So far, 2006 has been a headache for me. Literally, but not figuratively. I've been visiting with my parents in their lovely new home in Montgomery, Alabama, and everything but the headache has been delightful.
My dad picked me up from the airport. The Montgomery is pretty tiny; they just renovated the 5-gate airport to include a 2nd story, so that they can have real jetways instead of having passengers exit down those tiny stairs on the prop engine planes, braving the elements to cross the tarmac, saddled with carry-ons. Oh, the joys of flying.
My dad was impatiently waiting for me just outside the security perimeter, and just as I saw his face, he didn't see mine and turned to walk outside. I guessed correctly that he was going outside to light up a cigarette. I followed him outside and greeted him warmly, and I think he probably was a little embarrassed to be caught smoking. The last time I saw him, and even the time before that, he was smoke-free. I felt sorry for him.
I'm relieved not to be smoking anymore, and I am especially reminded when I go somewhere that I would be ashamed to smoke, like my parents' house. It also makes air travel considerably less stressful.
My hope for 2006 is that one of my family will quit and stay off... one of my three brothers or my dad. Hey, if more than one quits, even better. All I can do is set an example, and subtly encourage them to quit.
posted by Mary Linton at 3:14 PM
2 Comments:
Ex,
I just found this blog and find it really interesting! I am also 25 - have been smoking for 8 years. How did you first quit? Cold Turkey? I have quit multiple times and gone back after 3,6,9 months. Have been thinking about quitting again. Mostly because I hate how I smell and my teeth are starting to turn yellow. I think Im like your brother - it makes me anxious to think about it. What would I do in the car without my cigarettes? HOw could I FULLY enjoy a meal without a cigarette afterwards? Is it possible to be a social drinker without smoking? I will keep reading and finding encouragement in the things you do. Sounds like you are doing great so far! Good luck!
Salena
Hi Salena!
It's so nice to hear from someone who is thinking about quitting smoking--most of the time people comment on this blog, it's because they're marketing some sort of smoking cessation product.
Yes, I did quit cold turkey. That's the way I have to do it in order to have any degree of success, but everyone has their own "best method".
To tell you the truth, I think the smell is more obvious to former smokers than to non-smokers, but yeah, I hated the smell, too.
I can tell you, I've been much healthier and happier since I quit. I try to remind myself of how much I want a non-smoking future.
In answer to your questions, I would suggest that you try foregoing cigarettes in the car before you quit. That way, the challenge won't be quite as new to you when you face it. Same for the social drinking. I'm pretty sure that if you're a smoker who already doesn't smoke in the car or out drinking, you'll find it easier to quit altogether. But hey, you'll do it your way. It sounds like you've had a lot of success in past quits. What went wrong?
Great hearing from you,
E to the X
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