Day 14

So, two weeks smoke-free!!! Cravings have gotten worse, but I've had no issues beating them down. This is pretty typical, as the initial will-power slump occurs because the newness has worn off. However, I am aware of this, and am not concerned.


-- Post From My iPhone

Day 12

This weekend was a bit dodgy, but I maintained. I was in a bit of a mood, and that fueled my feelings of withrawal. However, I've learned to deal with that scenario in the past. All good. I am really looking forward to my two week anniversary. It will be nice to put two weeks in the books, as it seems significant to me.


-- Post From My iPhone

Snap snap

So I had my first little blow-up at work today related to not smoking. My fuse is short when it comes to having to defend my position and work. Not too bad considering that it's been 9 days without incident thus far. I recovered quickly, and apologized.


-- Post From My iPhone

Day 8

So almost no cravings today. I feel really good, actually!


-- Post From My iPhone

Temptation.

Went to what would be considered my "local" last night, but didn't smoke, of course. However, it was harder than I thought it would be to maintain. The cravings aren't terrible, they're really just annoying at this point. My brother, a former smoker, said basically that after a few days of quitting, that level of addiction will stick with you the rest of your life. Scary.

Anyway, I'm still smoke-free, and I'm just about into day five! I'm proud of what I've done thus far. I hate to say it, but I'm ready to have the structure of the week back, as it seems to help me control my cravings somewhat better.


-- Post From My iPhone

Hour 46ish?

So, I have gotten over the worst of the cravings, it seems. The fatigue has not been an issue today, thus far. I am sleepy, however...just not like yesterday. The fuzzy-head is better, but most certainly not gone. This really appears to be the other side of the initial hump, anyway. I went out last night, and tested a few of my triggers. Either they're not triggers, or my will-power is way high. I've been leaning on gum quite a bit. I noticed that I want to smoke right when I get back to my apartment. It must have something to do with me never smoking in my new car. That's it for now.


-- Post From My iPhone

First full work-day complete.

All I can say is, nothing about this process was fun. My work is really suffering. I can't really concentrate on anything for longer than about a minute. Waves of fatigue wash over me every so often, and require me to get up from my desk and usually get coffee/tea. Yeah, I've had coffee, because I greatly underestimated the amount of tea I needed to bring to work.

The silver lining to this whole process is that it WILL get easier - hour-by-hour, day-by-day. It is my body getting rid of the addiction, and by some accounts I've now read, can take as much as ten days. I'm betting I'll be over the worst of it in 72 hours, and right now, I'm at about hour 30.


-- Post From My iPhone

Not so sleepy anymore.

The fatigue seems to have given way a bit. I don't know if it is the caffeine or not, but I actually feel somewhat OK. I still have no attention span, however.


-- Post From My iPhone

...And another one bites the dust.

Just found out my quitting partner lasted less than one work-day before cratering at lunch. He is unwilling to continue. Some partner. Be not dismayed dear readers; I suspected I would be going this alone eventually. I just didn't realize it would be so soon.

Symptoms: slow time, can't think clearly, fatigue, and joint pain (in hands particularly).


-- Post From My iPhone

Fatigued.

Apparently, the fatigue has set in. Even after getting 10 hours of sleep, I'm starting to nod off at my desk. Time for a walk.


-- Post From My iPhone

Crabby/Snappy

While I'm keeping a general hold on most of the crabbiness, some of it is leaking through. SO, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DEAL WITH IT, YOU CAN KISS MY...I kid, I kid. I found that caffeine is not helping this process much. It just makes me edgy. Word to the wise: If you're gonna quit smoking, limit yourself to the bare minimum you need to not have caffeine withdrawal as well. I'm going to try this strategy tomorrow.


-- Post From My iPhone

Things to do with an empty pocket

A pack of cigarettes and a lighter occupy most of a pockets useful space. That being said, I need to figure out what I'm going to put in there as a "reward". I always find I want to carry more than I have pockets for. In the least, I can carry my house keys with me again.


-- Post From My iPhone

Beginning of day two.

Decided to go to bed about 9 pm last night. I guess that sleeping it off seemed a good idea. I'm happy to report that, for the most part, it was. I got maybe a bit too much sleep (10 hrs), so I'm a bit groggy. I've thought of cigarettes several times this morning, but it's no fever-pitch. Strangely, I am writing off those cravings quite easily. Had a good breakfast. I will admit, I'm feeling a bit crabby, so I'll have to watch my mouth today. ;)


-- Post From My iPhone

Workout results

As I'd suspected from past results, all of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms are either gone, or have been greatly lessened by the workout. Endorphins good. I am starving, though. ;)


-- Post From My iPhone

Welcome!

So this is probably the nicest post you are going to read for a few days. No offense, but I can get a bit crabby when quitting. I have started this blog as part of my quitting. I have not thied this before, but it seems like a therapeutic way to express myself, and maybe, just maybe someone else will benefit from my story.

I smoked my last cigarette about 30 minutes ago. I had planned to quit tomorrow, but buying another pack just for the evening seemed excessive. I have gum, and I'm working out in about 2 hours, so that should help take my mind off of things. I have to fill my time with things, so I've decided on:

1. Drawing, assmuming my hands aren't shaking too badly.
2. Myth Busters.
3. Hikaru Dorodango - I need find/make some white ash, but I'll start with fine potting soil.
4. Movies, movies, movies.
5. Running like I'm being chased.

Things I'm not doing (triggers):
1. Drinking more than one beer/drink.
2. Coffee. Switching to Tea, for now.
3. Frequenting places that have smoking inside (Sorry Londoner Addison).


So, in case you haven't noticed, there is an elephant in the room. That elephant is lovingly known as Earl. Earl represents my former smoking habit. Earl is going to get pretty damned tired of seeing my smoke-free life, so I trapped him in this box. I'll probably end up screeching in tongues at Earl here at some point. If I do, I'll video blog it for you. :)