It's time for an update. My journey to being smoke-free has resumed. It's been 13 days since my last cigarette and at the moment, I'm not missing them at all! Must admit though, the first few days this time around were definitely much harder than the first time I quit. Dummy me, just HAD to have a smoke!! Yes well!
I've joined the fitness group at work, so I've begun introducing real exercise into my life. I say 'real' because my job requires me to be on my feet 90% of the day~ walking, bending, stretching~ but not in an aerobic/cardio way! So the weight (and the waist) keeps increasing. Thus! The need for exercise!
Oh! Back in March, I had a delicious visit with two of my sisters for a whole weekend! What an amazing way to relax, rejuvenate and revive one's soul, spirit, and body! Thank you Sisters!

If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.

Herodotus (484 BC - 430 BC), The Histories of Herodotus

It's been so long since I've written, that I think I'm a bit rusty. I'm just not quite sure as to where to begin!
To start, the reason it's been so long is I've moved to a new place. One i just love! It's an old farm house, somewhat out in the country, but also a little too close to a main road. Oh well, it's kinda of hard to be too picky when you are just renting!! I've felt so at home since day one, and I think my sister Crystal nailed it on the head with her comment about the house..."it has 'Mom' written all over it." You tour the house and it seems you see Mom everywhere. She would have loved this place. It's spacious (friends & family that have seen it declare they need a floor plan to get around!) yet cozy, friendly and inviting.
Second, shortly after moving in we tried to get our computer up and running, but nooooo, somewhere in the move, it died!! Great! Moving can be quite the expense, then add the cost of a computer too! Oh well, obviously we did, and here I am finally trying to catch up! Ha!
And now to catch up on my smoking progress...........I fell off the wagon. Oops! Who knew that moving could be so stressful as to make one want to have a cigarette and want it REALLY BAD!!! I couldn't believe how strong the pull was going to be to have one, and of course, I didn't stop with just one. Yes, I'm still smoking, but good news to be had, I've finally restarted my Chantix and I plan by next weekend March 22nd (or sooner) to have put them down again, but this time for GOOD! At least I truly hope so! Sometimes I enjoy my smoke, oh-so-much, but most times I can't figure out why I'm smoking. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth AND I feel guilty. Not sure where the guilt comes in, maybe cause so many people were pulling for them and I feel as though I left them down, who knows?
So much for being rusty...I guess it's like riding a bike...it all comes back again!

Before I close, I need to leave you all with a quote.....

It's bad to suppress laughter. It goes back down and spreads to your hips! ~F. Allen

It's so amusing to hear the comments regarding quotes. Most people seem to enjoy them, find encouragement, inspiration or a moment of laughter...of which I find very satisfying. But my daughter gave me the greatest compliment (although I'm sure that's not what she intended!) She said to her brother & sister-in-law "Have you seen Mom's blog yet? She sounds like a greeting card!" Then proceeded to go through and read some of the blogs (well quotes) out loud! I so happen to enjoy greeting cards, at least most of them, so thank you Christine!

So...not to disappoint anyone...I will leave you all with this very ponderous quote to chew on!!!

I thought a thought.
But the thought I thought wasn't the thought that I thought.
If the thought I thought I thought had been the thought I thought,
I wouldn't have thought that much!

Now, go take on the day!

It's been awhile since I've updated my progress on smoking, and from the title I'm sure you've noticed it's been 31 days since I've quit! Yee-haw, a month!!
While I can say it's not always been easy, I can also say it's been easier than I thought it would be! Contradictory, you might think? Actually, no. The hard times have been truly hard, but very short-lived, easy to distract myself from...and easier, because I really thought this 25+ year addiction was my ruler, but instead, discovered that I'm the ruler!!
It's nice to know that when I needed to be strong & courageous, I could be just that! To believe in oneself is very empowering!
Thank you to all who believed in me...who already knew I was strong & courageous. Keep on believing and supporting me....this fight ain't over yet!!

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself. Alan Alda

It's time for another New Year! I hope everyone is ready to take on the new year! I know I am!

May all your dreams, wishes and hopes be fulfilled.
I hope your friends be many and true.
And the love of family surround you always!

Till next time.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!! I hope everybody's Christmas is a good one and that all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR too!!!

Since the last post, yes, I have puffed a little. No full cigarettes, but smoked all the same. Oops! But....this does not mean failure...I just need to get back on the no-smoke wagon!

Some days are super easy, others are a mild annoyance and a few are down right difficult!

I know that has more days go by, each day will be less bothersome, but till then, Chantix is my new best friend!!!

I wish for all to have a joyous, memorable Christmas as you celebrate it in the way that brings you the most joy!

Happiness is where we find it,
but rarely where we seek it!

Well!! This may not be as easy as I thought! I'm having stronger cravings NOW, instead of the first 2, 3, or 4 days (like most people!)
I didn't have a bad day, in fact, we put on a talent show today for the residents where I work. Boy, was that fun! My little group sang the Twelve Days of Christmas 'Village Manor' style.
You know...On the 1st day of Christmas.....a case of protective underwear!! On the 5th....5 delicious prunes!! You get the idea! The residents got a kick out of that!
Nothing happened to trigger any desire...it's just there! Kinda like old habits die hard.
Who knows, maybe I'll cave and then I'll just enjoy another coughing fit like I did the other night! Smart, real smart!!
Ok. I will just have to let you know how I did. Resist or cave????