I Quit Smoking Today

[independent]

I'm back, and feeling much better!

And thanks for the kind words, Tone

I've been on the 21mg patch, which you are supposed to wear for two weeks. Then you graduate down to the 14mg - stay for two weeks - then move down to the 7mg. I looked over all of that, and at the gum too (which comes in 2mg or 4mg doses)... and I had an extensive talk with the pharmacist about what is right for ME.

I decided to get the 14mg patch for this week. Moving down a step!! People quit cold turkey all the time, right? Besides, I learned that the two week process is that you suffer the withdrawels the first week and then sorta plane out the second week before moving down again. I dont need to plane out... I need to QUIT. So I'm taking the fast track here and plan to use the 14mg this week, and the 7mg next week.

Then I will be OFF the patch - and done with nicotine forever!

I am not dragging this out. I am not going to make excuses. I will suffer through it if I have to, until it is done. I put myself here... and I am going to take myself out of it.

[independent]

p.s. In addition to not smelling like an ashtray this past week:

My skin looks better

I am losing weight

... and I am feeling more alive than ever!

[Tone]

You hear that RK?

This could be YOU... yes YOU - it's time to quit smoking. If you want to share this great avatar I made then you HAVE to give up smoking. Or else we can't be friends anymore I'm sorry.

[Lloyd95]

Don't most smokers gain weight when they quit?

[Tone]

Not if excercise is one of the tools you use to help you quit.

[independent]

Don't most smokers gain weight when they quit?

I've heard that a lot myself, but its not the case for me.

My problem was that pepsi went hand in hand with cigarettes. And smoking 2 packs a day, I was drinking over 2,000 calories a day in pepsi alone. One bad habit breeds another too... because that's so sweet all the time that you crave something salty. And after the bag of chips... you crave something chocolate. Get the drift?

The day I quit smoking, I quit pepsi's too. I switched to water all the way. In fact, yesterday I drank 96oz of water!

In addition to that major switchover, I started a vigorous workout routine every single morning - which I am increasing by 3 minutes a day until I get up to half hour a day - every single day.

For me it isnt just about "quitting smoking". It's a major lifestyle change. Already I feel GOOD, and I am so incredibly happy that I have put this into motion!

[independent]

p.s. I have a dentist appointment a week from today, and my dentist is going to be so thrilled with me!!!

Over the past 4 years I have spent thousands at the dentist. It has been a royal pain in so many ways (financially, physically, emotionally - you name it). I have been on a long-term plan to get my teeth fixed, with more chipping or new cavities along the way - just very frustrating.

I got through it, though... and my appointment next week is for a cleaning. Perfect timing. I just feel like the stars are lined up for me right now. No more dental problems. No more bad habits that create dental problems. Clean white beautiful teeth... and a hot fit body to match... they are mine to have. Finally.

I could have had them at any time. Humans are weird that way - because we have so much available to us, yet we squander most of our opportunities for a better more fulfilling life.

[Tone]

LoL aww how cute - you're excited to please your dentist!

[independent]

You have no idea the "beating" I have taken from dentists over the last few years LOL

I even switched dentists this year because the last one was so cruel to me LOL

Yes, it will be nice to have one be pleased with me for a change

[Lloyd95]

Alright Indy; you have to stop all this "I'm so happy" rah-rah bull sh*t. Can't you just be cranky and miserable like the rest of us?

[independent]

Bite me, Lloyd!

LOL

[independent]

Lloyd... you'll be happy to know that I am really crabby tonight LOL

It's the 14mg patch (one third cut-down on nicotine) combined with no caffiene. I didnt even have my morning coffee today...

I'm going to bed. At 8:48pm no less. I'm ready to end this night and get on to tomorrow already!

[Lloyd95]

Wait, you're an hour behind me (EST) and you're in Tenn.?

[independent]

I'm in the central time zone... (middle TN)

[Lloyd95]

Interesting. I thought Tenn. was EST.

so as I type this.....you won't get it for another hour?