No patch, no nicotine, smoke free, ex-smoker finally Non-Smoker.
No patch was no problem as I did not even notice any difference at all. May have slept a little better and there was not the bother of putting on the patch or the rash from past patches. To celebrate, Fran and I will head to Tyler this morning. Brookshire Fresh, a new grocery store has opened. It should be like the ones in Austin we like to shop. I am almost out of fruit, so I know that will be my first stop.
I eat a lot of fruit now. Every day I eat an apple, orange, banana, strawberries, blueberries and/or blackberries. Usually it is a combination of several of these. One of these with my Trail Mix makes a good mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Berries on the frozen Yogurt continues to be my night time favorite.
Friday at the fitness center calls for my cardio, strength and Express class. Arrived early so most of my workout part was finished prior to class. Class worked on Abs almost the entire time. This is a weakness for me and made class hard. I was not able to complete several of the stations. I know where I need the most work and will focus in this area for a while. I do not like being unable to do the Express exercises.
Several gardening chores were on my "to do" list but did not get done. I was really tired out after the workout. I piddled around a bit but did not get any job scratched off the list. Lunch, ball games and then nap won the battle.
I did get by my friends greenhouse. Travis is going to drop by and needed a few hanging baskets for a project. Got those and enjoyed seeing the flowers. Maybe this will get me going with the gardening.
We will see. Did I tell you, I am a Non-Smoker !
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Home remedies..
A meeting that I felt obligated to attend caused me to miss the class portion of my workout session. I really did miss the class and challenges that it creates for me. I did get to the center later and did my usual routine and did it well. It just did not seem the same even with me adding some of the stations that the class usually provides. Some ball games have begun so I knew I would watch them. I set up my home made training stations and tried them out. This can become a good substitute for the real thing. By the way the meeting was a bust as far as I am concerned.
Today is the last day for patches and also the Cessation class. Not sure on the number of classes remaining but I will follow through and complete the course. I know I need all of the support I can get to prevent a relapse. Glad the patch days will be over and I can see how things go nicotine free. The patches are starting to cause a little rash and itchiness for me.
Beautiful days lately but cooler this weekend. Really want to get out and get a few things accomplished in the gardening area.
Tomorrow I can say Non-Smoker using my definition. Finally. Proud of this more than anything.
Thinking about long term goals.....wonder if I could.....
Today is the last day for patches and also the Cessation class. Not sure on the number of classes remaining but I will follow through and complete the course. I know I need all of the support I can get to prevent a relapse. Glad the patch days will be over and I can see how things go nicotine free. The patches are starting to cause a little rash and itchiness for me.
Beautiful days lately but cooler this weekend. Really want to get out and get a few things accomplished in the gardening area.
Tomorrow I can say Non-Smoker using my definition. Finally. Proud of this more than anything.
Thinking about long term goals.....wonder if I could.....
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
But who's counting...
Looking over my Farmer's Almanac calendar, there are lots of things slipping up on me.
0 days until I must get a haircut.
2 days until I am finished with the Patches
6 days until the Madness begins
7 days until the last average frost day and I do not have my tomatoes beds worked
1 month until our Plant Sale and I have zero plants potted up. Yikes !!
Counting in the other direction -
48 days being smoke free
12 weeks or 60 sessions of workouts
Yesterday's workout was good but hard like Mondays always go. I still enjoy the Express class and push hard in each station. I continue to get better and stronger each week. It is really amazing to think back on days prior to beginning workouts.
I will have my annual doctors checkup soon and will see how the changes have improved my health.
After workouts yesterday I needed a test on my smoking resistance. I dropped by friends that are heavy smokers. This always means coffee and chat, both triggers for smoking for me. I did have coffee and we did chat but surprised that there were not any real pulls on me for a smoke. Actually, the smell was not an attraction at all but more of a negative. I am not there yet but this was a very good sign for me. Ready to ditch the patches in a few days and pass another test. Mentally I think I am there, anxious to see if there will be any withdrawals to deal with.
A nice rain this morning and a bit cool to me. Hope to schedule a hair cut around my cardio workout. Also ready to see if I can/will do any exercise at home. I know lots of TV time coming with the games about to begin. Also must get some of the gardening chores started.
Also notice that I am eating a good bit more. Still sticking with mostly fruits and nut type between meal snacks. Hope to gain a little weight but not a belly.
0 days until I must get a haircut.
2 days until I am finished with the Patches
6 days until the Madness begins
7 days until the last average frost day and I do not have my tomatoes beds worked
1 month until our Plant Sale and I have zero plants potted up. Yikes !!
Counting in the other direction -
48 days being smoke free
12 weeks or 60 sessions of workouts
Yesterday's workout was good but hard like Mondays always go. I still enjoy the Express class and push hard in each station. I continue to get better and stronger each week. It is really amazing to think back on days prior to beginning workouts.
I will have my annual doctors checkup soon and will see how the changes have improved my health.
After workouts yesterday I needed a test on my smoking resistance. I dropped by friends that are heavy smokers. This always means coffee and chat, both triggers for smoking for me. I did have coffee and we did chat but surprised that there were not any real pulls on me for a smoke. Actually, the smell was not an attraction at all but more of a negative. I am not there yet but this was a very good sign for me. Ready to ditch the patches in a few days and pass another test. Mentally I think I am there, anxious to see if there will be any withdrawals to deal with.
A nice rain this morning and a bit cool to me. Hope to schedule a hair cut around my cardio workout. Also ready to see if I can/will do any exercise at home. I know lots of TV time coming with the games about to begin. Also must get some of the gardening chores started.
Also notice that I am eating a good bit more. Still sticking with mostly fruits and nut type between meal snacks. Hope to gain a little weight but not a belly.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
March Madness coming soon
These games may be my favorite time of the year for watching sports.
Multiple games on many of these days and nights. I love it when a
small unknown school beats one of the big boys. I can and will watch
way to many games. So this year I am planning to get a little exercise
while watching. I want to set up my own little Express area in the living
room. Will get a yoga mat and stop watch today. I think I have most of
the other things to create the needed home gym area. Fran has a ball,
light weights, a step and a few more items. Planks, push ups, and other
exercises require nothing. At least I will get some activity while
watching the games. This will not substitute for my regular gym time,
but only a bonus.
Smoking went much better yesterday. Only a few more patches and I
will be glad when they are gone and I am nicotine free. I know that I
need to plan for this and that a few tough times are ahead but I have
come too far to fail now. The determined Anything will see me through
the hard times.
Rainy morning today but much needed as we are so low on rain fall for the year. Fire dangers and no burn postings are still in many areas of Texas.
Yesterdays Master Gardener's work day was fun. Good turnout and a good bit of work completed. With warm weather the past few weeks, things are busting out. But don't be fooled another freeze will come. ( I did my 9:00 class so was a little late. )
Since I am going out to shop for a few things I might as well drop by the gym and get in a little cardio. I think this exercise thing is habit forming.
Rainy morning today but much needed as we are so low on rain fall for the year. Fire dangers and no burn postings are still in many areas of Texas.
Yesterdays Master Gardener's work day was fun. Good turnout and a good bit of work completed. With warm weather the past few weeks, things are busting out. But don't be fooled another freeze will come. ( I did my 9:00 class so was a little late. )
Since I am going out to shop for a few things I might as well drop by the gym and get in a little cardio. I think this exercise thing is habit forming.
Schedules
Selection Sunday
March 13
First Four
NEW
March 15-16
Second Round
March 17-18
Third Round
March 19-20
NCAA Sweet 16®
March 24-25
Elite Eight®
March 26-27
Final Four
April 2, 4
Friday, March 4, 2011
Don't get fooled
The last couple of weeks have been much warmer than average in my area. This has many of the spring flowering trees and shrubs showing their colors early. This warm trend also signals the spring fever in us. WHOA ! Easter comes late this year ( April 24 ) and we always have a cold snap around this time. Yesterday I did get out and do some much needed pruning of plants. It only made a small dent in things that I need to get done. I do not need to jump the gun with some things.
Yesterday I just went in early to get my cardio training in prior to the smoking class. It was only Kolby and I in class so we viewed the video and discussed things. I liked this as it was a one on one for the whole time. Interesting that the subject of the video was " Preventing Relapse". Very timely for me as I could see myself getting fooled in my process of not smoking. Also discussed my progress in the workouts, again an area that I need to be reminded that I am really only a beginner in the area. Good class with subjects that helped me remember things.
Today the Master Gardener's have another workday. I will workout, do my class and arrive at the Garden late. Priorities :)
Fran has isolated only one area of the house as her smoking area. This has made things better for me. I think this also has her thinking. She told me that she has begun to count and chart her smoking habit, ask about the patch. Not sure what this means but maybe she will join me. I know she will join me at the fitness center after retirement. Maybe this stuff is catching. Becoming a Non-Smoker is a big decision, you can not do it for someone else.
Yesterday I just went in early to get my cardio training in prior to the smoking class. It was only Kolby and I in class so we viewed the video and discussed things. I liked this as it was a one on one for the whole time. Interesting that the subject of the video was " Preventing Relapse". Very timely for me as I could see myself getting fooled in my process of not smoking. Also discussed my progress in the workouts, again an area that I need to be reminded that I am really only a beginner in the area. Good class with subjects that helped me remember things.
Today the Master Gardener's have another workday. I will workout, do my class and arrive at the Garden late. Priorities :)
Fran has isolated only one area of the house as her smoking area. This has made things better for me. I think this also has her thinking. She told me that she has begun to count and chart her smoking habit, ask about the patch. Not sure what this means but maybe she will join me. I know she will join me at the fitness center after retirement. Maybe this stuff is catching. Becoming a Non-Smoker is a big decision, you can not do it for someone else.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Git R Done..
Today is Texas Independence Day so Happy Birthday Texas.
It is also Wednesday and my cardio, strength and Express class day. Look forward to these days because the class really pushes me.
Yesterday was really "Git R Done" day for me. After the cardio workout, I went to hardware store and picked up supplies for my needed list of chores. I had called my handy man friend and was in luck as he was at the store. Got the needs and had punched my list of thing to do by lunch time.
My biggest need was to get the water line repaired that goes to the Greenhouse.
Worked in the greenhouse and did the dreaded survey of dead or alive plants. Maybe 25% of things will make it in an overfilled building. Started whacking back mainly hibiscus to see if there was any green wood to indicate life. Several large garbage cans later, there is a little hope. Interesting that after completing this chore the urge for a smoke was stronger than I had experienced in all of the smoke free days to date. Wow, I had to just go inside and eat a bite to get over this craving. Made it but again Wow, this was a wake up call that will be a battle forever.
I still will and am doing anything to quit.
Gotta go get ready for the workout. Get R Done.
It is also Wednesday and my cardio, strength and Express class day. Look forward to these days because the class really pushes me.
Yesterday was really "Git R Done" day for me. After the cardio workout, I went to hardware store and picked up supplies for my needed list of chores. I had called my handy man friend and was in luck as he was at the store. Got the needs and had punched my list of thing to do by lunch time.
My biggest need was to get the water line repaired that goes to the Greenhouse.
Worked in the greenhouse and did the dreaded survey of dead or alive plants. Maybe 25% of things will make it in an overfilled building. Started whacking back mainly hibiscus to see if there was any green wood to indicate life. Several large garbage cans later, there is a little hope. Interesting that after completing this chore the urge for a smoke was stronger than I had experienced in all of the smoke free days to date. Wow, I had to just go inside and eat a bite to get over this craving. Made it but again Wow, this was a wake up call that will be a battle forever.
I still will and am doing anything to quit.
Gotta go get ready for the workout. Get R Done.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The Ides of March are coming...
...and am I so ready for it.
March 15 is the last average frost date for my growing zone. I will also be nicotine free, smoke free and should claim the title of Non-Smoker. This will also mark 3 months of workouts. I am quite proud of the decisions that have resulted in major changes in my life.
This is also March Madness, with the start of the NCAA basketball tourney. This may be my favorite sporting event of the year. So many games on TV that even I can get crazy watching them.
The only issue I see is the conflict of workouts and gardening projects. Master Gardener work days are usually on Fridays and I really enjoy these and want to continue my involvement with them. We have one coming up this Friday. The Express workout classes are Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, which I also enjoy. Since both are scheduled for 9:00 a.m., I must choose one or be late for the work day if I try to make both. We will see which activity wins out or the compromise that I can come up with to solve the issue.
I can also see the 5 days a week workout schedule get tested. With more activities in the spring, my ambitious plans may get altered. In the beginning, my thoughts were to get exercise during the cold months of the year when I am usually so inactive. I can not believe that I am having this debate in my head. Who would of thought that workouts and gardening could have even come close to the same importance for me. A little bit of balance can allow for both.
By the way, for a Monday, yesterdays workouts and class went well. I looked forward to them after the weekend off.
March 15 is the last average frost date for my growing zone. I will also be nicotine free, smoke free and should claim the title of Non-Smoker. This will also mark 3 months of workouts. I am quite proud of the decisions that have resulted in major changes in my life.
This is also March Madness, with the start of the NCAA basketball tourney. This may be my favorite sporting event of the year. So many games on TV that even I can get crazy watching them.
The only issue I see is the conflict of workouts and gardening projects. Master Gardener work days are usually on Fridays and I really enjoy these and want to continue my involvement with them. We have one coming up this Friday. The Express workout classes are Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, which I also enjoy. Since both are scheduled for 9:00 a.m., I must choose one or be late for the work day if I try to make both. We will see which activity wins out or the compromise that I can come up with to solve the issue.
I can also see the 5 days a week workout schedule get tested. With more activities in the spring, my ambitious plans may get altered. In the beginning, my thoughts were to get exercise during the cold months of the year when I am usually so inactive. I can not believe that I am having this debate in my head. Who would of thought that workouts and gardening could have even come close to the same importance for me. A little bit of balance can allow for both.
By the way, for a Monday, yesterdays workouts and class went well. I looked forward to them after the weekend off.
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