SECOND ENTRY

23 hours, 1 minute and 25 seconds
Posted at 1:01 PM EST Saturday, February 21st

My Quit Date is: 2/20/2004 2:00:00 PM
Time Smoke-Free: 23 hours, 1 minute and 25 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 24
Lifetime Saved: 4 hours
Money Saved: $8.79

Arrghh~~! I almost caved. I was driving to the Pen Centre and I REALLY wanted to stop at the Avondale and buy a pack of smokes. I REALLY, REALLY wanted to. BUT, I told myself "DELAY", keep driving, take some DEEP BREATHS, go to the Pen, get DISTRACTED, check out the new fitness club, and think of all the money you will save by NOT buying cigarettes!

Fine, that worked. However, when I got back in my van to drive home, I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY had to fight the urge to go to a store and buy cigarettes the whole way home. My mind was racing with ideas and arguments about how I could quit anytime, and why I should find a BETTER quit date, one a week or two in the future. I thought I should have chosen February 29th as my quit date. After all, this is a Leap Year, and Feb 29th only comes around once every 4 year PLUS it's Dillon's Birthday, so I'd always remember the date.

Sigh. This happens to me every time I try to quit. I am ALWAYS convinced that NOW is not the right time. And I ALWAYS cave. I know it's an addiction, and the cravings will pass. I believe that to be true, but I really miss both the activity of smoking and the euphoric effect it has on my mind and body. Grrrr! I hate feeling weak, and having to fight these withdrawal symptoms makes me feel out of control, pissed off and sad, all at the same time.

One more hour. I vow not to smoke for one more hour, which will make it 24 hours of Time Smoke-Free. One step at a time, one urge at a time, one hour at a time, one day at a time. Damn it!!!

If I gain my weight back, I will be totally pissed off. Think positive, think positive. I'll try to think later ... can't think of anything positive at the moment. ;-/

===== QUIT TIP =====

-- Dealing with cravings --

You've done it. You've made it through your quit day and you are still still smoke free!

You probably beginning to have cravings for tobacco and wondering how you are going to deal with them. Craving a cigarette can be hard to deal with but remember -- cravings are temporary and pass in a few minutes. Fight the urge to smoke with the four D's: Delay (until the urge passes); Deep breaths; Drink water: and Do something to distract yourself.

-- Don't Smoke --

===== N.O.P.E Not One Puff Ever =====