trvlerbill2's Journal

     I had respectable intentions to get outside today and get the lawn mowed. However, mama nature kept it too wet. Yup, it rained like a sumbitch most of the day.

                                   I can't complain about anything physical today. Oh that is, other than when I take a deep breath there is this sharp,....I don't know if you'd call it "pain", but I feel something. I'm guessing that after smoking for 26 years, I'm going to feel "something" for awhile as the lungs begin to repair themselves.

                                      Friends have been asking me if I can notice "any differences" since quitting. It is early yet, but even so - Yes, I do notice little differences. I have more lung capacity. You know when you just unconsciously "sigh"?......well, my sighs draw their air from a place a bit deeper in the lung now. I can only imagine how much better I'll breath with weeks and months behind me!

                                       Somethings been going on in the mouth these last days. It has been watering like mad and my tongue has little, I don't know how to describe it,..."bumps" on it that sting? Kind of like if you eat too much tomato or real salty chips - you know? Anyway, I'd imagine that is because of numerous poisons leaving my system. I just brush and gargle like mad and definitely notice a cleaner mouth when finished.

                                        My wife tells me that, even at this early date, she notices my hair shines more and my skin smells different. I don't know,.....could be just to bump me ego, but I like hearing it (grin).

                                        My truck has stayed clean and fresh smelling. The day before my Quit, I cleaned the interior and windows of all the smoke film. It's nice getting in and not sitting in ashes and seeing the mess everywhere.

                                    I couldn't begin to tell you how glad I am to be at 5+ days off the nic replacement. It was a real blessing that those nic patches wouldn't stay on and God.....He knows I'm grateful too. Remember, this is me talking about MY Quit experience. For me, having NEVER been off nic replacement in previous quit attempts, this is important. It was not my intention to be "double-minded" about my Quit by starting on the nic patches then switching to cold turkey. I believe how YOU quit is less important than quitting itself - do whatever works for YOU.

                                     I rather liked today being #13......getting into the "teens" makes me feel like I'm moving along. Sort of like getting a "wee bit" of seniority around here(grin). Wee bit, at that! Nothing compared to our heroes on the board here....cazsy, viv, grannie, Shell7, twinsmomdeb,Shevie and others with some REAL quit endurance showing! 

                                       Hey friends - I appreciate YOU. Weather you've one day, no days or 50 days into your Quit effort, you ALL inspire me for different reasons. I am grateful for each of you.