Puff, puff, puff until you puff yourself to death

by Me on Mar.28, 2009, under Stuff

In the latest news from the world of Me …

I QUIT SMOKING!

This is a very big deal. I was a smoker for 37 years. I have tried to quit before, on several occasions, without success.

This time, we’re green and good. I’m one week without a cigarette so far.

I’m very proud of myself.

My children are happy with me.

My doctors no longer lecture me.

And it’s a lot easier to book a hotel room.

Besides all that, since Spouse quit when I did, my house is significantly less stuffy and smelly. And I’m doing this just in time for spring (sort of — this is upstate New York we’re talking about here), so I can throw doors and windows open and air the place out.

So, what made the difference between success and not this time?

It turns out that the Empire State as a smoking cessation program that will send you a free, 2-week supply of nicotine patches in return for your pledge to quit and your commitment to a specific day when said quitting will occur.

Those nicotine patches work.

They don’t stop you from wanting to have a cigarette but they do make it a lot easier to decide not to have one. The craving to smoke as a sort of comfort habit (the grown up equivalent of sucking your thumb) is one thing; the nicotine addiction is something else again.

And I’m finding out weird things about myself.

Nobody should be surprised to learn that I often still want a cigarette with my morning coffee or right after I eat. But, I discover, I also get a strong craving for a cigarette within half an hour after I finish an aerobic workout!

WTF???

Any of you lovelies out there with medical or semi-medical backgrounds who would care to take a stab at explaining that, please leave me a comment. Inquiring minds want to know.

I originally had my quittage scheduled for our 25th wedding anniversary, on the 21st of this month. On the spur of the moment, we actually quit on the 19th, which also happens to be Karen’s birthday.

(So, Karen, you can view this as my birthday present to you!)

Occasionally, when I have nothing better to write about, I’ll check in here and let you know how it’s going.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go and bask in the glow of public approval.