Here’s the Knitting News. Someone has commissioned some knitting — from Kt! A guy in one of her classes has asked her to knit this Colinette Point 5 scarf for him — same color and everything. (That’s a very curly, pre-Locks of Love Kt! Kinda weird.) It’s a very quick knit and she’ll enjoy making another. I happen to have a filled LYS discount card, so she’ll save money on the yarn. Yippee! A trip to the LYS tomorrow. Maybe I’ll find some pre-quitting motivational fiber-replacing-tobacco-therapy stuff.
Here’s the Wow. Wow! Yesterday was kind of a weird day. Popping out of the closet to admit that I smoke and then declare that I’m gonna stomp out my butts in front of all y’all… weird, thrilling, scary, very emotional. That last part might have a lot to do with PMS, but as of this morning, it’s no longer "pre-." I’ve been moved and motivated by your kind and inspirational words, sharing of the hell it is to quit and the tips you’ve employed that led to success. It’s so encouraging. Thank you. Somehow I’m going to combine all your comments into a document that I can carry with me, something that I can look at when I need a reminder of what I’m doing and why.
I’ve been discovering resources. QuitAssist seems quite helpful. I’ve revived my QuitNet enrollment, and I’ve been reading (rather than deleting) their emails.
It’s all a little freaky the way this is working out. One of the tips I’ve read to help with the first few days, especially, is to do things or go places where smoking isn’t allowed — a museum, the movies, a library — and to find ways to relax. Well, for Christmas, DH & I received a gift certificate for a B&B in Green Bay. Several weeks ago, we decided that March 19th would be a good time to use it and booked our room. There’s a museum show opening that we’d like to see, we talked about going to a movie and, of course, relaxing in the whirlpool. We also plan to run up to Sturgeon Bay to visit some galleries and (fiber) shops. On Tuesday, I had an email from the B&B owner about a relaxation package they’re running that weekend, and on Wednesday I booked both DH & I for 45-minute massages on Sunday morning. The cost of this little extra is almost exactly the amount of the refund check I got from my dentist on Wednesday.
Just seems like signals, or stars aligning, or some such thing.
It is deinitely the stars aligning to give you a great weekend away.
Congrats to Katie on her first knitting commission, its a cool scarf.
Wahoo!!! Sounds like a great weekend planned in Green Bay…I’m very envious!
Sturgeon Bay is a beautiful area too! What fun! I used to live in Marquette, MI and we would drive down to Indiana to visit family by going through Green Bay and then down along Lake Michigan (?) through Chicago…I liked living in the upper peninsula…very pretty and calm…nothing like Boston…heh.
I’m glad you’re getting so much support…my mom still smokes (she’s 72) and I have wanted her to quit for forever…she just has never been able to…I’d just like to keep her around as long as I can, ya know?
You sound like you’re off to a great start though!
A friend of mine did it with QuitNet and a therapy group. She has gone more than 6 months (and through some very hard times) and stayed clean. It can be done. Having a grand daughter made her want to do it. Give yourself a good goal and reward.
When I really quit seven or so years ago, I thought that the nicotine withdrawal felt very much like PMS. That went on for a few weeks. Best of luck with your quitting process!
They say that the more often you try, the better your odds of sucess. So great that you are doing this. I’m proud of you. (And such a funny thing, the title of my blog today is “Here’s a Wow (or two).” How funny is that?
Thinking about you and cheering you on! GO VICKI!
I thought about you today when I heard that (supposedly) it takes 30 days to break a habit. So…one day at a time & you’ll be home free in no time. Vicki! Vicki! Vicki! (That’s me cheering you on). 🙂
Congratulations on your decision and I wish you all the best – I’m sure you can do anything you put your mind to – maybe you can print out everyone’s encouraging words, cut them into strips of encouragement and keep them in a jar or box and just pull one out when you need a boost. If you can knit St. Brigid, you can quit smoking!!!!
Smoke signals, maybe? oh, wait. it should be no-smoke signals. The weekend away sounds like the perfect start to your smokeless life.
When I quit (2 packs a day for years, if that helps) I did it on a weekend away. I traveled to a quilt show and spent the weekend walking and busy and in a hotel with a sauna. It’s a good way to get a break from your everyday routines which include the cigarettes. Good luck to you.
Enjoy your weekend! I am thinking positive thoughts for your new venture!
Congrats on quitting smoking! I smoked my last cigarette March 1 2003. I think knitting helped me a lot, plus this website http://www.whyquit.com . I also joined some online support groups which I believe held me accountable. As I welcomed new members to the group I felt it was my responsibility to set a good example and show them it could me done. I also downloaded this neat meter that tells you how long you have quit and how much of your life and money you have saved. http://www.silkquit.org/ It is quite inspirational. I admit at first I was concerned about weight loss. It was probably what kept me from quitting before I did. I came to the realization that I could lose weight, but I can’t grow back a lung! I wish you the best of luck! If you ever want to scream to someone about how bad you want one of those stinky things, feel free to email me 🙂
it will be hard at first but honey if you can do a Alice Starmore sweater you can quit smoking ;0)
Good luck Vicki! I quit 3 years ago, and I’m glad I did. I recommend cinnamon sticks – I chewed on them and fiddled with them as a substitute. Let me know if you ever need some local support. 🙂
Ohhhh…sounds like a fun trip! The DH and I are thinking of running up to Door for 3 days at the end of the month, then running down to Chicago to visit friends.
Have fun!