If I’m Quiet – You Know Something’s Up

I’ve been a little quiet lately. That usually means one of three things…

1.) I’ve been busy with work.
2.) I’m not feeling well.
3.) Something besides personal finance is on my mind.

This time, it’s all of the above.

I’ve been working later than normal hours at my regular job. It’s one of those periods where a whole bunch of work is put on my desk and once I get it done things will return to normal and I will even get to take a few hours here and there off. It’s almost like a little “crunch” time that happens every now and then.

I am also not feeling well. Our recent weather change from nice fall weather to snow (yes, there is snow on the ground now!) has made my sinuses flare up. That often leads to other problems and while it’s something that normally happens this time of year…it’s still not fun.

Lastly, there is something besides personal finance on my mind. This weekend, I am going to lock myself in my bedroom and only come out for bathroom trips. This little bit of self-imprisonment is for a reason. It’s the only way I think I can successfully quit the smoking habit.

I told my husband last night of my plans, and he’s already preparing himself. I’ve tried quitting before. I am a cigarette junkie and the nice person that I am is overtaken by someone that I don’t know. I am scared and I plan to sleep through as much of the weekend as I can to get through the initial physical withdrawals.

I’m not sure if this is going to work or not, but after being sick lately…I have to give it a shot. I’m tired of getting sicker than a non-smoker would and I want to be able to breathe normally. I’ve been a smoker for more than half of my life. Enough is enough.

I don’t know if I’ll be blogging much this weekend. I’m not sure exactly how I am going to feel and how much of anything I will want to do. I know I won’t be able to sleep through the entire weekend, so I may end up writing to keep my mind busy. I just don’t know. The longest I have been without a cigarette was for a day and that was because I was in the hospital and had no choice. I was searching for a place to smoke the minute they said I could walk around.

If I can make it through two days, that will be a huge accomplishment for me and it might be what I need to show myself that I can do this. I may be full of confidence when it comes to paying off debt, but when it comes to beating my addiction to cigarettes, my confidence shrivels down to a speck of dust. I don’t know if I can do it.

But I have to try.

Posted by Tricia on November 9, 2007 at 10:50 PM in Life Experiences | 26 Comments »
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Irishjim43 responded:
Posted: November 9th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Good luck to ya on the smoking , I myself have to stop as I am going thru a divorce and custody fight.
But smoking I see as a big negative that I dont need in my life.
fiveberries responded:
Posted: November 9th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
Hugs to you and I’ll be thinking positive thoughts for you this weekend.

This is a huge challenge – I’m glad you’re trying again! You’ll beat it.
Anonymous Writer responded:
Posted: November 9th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Think of the money you’ll save on cigarettes!
Making Cents responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 12:42 am
Good for you for taking on the challenge. I’ve quite twice. First with a prescription and I didn’t smoke for three years. This last time I used the patch and have not smoked since March. Both methods are great for helping with the cravings! Lollipops and straws really help too.

You are going to feel so much better!
k responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 1:08 am
Good luck! I know you can do it!! This will add years to your life, you’ll be a better role model for your child, and you’ll save so much money.
Debt Consolidation responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 1:37 am
Good for you on giving up cigarettes, hope you can make it through, I heard of people who are successful in giving up the vice but after a few stressful moments, they’re back with their habit.. Hope you’ll not be one of them
Carol responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 3:33 am
Hi, Have you known anyone who’s tried that new Chantix? I know three people who have used it successfully…although unfortunately, my DH isn’t one of those…good luck!
Dedicated responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 7:24 am
If you want to yell at someone – email me with exclamation points – I can take it!

Here are some helpers-
1. Ditch the caffine – When the cigarettes leave your system, you will find out what others are talking about when they say they are feeling the effects of caffine.
2. Drink Decaffinated Hot Tea or Coffee – this will help relax your chest and help with breathing. Drink as much as you want.
3. Deep breaths – Pretend you are taking a drag off a cigarette. Suck as much air into your tar ridden lungs as you can – HOLD IT. For at least a few seconds, then release the air slowly. This will give you the same relaxing feeling you get from cigarettes (I still do this everyday-all the time).
4.Sugar Free Gum or Mints – Buy ALOT. When ever the craving grows huge, pop one in.
5. Clean – In order to keep my hands busy. I found it thearaputic to tear my house apart and clean the blinds and walls and everything else that was covered in nicotene. It took me days to do the entire house from top to bottom.

Trica – YOU CAN DO THIS! Cigarettes are not you, you are a STRONG, BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT, LOVING MOM, WIFE AND WOMAN! Don’t let them steal another day of your life from you or the ones you love.

It’s not going to be easy. I’m praying for you.

3 days – get past the first 3 days and you will notice great improvements in breathing.

1st week – and you will begin to see you are making head way.

1 month – and you are gaining back your control

2 months – you have the power physically, make sure your mental is on board.

3 months – and you will be free.
booklover responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 7:47 am
I and many of my friends and family have quit – its very hard, it stinks, but you can do it!! I have total confidence in you. Go easy on yourself, see if there is health-dept sponsored quitters hotline like we have in New York. Through that hotline you can get free gum or coupons for the gum, support groups, etc.

You can do it!
Lisa responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 8:44 am
I wish you luck with your quit. As others have said, it is tough but OH SO WORTH IT! Do whatever you have to do – I couldn’t sleep so I had to sit in the bathtub for 10 hours a day
Lucy Lastic responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 8:45 am
I was all set to quit too, last Monday, but a couple of unexpected things came up which I immediately turned into excuses. I’m trying to get my head around having another go starting this coming Monday, but my mind is about as far from the right place as it’s possible to be – deep down, I don’t think I really believe I can do it. Silly really. You’d never think that quitting is something I actually WANT to do. I’ll be giving myself a stiff talking to tomorrow, and will be popping back here too to see how you’ve been doing (and maybe pick up some motivation!)

Good luck – I hope you’re feeling better soon
Mandi responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 8:59 am
I know you can do it. There are so many benifits of quitting, but then you already know them. The biggest is, your family.

You will be there longer for your family, and your son will not see that you are smoking.
Kathryn responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 9:53 am
You go, girl!

Big hugs for the big steps you are making in your life.
Chief Family Officer responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Good luck Tricia! You can do it!
nancy responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Hey Tricia, You go girl! I will be thinking and praying for you this weekend. Hugs.
Susan responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Trish: Try the new pills that are out via prescription. I saw a friend this week who was a longterm smoker. It’s been over two weeks since she smoked. She says they are a miracle. Definitely worth a try. Good luck.

Best,
Susan
Sherri responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Best of luck!
Mrs. Micah responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
Good luck, Tricia! Keep at it, no matter what. It took my dad years, but he finally quit.
angiebaby responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
one day at a time! I know you can do it! You’ve been talkin’ the talk, and now you’re walkin’ the walk!!! Keep it up!
Julie Mead responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Hi Tricia,
You can do it!! I did it so anyone can. You are stronger and better then this! Plus you will save a TON on cigs and you will start feeling better! Good luck!
Ms.Blue responded:
Posted: November 10th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Oh, Tricia, I can really sympathize and empathize with the cig habit. I finally did it, after several tries of “cutting down and just bumming” not working. I ran out one night and instead of runing out to get a new pack,I told myself I’d just wait till the a.m. When the a.m. arrived I told myself I’d just go for a few hours; then I said I’d go a few hours more. I made it a game, to see how long I could go. Important note: I DID NOT tell myself “I am quitting, I’ll never have a cig again, etc.” By playing the game the way I did, I think it took some of the pressure off. After a few days, I just didn’t want to “break my record.” So … it’s now been almost 20 years since that last cig.

I know everyone has his or her own way of doing this. I just thought I’d give you what worked for me, as more food for thought.

I’m pulling for you. Good luck. Don’t beat yourself up, either, no matter what. Sometimes it takes more than one try before it works for good.
You’ll do it, though. I know you will. I know it.
mbhunter responded:
Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 12:13 am
Find something to replace the cigarettes with. If you just take the cigarettes away, that will be less effective than if you do something healthier instead of smoking.

We’ll pray for you.
Aristotelian responded:
Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Good luck with the quitting. I wonder if blogging about it will give you an extra incentive, just as for your debt reduction. If your well being isn’t enough incentive, think of all the money you will save on cigarettes!
Esther responded:
Posted: November 13th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Sheesh, cut yourself some slack… You’re sick AND overworked, AND you’re picking now to quit smoking??? Do yourself a favor. Wait until you’re good and rested before even thinking about quitting the smoking. You’ll only make yourself sicker over the stress of not meeting your expectations.
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