And then there were six

Six years ago tonight I smoked an after-dinner cigarette with my brother and his wife on my mom's driveway. It was Michael's birthday and, though I don't specifically recall, we likely had corned beef and cabbage -- which I sometimes like and sometimes hate. It has everything to do with the corned beef. (I never love it.) What's up with corned beef?

I might have smoked another cigarette on my way home.

I know I smoked another cigarette at about 11:00 on the walkway between my house and the garage. I smoked that one very thoughtfully. I knew it was my last. And then I said good bye to the rest and tossed them into the trash.

I've been smoke-free ever since. Sometimes it's been really, really hard. At first it was. Man, I remember wondering if I could ever think of anything or do anything again without it somehow leading to a cigarette. Get the mail, talk on the phone, have a beer (or any other beverage except milk), take a walk, need to think, wanna get away, vent, cry, laugh, cry, yell, celebrate a touchdown, argue, relax, pick me up. Heh.

Now, I am always surprised when I realize how infrequently I think about smoking.

I can't say that I'd never have done it without the blog -- in particular, without the urging of my fellow quitter Ann (*sniff* there's no purlingswine domain anymore???) and the invaluable support of Cara, and each and every person who helped with their comments and emails -- but I know I wouldn't have done it six years ago.

Man, I love you guys! XO

Comments

[Kym]

Congratulations, Vicki! What a terrific accomplishment. You have much to celebrate. HUGS to you!

[TeresaC]

I'm so happy for you and for the years you have added to your life! I will be glad to have you as my friend for every single one of them!

[Geri]

Congratulations on 6 years of no smoking!!

[Carole]

Congratulations, Vicki! It can be very hard, I remember when Dale quit. It will be 14 years next month for him. I know he sometimes still thinks about it, too, but not much.

[cauchy09]

Woo hoo! Congrats! It sounds like it was a great choice for you and you're doing well.

[margene]

The years have gone by SO quickly when you think that was six, truly SIX years ago! Way to go, grrl!!!!

[Joy]

Congratulations - way to go! Having lived through my husband's quitting ;o) I know it's a really hard to thing to accomplish.

[Hillary]

Woot! That is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations!

[Lori on Little Traverse Bay]

That is fabulous for you! Congratulations!

[Oiyi]

Congratulations on 6 years!!

[Oiyi]

Forgot to say I love corn beef. But then again, I only have it once a year.

[susan]

So proud of you!

After I quit, it took me about 20 years to stop periodically thinking about having a cigarette.

[Knitnana]

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!

I think I might have begun following your blog right about that time...I was fresh from celebrating my 1 year anniversary of quitting smoking, and I remember being happy to encourage you (and everyone else I encouraged back then - and since!).
(((hugs)))

[cursingmama]

Congratulations! I can't believe it's been 6 years.... seems totally amazing!

[Rhonda the StitchingNut]

Good for you, Congratulations!!!!! I quite 15 years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. But it's strange once in awhile I'll dream about having one. I can't believe it, so I know how you feel even after all this time.

[mk]

Congratulations! That is really awesome...quite the accomplishment.

[kmkat]

Good for you! Six years is awesome.

[ann]

well, I did it! I have officially given up on the typepad micro blog and am back over at wordpress. I'M BACK BABY! stay tuned for erratic blogging!

[twinsetellen]

Sincere congratulations. Think how much cleaner your lungs are, and how much nicer your yarn smells. :-)