Blog day # Two.........
This AM was interesting. I had an appointment at the Research Center on Chicago's North Side to be screened for a Smoking Cessation Study involving a patch.
In late Fall, Margaret and I had made a pact to quit smoking - together. The first stop smoking date came and went with me having stopped and with Margaret having not. And so, feeling lonely in the attempt, I stopped stopping on my initial attempt. Our second defined stop-date was 01DEC02..............but that date did not work well with Margaret's social plans and, though I had stopped smoking (Yes, AGAIN!) on the assigned date, when I learned that Margaret had not, I promptly resumed my habit in anticipation of the next scheduled stop date. I'm beginning to sound like an idiot, even to me.
The third, and final stop smoking date as far as I was concerned, was the first day of January, 2003. I did stop on that day. Then, I heard an ad on the radio soliciting study subjects for smoking cessation. I thought participating in such a study might support my determination and I could always use the offered $300.00. I had been smoke free since 01/01/03, if you don't count the three puffs I enjoyed when I discovered an extinguished butt in an ashtray.
Well, in the end, I was eliminated from participation. I had to breath into some sort of breathalyzer. Passing score was ten; after two tries, my better was only a four. My breath was too clean. I should have continued the nasty, odorous, filthy and expensive habit just two more weeks! There is another study for which passing that damn breathing test is not a factor - they will call me. Since I was already there, at the Research Center, I enquired about potential weight-loss studies...........my name/number are on file. I guess I'm on my own. Margaret continues to not stop.
Tonight is the first Legal Aspects of Healthcare class night. I think this will be an interesting class..................only 21 credit hours left to satisfy the requirements for a Bachelor in Health Administration. To prepare for tonight's class, I have to read two chapters in the text. I am off to do that now.
Posted by leah at January 14, 2003 02:13 PMMore power to you! It's great that you're trying so hard to quit smoking. You obviously have a bigger desire to do so than Margaret does. Though I've never been a smoker, I can sympathize with the trials associated with trying to break bad habits or to start good ones. Let me know if I can do anything to help. I'll be thinking good, smoke-free thoughts for you.
Posted by: Jfer on January 14, 2003 06:14 PMJennifer, your comments are so sweet and thoughtful. I really do want to stop - surprisingly, this time has not been very difficult, so far........at least not when I am by myself or in a smoke-free environment.
Now, I simply have to MAKE myself visit the fitness room on a consistent schedule.
Posted by: Leah on January 15, 2003 12:48 PMLeah, I too send you good vibes re cessation of smoking. The woman who was my maid of honor, Kathy, stopped smoking a couple of years ago, and she had certainly had a habit. She used a prescription to help (can't remember what it was) and had lots of support from her husband, Jason. There were times that they'd walk in a restaurant/bar to meet some friends, and she would turn around to Jason and say, "I can't be in here", and he'd say, "Okay, baby", and they'd make their apologies and leave. She remains smoke-free to this day (has a little one now so I don't see that she'll take it up again ever).
You can do it too. Don't wait for someone else! We'll all be proud of you.
Posted by: Elizabeth on January 15, 2003 07:59 PMLeah,
You smoked somebody's random butt? That is really gross. I think in your heart and mind you have already stopped. Margaret's just bringing you down!!!
She's not ready. You are. Perhaps you can set an example that will inspire her.
Posted by: Mermu on January 16, 2003 09:51 AMGood luck - it will be well worth the effort.
And a belated congratulations on getting your blog up and running. I think the blogs are fun and enjoy browsing thru them even if I don't always make comments.
Posted by: Cynthia on January 18, 2003 10:27 AMIt is nice to know that you realize that you were sounding a bit like an idiot in your blog. I thought it was very funny reading. I believe that trying to stop smoking will work better for if you do not try to buddy up with the likes of Margaret. Besides that, Gerry is probably still smoking and she has her own buddy that will probably keep missing the stop dates. I hope you are successful.
Posted by: Rita on January 19, 2003 06:45 PMCongratulations, Leah! Keep it Up!
What's the latest on the prospect of an Active Duty Tour for you? Love, your Mother
Leah, I was so proud that you admitted to sounding like an idiot. That takes real courage for most people .. it comes naturally to me.
Think about what you do: when you smoked you quit several times a day.. Now that you have stopped altogether, You'll never quit again. Don't be a Quitter, be a Stopper.
Love, Matthew, i.e., Broadband
PS That Save feature, i.e., or e.g.,CTRL C (or X)can be a time saver when online activity is a gamble. When you get back to where you wanted to be in the first place, CTRL V, puts it back.
I read your Blog to Mother and made appropriate comments, but I had not Logged In, yet and could not post them. Ergo, CTRL X, Login, Links and CTRL V. :-)
I was just going to tell you that i found this great place to make cards. You can put anything on them like your info, or a picture you can even show your support on not smoking. Make your new years resolution to stop smoking. It may help someone. If your interested.
http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/gateway.aspx?S=6999461104