Genie thank you so much for taking the time to post your experiences here. I was only 20 minutes into my day when I read it and it really boosted my resolve to CARRY ON with quitting. Early morning IS one of the worst 'craving' times for me, and I appreciate the help.

The only one of my three kids who smokes (thank God) is staying with me right now, and though he's very good about not smoking in the house he leaves these very tempting half-cigs in the ashtray outside all the time. I must confess I've been availing myself of them when things get really tense - in spite of this voice in my head scolding me - but there was none there this morning AARRRGGGGHHHH - so I'm glad I found you instead. I am NOT going to turn into a "butt-picker" - gads that sounds GROSS - or a pest that smokes only "OP's". For me I know I have to let them go completely, I've been smoking so long.

I do love to exercise so I hope that helps me from turning into the good-year blimp. And my meditations/affirmations, along with the deep breathing that goes with them, have been helping me SO much! I've also been using breath mints - the kind that are so small you can't chomp on them, in deference to my teeth. And playing my instruments more, and writing posts for Mudcat, and singing at the top of my lungs when I'm out walking (I wait till I'm far enough away from others so they don't call the men with the big nets...)

It's pretty strange how my voice is so hoarse these last few days! I did have a cold but it's gone now, and I'm left with this raunchy little cough even though my throat's not sore. Maybe it's the 'clearing' process LH and Jeri were mentioning.

I was at a 'jam session' with some other guitar players Sat night and I think I was the only non-smoker there. Everyone was smoking inside and I was almost dizzy from the second-hand smoke. I figured - if you can't beat 'em, join 'em - h*** one can't hurt anyway - but that one I bummed made me feel dizzy and really hurt my throat. So I just had to leave early ... I'm learning ...

Anyway that's it for my 'true confessions' for now anyway! I'm off to do my stretching/walking - WHOOOOEEEEE bring on that fresh air!!!

twitch twitch fidget fidget

daylia