January 26, 2000 8:40 pm

Well, first-Happy Millennium!!!  And second, I would like to apologize for being so late in updating these entries.

As you may have noticed, the quit meter has been restarted over and over again.  It's not really because my quit has been restarted over and over again, it was just that I hadn't picked a quit date yet, but I didn't want you guys to think that I was doing so well in my quit, lol.

So, my quit date was yesterday. I have gone through 24 hours. So far so good.  There are a few things that I am doing differently this time. For starters, I'm staying off that "just one" line of thinking.  I have made up some cards with some helpful tips and "self-talk" to help get away from that kind of thinking. I also bought myself "Out of the Ashes" by Peter and Peggy Holmes.  Excellent book.  I made myself some "Butt Soup" and it's sitting right on my desk. (Yuck!).  I am also keeping the last cigarette from the pack on my desk.  Many people have asked me about this--why tempt the demon, right?  Well it's reminder for me that:

1) *I* am in control

2) I am not being deprived-this was a choice I made.

3) As long as that cigarette is still with me, I still have my quit.

I actually feel stronger with that cigarette near me at all times.  Not because it's my "friend" or anything--but because it no longer has the power over me it once had.

Anyway, the first day hasn't been too bad.  A few cravings, but nothing too major.  I'm not getting my hopes up though!  I'm taking this a moment at a time.

Also-someday I will e-mail all of you that have signed my guestbook, I really will!  I just want to let you know that if you are quitting too, you are doing a great thing!

Yours,

Kathleen

One day, 5 hours, 55 minutes and 36 seconds. 37 cigarettes not smoked, saving $7.01. Life saved: 3 hours, 5 minutes.