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13 days now, and I just got through my second weekend as a non-smoker! The weekend is the hardest because that's when there's the most free time. My old routine was to sit on the back patio in the morning with my husband and roommates. We would spend a couple hours sitting out there drinking coffee, smoking and talking together. I really enjoyed that. I've sat out there with them a bit since quitting, but it's not the same. I get bored and I watch them smoke and I think to myself "this is a waste of time." So I get up and do other things. It's lonely. I do stuff around the house instead, by myself, while they sit outside and enjoy the weather and hang out. I'm jealous of that. I feel like I'm working more, while they just veg and enjoy their cigarettes. It's making me bitter towards them. But that's about the worst of it, in terms of routines that I've had to change and the outcomes of those changes. I'll get over it. One of the best routine changes I've made is to go for a walk after meals rather than having a cigarette. I never liked smoking while walking, so by taking a walk after I eat, it overpowers my urge to smoke, and it helps with digestion too, lol. My step-kids have been joining me for my walks, which is pretty cool. What's amazed me through all of this is the willpower that's come out of nowhere and has stayed with me. I remain steadfast in my commitment to not smoking. I almost always give in to myself in other situations in my life. I have no idea why this is happening, but I am so grateful for my continued resolve.

This time I'm using the patch. I know there's mixed feeling about using NRT, but this morning I woke up and first thing I did was put on the patch. And I'm doing fantastic. My quit's never been easier. It helps my depression was figured out and I'm awake and alert now instead of down in the dumps. I don't miss cigarettes at all. I have small craves here and there, but they're horribly manageable for now. This is the best first day of a quit I've had. I feel marvelous. I even took two walks today, and I haven't gone for a walk in a while. My dad's gone on a week-long business trip, so I feel kinda anxious about that. Usually he comes home after work and I get to spend some time with him then, but I won't have that for this week. But I've still got my mom around. I'm celebrating every hour I don't smoke, totally glad I'm a non-smoker. I've barely even had the urge to go in the back yard, where mom smokes and I used to smoke. I might go on the back patio tonight to have coffee and enjoy the sunset. I don't think I was this excited about not smoking when I quit before, so I'm taking it as a good omen.

It's day 10 smoke free. I know it's not a long time yet, but in just 10 short days... who am I kidding, these were the LONGEST 10 days of my life. Anyways, in just 10 blank days, I've coped with a lot of emotions, moods, sensations, etc. Both good and bad. It hasn't all been horrible, but some of it was definitely was. I know I am not done yet, but I feel like I am over a hump for some reason. I started with the patch and gum as a safety net to get me through while I dealt with burying old habits and creating new ones. Day 8, I ripped the patch off on a whim and got through the rest of the day with just gum. Day 9 was my first day with just gum, and I only chewed 2 pieces of the 2 mg gum all day. Today, I've had 2 pieces of gum, and I'll probably have one more after dinner because that was my all time favorite time to smoke and it's the hardest craving to get through. Well, that and the morning cigarette with coffee. I will always miss those. I was so worried about depression based on my last quit attempt and subsequent failure. I am so happy that's not as much of a factor this time. I'm either really well prepared this time, or the sunshine is making all the difference in my mood. I think it's both. I have a lot to look forward to right now, compared to during the dead of winter when there's nothing going on and you smoke more out of boredom than anything else. I feel like a non-smoker. I can breathe again! I can sing, which I do, loudly, while I commute to and from work. I'm sure passer-bys are very amused by this. I don't care. My resolve remains steadfast. It's not easy, but it's doable. I love his Quit Train community. They have embraced me and helped so much, they don't even know. I don't have much support at home and I'm still around smoking all the time there. So having these people online to reach out to has made all the difference. Onward!

You said, "I'll probably have one more after dinner because that was my all time favorite time to smoke and it's the hardest craving to get through. Well, that and the morning cigarette with coffee. I will always miss those." NO NO NO YOU WON'T always miss those ! I thought just like you (I bet all of us here thought that) but, I am happy to say that I don't miss Anything about smoking. I stopped 'missing' and romancing completely during the first six months to a year. You will too ! All of us on the train have been where you are and believe us when we tell you, Everything Gets Better. While there may be some rough spots ahead, have no fear, it just gets better and better and better. YOU are Free ! You are doing SO great MOMO ! Ten days is an HUGE accomplishment...double digits ! Sing sing sing and sing even louder in jubilation. Do not hesitate to post. We've got your back and are so thrilled you have quit !