Day two of separation...

[william3]

Well,,, Yesterday, day one of separation started out really well, I put at least 5 min between wanting to light up and actually lighting up and that 5 min often stretched into 10 - 15 min. It seems that once I get busy doing something, I am good for a little while.

But my the evening, I just wanted cigs all the time. I made it through until bedtime when I just smoked 3 in a row and went to sleep. But over all I smoked alot less.

Today, I started good, no morning cig, then while driving waited 5 min. But when I was driving back and chatting with a friend, I lit up before I even realized it. I will have to pay attention.

Last night I cut some straws up for "straw smoking" and soaked abunch of toothpicks in cherry extract for chewing and bought some 2mg nicotine gum from Walgreens, 100 pcs for $38.00, it was the best deal I could find and the best is that is Fruit Flavored! Of course I left everything at home this am.

I am not usually a coffee drinker but I really find myself craving a cup of joe, I wonder if that is normal?

As I pay more attention to my smoking, I find myself rather disgusted with the smell and even the taste in my mouth. I think I should pack a toothbrush/paste to cart around during the day, its a good idea if I would take the time to use it.

I am in the process of looking for work and sometimes wonder if this is the best time for quitting, but I really feel I am preparing myself for a successful quit, and I am ready.

I have three packs left and wonder if I should just move up my quit date so I don't have to buy anymore? I was thinking that July 4th was a great date, but I will follow my gut on this one, It may be the right time after the first week of seperation is over.

Well I am off to Job hunt some more and keep practicing my separation.

William

[gettingthere]

Im on day five of separation. Its amazing how I still mindlessly light up. It helps me that most of my triggers are boredom because now when I really want one and don't want to wait I say "you're killing yourself because you're bored?" what kind of gum did you get, I got the CVS brand in mint and it tasted terrible. is yours better? oh, and be careful with the coffee. i had to get off coffee because I crave cigarettes so much more when I drink it. I think it speeds up my heartrate so much, and makes me want to be doing something.

[sherri10]

Hey William!

I would never encourage someone to keep smoking, but I did wait to quit at a time when I know I would be under a lot less stress. I think for me it was a good idea. Good work on the seperation! I'm glad you're trying the straw thing. It was immensely helpful to me!

[shara]

William, i know what your talking about. This morning i waited almost an hr and a half plus about 20 mins of driving time then i lit up. I felt so good waiting that long. Good luck to you, i know that it's a hard fight to quit. i have tried a few times without this type of support. Now i have it and i'm ready for this battle.

[tara2]

You really have to train yourself to divert your attention in those "5 minutes". I found that if I sat there just watching the time, I would go nuts craving it more and more. Just MAKE yourself think of something else or do something to busy yourself.

[donna22]

Hey William, you're doing great..it sounds like you have lots of things to get you through the craving...that toothpick thing is kind of interesting, I might just try that myself. Let us know when you decide for sure on your quit date.
Donna