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Five years, what a surprise.

March 17, 2011

Five years, what a surprise.

Fiveyears

Five years ago today I quit smoking.

Five years ago today, I put an end to a 28-year habit. (And if you're trying to do the math, that puts me at roughly 12 when I first puffed away. I know. Crazy.)

Five years ago today I curled up into a little ball and sobbed like I'd just lost my best friend in the whole wide world.

Five years ago today I relied solely on will power and white knuckles.

Five years ago today I said, "I'm done."

I know there are people out there struggling with this addiction. I also know that until you are ready to quit, people going on and on about kicking this bad ass monkey off their backs falls on deaf and disinterested ears.

I just know that I had a deep and intimate relationship with something that was very, very bad for me. I loved it with a depth and intensity that addicts are all too familiar with. Then, I finally faced the truth: try and live a healthier life or end up dying an ugly death from a smoking-related illness.

I also know when I was finally free from the pull of nicotine, that I began to live differently in every possible way. My life no longer revolved around planning the next smoke break. I can't tell you how liberating that was, and continues to be.

I didn't know if I was going to stay quit. But as the days turned into months, and the months into years, I started to breathe a little easier (figuratively and literally), and it seemed like this non-smoking life was a keeper.

There are days when I focus on this accomplishment alone, this five years of being quit, and I feel like I could do just about anything.

Today is one of those days.

David, take it away…

 

 

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Comments

  1. traceyp. says

    March 17, 2011 at 5:13 am

    great for you cathy! keep quitting i always say……

    Reply
  2. madeline St onge says

    March 17, 2011 at 5:30 am

    Congratulations Cathy. Good job. Right there with you. I told myself if I could quit and stay quit I could do anything and I can.
    Happy St Patrick’s day to you

    Reply
  3. Kathy Jo Camacho says

    March 17, 2011 at 5:31 am

    Congratulations! You have rocked this and will contiue to do so. :)Between the no smoking and the exercise – you are a new you!

    Reply
  4. Wendy says

    March 17, 2011 at 5:40 am

    Great accomplishment! Great work on the picture with the title; it’s very captivating.

    Reply
  5. Christina says

    March 17, 2011 at 5:45 am

    Congrats Cathy! Quitting is difficult and smoking is one of the hardest habits to break… but you did it. Go you!! (you didn’t trade cigarettes for booze due to St. Patty’s Day did ya?!) Have a great day and bask in your glory of accomplishment.

    Reply
  6. Jeannette says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:02 am

    Cathy I know exactly what your saying. I quit at the end of Dec 2004 after having tried a few times to stop. But what made it different this thren was that I had decided that morning, that that cigarette I had just put out half way through was going to be my last. I had had enough! And now when I look back I can’t believe how easy it was.

    Reply
  7. Barb says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:19 am

    So glad you quit and “stayed quit” – good for you! Congrats! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Lisa Russo says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:25 am

    You know, it occurred to me today that – as a child who grew up in a haze of my mom’s cigarette smoke – she quit at about the same age you did. And stayed quit. For 20+ years now. So proud of you both. 🙂

    Reply
  9. FrancineC says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:35 am

    Congratulations Cathy!

    Reply
  10. Jan Knapp says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:35 am

    Way to go, Cathy! I quit about 25 years ago and never looked back. Now, if only I could quit food…

    Reply
  11. Lee Currie says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:40 am

    So good! I’ll be 10 years quit in May and it was the hardest – and most worthwhile – habit to break! You are, as always, an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your stories!

    Reply
  12. Kimberly Hill says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:42 am

    Congratulations, Cathy! Keep on quitting!

    Reply
  13. MarionW says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:48 am

    Congratulations! That is a great accomplishment and is probably the single biggest thing you could do for yourself.

    Reply
  14. Barbi D. says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:58 am

    Congratulations!!!!!!!!! : )

    Reply
  15. Amy says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:00 am

    I quit 15 months ago. Hardest/best thing I ever did!

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:00 am

    Congratulations! What a great accomplishment! YAY for you!

    (I wish my twin brother would QUIT for good, but he keeps getting sucked back in after a really good GO at quitting… doesn’t help that many of his friends still smoke, I’m sure.) As for me, I can proudly say that I am 33 and have NEVER EVER TRIED IT! (Being a premie baby with lung problems at birth, I had NO DESIRE and I am cool with that.)

    Reply
  17. Barb says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:18 am

    Congratulations!

    I’m so glad that you found the fortitude/strength/will/everything-it-takes to quit. My FIL is dying of emphysema. It’s a horrendous way to check out of this planet, and my MIL is right by his side, still smoking two packs/day while he’s on ten liters of oxygen. She’s lost two siblings from the same insidious disease, yet remains unwilling to even entertain the idea of quitting.

    A few years ago, she told me (direct quote), “I’d rather smoke my entire life and die ten years too soon than be fat like you.” Well okay then.

    Anyhow, huge accomplishment! WTG!

    Reply
  18. Angie Hall says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:40 am

    Congratulations and Hugs, Miss Cathy! You can stay quit. For real. We’ve got your back. And also, just know you are doing a wonderful thing for yourself and your kids. My dad was a life-long smoker, and the second-hand smoke caught up with me when I was 38. My lung collapsed! I survived, and all. But that was rough. So just know that you are ushering your kids toward lasting good health and inspiring an entire community of women/scrapbookers/foodies/peoplewho’dratherreadyourblogthandoherhusband’slaundry!

    Reply
  19. ale says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:44 am

    congrats, cathy!!! i’ve never smoked, but my dad did so i have an idea of how hard it is to quit this nasty habit.

    Reply
  20. Sue O says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Congratulations Cathy! Here’s to a healthy life.

    Reply
  21. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:50 am

    Lee, I didnt know you were an ex smoker. Go us!

    Reply
  22. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:51 am

    woo hoo! Go Amy!

    Reply
  23. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:51 am

    wow. Im so sorry to hear this.

    Reply
  24. DawnS says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:56 am

    That’s something worth celebrating…congrats!

    It makes me so sad when I see the teenagers of today smoking. Both of my parents smoked, but they started “way back” in the 50’s and truly didn’t know any better.

    I have 2 sisters…2 of us have never even tried smoking, but my other sister still smokes (even after my Dad passed away from lung cancer). It’s a very hard habit to break.

    Reply
  25. Jenny S says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:02 am

    CONGRATULATIONS! That is something of which to be truly proud. I am very proud of you!

    Reply
  26. Sherry Coleman says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:03 am

    Congrats! You’re spot on about how liberating it is! (6 years this month!)

    Reply
  27. KathleenB says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:07 am

    Congratulations! That is one huge accomplishment!!!

    Reply
  28. Wendy says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:07 am

    I’m impressed that you remember the exact day … this echoes my story, but I have been smoke free now for 2 years and can’t imagine ‘smelling’ that disgusting ever again in my life. I look at my 14 year old dd and shudder at the thought that at her age I was a smoker, not just puffing, but an actual smoker .. how sad. But we thought we were so kewl and looked so mature.

    Thanks for always being such an inspiration.

    Reply
  29. Sdnord says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:09 am

    Congratulations! That is terrific!!

    Reply
  30. Kelly Rasmussen says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:10 am

    congrats…that is awesome!

    Reply
  31. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:13 am

    woo hoo! : )

    Reply
  32. Mary Jackson says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:21 am

    January 15, 1997 for me. Good for you, Cathy!!!

    Reply
  33. Mary Jo says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:23 am

    Congratulations!! 🙂

    Reply
  34. dawn says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:24 am

    WAY TO CATHY!!! I THINK THIS IS THE BEST POST EVER AND I’M SO BEYOND HAPPY FOR YOU!! I grew up with smoking parents and hated it and begged them to quit. They wouldn’t even listen to me, I swore that when I grew up there’d be no smoking in my life. Well 42 years and I’m proud to say I never have. My dad finally quit about 20yrs ago after 2 heart attacks, he wishes he’d had quit sooner. My mom still smokes but not like before and she sneaks and does it now too. The sad thing is my one sister started at 18 and hasn’t quit and actually just gets worse every year. I’ve tried to help her, begged her, bribed her but nothing. She said this is her life and if it makes her happy and it’s her lungs then that’s her choice. It is very very hard for us to get together since her house smells so I don’t visit her often and at my house I’ve had a non smoking sign on the wall forever so she won’t visit me. If we meet in public she always goes and takes a smoking break in the middle of our outing and it drives me crazy. I’ve had the talk with my kids and they have seen the movie in health and those black lungs and they said don’t worry mom it’s not for me. I still talk with them though because you never know they might change.
    Sorry about going on, it’s a very sensitive issue for me. So really Cathy I’m so very happy for your choice and that you’ve stuck with it. Love the picture too, you are so good at this number/photo thing.

    Reply
  35. Becky T. says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:37 am

    5 years! You ROCK!! I quit 2 years ago Dec. 18th and my husband followed that September. I totally love being a non smoker (after 27 years) and look forward to never going back! You go, non smoker Cathy! Mwah!

    Reply
  36. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:38 am

    Thanks Cathy! Your my hero!!!! I am still plugging away. I have broken down a few times, but get right back up and dust the ashes off me:) But, this post could not come at a better time! The emotional is so hard. It is good to know that it will subside!

    Reply
  37. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:38 am

    I talk to my kids about this ALL the time. I want them to be aware that smoking isnt just a thing you do, but an addiction as strong as any out there that pretty much takes over your life. The whole going out on an outing, but having to take smoke breaks? Been there. Oh man, have I been there. It was SO annoying to the people around me too. Oh sure, i was conscientious, you know, smoking downwind and all, but i still stunk and made a perfectly good outing all about me and my needs. The thing with your sister, she wont quit until she wants to. I hope for her its not when she has a smoking related illness. The fear of that drove me to finally quit.

    I too, cannot be in ANY space where there has been smoking. I never smoked in my house (always out in the alley, or on my old front porch, because I couldnt stand the smell. Even as a smoker. Still, if I even catch a whiff of it anywhere, it grosses me out completely.

    And yet, I remember how much I loved just sitting and smoking. It is an addiction. Make no mistake. Im sorry this is an issue in your life. Some days, I truly cant believe that smoking is even legal.

    Reply
  38. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:41 am

    The emotional takes longer than the physical. I swear it does. Even a few years after quitting, I still remembered it with longing. But the freedom. Seriously. The freedom to NOT have to stop drop and smoke is huge. It made me a calmer person and a better parent. I was always on edge, sneaking around to get my fix so my kids wouldnt know. That was hard on them, because i was always so pissy when I was due for a smoke but couldnt get away to get one.

    You do reach a point where you no longer think about it. It takes time.

    And keep in mind, I was a serious pack a day smoker. I didnt dabble, even with all the sneaking around. I was a full on, wake up, have two smokes with my coffee before you could even talk to me kind of smoker. Sure, it felt much better sitting outside smoking in the summer than in the MN winters, but I was there, weather be damned.

    I loved it beyond reason. If I can stay quit, I believe anyone can.

    Reply
  39. Melissa says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:44 am

    Congratulations!

    Reply
  40. Heidi says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:49 am

    What a fantastic post, Cathy. This was a total goosebumper 😉
    Cheers. Here’s to 5 more!
    Heidi in Guelph, Ontario

    Reply
  41. Ann says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:57 am

    You know Cathy, this is the time to be proud that you are a “quitter”! Congrats.

    Reply
  42. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:04 am

    I am printing this out! You nailed it for me. This needs to be close to me as a reminder!! I smoked about a pack a day too. Two days ago I had the melt down of all melt downs. It was like a spoiled kid, who couldn’t have her way. Reading what you wrote about losing your best pal, is so right on. I literally have lost my best friend since I was 12 a couple years ago and this other loss of a “best friend” has thrown me for a loop. Such a emotional addiction that I did not realize until now how much it dictated so much of my time and life. This is what keeps me going. Breaking free of that thing I loved so much that was wrecking so much else for me.

    Thank you for the great dose of empowerment today!!!! 16 days 99% smoke-free can turn into 5 years 100% smoke free!!!

    Reply
  43. Jeanette says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:09 am

    Your post title put this in my head immediately. After another listen the whole way through, it’s almost appropriate.

    Congrats on quitting. Keep up the good work.



    Reply
  44. Kendra B says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Congrats!!!! I lost my dad to an an emphysema related heart attack. So, you go girl!!!!!

    Reply
  45. emily ruth says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:22 am

    so awesome! & inspiring…

    Reply
  46. Susie Leggett says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:24 am

    Congratulations Cathy. I can definitely relate to the struggle you went through and your celebrating today. I too quit smoking five years ago this month. It was the most difficult thing and the best thing I have ever done. My husband and I quit at the same time, which helped tremendously. We also used auricular therapy to help with the craving part, but I was still a total emotional mess, having to go back for two additional treatments. Not sure if this is available everywhere, but it helped me a great deal. Still had to get over the whole habit part, what to do with your hands and your time.

    I got pregnant a couple of months after we quit (wanting to become pregnant was a big motivating factor for me to quit), and I am so glad that we are raising our son as non-smokers. I couldn’t imagine the shame I would feel to smoke in front of him and set that example. I always felt shame about my smoking (a twenty year habit- yes I was 15 or so) and I am so happy that I conquered that monster and kicked him to the curb.

    Thanks for reminding me that it’s been five years! Today is a good day. I’m celebrating with you Cathy.

    Reply
  47. heidig says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Congrats Cathy! My husband quit smoking long before I met him (over 10 years ago), and to this day he can finish a meal and say, “I could go for a smoke right now”. That’s how strong the pull of nicotine is. It’s a hard habit to break!

    Reply
  48. LoriD says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:38 am

    A friend thought of me when she read your post and sent me the link. I’ve made it 57 days- 57 difficult days, but can’t wait until I can say it has been 5 years!
    Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary!

    Reply
  49. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Oh, it totally can. It will be icky for a while, then it will be okay. I promise you that.

    Reply
  50. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:42 am

    I think my daughter showed me this vid once! Love it!

    Reply
  51. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:44 am

    Well congrats to YOU Susie. : ) I felt a lot of shame too. I know there are a gazillion smokers who couldnt give a rats ass about shame. You know, Im gonna smoke, come hell or high water. but I was never one of those. Always filled with shame about it, while loving it all the while.

    Reply
  52. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:45 am

    Oh it took a LONG time to lose that post smoke craving. A really long time. Now, I sometimes say it as a joke. Like this morning, over breakfast, I said to Dan, MAN a smoke with this coffee would be great. He just laughed. : )

    Reply
  53. Deb says

    March 17, 2011 at 9:50 am

    Congratulations Cathy! So glad you pulled yourself through this. The gift you give to all of us is your attitude and creativity and because of your success we’ll get to have you for a long fun time!! Happy Day!!

    Reply
  54. Carly says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:01 am

    Dear Cathy- congratulations on your huge accomplishment!
    As a medical student I am continuing to learn about the horrible horrible things smoking does to the body. We learned a sobering fact yesterday- 1 in 2 smokers will die from smoking. You have done yourself an incredible favour by quitting and I believe your body is showing it’s appreciation!
    YAY for health!
    Keep on rockin’

    Reply
  55. Becky says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:01 am

    Cathy- You deserve to be very, very proud (and SO deserve that IPad2!) I work for hospice and see lung cancer patients everyday. My own wonderful father died of lung cancer 6 years ago at the ripe old age of 60 and I miss him everyday. My sons, who were very close to my dad, were cheated out of having a loving grandfather to help guide them through their childhood and now teenage years. I can only say that if you have spared yourself, Dan, Aidan & Cole the agony of lung cancer, then, well done my friend, well done! Congratulations! Go YOU!

    Reply
  56. Lupe says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:15 am

    Can I just say? I love you Cathy Z. Weird, I know, coming from a woman half way around the country whom you’ve never met. You often post things like this that make me, one, happy to be alive and ready for anything and two, happy for you and fiercely proud. Huh? Yeah, I know. But it’s true.

    Reply
  57. Lori says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Yea for You! But also Yea for Dan, Aiden and Cole! As a kid, I begged my mom to quit smoking. I’d come home from school after learning all the dangers of smoking, and TRY to tell my mom to stop. And she would Shut Me Down before many words were out of my mouth. I learned to stop saying anything.

    Except then she died when she was only 55 years old of a heart attack – six weeks before I was getting married. I was only 26.

    She never got to meet my amazing three sons (or my sisters’ four kids).

    My MIL died of lung cancer last year. She and her husband did not stop smoking – even while she was going through chemotherapy and radiation. I know that it is an overwhelming addiction, but I always want to think that our loved ones are worth breaking that addiction.

    Reply
  58. Andrea says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:47 am

    Hurray for you Cathy! And all the other ex-smokers that commented here! I am so proud for you all! I do know what it’s like – and I still feel the pull when I smell a fresh one lit up. But then I remember how smokers smell, the bad breath, the stinky clothes, stinky car, stinky house… YUCK!
    Again, Hurray for all of you and Congratulations!

    Reply
  59. Andrea says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Keep going Cynthia! You can do this!

    Reply
  60. Andrea says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:53 am

    Wow. I think you are better off staying away from this cancerous (pun intended!) person. I’m just so sorry she is family.

    Reply
  61. Sandi D says

    March 17, 2011 at 10:55 am

    Awesome! Congratulations.
    Sandi

    Reply
  62. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:00 am

    Wow. 60 is SO young. I honestly regret all the years I spent doing this. Im only hoping this body has had time to regenerate and recover. You know?

    Reply
  63. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:00 am

    Its weird how the Internet connects people, huh? : ) Thanks, Lupe!

    Reply
  64. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Wow. That is pretty sobering. I grew up in a house where my Dad smoked at night. Only when he was having a beer after work. Maybe two or three smokes a night. My mom hated it. She didnt drink either. However, I started stealing smokes from his packs when I was in middle school, and then he quit around the same age that I did.

    But I remember seeing that it was National Smoke Out day and thinking, Yeah, whatEVER. You know, even though I was a closet smoker, and didnt want anyone, including my kids, to know, I was still very defiant about it. Sigh. Wasted years.

    It IS a horrible addiction, but guess what? People can quit. They think they cant, but thats a load of crap. I was the queen of Nicotine. But no more.

    Reply
  65. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Yeah, one of the nurses at the clinic where I took Cole on Tuesday reeked like smoke. I thought, Nice.

    Reply
  66. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:03 am

    Lori, I dont mean to sound all AA on you, but it really is one day at a time. It gets better. Its like a slow ache that eventually goes away. And then, you get to the point when you cant stand to even catch a whiff of it. Thats where I am today. Though I never say Ive got this thing licked, you know? One day at a time.

    Reply
  67. 2hounds says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:07 am

    Congratulations! That is a wonderful, wonderful accomplishment! My DH quit after his first heart attack – 15 years ago – and that was after watching both of his parents die smoking related deaths. He tried to quit a gazillion times before – but while he was in intensive care for a week – and in the hospital and not smoking – I asked him. and he said I could clear out the house – and I did – every pocket, every drawer, all the vehicles, everywhere I could think – got rid of the smokes, the ash trays, everything. And then we ditched the smoke laiden drapes and started painting the house. He also can’t be around smoke, he actually starts to choke if he is around smoke – not only from cigs but also from leaf burning. – again – congrats! (and I too can’t believe they are legal)

    Reply
  68. Mel says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:15 am

    Good for you, Cathy, that’s wonderful 🙂

    And The Girl is SO pleased to see David on your blog!

    Reply
  69. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:17 am

    Thanks Andrea!!!

    Reply
  70. Amybug says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:28 am

    So, so proud of you. Such a hard thing to beat.

    Reply
  71. Connie B says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Cathy, You go girl, so awesome to keep that darn monkey off your back. So awesome, quitting smoking you can do anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    My anniversery is coming up in June & it will be 7 years since I quit. That damn cancer stick was not my friend but my enemy.
    I will celebrate with you today, we can breathe easier and we are alive and free!!!!!! Happy Day 🙂
    Connie B

    Reply
  72. Debbie Servantez says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Good for you, Cathy!! I quit 9 years ago after stretching college smoking with partying into 10 cigs a day to relieve job stress (worked in computer tech support…ugh). It was SOOO hard. Now my little kids (the 8 and 5 year old) are shocked when they see someone smoking…they totally don’t get it. Thank goodness things are changing!

    CONGRATS!

    Reply
  73. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Love me some David, too! : )

    Reply
  74. Dumblond says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Congratulations!
    I also started smoking at age 12 and did not stop until I was 20 and found out I was pregnant with my son. After he was born, I couldn’t wait to start back up again. My first cigarette made me sick. I had no problem giving it up for good.
    I do not miss the stink, the smoke or the depleted bank account.

    Reply
  75. Lee says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:14 pm

    C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S*!
    I quit 25 1/2 years ago and it was an excellent decision.
    The day I finally quit was easy.
    But that’s because I had several quits and restarts before that.
    Wishing you and your whole family good health and happiness always!
    ;o)
    – Lee

    Reply
  76. Deonne Beron says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    Woo hoooo!!! Cheering for you from here!

    Reply
  77. jessica o'brien | jessohbee says

    March 17, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    so awesome!!!!!! congrats!

    i just realized my husband has been done for about 6.5 years now and we never really celebrated. i’ll be giving him an extra big hug and kiss today! it’s a huge achievement. he was a pack-a-day smoker for about 8-10 years. now he is a drug-free, vegetarian, health-nut runner! 🙂

    i’m really happy that i don’t have a single girlfriend that smokes and i can only think a handful of coworkers, out of hundreds, that do. i don’t know if that is a california thing or not (i think laws here for smoking inside were passed earlier than other places), but i am often shocked how many people in other areas or other social circles smoke.

    Reply
  78. tara pollard pakosta says

    March 17, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    good for yOU! my parents had that addiction and just quit about 15 years ago, thankfully! my sister has been smoking since she was 15 and now at 41 wants to quit….I want to help her, but I can’t….I can say with pride, I have never even tried a cigarette in my life~! THANKFULLY, because it’s just so bad and addicting!
    so PROUD OF YOU that you quit!!!!I can’t imagine how hard that must have been!!!!
    tara

    Reply
  79. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    He sounds pretty sexy! : )

    I DO think different social circles breed smokers. NONE of my friends smoked. At least not since I was in high school, and even then, it was only a few of us. Strange but true. Where i grew up in the suburbs of Seattle, Wash, youd think thered be a lot more smokers.

    Reply
  80. Donna says

    March 17, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    Five years is so great to be smoke-free. I tried smoking in my teens to be cool and I remember starting to like it and I put the kabosh to it. Thank God! I could feel it pulling me in.

    I think you are amazing for breaking this addiction. I really do. It sounds like it is one tough road. Glad you are patting yourself on the back and recognizing how great your accomplishment is. Never stop doing this. Way to go!!

    We are all stronger than we know when we set our mind to something and COMMIT! COMMIT! This is my word of focus right now. COMMIT! Congrats!

    Reply
  81. Suzanne says

    March 17, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Congratulations! I’m SO very happy for you. It’s truly a major accomplishment. My Dad was a smoker for 40 years and is now in hospice care with end stage COPD. It’s awful and you’re right, it’s an ugly way to go. I admire you for having the strength and courage to quit and giving yourself the precious gift of a longer and healthier life! 🙂

    Reply
  82. heather says

    March 17, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Well done Cathy! I love belonging to the ex-smokers club because I know just what it took for us to do it!!
    I have been to my Aunts funeral today. She died because her lungs couldn’t do their job anymore. I don’t want to go like that.
    Giving up any addiction is tough but it CAN be done :))

    Reply
  83. Cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    Sometimes it’s OKAY to be a quitter! I am proud of you! My dad died of lung cancer, smoked almost my whole life that I can remember, and it was a horrible, miserable, painful death. Your kids will not have to tell the same story…..

    Reply
  84. Elaine Millar says

    March 17, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    Hey girl, well done! I know the story and the difficulty.
    Been there with you. I quit on April Fools Day 1984. That was probably before you were even born. Best day of my life. My giftie to me.

    Congrats on the celebration.

    Reply
  85. zewa says

    March 17, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    Congratulaions Cathy on quitting, on moving more and eating less, on your new cook book stand and your jacket. Have you noticed the tragedy in Japan at all?

    Reply
  86. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    Oh definitely. I cant even fathom what they are going through right now. Wait, was this sarcasm? It can be so hard to tell on the Internet.

    Reply
  87. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 3:54 pm

    Before I was born? Ha! I graduated from high school in 84, mama! : )

    Reply
  88. Leora says

    March 17, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    Congratulations Cathy! This is HUGE! My parents smoked and could never get passed the addiction. My kids can recite my rant about not ever starting. You are an inspiration.

    Reply
  89. Robyn says

    March 17, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    Woot, way to go. I know how it feels, I’ll be smoke free for 6 yrs in Sept. I am at the point where I cannot believe I smoked, what was I thinking.

    Reply
  90. JenCoen says

    March 17, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    I’ve been ‘quit’ for 14 months now. Congratulations!

    Reply
  91. dawn says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:00 pm

    Cathy, thank you for this understanding about my sister. I know it’s out of my hands but it’s the big sister in me that hates what she’s doing to herself. I think my feelings are so strong because of my parents smoking as a child, even then I knew it was wrong and wasn’t for me. She turns the big 40 in a month would be nice if that could change her way of thinking.

    Cathy, I hope my reply wasn’t too harsh for you and your past smoking days, I try never to make someone feel bad or hurt their feelings or anything like that. Just wanted you to know that I understand it’s addicting and hard to stop. My response was so fast without thinking, so know this had nothing to do with you and mostly about my sister. Thanks for sharing this with so many and I bet a lot of the smokers are going to be inspired after reading your post today. Thanks again Cathy.

    Reply
  92. dawn says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    Hi Cynthia,
    I had to chime in and tell you to listen to Cathy, she’s a great role model. Listen to those words and yes print it out like you said and put it in your house and your car. I am cheering for you and sending you some prayers, strength, hope, patience, willpower to say this is the day I QUIT. Just think if you quit today and next year on this very day you can tell Cathy it’s your first year nonsmoking anniversary and she will celebrate her 6th year. Won’t that be awesome. So find some support groups/friends/ go running/ take up another hobby and give it all you got. Good luck!!!

    Reply
  93. Suzanne says

    March 17, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Congrats!!! It is a great feeling to be done with such a nasty happy! I quit almost 19 years ago when I was pregnant with our oldest and it was one of the hardest things I had ever done at that point.

    Reply
  94. Blogcomment BuzzKiller says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    Cathy, congratulations on giving up cigarettes, but have you EVEN NOTICED how the CIA’s relationships with governments in Libya and Bahrain may have blinded the United States to undercurrents of dissent?

    Reply
  95. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    Yes, and I’ll be blogging about it NEXT week.

    Reply
  96. cathy says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    Oh no no! Never too harsh. Seriously. Im ashamed of smoking. I really am. It was a stupid choice I made for so long. I feel your pain with your sister, totally. I quit when I was 40. Who knows! It might be her time! : )

    Reply
  97. Amber B says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    congrats cathy and everyone else on staying quit!
    coming from someone who “only” used to be a “social smoker” (the ” ” are because i know it’s just as bad!) it is still so tempting for me on those bad days to go buy a pack of cigarettes – but like other addictions, becomes a little easier when you remember to take it “a day at a time” as they say. (Im not going to smoke TODAY!)

    Reply
  98. Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says

    March 17, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    Thank you Dawn:) This encouragement means the world to me!!!!

    Reply
  99. Angela says

    March 17, 2011 at 11:50 pm

    Congratulations on a huge accomplishment. My BFF has been nicotine free for 11 years. He started smoking about the same age you did. He tried many many times to quit. He tried gum, patches, hypnosis, cold turkey. In the end he did not quite because he was tired of me pleading. In the end you have to love yourself enough to quit. You have to do it for yourself. Again, congratulations.

    Reply
  100. Kerry Lively says

    March 18, 2011 at 12:47 am

    I couldn’t have said it any better Cathy. Well done my friend.

    Reply
  101. Lisa says

    March 18, 2011 at 2:02 am

    Way to go Cathy!!! Congratulations on making it 5years. I never smoked but I watched my mom give it up after 40 years. She had such a tough time with it because she couldn’t do any of the patches or gums. It was sheer willpower as you did! Your body loves you for it!

    Reply
  102. sandrine says

    March 18, 2011 at 7:30 am

    5 months of quitting smoking for me and I’ve never felt so good! Congratulation
    Sandrine

    Reply
  103. cathy says

    March 18, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Congrats to YOU Sandrine!

    Reply
  104. Jeannie says

    March 18, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    Congratulations on this. You are a very wise and strong woman. This past year, I lost my brother (50) to alcohol, and 6 months later, his wife (48) to lung cancer from smoking. Your family will always be so grateful that you have made this very, very hard choice. I applaud you!

    Reply
  105. Stephanie F. says

    March 18, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    Cathy,

    That is great I know it was tough at times. I smoked since I was 14, and now have been smoke free for 12 years now. Truth be told I still have some moments that I would like a drag, but I know I am better to be without it. I love your honesty and humor. Thanks for sharing your accomplishments..you go!

    Reply
  106. Ashley S. says

    March 19, 2011 at 2:14 am

    Awesome Cathy! Something to be very proud of. Way to go!

    Reply
  107. Ashleigh says

    March 19, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Congrats! It’s been 2 years since I quit & I completely understand that feeling like you lost your BFF feeling. Oh but how much is gained by giving up such a toxic relationship!

    Reply
  108. Danielle says

    March 19, 2011 at 9:10 am

    Congratulations Cathy! And to all you other quitters out there. It is a hard thing to do & so worthwhile. Acknowledging this personal achievement is very important. And to share your pride is also important – it may just be the inspiration needed for those who are on the cusp of giving up.

    Like you, Cathy, I started at the ripe old age of 12. When my mum had to return to work, she arranged for in-home care for us after school (aka a babysitter). The girl who came over used to share her smokes with me & so it started.

    I gave up just about 12 years ago & I worked out my savings. Approx +$30,000AUD. And that’s a conservative estimate. It’s enormous!! Unthinkable that I could have potentially burnt all that money (not to mention the time, stink, ball & chain addiction, etc).

    I so hear you on the freedom from the addiction. It is LIBERATING to give it away. So for those of you who think you can’t, give it a try. Day by day. It will be hard initally. No bones about it. Even years later the urge can strike. But before long you realise you don’t need to check if you have enough smokes for your outing, or to last till pay day. You don’t have to interrupt everyone else’s schedule whilst you have a smoke before going somewhere. You won’t have to worry about if you stink or not. You will feel empowered.

    Reply
  109. cathy says

    March 19, 2011 at 10:28 am

    i always loved knowing, HEY! I dont have to try and mask the smell of smoke anymore! : )

    Reply
  110. Kathi says

    March 19, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    Congratulations!!! You have inspired me with your goals for healthy living. Quitting smoking is something you can be extremely proud of. Wah Hoo!

    Reply
  111. Christi says

    March 20, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    Congrats! I’m at my 6 month mark. Best thing I ever did for myself. 🙂

    Reply
  112. cathy says

    March 20, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Go Christi! : )

    Reply
  113. Susanmcl says

    March 21, 2011 at 12:29 am

    Good news & fabulous reason to celebrate!! My husband and I both quit two years ago==Double trouble!! Now we are trying to get started on that 25 lbs we’ve gained. Oh, but the fragrances of the world are wonderful & the tastes can’t even be imagined. I smoked since 14yo==almost 37 years!! How dumb was that??

    Reply
  114. Karen says

    March 21, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    Congratulations! I tried to get my mom to quit for years, so I know how hard it is. Now she’s got rheumatoid arthritis (smoking-related), COPD (lung disease), is on oxygen, no longer leaves the house, and — you guessed it — still smokes. While I’ve accepted that she won’t quit after 50+ years of smoking, it’s still hard. I’m sure your family appreciates your accomplishment.

    Reply

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