What was I thinking?


Monday, September 18, 2006

I QUIT!


Yup, that's right, eight years ago today, I quit smoking.

That's more than 58 THOUSAND cigarettes I have not smoked. And, at today's prices, that's roughly $150 per month I don't suck into my lungs.

I'm not one of those folks huddled in a doorway on a freezing winter afternoon, puffing away on a cigarette. I'm not one of those folks standing in the rain for a nictoine fix. I am a non-smoker.

I used Zyban to help me quit. Since then, I've read a lot of "testimonials" from folks who used Zyban who said that they still wanted a cigarette after taking Zyban. As if it was some sort of magic wand. Zyban never was marketed to make people quit smoking -- it was marketed to mask the withdrawal symptoms while in the process of quitting. I responded very well to Zyban. I was very energetic, my mood was way up, and I felt really, really good! The kids kept saying they were going to ask the doctor to keep me on it permanently. To this day, I would sing the loudest praises from the highest mountains for Zyban. It truly got me through that time.

Of course, I can't not give myself credit. You can't stop smoking unless you really WANT to, and you have to want to quit for the right reasons. You can't want to quit because you should, or because it's too expensive, or because the kids or your spouse rag you to quit. It has to be your terms, in your time, and for your own reasons.

I'm proud to say that I have not had any occasions where I have fallen off the wagon. That's not to say that I haven't been tempted a time or two but, in the end, I've stayed off them and feel that I am healthier for it.

The day I quit smoking, I weighed 138 lbs. Today I weigh 175 lbs. This is the drawback to smoking cessation and I know some folks that have actually gone back to smoking because of the weight gain. While I realize that my weight is not healthy, I still cannot comprehend the thinking that smoking is desirable over weight gain. While my weight is unhealthy, I'd still have to believe that I'm healthier than if I hadn't quit smoking. Weight is more easily controlled than a nicotine addiction.

Speaking for myself, and ONLY for myself, I know that my weight gain and current unhealthy weight status is due to laziness and lack of interest in doing anything about it.

So, I've decided that today I need to start working on that weight -- it's time to stop making excuses about quitting smoking, take some accountability, and literally get my ass (all of it) moving - again.

Wish me luck.....

Also, if you get a chance, check out the intellect test. I'm surprised I scored as high as I did -- I always figured I was a dumbass! LOL!








7/9 Intellect
You are 56% knowledgable and 84% intellectual.
Excellent! You have a powerful mind backed by a good amount of knowledge. Keep cracking books and nothing can stop you.







My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:













free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on knowledge





free online datingfree online dating
You scored higher than 99% on intellect
Link: The Knowledge vs. Intellect Test written by rattytintinface on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

6 Comments:

  • At 9/18/2006 10:54 AM, Blogger Hotflash said…

    Pat, how many years ago was it that we met on women.com on the WEIGHT LOSS board and here we are STILLLLLLLL struggling with those damned pounds???
    My doctor told me I am at high risk for a heart attack and to drop 20 lbs by February.

    I've gained 3.

    I don't eat that much, so I know that my main problem is that I need to EXERCISE.

    I took the first step (metaphorically speaking) by coming to work today with my tennies so I can take a walk at lunch.

    I have to do something. I have to.

     
  • At 9/18/2006 10:55 AM, Blogger Hotflash said…

    Oh... I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS on 8 years of being smoke free.

    My mother smoked 50 years. She now has ONE lung... chronic emphysema, is on oxygen 24 hours a day and her quality of life is non-existant. She lays in a bed, waiting to die.

    You have done a good thing in quitting. I am proud of you because I know how hard it is.

     
  • At 9/18/2006 11:19 AM, Blogger educand - said…

    Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for visiting my blog (and of course, come by anytime), and congrats on quitting smoking!

     
  • At 9/18/2006 1:28 PM, Blogger Pat said…

    Michelle, we met on that board in the Spring of 1999. Seem possible?

     
  • At 9/18/2006 6:35 PM, Blogger Hotflash said…

    1999????????????

    Wow.

    WOW!!!

    That is amazing. Look at all that has happened in that time!!

    We may still be chunky... but our love lives are happier!!!

     
  • At 9/18/2006 7:28 PM, Blogger Melissa said…

    You know what, Pat? I bet you look TONS better now than you did then when you take your lungs into consideration. :)

    Way to go. Congratulations on your anniversary.

     

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