Day 20

Sorry for not posting sooner, but was out of town, and my work laptop gives me the finger everytime I try to post. Very funny on your comment little brother! I got back into town late last night, but stopped first at Mom & Dad's to say hi to Larry. Went to Tampa today, and am just finishing up for the day. Realized I hadn't even checked my email at home, so thought I'd jump on for a minute.
Everything is going great with my not smoking. Got my second month package last night, and am starting my third full week without smoking. My drive over to Boca and back was a little difficult, but I'm feeling pretty good. The mornings are just a haze to me now. Every morning, I am purposely changing up a little, and the mental urge to go outside is now just a memory. I need that same thing to happen soon with the driving aspect of it though. I went through two more pens in two days :-(
Anyways, have alot to do around here to get ready for tomorrow feast with friends and family.
Ciao for now!

Day 18

Just a quick note to let all know that I am still a non-smoker.
Took Dad and Mark out on the boat for a test run. It picked right up, and is ready for a new year of fun.
I'm off to Boca Raton to meet with clients and partners, then will hopefully be home in time for survivor tomorrow night.
Off to the races I go!

Day 16

Oops, didn't get around to posting yesterday. No real reason, as it was a lazy day for myself. I had planned on getting alot done on the boat, but with people coming over unannounced (you know who you are :-), I found it easier to sit on the couch and watch TV. I have a busy week ahead of me. I have to give a presentation in Boca Raton to the President's Group. It will be a short presentation, but none the less, still have to do it. The last week of the month is usually the most hectic. My not smoking is getting easier, as I don't find myself thinking about it as much. I'm looking forward to getting my next month's supply of Chantix. I am thinking it will be my last also. I think I have this thing kicked, and am just going to keep chugging along.
The only side affect I've found so far from this, is that I find I want a bag of microwave popcorn before I go to bed. Hmmm.....

Day 14?

Mom and Dad are back from Orlando, having spent the last few days Bryan and his family were down here for their vacation. I believe next week, Larry Bell arrives. Shan's Dad Larry, came over today to visit, and we sat around talking about how it would be nice to hit the power ball lottery, which is at $125MM, and how we would spend it.
I replaced the ignition switch on the boat today, as it was only working to turn over the engine, but not in the auxilery position. Tomorrow, I plan to spend the majority of the day cleaing it up, and putting in the last few screws to get her ready for her first field run. I will go down Monday, get her liscensed, and a new plate for the trailer, as we are missing ours???? Will probably get Dad to go out for our first sea trial next week sometime, he can come in handy if I need someone to use the other oar, should she decide not to run at some point.
It was funny today. Shan and I went to our hole in the wall to replenish my keg, and we were talking to our Friend "Kat", the bartender. Her daughter, who's name is the same as my niece, but pronounced differently, finally made a "Poo" in the toilet! It brought back memories of Bill Cosby talking about "Poo". I wander too much sometimes, where was I...
Anyways, we are putting together a fine to do, for next Saturday. We will have about 20 people over for a deep fried turkey, smoked chicken, potato salad, and what everyone else brings for a pot luck dinner. It has been so long since we did this, that I am very anxious.
Anyways, I have to go get dinner ready, so will sign off for the day. Another day, smoke free!

Day's 11, 12, 13

Due to the increasing demand that I continue my blog, after a few day's hiatus, I am at the computer to let everyone know that yes, I am still listed among the non-smokers. I've just been so darn busy, that I didn't have time to write.
I had to reserve my hotel room for my trip I was on the last two days, and when I was talking to the clerk (they all know me there, as I stay there every few weeks), he had the room all booked and confirmed, and read back to me what I would have. It took me a moment to realize, "WAIT", I'm a non-smoker now, and don't need a smoking room!
Needless to say, yesterday & today were very trying on my Mental aspect.
My behind the wheel time is usually every other week, and involves me driving anywhere from 2-4 hours at a clip. Whenever I've made these trips, I've smoked endlessly to keep doing something while I drive. When I hit the freeway, it hit me before I even got to Venice. So, I took out one of my pens, and clicked away. I have a little calus on my thumb now, but I over came the mental urge!
Everyone I spoke to in my working, I was proud to say that the reason I was chewing gum this time wasn't to cover up the smell of smoke on my breath, but to keep my mind off of smoking.
Well, I start the fourth week tomorrow, and will get my prescription filled for the second month. I'm fairly confident that I can knock this out in two months, but will be ready for a third if necessary.
Shan's Dad arrived from Spokane sometime yesterday, but we haven't heard from him yet. I'm sure we will try to see him before this week's out.
Tomorrow, the mechanic is due to put my boat back together. We are getting real excited that soon we will be on the water again!
Ok, enough for tonight.

Day 10

Well, here we are. The last day off before I have to return to work. The boat mechanic came over this morning, and between the two of us, we have it tore down, and parts ordered so we can get out on the water. Amazing how expensive boat parts are, and I got to see his cost, not what is normally passed on to the customer. It's nice having clients in most industries :-)
I've been in the garage most of the morning cleaning off gasket material, and breaking down the manifold & carbuerator. It feels good to get my hands dirty.
Thought I'd come in and get a bite to eat for lunch, and then thought that I should get this done first, so now my stomach is grumbling a little. Think I'll have a can of chili for lunch! That ought to make for some down right nice company tonight!
Watched the first episode of The Amazing Race last night. Talk about spirit. There is a mother/son team, where the son is a deaf mute. They were inspirational as all get out. They came in first last night, and it was great to see someone not complain about having a "handicap", or letting it hamper what they do!

Day 9

Well, you can tell by how late I am in my writing how much stopping smoking has affected my life!
Shan and I went to our favorite bar which we go to once a month or so, and sat there for an hour. Shan was a little worried how I would react to being around so much smoking, and the only affect it had, was I wanted to get a shower as soon as we got home.
This afternoon, Amber and Mark came over, as they normally do on Sunday's, and I kinda felt sorry for Mark, as he and I always sat on the lenai, smoking and drinking beer chatting about guy stuff. I stayed inside most of the time, but went out and sat down, and soon Shan and Amber came out also. We had an enjoyable visit, then watched the Daytona 500, which rained out with 48 laps to go :-(
We got a call from Dad's butt I think, as all we heard was him calling out to Bryan. So I called back, and asked for his butt, but it was busy going through the haunted house at Disney World.
It was great seeing Bryan and his family, and I don't feel sorry for being a little childish in picking on him the first night. It is a big brother's right to always pick on his younger siblings, but I did go a little too far I think, and I did apologize to him, UHM.... :-P Actually, as I said earlier in this blog, I picked my timing to quit smoking to coincide with his being down here, I just hope uncle "Buck", didn't say too much in front of the kids, as they are amazing to be around, just happy I don't have the bills for raising them! Maybe I'll nickname them Hertz and Enterprise, like the car rental companies. Nice to have for a day or two, but wouldn't want the payments!
Shan was so happy finally getting to meet Michelle.
Well, get to hopefully finish working on the boat tomorrow. I have a boat mechanic coming over to help me finalize getting "Anxiety Release" ready to go out.
Shan's Dad, Larry is arriving Wednesday, and is going to be here for a couple of weeks, before he has to have surgery on his shoulder. Unfortunatlely the timing is so short, that we are unable to take time off while he is here, but we will make the most of the time we have with him.
The last week of this month will find us with two Larry's here. My Dad's best friend will be down here for three weeks. I'd love to see his kids again, as we kind of grew up together. We spent a lot of vacations together. Boating in the Straights, going to California, all of the camping trips, and it developed a bond that will be in my mind forever. It was Larry who got us into boating, and it's been in my blood ever since.
I forgot to say one thing about boating from the other day. We were at Dad and Mom's, and Mom had a missed phone call from someong in Washington. When she googled the phone number, it came up someone who had posted a boat for sale up there. Sorry Dad, Busted! :-)
I'm looking forward to taking

Day 8

Another day, another $7.00 saved! Well, actually it's costing about the same amount for the Chantix, as it does for my cig's. The nice thing is that within a month or two, I won't need that either, so the savings really begin.
Spent the morning at Dad & Mom's. Little brother, made breakfast burrito's for all of us, then we sat around chatting. They are heading out to Orlando in a little while, and probably won't be back this way, as they have to fly out of Orlando. I can't see driving two hours each way to save on a night in a hotel. It was really enjoyable getting to see them. As we were saying our See You's (I hate goodbye), my niece Maya told Shan that the next time they see each other, she will probably be taller than her auntie.
All in all, it was a great time. We cooked a deep fried turkey for them, bacon wrapped green beans, then I smoked a pork roast, and made pulled pork sandwiches and potato salad for them. Sorry for the pork being a little on the spicy side, but I do love my southern cooking, even if I have to say so myself!
Still noticing that I am not coughing up garbage like I used to, and am wondering when I will begin clearing out the junk in my lungs. I'm sure it will take awhile, but I remember when I quit before, it seemed to be in the first week.
Oh well, have to go work on the boat for awhile, then watch Nascar!

Day 7

Well. What a deep thought, eh? What a day we had yesterday. Spent a lot of time with the family, had a lot of photgraphs taken, rushed to get dinner ready, and got to watch the beginning of Survivor (DVR'd).
My attitude isn't the rosiest on the planet. Am pretty sure it is from quitting smoking, as I am crankier than usual. I spend a lot of time thinking of not thinking about smoking. The physical side is easy to handle, and the mental side is getting easier.
I am going to work on the boat today to get it tuned up. Just wished the boat mechanic would call back, so I can get it finished. Getting excited to eventually get back out on the water.
Going to be another fun day!

Day 6

Just a couple of quick thoughts this morning.
It wasn't as bad this morning, as it has been previously. Sitting inside drinking my coffee, I only once looked outside. I am making an effort each day to do the things I normally associated with smoking, and working my way through them. Yesterday I sat outside with my book and read for awhile, something I would have done with a smoke in hand.
We had a great time yesterday at Dad & Mom's. All but Aaron attended, as he had to work, but we all got to visit into the evening with Bryan and his family. My niece and nephew are growing like weeds! They are full of piss and vinegar, and it was a lot of fun being around everyone, and not having to step outside to kill myself!
Today, we are doing a family picture at Sears, then I am deep frying a turkey for dinner.
It will be Bryan's family's first time, and I'm pretty sure he will rush right out and buy a deep frier once they get home.
Last thought this morning deals with the lungs. What started me on the path to stop smoking was the fact that almost daily I was coughing up nicotine colored flem. Only on the first full week of no smoking, and have had very little coughing spasm's like I did. It feels great!

Day 5

Here we are at day 5! No physical problems to deal with, just the mental aspect of it. I still am catching myself looking at the lenai, and thinking I'm supposed to be sitting out there instead of inside, because I smoke.
Shan finished planting the new gardens yesterday, so now it's the time honored tradition to wait :-)
Today we are going to Dad & Mom's, as little brother and his family are supposed to be there, having arrived early this morning.
I haven't shaved since I started vacation, so I think I'll do that this morning, as I'm starting to look like someone you wouldn't want to take home to mother.

Day 4

It's hard to believe that it's day 4 already. Yesterday, Shan, Dad, Mom & I went to the State Fair. We had a very enjoyable day outing, seeing all of the sites, eating the standard fair food (including trying chocolate covered bacon). Througout the day, I had the mental urge's, but not the physical. I waited till Shan was in bed late last night to test my theory, and I'm right. I lit up a smoke (I had a pack for emergencies), took a few drags off it, and got nothing. If you think I was sneaking around to have a smoke, your wrong, I just didn't feel like testing my theory in front of anyone else. After a couple of drags, I put it out, took the back up pack out, and destroyed it.
Now the fun part continues. There is going to be the mental urges, which I am battling, but in my mind, I also know that I don't get anything from it, so it is going to be easier.
Little Brother and his family arrive late tonight, so we are getting anxious to see them.
Today, I have a few more honey do's on my list to get done, so am going to get myself around, and get started!

Day 3

Wow, I made it through day 2, and I only had one smoke all day. The doctor said while taking Chantix that it was normal to see a weening period of a couple of weeks, and I was actually quite surprised that I only had one, compared to about 40 per day before.
This morning was again a rough one. I had to take the rototiller back by 8:30, so I got up, around the house, then on the road to drop off that monster. My body feels like I rode a wild bull, but I'm sure it's nothing to do with quitting smoking!
Shannon spent the day working in her new garden, and it's fun to watch her, as she get's so excited with each plant/seed that goes in the ground. She wondered if the neighbors would notice if we put a chicken coop back there, to which I chimed in that the city might not appreciate our desire to be as self sufficient as possible. We will wait till we get our property farther east before we do that.
Today we have the State fair we are going to with my Dad & Mom. Having stuff to do, keeps the mind off of the regular routine, and I believe choosing this week, while we are on vacation is perfect. The big plus is my little brother and his family will be here in two days, and I'll be in my prime mood :-)
Off to shower, as M&D will be here soon, and off to the fair we go! MMMMMmmmm, Corn Dog's!

Day 2

Oh how much fun this morning has been. Woke up, took the dogs outside to let them do their dooty, and first thing in my mind was to light up. Ugghh! To answer a little pain in the ass brother's question with a question, why does a bear Sh*t in the woods?
Kept real busy yesterday. Shannon, Boys, & I made two new raised garden spaces in the back yard. Thank goodness for teen age boy's, as close to a ton of dirt was moved yesterday!
Didn't have it too bad yesterday. Found myself wanting to keep up my normal habit's, such as going out to the lenai to smoke, but whenever the urge came at me, I just relaxed a little, and told myself it was only the brain telling me this is what you usually do, so why aren't you doing it?
This morning is by far the worst though, as I'm so programmed to have a smoke, do a little "library" time, then have another smoke. That is why I'm up here typing away, to keep my mind from taking over.
We have a busy day planned for today, and an even busier one for tomorrow. Mom, Dad, Shan, and I are going to the Florida State Fair! I can feel my arterie's clogging already, as they have highlighted the strangest new food there. Chocolate covered Bacon. Yes little Brother, we do love our bacon!
They say it takes 28 days to learn a new habit. They never really say how many days it takes to unlearn a bad habit.

Day 1

After loading my body with Chantix for the last week, today I will quit smoking. I have two cig's left, and they are sitting on the lenai, and will be gone before lunch time.
I am overly confident that I will succeed, as I have a lot of clickable pen's at my disposal, which is what I used when I quit smoking over 14 years ago. It may be a little annoying, but it worked then, and I know it will work now.
Shannon and I are getting things ready for when my brother and his family arrive from Seattle next week.
We are looking forward to seeing them very much!
Today, we are going to get a rototiller, and prepare two small raised garden's in the backyard. Shannon has such a green thumb, and it is so much fun watching the excitement she get's when we eat something she's grown.
Going to get the boy's around to help with this chore.
So, here's to day 1!