Monday, July 28, 2008

Cattails

So that's it. The nicotine is all gone from my body. I decided a few days ago that the whole quenching-my-craving-with-a-dose-of-nicotine plan was probably helpful at the beginning, but now it's just keeping me hooked to nicotine via the inhaler. So I stopped and have gritted my teeth the last couple days. Anyway, it's true what they say, when you're really ready it's not that bad. It's hard of course, but the mental approach can lessen the severity. It's really the difference between, "Hey, those guys over there are so lucky, they get to smoke," and, "Poor them, they have to feed that addiction every hour of every day." A mental trick? Perhaps, but who cares as long as it gets you there. Placebos work, just that fact alone tells you how powerful the mind is.

As for side effects, I have indeed put on some poundage. I've reclaimed the blubber that I lost when I was sick a while back. I don't mind. It's like reclaiming part of myself, a kind of reverse battle scar. And anyway, fat feels good in bed.

It's Monday, so I should probably do the big walk. It's five hours. You know, mail carriers (wrote men, had to think hard to find appropriate non sexist term) probably do that every single day. I think I'd quite enjoy being a mail carrier. They even get to wear their ipods up here. (or simply wear without the "get to", I don't really know)

I don't know how to finish this post even though it feels done. Plus I've got poop at the door clamoring for liberation. Type at you all later...

24 comments:

CoffeeDog said...

Is there anything better in life than the morning poop?

Lemuel said...

I continue to celebrate your victories!!

Patricia said...

I could be a mail carrier, too. But come November, I'd start burning people's mail and hiding out in the coffee houses all day.

Greg said...

"clamoring for liberation"...now that's just classic.

It's also the reason I didn't get the lightning photos (screen caps, really) from last night's storm posted before you stopped by...these summer storms have been great.

Ah, the poundage...well, that can be the next challenge!! Congrats on breaking that last string between you and the Nicodemon!!

Anonymous said...

Cattails are often considered weeds and only grow in wet areas. Most wet areas have been dried up so there is little room for these beautiful plants. Just a thought, but don't they look more like turds on a stick than cat tails? No wonder we like them so. ed

Anonymous said...

I love that you of all people, think you are putting on the blubber.

I'm laughing here.

"Blubber."

Ba ha ha ha ha....

Rox said...

I don't call it getting fat. I call it "filling out the wrinkles."

And yes, I too have a poop on deck. Gotta run!

Snooze said...

Congrats on kicking the habit! That makes sense about the mindset on missing smoking or seeing yourself as free from its clutches. When I used to staff the treatment lines, people with HIV who saw their meds as life saving had less problems with adhering to taking the meds than with people who saw the meds as poisons. [that's probably the same with any medication but my experience is from working with HIV].

RJ March said...

Can't tell you how happy I am that you're doing so well and so self-motivated. Carry on, my friend.

dpaste said...

The morning liberation can be pro or con, depending on its timing.

Birdie said...

Way to go on the nicotine!

I have been walking with friends lately, and one day I was early so I started with my iPod. How does anyone listen to their iPod without dancing? I didn't get as far as fast, but it was still a workout and twice the fun.

And you're excused.

Anonymous said...

Yay paragraph #2. Yay fat in bed.

Ed noticing that cattails are turds on a stick made me laugh.

Rox's filling out the wrinkles did too.

GayProf said...

Winter is just around the corner -- A few extra pounds might be appreciated.

Congrats on all of this! That is fantastic.

My adventures said...

Good for you with the inhaler! And, it really is just a decision to quit, it has to be time! Happy early birthday wishes if I don't get on here tomorrow! Your shipment is in the post, so look for your carrier!! Ha!

Mark in DE said...

Congrats on kicking the nicotine habit!

Your sentence "I've got poop at the door clamoring for liberation" made me laugh and I remembered something my (occasionally crude) father used to say "Brownie's knockin' at the back door".

Mark :-)

mainja said...

Patches these days gradually ween you off nicotine. Today John went from the 21mg patch to the 14mg patch. He's gonna do the 14 for a week, then down to the 7, then nothing.

You folks who have quit smoking make me smile lots.

Yay!!!

Anonymous said...

*applause*

For all your acts of liberation!

Anonymous said...

Well congrads to you. I smoked in my teens through my early 20's. The only way I was able to quit was to envision that I was blistering my lungs every time I inhaled. I focused on that image and after a while it grossed me out. Whatever.It.Takes.

don said...

I am very proud of you. Congratulations on kicking the cigs (I was going to say Fags but I don't want you to take that the wrong way. Pauvre Serge).

Jess said...

Leave it to you to bring things around to poop! :)

Glad you've conquered the nicotine! You know, if you ever feel a need to satisfy an oral craving, I'm sure spouse can give you something to stick in your mouth! ;)

David said...

Hello, Sunshine.

Yep being free of that nasty, smelly habit can make you really see things in a different light.

Always happy to hear of your success.

Keep it up!

Uncle Zoloft said...

Congrats! I hope to have your strength someday.

Butch said...

Congratulations!! I knew you would do it.

"... And anyway, fat feels good in bed...."

I like this quote and will remember it when I am supine. ;)

ME said...

Congrats!! I'm about to take the plunge and quit myself.