Sunday, August 13, 2006

Still Counting...

For those counting with me, I quit smoking a year ago --- today. So I guess that means 365 days since my last puff. (Or, is it 366?) Anyhow, I'm still counting it by the day because I'm still battling the addiction demon. I almost caved a couple of weeks ago.

This is no lie: I was walking past, on my way to the parking garage, a public ashtray, on the patio at work where a lot of smokers go. There were a bunch of cigarettes sticking out of the black pellets, long cigarettes, tempting, tantalizing, calling my name. I kid you not, I stopped and contemplated whether I had a lighter on me so I could grab one and smoke it. In my defense, I had an extremely rough day which was but one of many that have occurred recently. Luckily, after doing a mental check of my belongings, I knew I didn't have a lighter on me and proceeded to my car for the drive home. I think if I would have had even a glimmer of hope that a lighter was on my person, I would have dumped my purse and bag on the tile to scrounge for it and lit the used cigarette butt of a stranger to get my fix. Sadly so.

However, I didn't. Yeah!!!

I've gained weight, which sucks. But, I can lose it. I find myself rationalizing why it would be okay to smoke, just one cigarette randomly. But, I know me, and I remind me, that the likelihood of me smoking a random cigarette and not taking it on full force is highly unlikely. I remind myself that I don't walk in a cloud of foul smelling, noxious fumes anymore, that I'm saving hundreds of dollars a month, and am extending my life expectancy. So far it's working.

P.S. Blogger is acting up again. I couldn't insert a photo directly from Blogger and had to do it through Flickr. I have no time (because I'm heading to the Grandma of all Flea Markets) to work out the kinks of the code to wrap the text with the photo. I'll figure it out later for those that will get multiple alerts through Bloglines. You're forewarned.

18 comments:

Ally said...

congratulations on the year of being smoke-free! it is a big deal and i'm proud of you! keep it up!

Donna. W said...

I think I still wished for a cigarette for two or three years after quitting. Believe it or not, the craving does finally go away (unless you dream you are smoking, then you'll wake up wanting a smoke even after 20 years).

Carly said...

Hi Robbie :)

I am so proud of you! I know it's easy for me to say, I have never been a smoker or even tempted to smoke, but I know you can do it. You can make the decision to care more about your life, then you do about the cigarettes. We lost our friend Pam to Lung Cancer, she was a smoker, and Dana Reeve died of Lung Cancer as well. She had NEVER been a smoker. I would be so very sad to hear about you having to go through that. You have been a good pal. Enough said.

tiny dancer said...

YEAH!!!
Just the cost alone is worth it!!!

Cuidado said...

Just happened apon your blog. It was 7 months smoke free for me on the 12th. Congratulations to you!!!!

Tom said...

While par oozing Blogspot your most recent post caught my eye so I decided to read it. CONGRATULATIONS on one year smoke free! I'm an ex-smoker as well and haven't has a cig in 7 months. I had quit smoking 3 times before this last time and one of the times was for 1 month shy of 3 years. With that being said any time you have the craving DON'T DO IT. It gets harder and harder to quit once you start again. Keep up the good work.

freeepeace said...

Wow. Whoa. Wow. Amazing. You're a rock! Congratulations. Hey, we had lunch that day. I didn't realize it was your anniversary. Next time, gelato is on me! :D

V said...

A full year, Robbie!
That`s wonderful! Treat yourself with some of that saved money at the flea market.
Hugs,
V

Gigi said...

Congratulations! A whole year! I never had a moments' doubt. Although I must say that I do miss the occasional sympathy cig. Which begs the age-old question ~ who can I bum from now? ;(

Yes, your strength of character has been awfully tough on me. ;D

Yay you!

Anonymous said...

Robbie!!!! good for you..... don't pick up that nasty cig...let alone someone elses!!!! I will hit 1 year next month... and while I've been having my isses with my not smoking.. I keep telling myself that it's better that I don't smoke... so hang in there!!! great job!!! especailly since you did it cold turkey!!! Lisa (lisita15)

Cindy said...

congratulations on your one year of non-stinkin' butt-smokin' quittedness! ok, whatever. congrats to you. don't cave. yuck! i've made it six years !!!

aims said...

I didn't even know you smoked. Hardest thing I've ever given up. But the best thing I've ever done for my health. My mom is suffering right now from smoking for 50 years. ::sigh::
I still have the urge from time to time after almost 4 years, smoke free! When I'm stressed, it's my first thought. When I am with my best friend, I still feel like I should be smoking a cigarette with her. Old habits die hard.

I congratulate you! Go and do something nice for yourself! You deserve it!

Mia

aims said...

I tried to leave this earlier but I don't see it, forgive me if you get two comments from me.

I can't remember everything I said...I wanted to congratulate you! You should go and do something nice for yourself. A year is a lot to celebrate. I still feel the urge too, from time to time, but I fight it. My mom is suffering from 50 years of smoking and when I see what it's done to her, I hate the thought of cigs. But when I'm very stressed, it's the first thing I want. I've been smoke free for almost 4 years! (this coming November!)

high-five to you, Robbie!

Hugs,
Mia

Lisa :-] said...

Did I neglect to say "A thousand yays" for your accomplishment? You rock, my friend. I have nothing but profound respect for you.

AlbGlinka said...

Congrats, Robbie-- that is awesome. I've always heard that it's one of the hardest addictions to give up.

And thanks for your very sweet comment in my blog a few entries back!

I've taken to heart your "blogging lite" style and it seems to be working for me, wanted to let you know that too...

hugs, Grove/Albert <-- my latest complicated siggie

Christina K Brown said...

Congrats Robbie!!!!

Abadiebitch said...

Excellent. Smoking is so uncool.

V said...

I`m up to 25 days smoke-free!
V