing!

Still not smoking and insomnia abating!

So, I am still not smoking, and I am actually having a difficult time keeping up with how many days I've been smoke free. I just now went to look at my QuitKeeper counter and I deleted it or something. So, I'm still a bit of a dingy broad, but I am sleeping better and at more normal hours. I am also feeling calmer. I had no incidents of angry or sad feelings today, so I'm happy about that. I do expect to ride that emotional roller coaster again in the first few months, but I'm prepared for it.

It's been a quiet lazy Sunday for me. I've been watching Stephen King's The Stand. I remember reading that book in one sitting in 1980. It was the first Stephen King book I ever read, and I became hooked on his writing. Anyway, that's what's going on here. Not much. Feeling OK. Hardly any cravings. Boring probably...sorry. I'll try to have a more exciting day tomorrow to report. Hope everyone has a great smoke free night!

Quick note: I tried to redownload the QuitKeeper, but my antivirus software ID'd it as malicious, so I'll try to get another one. Day 28 today, BTW.

I'm on an emotional roller coaster today...ugh.

This morning, I went to my Mom's house to take her to the hair salon, and I was all over the map emotionally. She pushes my buttons like no one else. I got mad at her and then got a bit weepy. All of a sudden we brushed it all aside and we were OK. My emotions are all over the map. I had warned her when I first walked in that I was feeling bitchy.

Anyway, we wound up having a good afternoon. We had crab cakes over salad for lunch and ate at the salon. I just walked to the restaurant and got the lunches to go. Delicious!

Now I am back home. I was feeling really weird and shaky, so I took my blood sugar, and it was 75. That's a bit low for me. I had a small handful of some walnut fruit nut mix and I am enjoying a small Coke over ice. What a treat to have a real Coke. I had to get my blood sugar back up and fast.

I'm hoping I'll be better emotionally as the day wears on. I already feel better, but Lord knows when my hormones will whack out or amino acids or whatever. Still not smoking, feeling shaky, so I'm signing off.

Hope everyone has a nice smoke free weekend! Peace!

Quick update today on my Chantix blog

Took Mom to the accountant with tax papers yesterday. It was amazingly stress free. I did want a ciggie really bad when I got home, but I took the dog for a long walk instead. That did the trick. Still have insomnia really bad, but my waking hours are not affected. I can still function. I found a counter. Check it out!

I have been quit for 3 Weeks, 2 Days, 12 hours and 5 minutes (23 days). I have saved $205.65 by not smoking 822 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Days, 20 hours and 30 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 3/8/2011 11:00 PM

Today is actually the start of day 24, so it hasn't counted it yet. It's a bit confusing, but it's neat to see those numbers.
Gotta take Mom to the hair salon today. Hopefully, it will be another pleasant day with her. Keep your fingers crossed for me, and I hope everyone has a stress free day today.

Wow! 3 weeks smoke free with Chantix!

Today is day 22 for me to be smoke free. I have had some fairly strong cravings the last couple of days, but they were manageable. I can't imagine how bad they'd be if I wasn't using the Chantix. My head is all stopped up today, but that may be in part due to all the pollen in the air. It's raining pretty good today, so maybe it will settle down.

The worst thing going on right now is my insomnia. I'm talking 3 or 4 AM getting to sleep, and that's with prescription sleep aids. It's crazy. I am just wide awake at night for some reason. I'm not having any trouble functioning during the day, so I guess it's OK. I have the double whammy of menopausal insomnia and nicotine free insomnia. I have read that giving up nicotine can give you insomnia. Ugh.

I guess if insomnia is the worst thing right now, I can deal with that. I know it will go away. I went through a phase a couple of years ago when I would wake up at 3 or 4 AM and be wide awake. That passed, so this will pass, I'm sure.

I went to the mall on Monday with a friend. There is an indoor mall in Mobile, and it was so fun to just kick around with a girlfriend at the mall. She got a smoky eye mini makeover, and I bought some headphones and hip Vera Wang Princess roller ball perfume. We felt like teenagers again!

Tomorrow, I get to take my Mom to the accountant's office to drop off tax return papers. I'm taking our papers, too. I'm praying it won't be too stressful, but my Mom just hates paying taxes. Just...hates...it! Lucky me, I get to hear about it. Oh well, at least I'm prepared.

Y'all take care and stay put with your quit. However you are doing it, stick with it. You are doing the ultimate good thing for yourself and loved ones.


Chantix blog, Chantix review, Quit smoking blog

Blog Day 19! Nicotine free using Chantix. Still not smoking!

Today is my 19th day of being smoke free. I am feeling better than I have in years. It really is nice to be smoke free. I hated having that panicked feeling looking for a place to light up. It is an addiction, and I would look for my next fix. I'm glad I'm not an addict anymore, and I won't ever be one again. I feel too good, frankly.

I still have cravings, but they are usually very weak and easily powered through. The Chantix is helping with those, I imagine. I especially like how it is nicotine free. I tried patches and gum, but I made a half hearted effort with those and they didn't work for me. I was resolved on my quit date and my quit. I was done, over it, and wanting to be healthier. So far so good.

I put a favorite link up to the caveman diet. I don't follow that diet, but found it interesting reading. I thought you might, too. The other link I included about calories is to a site called myfitnesspal. You can record everything you eat (they have an extensive database), and you'll know exactly how many calories you are eating. When I didn't see the scale moving, I wanted to know why, so I found that site. I have my profile there set to private, but you can go public and join in the community there. You will probably be surprised by the calories you consume in a day. I know I was...I was actually appalled! :)

Anyway, everything is all good with the Chantix. No side effects or weird moods or thoughts. Doing great with my quit, and I hope everyone else is, too.