Day Three: Still Smoke-Free

Well, I figured that I should pick up a hobby. I mean, after all, I need to do something with my extra 2.5 hours/day, right? Jamie takes flying lessons...I need to do something productive too!

I've been researching language-teaching software. My friend Eileen is learning French (she's going to Paris at the end of the month) and she loves it. The only thing is, I'm not going to France so I don't think it's the most practical language for me to learn...at least not first. I'm thinking I'll take a crack at Spanish. After all, by the year 2050 more than 1/2 of our country's population will not be white and about 75% of the non-white population will speak Spanish. It makes sense.

I've looked at "Rosetta Stone" and "Tell Me More" software applications primarily. They're both very expensive (but still not as expensive as flying airplanes!!) Have any of you used either software application? If so, what did you think? Is one better than the other?

Give me some advice...or, if you have $400 laying around, I'm more than happy to receive gifts!

I'm not smoking...or sleeping.

I haven't smoked since 11:58 p.m. on July 7th. Yesterday was absolutely successful and today has been as well...as far as not smoking goes.

I mentioned yesterday that there are side effects associated with Chantix (as there are with all/most other drugs.) Let me list those specifically dealing with the pill I'm currently taking:

• nausea (30%)
• sleep problems (trouble sleeping, or vivid, unusual, or strange dreams)
• constipation
• gas
• vomiting

OK, so there's nothing on there that is too frightening. I'm currently only suffering one side-effect on that list - sleep problems.

Since I started taking this medicine on July 1st, I've been experiencing "every other day insomnia". I will sleep only every other night. And when I say INSOMNIA, I mean just that. I...can...not...sleep. Now, I know that anxiety is a primary cause for the inability to sleep. I get that (and I'm certain that I'm anxious.) It just sucks, is all.

Last night: I went to bed at 10:30 p.m., tossed for precisely 7.5 waking hours, dozed off at 6 a.m., woke at 8:15 a.m., went to work. I'm exhausted.

But a few days without sleep will not dissuade me. I will not smoke...probably because I'll be veg'd out from my lack of sleep.

My First Smoke-Free Day

I said I would do it and I've done it...for a whole half of a DAY so far!!! I'm very excited.

Now, I know that many of you non-smokers (maybe even some of you smokers) are thinking, "What's the big deal? It can't be too difficult NOT to smoke a cigarette - 'specially if it's only been eight waking hours." Well, you're partially correct. It hasn't been too difficult...just difficult enough. Let me explain:

I would normally have a cigarette first thing in the morning. Before I did anything else I smoked. Then I would shower, get dressed, get in my car and drive to work. On my way, I would normally smoke two cigarettes. Once I arrived, I would make a pot of coffee and ask Jen if she would like to join me for a cigarette - we would smoke. Through the course of the day, I would have a cigarette (on average) about every hour. Now...it's just after 3:00 p.m. and I HAVEN'T HAD A CIGARETTE!!! On a "normal" day I would have already smoked about 10 cigarettes.

So, although it's not TOO difficult, it is still difficult. Keep in mind, please, that I've been smoking for about 14 years. Changing my daily routine (coupled with the fact that nicotine is hugely addictive) is not easy...but I'm doing it and I'm proud of myself.

Chantix seems to be working but pills alone won't make me quit. This is something I've wanted to do for, well, 14 years. I'm excited and I'm going to do it.

I'll try to keep myself occupied by updating y'all daily with my progress (maybe I'll even start blogging about nonsense like I used to.) I mean, after all, I'll have a lot more free time: I figure each cigarette takes about 5-7 minutes to smoke. If I smoked 25 cigarettes per day, I would likely spend 2 1/2 hours smoking...per day. So, I now have more time to do more important things...like work. And blog.

I'm rambling...but doing it smoke-free!!! I'm happy about that!

GET QUIT

OK, I know that the "Fourth of July" is the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence but I am personally hoping that my "Independence Day" will annually be the "Eighth of July". Let me explain:

I can count eight precise times in my life that I've attempted to stop smoking: I've purchased the patch twice; I've received FREE patches in the mail twice; I tried using the nicotine gum; I tried the whole "quitting cold turkey" thing; and I've been prescribed two prescriptions (something generic and the newer Chantix.) My most recently failed attempt was about a year or so ago...with Chantix. It DID decrease my urges to smoke but the side effects (at least I blamed the side effects) got the better of me and I stopped taking the pills and resumed my bad habit.

As the year progressed, I realized that I really, really, really wanted to stop smoking. It is starting to physically effect me; I felt like a slave to the cigarette (I smoked much more because of addiction and less because of habit); I was ostracized by friends/co-workers/family members; It has finally sunk in that I WILL die because of smoking unless I take immediate action; and (probably most the most important reason for my decision) I want to be here for my loved ones...especially my nephew.

So, alas, I asked my doctor to re-prescribe Chantix for me. He did and I started taking it on July 1, 2008. I enrolled in the online help website (www.getquit.com) and I've reconfirmed my absolute determination in quitting smoking on Tuesday, July 8. 2008 as recommended by the GETQUIT website (I don't want you to think that I'm just prolonging this for my own benefit - they recommend making one's "quit date" eight days following the start of the prescription.)

Although I hope I don't need it, please wish me luck and encourage me. I am, without a doubt, doing this for selfish reasons but any gentle-nudging you're willing to provide will be greatly appreciated.

Uncle Joey

OK. I'm back at it and I'm going to try and be more consistent with my blogging.

This post will be brief. I just wanted to direct your attention to my sister and brother-in-law's blog. They're pregnant (well, he's not technically pregnant but you know what I mean) and they're tracking my nephew's progress on the world wide web via THIS blog.

Check it out and leave them a note!

Turn, turn, turn...

OK, I needn't be reminded that I haven't posted in over a month (again) making this only my second or third blog post this year. Let me preface by saying that this is the first full weekend off I've had this year as well.

So very many things have changed and happened in the short 3.5 months in 2008. The most important of which is my sister's pregnancy. That's right!! My little sister, Katie, and her husband, Ben, are expecting their first child in late October! I will officially be an uncle and I couldn't be more excited.

I will undoubtedly be the child's favorite uncle. I am already preparing. I'm reading books, buying things, watching movies about babies. I am very excited!!!

There. Perhaps that will satiate you for another four months (at which time I'm certain I shall have an update.)

Back from the dead.

OK, so I said that I wasn't dead but...I have so much and so little to say right now.

Since 2008 began, I have been extremely busy. I've been so busy that everything I have to tell you will likely bore you to death. So, I've decided to fill this space with a stupid survey I found online (at least I'm posting something.)

45 of the most random things you probably never needed to know about someone
whats your name spelt backwards?:	HpesoJ.
What did you do last night?:	Watched TV with Jamie.
The last thing you downloaded onto your computer?:	My tax software from H&R Block.
Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery?:	I think I have.
Last time you swam in a pool?:	Las Vegas, 2 years ago.
What are you wearing?:	Bathrobe, pajamas, slippers.
How many cars have you owned?:	Four.
Type of music you dislike most?:	Rap.
Are you registered to vote?:	Yes.
Do you have cable?:	No, we have Direct TV.
What kind of computer do you use?:	eMachines PC.
Ever made a prank phone call?:	Yes.
You like anyone right now?:	I hate everyone.
Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?:	No, I wouldn't.
Furthest place you ever traveled?:	In distance? Los Angeles.
What's your favorite comic strip?:	Hmm... Family Circle.
Do u know all the words to the national anthem?:	Yes.
Shower, morning or night?:	Usually the morning.
Best movie you've seen in the past month?:	I've not seen any movies in the past month.
Favorite pizza toppings?:	Just cheese. Maybe onions, too.
Chips or popcorn?:	Neither. Pretzels.
What cell phone provider do you have?:	Sprint/Nextel.
Have you ever smoked peanut shells?:	What? No!
Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?:	I've escorted girls in pageants.
Orange Juice or apple?:	Apple juice.
Who were the last people you sat at lunch with?:	Jamie.
favorite chocolate bar?:	Dove chocolate.
Who is your longest friend and how long?:	Wow...I still consider Mike my friend. 12-13 years.
Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?:	This past summer, I believe.
Have you ever won a trophy?:	Yes. (I really hate yes or no questions.)
Favorite arcade game?:	Mrs. Pac-Man
Ever ordered from an infomercial?:	Yes - Proactive.
Sprite or 7-UP?:	7-Up.
Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work?:	When I worked at McDonald's.
Last thing you bought at Walgreens?:	Probably make-up for the theatre.
Ever thrown up in public?:	When I was a child I "threw up" in school.
Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love?:	I've found true love so I'll take Millionaire.
Do you believe in love at first sight?:	Yes.
SPONGEBOB OR JIMMY NEUTRON?:	I have no idea what that means.
Did you have long hair as a young kid?:	No.
What message is on your voicemail machine?:	Shut up.
Where would you like to go right now?:	Las Vegas.
Whats the name of your pet?:	Jesse and Dodger.
What kind of back pack do you have, and what's in it?:	HAHA. I am such a loser.
What do you think about most?:	Sleeping.
Take this survey | Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

I should go to sleep.

I am not dead.

Honestly.

I will post soon.