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4 Years

March 17, 2010

4 Years

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I  haven't smoked one single cigarette in 4 whole years as of today. Not a one.

If anyone out there thinks they just can't quit, you have to believe that you can. If an obsessive-compulsive nicotine addict like me can, I truly believe it's possible for anyone.

Now if I could just get over my love of white bread.

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  1. how judi of you says

    March 17, 2010 at 7:32 am

    Congratulations!

  2. Madeline St Onge says

    March 17, 2010 at 7:33 am

    Congratulations Cathy. I have quit too, about a year and a half now and it isn’t easy. Keep up the good work
    White bread is very easy to get over. πŸ™‚

  3. {vicki} says

    March 17, 2010 at 7:42 am

    Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Try a honey wheat bread or something fresh baked from the bakery.

  4. Jane says

    March 17, 2010 at 7:47 am

    I quit last July! Congratulations to both of us!
    The white bread is easy…wine is another story.

  5. Wendy says

    March 17, 2010 at 7:55 am

    That’s huge, Cathy! Congratulations. As for the white bread, I’m write there with you, especially with some really good butter!

  6. Lisa says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:04 am

    Congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment!

  7. Edith says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:09 am

    Congratulations, that’s awesome!

  8. dmatthews says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Cathy, I wish I could convince my son to quit….but I guess he has to want it himself. I can only keep hoping and I know it must be an extremely hard thing to do. CONGRATULATIONS on 4 years! I’m so proud of you.

  9. Laura H. says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:12 am

    That’s so awesome Cathy! Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary. Also, tulips are my favorite. πŸ™‚

  10. jakki says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:14 am

    congratulations! Once you figure out how to get over the addiction of white bread…lemme know!

  11. Christina T says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:16 am

    Congratulations! 3 years, 2 months for me-not all of them easy, but I’ve never felt better:) thanks for sharing with us.

  12. Erin says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:18 am

    Huge Congrats! My husband kicked the habit 3 years ago and I’m so proud of him!

    When I was pregnant, I craved white bread and ate it constantly. Then I had a dream I gave birth to loaf of Wonderbread. WHOA.

  13. Jenell says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:19 am

    What an accomplishment, Cathy. I’m so proud of you! I don’t smoke but it sure would be hard for me to give up my tea (hot or cold) so I know quitting smoking would be terribly difficult. Good for you!

  14. Barb says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:27 am

    I remember the day you quit. I was cheering you on, fingers crossed and the whole bit. Congratulations on staying smoke-free! What an amazing accomplishment and an awesome gift to yourself and to your family! πŸ™‚

  15. Rhona says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:31 am

    Congratulations! Four years is a huge achievement and I’m sure you’ll not go back! I’m trying to quit bread full stop! I have a yeast intolerance and I need to do it but it’s hard! Good luck and keep up the good work!

  16. Aubrey says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:36 am

    Congratulations, Cathy! What an awesome, amazing milestone. Thanks for sharing it with us!

  17. Carolyn says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:42 am

    Amazing! Congratulations on your 4 year anniversary!

  18. Donna U says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:42 am

    I know exactly how you feel. It was the hardest thing I ever did was to finally quit. I was still carrying around the gum at 18 months, then one day I just forgot that I didn’t have the gum with me, and that was when I knew I was going to be OK

  19. Stephanie B. says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Congratulations, Cathy! That is AWESOME!! You rock!!

  20. sharon says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:55 am

    Way to go, lady! That is awesome for you and those you love.
    :)sharon trumble

  21. Sue in Grapevine says

    March 17, 2010 at 8:57 am

    I’m so proud of you!
    Both my parents were heavy smokers; only quitting for life-threatening conditions. But that was too late – I lost my father when I was 12 & my mother when I was 35. Your children will have your zany, loving self in their lives for a lot longer because you were able to conquer the most tenacious addiction. Heroin addicts say it was easier to get off that than to quit smoking.
    To life!

  22. Donna says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:01 am

    That is so awesome Cathy! I have never developed that habit, but I have other bad habits – like sugar. Five months ago I gave up all candy. It really is like an addiciton for me. I can’t just have a handful of M&Ms. I have to eat the whole bag. I think it must be somewhat like a nicotine addiction and I am really empathetic toward that. I am working toward giving up all sugar and so far so good. My hat’s off to ya! Way to go. It’s inspiring – really…

  23. Mary Kay says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Yay, you! As for the bread, do you like sourdough? It has less of an effect on blood sugar that plain white (or even than wheat), so it doesn’t throw off your energy or metabolisim as much.

  24. kp says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:11 am

    CONGRATS! Must be something in the air in March, a friend of mine just celebrated two years smoke free yesterday – your lungs thank you too!

  25. linda says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:11 am

    Great job, Cathy! Nothing is out of reach if you believe it!!! Thanks for inspiring!

  26. Dawn Keckley says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:15 am

    So many congrats to you! My Dad quit a couple of decades ago, but my mom only after she had serious lung issues. She now has only one lung and is on oxygen almost all the time. A simple cold sent her into the hospital b/c of her pulmonary hypertension (one lung doing the work of two).

  27. Jill says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:16 am

    Congrats to you. I too know habits–just not this one. A dear friend gives it up for pregnancy and then goes right back. Wish she could give it up for good, but as I said. . .I totally understand habits.

  28. Linda says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:21 am

    Woohoo! That’s amazing, Cathy! You rock!

  29. cindy johnston says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:29 am

    It’s HUGE to give up the nicotine! Congrats to you! I myself gave it up over 8 years ago and it wasn’t easy but I am still so crazy happy I did! Still….every now and then I want one! ugh…why? I think they’re awful but I still miss that ‘feeling’ every now and then but then I realize no way am I ever going back to that habit! NEVER! πŸ˜€

  30. Dag says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:36 am

    yeah for you! This August it will be 13 years for me – I don’t think I will ever forget the exact date either!

  31. Cindy Andrews says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:38 am

    Hi Cathy!

    We have something in common – I smoked my last cigarette March 17, 1994 – what is it about St. Patrick’s Day?!

    Congratulations on your anniversary!

  32. Pam K says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:39 am

    Congratulations! My dad quit smoking when he retired and wanted to watch my sons during the day. Hit home how much he truly loves my little ones. So proud of him. He had smoked since he was a child on the farm rolling his own cigs. That put him at about fifty years of smoking. WOW! Truly inspirational!

  33. Renee says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:39 am

    congratulations–what a huge accomplishment

  34. amyellen says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:44 am

    you go girl!

  35. Sue O says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Congratulations Cathy!

  36. Deb says

    March 17, 2010 at 9:49 am

    Cathy that is so wonderful!

  37. Phyllis says

    March 17, 2010 at 10:11 am

    Way to go! I’m proud of you for quitting and sticking with it.

  38. AmySorensen says

    March 17, 2010 at 10:14 am

    That is AWESOME!!!!!!

  39. Ana F. says

    March 17, 2010 at 10:19 am

    I lost 2 people in my family due to smoking (heart attack and lung cancer). And I always think that they could be here now if they had never smoked. So, I’m happy for you but specially happy for your kids! Congratulations!

  40. Natalee says

    March 17, 2010 at 10:37 am

    Congratulations Cathy! I have never smoked but I have been through addiction with my family. I know how much kids can be affected by the example their parents set for them. Good for you for quitting!

  41. Nanette says

    March 17, 2010 at 10:51 am

    Congratulations, CATHY!!!!

    Good for YOU!!
    YOU GO GIRL!!!

    I am very proud of you. πŸ™‚

  42. DaniH says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:05 am

    YAY you!!! My guess is that your lungs are much happier!

  43. Rita says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:07 am

    Good for you!! You are doing a wonderful thing not only for yourself, but for the people who love you!!!! Keep up the good work!

  44. Bammela says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:14 am

    Cathy, WOW, what a superb anniversary to celebrate. We all have our own drugs (mine is chocolate), but smoking is the toughest and cruelest of all. The fact that it is still somewhat socially acceptable makes it tougher to quit. What a great lesson of persistence to your family (and by that I mean those to whom you are actually related and those of us who wish we were!)

  45. Steph says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:22 am

    I almost don’t want to comment because I will be #45 and you’re 44 so who am I to bump you from your birthday number of quotes? How’s that for fuzzy logic? =)

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! You rock.

  46. ~amy~ says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:24 am

    woot woot! A ginormous congrats!!!

  47. Shana Dumblond says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:25 am

    Four years! Way to go.
    It has been over ten years for me. I still find sometimes that I crave just one…but then I take a deep breath and remember that when I smoked, I couldn’t do that.
    And I can relate to the white bread thing…but for me, it’s white rice.

  48. Catherine says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:26 am

    Congrats! It’s been since 10/31/08 for me, but you keep me strong to go on! You go girl!

  49. Christine H says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:29 am

    Hurray for you! That is one vice I never picked up. But that white bread addiction…..well, let’s just say I couldn’t be your sponsor at the 12 step program for white bread junkies.

  50. Jude says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:32 am

    Way to go Cathy!!

  51. Jennifer says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Congratulations! That is something to be really proud of!

    I can’t believe it has been 4 years. feels like yesterday.

  52. gitz says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:45 am

    This is the best anniversary to celebrate! Go have yourself some white bread… πŸ˜‰

  53. Susan says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:49 am

    Girl, If you can figure out the white bread thing – let me know! I like whole wheat for breakfast, maybe a sandwich, but at night with dinner – white for me! Biscuits, bisquick angel muffins, french bread, crusty ciabatta, garlic bread (ina garten’s way and pioneer woman’s way) YUMM-OLA!

  54. star says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Good job Cathy!!

  55. Chubby Housewife says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:59 am

    you rock. That is AWESOME….I’ve never smoked but my mom did. She quit when she turned 60. I know she added YEARS to her life. She’s still kickin’ at 75….I wish the same for you…

  56. Wendy says

    March 17, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    Awesome! I’ve read that quitting smoking is harder to do than quitting heroin! And I believe it! Nicotine should be outlawed!

  57. o-girl says

    March 17, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Congratulations, Cathy! I’ve heard nicotine is the hardest thing to get over. I wish I could shake my love of Diet Coke.

    You are awesome!!

  58. Kim in Cambridge, UK says

    March 17, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Hi Cathy,
    Congratulations on being a four-year non-smoker. You are such an inspiration.

    Now if I can only follow your lead…

  59. Gabi says

    March 17, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    Way to go, Cathy! Congratulations!!

  60. Paulette Sarsfield says

    March 17, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    Congratulations Cathy!!! it’s been 12 years for me and it has to be one of my single most empowering accomplishments… I can’t tell you HOW MANY TIMES I thank myself for finally doing it…. now, if I could just give up the sugar (wink wink!) Happy day!

  61. stacyj says

    March 17, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    I’m still SO proud of you and I tell people ALL THE TIME.

  62. amanda gibson says

    March 17, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    Yay for you!

  63. Ami says

    March 17, 2010 at 1:10 pm

    When I hurt my wrist they asked the “when did you quit” question and I couldn’t believe it was 17 years ago. I now am working on the white bread by using sour-dough and cibatta breads. My DH is into Dave’s Killer Bread, but I’m just not there yet. One bite at a time, and my elephant of poor choices will be eaten. Tea and not smoking, more good choices that you have made. Good work on your part. Those elephants can be tough.

  64. Kathy Passmore says

    March 17, 2010 at 1:24 pm

    Congratulations!

    I quit 2 years, 3 months, and 7 days ago. I was so hard core I couldn’t even NOT smoke in my house. I tried at least 10 times to quit before. When I finally did, it wasn’t that hard, because I was finally ready — thanks to Dr. Oz’s Quit Smoking Plan featured on Oprah, and Zyban and the Patch. Couldn’t have done it without all three.

  65. Cami says

    March 17, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    Just awesome!
    Good for you!

  66. julie says

    March 17, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    Have you ever tried making your own bread with half white and half HARD WHITE WHEAT? hard white wheat is more like regular flour and in fact my family doesn’t like it when I make bread without it now.
    p.s. my version of making bread is having my bread maker mix the dough and then I roll it out and put it in pans. I only do one raising of the dough.

  67. michelle says

    March 17, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    Good job you!!!

  68. blurooferika says

    March 17, 2010 at 2:46 pm

    Way to go, Cathy! Your lungs and your family will thank you for kicking and staying off this poison long-term!

  69. Amy L says

    March 17, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Congratulations! The absolute best thing you could do for your health.

  70. scrapper al says

    March 17, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Congratulations Cathy! That is wonderful acomplishment.

  71. Lee says

    March 17, 2010 at 3:31 pm

    C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!!!
    My 25th anniversary will be this summer.
    I look forward to reading about your 25th right here!
    ;o)
    – Lee

  72. tirzah says

    March 17, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    You are a strong woman!

  73. C@rol W says

    March 17, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Cathy,

    From a lifelong non-smoker, I wholeheartedly thank you and so does my nose and lungs and clothes.

    Congrats! and keep up the excellent work.

  74. pam says

    March 17, 2010 at 4:04 pm

    Congratulations!!! Oh, my, I’ve been reading your blog since before you quit.

    You are an inspiration to all those smokers out there who think they can’t quit. WTG, girl!

  75. helena says

    March 17, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    oh yes the white bread addiction (and brown bread, anything resembling bread). Well done on 4 years clean

  76. Suz says

    March 17, 2010 at 4:24 pm

    Congratulations! That’s the best gift you can give your loved ones!

  77. Shelley Laming says

    March 17, 2010 at 4:28 pm

    SOOOOOO proud of you, Cathy. I remember how hard it was for you — but you did it!

  78. Sunny says

    March 17, 2010 at 4:41 pm

    COngratulations! That is awesome. My husband is trying to quit too — it is hard, as you know. If you figure out a way to get over white bread let me know — I need help in that area too! Congrats!

  79. mamajulie says

    March 17, 2010 at 4:54 pm

    Go, you! You’ll live longer and healthier.

  80. deb says

    March 17, 2010 at 4:58 pm

    Happy Anniversary!!!

    Debkins

  81. Lori says

    March 17, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    Go you!!! πŸ™‚

  82. Sindee says

    March 17, 2010 at 6:26 pm

    Congratulations! I’m really glad that you care enough about yourself, and your family to make the commitment to quit. Right now, in fact, my dad, who smoked for almost 50 years is dealing with an infection in his lungs that has just about killed him. The smoking has completely ruined his lungs and he is battling to get over this. He looks like an 80 year old man and he is only 65. Sadly, he will probably not live to see 70. Smoking is just something that I never quite understood. I have never smoked, and am now dealing with my father, so please for yourself, and your children, please stay smoke free! Go You!

  83. Jennifer Henson says

    March 17, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    You rock! Four years of rockin! (not the chair kind, the you-are-awesome-kind. :))

  84. Dawn says

    March 17, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    HUGE Accomplishment. Congrats!

  85. Stacia says

    March 17, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    Way to go! I can’t say I understand because I have never smoked. But I can only imagine how hard it would be to completely give up something that was a part of your life and routine!

    CONGRATS! Your body thanks you! πŸ™‚

  86. Jeannie says

    March 17, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    Have you tried White Wheat? I love it and it has lots of fiber. Not as good as whole grain- but it is a good step.

  87. Jodee says

    March 17, 2010 at 10:50 pm

    Congrats! It’s been almost a year for me and hubby! Once in awhile I miss it, but I’m really glad we quit.

  88. Helene Goldberg says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Cathy, Congratulations!!! I’m sending your post over to my obsessive-compulsive daughter who wants to quit but hasn’t so far done it. Fingers crossed!!!

  89. Christi says

    March 17, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    Congrats!

    Today I ordered the book Smoke Free In 30 Days from Amazon. I borrowed it from the library a few weeks ago and now I think I’m ready to quit. Fingers crossed.

    How was it for you? I’m nervous and scared.

  90. Rebecca Foxworth says

    March 18, 2010 at 1:55 am

    You smoke white bread? That’s really weird.

  91. Mary Elizabeth says

    March 18, 2010 at 7:58 am

    As my daughter likes to say: “Two thumbs up… AND two big toes up!” You go, girl.

  92. Erin Summers says

    March 18, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Congrats!! and ditto on the white bread

  93. Maria says

    March 18, 2010 at 12:13 pm

    Congrats! Wish my hubby would follow your fine example. He is still a nicotine slave. πŸ™

    I am in love with your tulip picture πŸ™‚

  94. Tracy says

    March 18, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    70 days ago I chucked in the habit!! So 4 years is HUGE!!! CONGRATULATIONS. And with the money I have saved I just bought both of your books πŸ™‚

  95. debbie says

    March 18, 2010 at 7:03 pm

    Awesome!!!!! 7 months for me as of Saturday. It is NOT easy πŸ™‚

  96. Immi says

    March 18, 2010 at 8:03 pm

    Way to go! I’m always happy to cheer someone on!

  97. young c-m says

    March 18, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    Happy Anniversary!

  98. Leora says

    March 19, 2010 at 6:23 am

    Congratulations Cathy! Happy Anniversary!

  99. Jenny says

    March 19, 2010 at 8:47 am

    CONGRATULATIONS! That is way way awesome. Something to be VERY proud of.

  100. Noell Hyman says

    March 21, 2010 at 11:45 am

    Congratulations on your four clean years, Cathy! That’s so awesome.

    As for that white bread, it’s sorta like cigarettes. You need to find something else that you’ll enjoy instead. I happen to like garlic-stuffed green olives as my healthy snack indulgence. Yum. πŸ™‚

  101. Noell Hyman says

    March 21, 2010 at 11:47 am

    Okay, I’m a dork. I don’t know why I assumed your white bread consumption was for snacking and not sandwich-eating, or toast. I guess olives aren’t really a good substitute when you want something to spread jam on, are they?

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