It's Saturday!
68 days, no nicotine! Smober.
Lots of exercise today... raked the front yard for about 3 hours today. Worked up a major sweat! Doin' good!
No snacks at all, no caffeine at all!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
67 Days no nicotine, doing great
It is Friday! A little progressive-rock music linked in the title for this post. (The title track to ContraRevolutionary.)
No smokes or other nicotine for 67 days... working towards my 10th week. What a long strange trip it's been.
Did great with snacks today. Just a few shredded wheat squares and a handful of pistachios. No other stuff. It helps that work is out of carbo-munchies.
Caffeine? Meh... can and a half of soda.
I did 21 round-trips in the stairs at work in 31 minutes - still working more muscles harder on my stair-stepping... today was another day that I lost count by one at some point... when that happens, I subtract one from my total to be sure I got at least what I need.
Now for the weekend... gotta find a good place for walks near home...
No smokes or other nicotine for 67 days... working towards my 10th week. What a long strange trip it's been.
Did great with snacks today. Just a few shredded wheat squares and a handful of pistachios. No other stuff. It helps that work is out of carbo-munchies.
Caffeine? Meh... can and a half of soda.
I did 21 round-trips in the stairs at work in 31 minutes - still working more muscles harder on my stair-stepping... today was another day that I lost count by one at some point... when that happens, I subtract one from my total to be sure I got at least what I need.
Now for the weekend... gotta find a good place for walks near home...
Observations of a non-smoker, 3.30.2007
Ex-smokers dealing with ex-smokers.
Fascinating subject. Really.
I watch/participate in conversations, forum participations, and chats between ex-smokers.
Sometimes, ex-smokers are good in their support for each other. As always with the human race, there are also a few who are unkind to others - they seem to think that tough love is the only way to get people to stay smoke free.
In my experience, being unkind and being non-supportive is much worse than "coddling" or "babying" ex-smokers. I don't think of "supportive" being the same thing as "coddling" or "babying" - quite the opposite. Rather, I think being positive, supportive, and understanding makes ex-smokers (and those who have slipped) much more comfortable and much more likely to stay on their quit.
Just my 2cents on my soap box...
I'll step off my box now.
Fascinating subject. Really.
I watch/participate in conversations, forum participations, and chats between ex-smokers.
Sometimes, ex-smokers are good in their support for each other. As always with the human race, there are also a few who are unkind to others - they seem to think that tough love is the only way to get people to stay smoke free.
In my experience, being unkind and being non-supportive is much worse than "coddling" or "babying" ex-smokers. I don't think of "supportive" being the same thing as "coddling" or "babying" - quite the opposite. Rather, I think being positive, supportive, and understanding makes ex-smokers (and those who have slipped) much more comfortable and much more likely to stay on their quit.
Just my 2cents on my soap box...
I'll step off my box now.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Not Smoking Stats For 3.29.2007
Pretty good day today!
Moderate snacks and caffeine, though not ideal.
66 days with no nicotine! I'm going like an old highway through the south of the country.
I did 21 laps in work's stairwell today, more muscle work, but took a minute longer, 31 minutes. I hope I can figure something out for when it is a zillion degrees and humid here (in the summertime). Maybe bring shorts and such to work and change before and after exercise?
Lots of water (as always).
Moderate snacks and caffeine, though not ideal.
66 days with no nicotine! I'm going like an old highway through the south of the country.
I did 21 laps in work's stairwell today, more muscle work, but took a minute longer, 31 minutes. I hope I can figure something out for when it is a zillion degrees and humid here (in the summertime). Maybe bring shorts and such to work and change before and after exercise?
Lots of water (as always).
Observations of a non-smoker, 3.29.2007
Driving in the rain is easier.
That's right, easier.
With all the stress of driving in bad weather, one would think nothing would make rain-driving easier... but think of it this way: I don't have to worry about where ashes go. I don't have to worry about burning myself or the upholstery. I don't have to take my eyes off the road. I don't have to crack a window for fresh air - while letting torrents of rain into the car. Having both hands on the wheel (and in my case occasionally on the shifter stick) is no problem. My windows are clean on the inside (no smoky stuff).
Now that I'm past the gotta-have-a-nicotine-fix-urge-a-minute club, I don't even have to worry about getting a "last smoke" in just before getting to work.
Keep on quitting!
66 days nicotine free
2308 cigarettes not smoked.
$334.95 and 17 days, 15 hours of your life saved.
Edit: sadly, had to shut down my music2quitby site for financial reasons. It's taken over by not the same people now...
That's right, easier.
With all the stress of driving in bad weather, one would think nothing would make rain-driving easier... but think of it this way: I don't have to worry about where ashes go. I don't have to worry about burning myself or the upholstery. I don't have to take my eyes off the road. I don't have to crack a window for fresh air - while letting torrents of rain into the car. Having both hands on the wheel (and in my case occasionally on the shifter stick) is no problem. My windows are clean on the inside (no smoky stuff).
Now that I'm past the gotta-have-a-nicotine-fix-urge-a-minute club, I don't even have to worry about getting a "last smoke" in just before getting to work.
Keep on quitting!
66 days nicotine free
2308 cigarettes not smoked.
$334.95 and 17 days, 15 hours of your life saved.
Edit: sadly, had to shut down my music2quitby site for financial reasons. It's taken over by not the same people now...
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
65 days... Smokin' (well, not)
No nicotine for 65 days! Now we're smokin' (whoops, wrong metaphor)... Now we're movin'!
No real exercise today... no excuses... no time... shoulda done better.
Snacked too much... no excuses...
Had a cup of tea and a soda today... Probably enough caffeine for a week or more!
Good day for no smokes, bad day for improvement...
No real exercise today... no excuses... no time... shoulda done better.
Snacked too much... no excuses...
Had a cup of tea and a soda today... Probably enough caffeine for a week or more!
Good day for no smokes, bad day for improvement...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Simple day, today
64 days... no nicotine... aloha!
No news or observations today... competing in a guitar contest this evening, so I'm focusing on that... should be good exercise, though!
No news or observations today... competing in a guitar contest this evening, so I'm focusing on that... should be good exercise, though!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Observations of an ex smoker
Most of my observations are those of "now that I'm a non-smoker."
Sometimes, though, it is hard not to be an ex-smoker...
Like...
The nicotine was a calming friend for both good times and bad. It was also a comfort during stress-filled times. So many things become related to nicotine... Once you are no longer a smoker, the dis-association becomes like "losing" friends... nicotine is powerfully addictive in so many ways, both overt and covert...
After dinner and before paying the bills are two high-trigger times for me. I'm learning. My cravings are very short-lived and not as powerful as they used to be - but they're still there...
Onward, upward, and out of the nicotine hole we go...
Sometimes, though, it is hard not to be an ex-smoker...
Like...
The nicotine was a calming friend for both good times and bad. It was also a comfort during stress-filled times. So many things become related to nicotine... Once you are no longer a smoker, the dis-association becomes like "losing" friends... nicotine is powerfully addictive in so many ways, both overt and covert...
After dinner and before paying the bills are two high-trigger times for me. I'm learning. My cravings are very short-lived and not as powerful as they used to be - but they're still there...
Onward, upward, and out of the nicotine hole we go...
63 days... no smokes
Still chuggin' along... no smokes today after 63 days of smobriety.
I miss them sometimes, though. It's hard to give up a "friend" (or is that "fiend") of more than thirty years, off and on...
I miss them sometimes, though. It's hard to give up a "friend" (or is that "fiend") of more than thirty years, off and on...
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Weekend Dynamics
No smokes today or yesterday... Still cookin'!!! 62 days with no nicotine!
Didn't do any formal exercise, other than some Wii sports-type stuff. Did do lots of walking around stores (grocery, discount, etc.) going the long way around and parking far from the front door, though.
I did work on my routine for "King Of The Blues" quite a bit this weekend, though. Broke lots of sweat, worked the guitar quite a bit... so I wasn't a complete sloth this weekend.
Only moderate caffeine. Just a touch of tea once each day. Lots of water otherwise.
My snacking wasn't too bad. Just a few things here and there. I could have done much better though...
On to tomorrow!
Didn't do any formal exercise, other than some Wii sports-type stuff. Did do lots of walking around stores (grocery, discount, etc.) going the long way around and parking far from the front door, though.
I did work on my routine for "King Of The Blues" quite a bit this weekend, though. Broke lots of sweat, worked the guitar quite a bit... so I wasn't a complete sloth this weekend.
Only moderate caffeine. Just a touch of tea once each day. Lots of water otherwise.
My snacking wasn't too bad. Just a few things here and there. I could have done much better though...
On to tomorrow!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Observations of a non-smoker, 3.23.2007
I've not had a smoke (or any kind of nicotine) in 60 days. w00t!
My mouth tastes very different. I think the menthol cigarettes actually numbed my mouth enough that I didn't taste my mouth very much.
Funny, it tastes, well, like my mouth. Fillings and retainer and all. Not so bad, really.
I've really enjoyed using Cinnamon mouthwash after brushing and meals lately. That stuff is awesome. I guess my breath smells better, too.
My mouth tastes very different. I think the menthol cigarettes actually numbed my mouth enough that I didn't taste my mouth very much.
Funny, it tastes, well, like my mouth. Fillings and retainer and all. Not so bad, really.
I've really enjoyed using Cinnamon mouthwash after brushing and meals lately. That stuff is awesome. I guess my breath smells better, too.
WFH today...
I'm working from home today (I have a GREAT employer. I can't believe how blessed I am.) I don't have access to my stairs for walking, but I'm going to Wii bowl for an hour tonight.
No smokes today! Still. 60 days and counting.
No snacks today, and no caffeine today!
No smokes today! Still. 60 days and counting.
No snacks today, and no caffeine today!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Happily trudging today
Indeed, still, 59 days, no smokes, no nicotine. Far out.
Did 21 laps in the work stairs today. It was cooler - still broke a good sweat, though. 30 minutes of marching the stairs, with a sprint at the end.
The snack demon and I broke even today. I snacked less, but more fun stuff...
A little caffeine this morning. Still can't get to bed before 12:30, get up before 6. Trying to practice for the upcoming "King of The Blues" contest - my audition is March 27, 2007... I'm gonna flail/fail, but it will be fun!
Did 21 laps in the work stairs today. It was cooler - still broke a good sweat, though. 30 minutes of marching the stairs, with a sprint at the end.
The snack demon and I broke even today. I snacked less, but more fun stuff...
A little caffeine this morning. Still can't get to bed before 12:30, get up before 6. Trying to practice for the upcoming "King of The Blues" contest - my audition is March 27, 2007... I'm gonna flail/fail, but it will be fun!
I am now officially a Wii Ambassador
Nope, I don't work for Nintendo, and have no financial interest involved with them...
I plugged in and played Wii Sports (a game that is bundled with the Wii video game console) for the first time last night.
Wow. That is fun. I'm addicted now... bowling and tennis (I just like the practice/training sessions)... I had trouble putting it down and going to bed last night.
Thing is, I got a great workout in the process. You stand up, use the Wii controller(s) to do things just like the real sport... arm-waving and everything.
Fabulous. Try it. You'll see what I mean. It beats a whole gym of exercise equipment any day!
I plugged in and played Wii Sports (a game that is bundled with the Wii video game console) for the first time last night.
Wow. That is fun. I'm addicted now... bowling and tennis (I just like the practice/training sessions)... I had trouble putting it down and going to bed last night.
Thing is, I got a great workout in the process. You stand up, use the Wii controller(s) to do things just like the real sport... arm-waving and everything.
Fabulous. Try it. You'll see what I mean. It beats a whole gym of exercise equipment any day!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Oh, one last post for today: Music2QuitBy.com is now live!
I've opened up a new site. One that I hope will help others make it through to being a non-smoker...
I've posted some of my music as free downloads/listens (no guilt, no banner advertisements(as long as I can afford to run the site), and NO DRM in the music files). There is music there that is folksy, calm, upbeat, rockin', electronic, or progressive. A little something for everyone...
Music2QuitBy was a great site. Financial storms at the time of this original post caused me to have to shut it down and stop publishing there. Someone else owns it now.
I am not them, they are not me, they don't have the same altruistic motivation I had with it.
I've posted some of my music as free downloads/listens (no guilt, no banner advertisements(as long as I can afford to run the site), and NO DRM in the music files). There is music there that is folksy, calm, upbeat, rockin', electronic, or progressive. A little something for everyone...
Music2QuitBy was a great site. Financial storms at the time of this original post caused me to have to shut it down and stop publishing there. Someone else owns it now.
I am not them, they are not me, they don't have the same altruistic motivation I had with it.
Observations of a non-smoker, 3.21.2007
Popcorn cooking in the microwave has a MUCH more intense smell - particularly when the popcorn has flavoring (you know, like, "processed American cheese food product" or "processed butter-colored-like unknown substance").
I'm growing more aware of smokers in their cars now. Even without the top down, you can smell a smoker in their car when they're near by.
I'm looking forward to cutting my hair to donate to Locks of Love (opens new window) later this month. But at the same time, my very long hair is also a flag of someone who has given up nicotine. It seems like it will be like giving up another old friend... c'est la vie.
I'm growing more aware of smokers in their cars now. Even without the top down, you can smell a smoker in their car when they're near by.
I'm looking forward to cutting my hair to donate to Locks of Love (opens new window) later this month. But at the same time, my very long hair is also a flag of someone who has given up nicotine. It seems like it will be like giving up another old friend... c'est la vie.
Today is a GOOD day
Today, I'm still not a smoker. 58 days with no nicotine. Who would have thunk? I'm really happy to be on this path. It's a big deal. The idea of seeing my grandcubs is becoming more of a reasonable thought.
I did 21 laps in the stairs at work today. This, in spite of having light atrial fibrillation this morning. My heart went into sinus rhythm early on, so my after-lunch exercise wasn't a big deal for the old hippie ticker. I spent 30 minutes on the stairs doing my laps, and the stairwell was warmer today. I broke a nice sweat. I've got to start wearing shorts to work, I guess.
Snacks didn't get the best of me today, although Little Debbie was delectable with lunch. She's a long-time love affair. Sweet snacks from Little Debbie have been a part of my life for nearly my whole time on this earth...
Thank goodness for desk fans.
I did 21 laps in the stairs at work today. This, in spite of having light atrial fibrillation this morning. My heart went into sinus rhythm early on, so my after-lunch exercise wasn't a big deal for the old hippie ticker. I spent 30 minutes on the stairs doing my laps, and the stairwell was warmer today. I broke a nice sweat. I've got to start wearing shorts to work, I guess.
Snacks didn't get the best of me today, although Little Debbie was delectable with lunch. She's a long-time love affair. Sweet snacks from Little Debbie have been a part of my life for nearly my whole time on this earth...
Thank goodness for desk fans.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Good exercise, too many snacks
Today, no smokes: 57 days so far...
20 laps at work in the stairs, working abs and arms more this time... 30 minutes' work...
Too many snacks today... d'oh
One soda today, couldn't get my engine running this morning... Since I don't have much caffeine in my system any more, it worked like a charm.
20 laps at work in the stairs, working abs and arms more this time... 30 minutes' work...
Too many snacks today... d'oh
One soda today, couldn't get my engine running this morning... Since I don't have much caffeine in my system any more, it worked like a charm.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Not much today... but no smokes
Well, no smokes today. It has now been 8 weeks, 56 days.
Far out.
Not enough exercise today, but had lots of time with my family.
Few snacks... OK there...
Far out.
Not enough exercise today, but had lots of time with my family.
Few snacks... OK there...
3.18.2007 - Nothing today
3.18.2007
No smokes today. 55 days without a smoke. Almost 8 weeks.
No formal exercise today, just vacuuming, carpet cleaning, and some walking around in the guitar store.
No smokes today. 55 days without a smoke. Almost 8 weeks.
No formal exercise today, just vacuuming, carpet cleaning, and some walking around in the guitar store.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Mall-walkin, one snack
54 Days smober - no smokes.
Some tea for lunch, no other caffeine... tea is my big weakness here...
No snacking today, just a brownie at lunch.
Not at work today, so no stairs, but Laura and I walked extensive run-arounds at the mall... We were getting a Wii game with a gift certificate we won, so we wandered to lots of stores, and made efforts to go out of the way everywhere we went... probably about 1.5 miles (walking almost alone, but with 10,000 of our best friends in the mall at one time.=)...
Some tea for lunch, no other caffeine... tea is my big weakness here...
No snacking today, just a brownie at lunch.
Not at work today, so no stairs, but Laura and I walked extensive run-arounds at the mall... We were getting a Wii game with a gift certificate we won, so we wandered to lots of stores, and made efforts to go out of the way everywhere we went... probably about 1.5 miles (walking almost alone, but with 10,000 of our best friends in the mall at one time.=)...
Friday, March 16, 2007
Today's info 3.16.2007
No smokes for 53 days.
I was good about munchies today. I had some shredded wheat as a munch, and no cookies or other goopy stuff.
Had tea with dinner today - yummy.
No laps at work today... worked a half day and went walking with the girl ... Lowes and A.C. Moore.
I was good about munchies today. I had some shredded wheat as a munch, and no cookies or other goopy stuff.
Had tea with dinner today - yummy.
No laps at work today... worked a half day and went walking with the girl ... Lowes and A.C. Moore.
Gave blood... and an observation
I went to my local Red Cross place and gave blood for the 57th time last evening. I'm over 7 gallons now, and I feel great about it.
Interestingly, my blood pressure and heart rate were about average (for me), but I noticed something significant: I was much less tired and weary after giving blood yesterday. I don't know if it's because I'm not a smoker or if it is because I was having a good day.
Interestingly, my blood pressure and heart rate were about average (for me), but I noticed something significant: I was much less tired and weary after giving blood yesterday. I don't know if it's because I'm not a smoker or if it is because I was having a good day.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Brief Observations #1
You have to start slow if you haven't exercised... I did... I started with one trip up and down the stairs, and one lap around the building. Don't throw yourself to the wolves on the first day.
I can breathe so much better now. At the end of my stairs laps, I am less out of breath and I'm more energetic.
Good things smell better. Bad smells actually smell much worse.
Food doesn't really taste better. Just the same. Coffee, however (as my best friend said, "tastes like butt."), tastes downright bad.
I snore less. I cough MUCH less.
I can breathe so much better now. At the end of my stairs laps, I am less out of breath and I'm more energetic.
Good things smell better. Bad smells actually smell much worse.
Food doesn't really taste better. Just the same. Coffee, however (as my best friend said, "tastes like butt."), tastes downright bad.
I snore less. I cough MUCH less.
Some near-term history.
3.12.2007:
Music: something upbeat, but calm, a duet between Count Bassy (my Jazz) and Punkin (my poor broken-necked Ibanez semi-hollow).
No smokes for 49 days. That's seven weeks! Kewl.
Munched too much. Free snacks at work are the devil.
No caffeine today.
17 Laps at work.
3.13.2007:
No smokes for 50 days
Did very well not grazing. Stomach constantly growling. Drank more water...
A little caffeine first thing in the day. Not too much.
18 laps at work, 27 minutes sustained activity.
3.14.2007:
Had heart issues today (long story - argh).
No smokes for 51 days
Didn't graze much, but spent most of the day in bed or sitting still.
No caffeine. Makes the heart work worse.
No laps at work.
3.15.2007:
Heart strong and fine.
No smokes for 52 days. Holy smokes, Batman!
Moderate grazing, had a pop tart and a Little Debbie. Converted to sugar-free gum...
A little tiny sip (3) of soda this morning to get moving.
20 laps at work, 30 minutes sustained activity.
Music: something upbeat, but calm, a duet between Count Bassy (my Jazz) and Punkin (my poor broken-necked Ibanez semi-hollow).
No smokes for 49 days. That's seven weeks! Kewl.
Munched too much. Free snacks at work are the devil.
No caffeine today.
17 Laps at work.
3.13.2007:
No smokes for 50 days
Did very well not grazing. Stomach constantly growling. Drank more water...
A little caffeine first thing in the day. Not too much.
18 laps at work, 27 minutes sustained activity.
3.14.2007:
Had heart issues today (long story - argh).
No smokes for 51 days
Didn't graze much, but spent most of the day in bed or sitting still.
No caffeine. Makes the heart work worse.
No laps at work.
3.15.2007:
Heart strong and fine.
No smokes for 52 days. Holy smokes, Batman!
Moderate grazing, had a pop tart and a Little Debbie. Converted to sugar-free gum...
A little tiny sip (3) of soda this morning to get moving.
20 laps at work, 30 minutes sustained activity.
Lots of laps today, no urges so far today
I did 20 laps in the three-landing-per-floor stairwell at work today. (A lap is the full trip, from the top down, then back to the top again.) Could have done more, but got a little dizzy.
Keep in mind that I've been walking extensively at work for a number of years. Don't start at 20 if you're new to it.
No smokes today. No urges so far. Smober for 52 days. Far out. Have saved almost enough for a 1/3 of a low-end Gibson (here's hopin').
Did have two snacks today. Need to stay away from Little Debbies and M&Ms. Need to just drink more water.
I rarely consume caffeine. Had a small sip or two from a soda today to wake up a bit. No coffee.
Keep in mind that I've been walking extensively at work for a number of years. Don't start at 20 if you're new to it.
No smokes today. No urges so far. Smober for 52 days. Far out. Have saved almost enough for a 1/3 of a low-end Gibson (here's hopin').
Did have two snacks today. Need to stay away from Little Debbies and M&Ms. Need to just drink more water.
I rarely consume caffeine. Had a small sip or two from a soda today to wake up a bit. No coffee.
Get Started. Starting Again
I want to keep my posts short, but interesting. So I'll try hard to be succinct.
But the first two have to be a little longer. ...must catch up to get everyone up to the staring line.
My last cigarette was January 22, 2007 at 10:00 P.M. Eastern. I have (thus far) kicked smokes in the ash.
I've always walked and lightly exercised, but now is the time to do a little more.
I want to be lighter - at 200 pounds. Will I make it? Don't know. We'll see.
I want to document the basics of what I'm doing. I think my goals have to be simple and just beyond reach (in the short term) and just within reach (in the long term).
Follow with me if you want... This should prove to be interesting.
I'll try to post a piece of music (generally something I have done) to mark an important post or a milestone.
Cheers!
Jim Pearson
But the first two have to be a little longer. ...must catch up to get everyone up to the staring line.
My last cigarette was January 22, 2007 at 10:00 P.M. Eastern. I have (thus far) kicked smokes in the ash.
I've always walked and lightly exercised, but now is the time to do a little more.
I want to be lighter - at 200 pounds. Will I make it? Don't know. We'll see.
I want to document the basics of what I'm doing. I think my goals have to be simple and just beyond reach (in the short term) and just within reach (in the long term).
Follow with me if you want... This should prove to be interesting.
I'll try to post a piece of music (generally something I have done) to mark an important post or a milestone.
Cheers!
Jim Pearson
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