My Butt is Draggin'

I am whooped. For the last two days we have been working on the Sweet 16 party. I have cut out table clothes, made a LOT of silver stars, been shopping for party supplies, got up at 6:30 this morning and left for WalMart early to take advantage of the tax free holiday, shopped some more, came home and started the cakes, sewed the red carpet, sewed 4 cat ear headbands and started decorating the cakes. I do this because I adore my child and want her 16 birthday but dang...I think I am getting to old for this. Needless to say I have been to busy to want a cigarette. Haven't even thought about till I sat down here to write. I don't even want one. Maybe I have found the secret...Chantix AND being so tired you can't think! Whatever the case I can say that today was an eye opener for me. I cleaned almost all day yesterday and was on my knees and on my tip toes and getting up and down from the floor. When I was smoking I would not have been able to have made it that long. I would have given up. Although I am tired, it is a good tired. Not the kind of tired that comes from not getting enough oxygen when you smoke.

Tomorrow is the party. Wish us luck!

Federal Regulation Legislation on Cigarettes!

It amazes me that it has taken this long for the government to introduce legislation that would regulate what goes into cigarettes. Our government regulates other things that go into our bodies; food, medicine, air, water, soil, etc... Why has it taken this long for them to regulate the over 599 ingredients that are put into cigarettes? The simple answer is money. I'm sure there are politicians who have been owned by this industry for a very long time. Our government is a scaled down version of a drug pusher. They know that nicotine is addictive and only the tobacco industry knows what else in the cigarette is. Now, I'm not the type of person who blames others for my shortcomings but I can assure you that when I started smoking at 14 years old I had no idea that there were 599 chemicals in one cigarette. I had no idea that nicotine was addictive. Honestly, I probablly wouldn't have cared at that age. I was more concerned with being cool and doing what the other kids in my group were doing, however, at that time, the tobacco industry was not required to tell it's consumers what they were poisoning you with. As the years passed and I continued with my addiction, I didn't think about what was in the cigarette I was smoking, I was thinking how it calmed me down in stressful situations, I was thinking that it was my friend. There is no telling what all those chemicals have done to my body. It will take years for the effects to begin to reverse. I blame myself but I also blame the tobacco industry and our government. How many people would have never started smoking if they could have seen the recipe for a cigarette? As per the article, both of our Presidential candidates support this legislation. Kudo's to both of them! I know B. Hussein Obama recently quit smoking and I do admire him for that. I can't imagine they type of stress he is under and trying to quit. I believe I have found the one thing that I do support Obama on!

Here is the link to the article: http://news.aol.com/health/article/house-passes-bill-to-regulate-tobacco/95128?cid=14

Recipe For A Cigarette

So it goes like this....I have read many blogs and articles that are critical of Chantix and I have just got to say that I do not agree with them. Not saying I am right and they are wrong, I am just not agreeing. I know that medicine will work differently with each individual. I know that the side effects will be more tolerable in some and not in others. I'm just wondering though...when looking at the chemicals in a cigarette...what is worse?? The cigarette or the medicine? I, for one, am going to put up with the side effects and stay a non-smoker. Two and a half weeks and going strong and feeling better than I have in a looooong time!

I read an article about the "recipe" for a cigarette and was mortified to see how many chemicals are in a cigarette. Just remember that the companies want to make these smokes as appealing as possible. With that in mind, they add all kinds of nasty things. I am not going to break down each one for you but the jet fuel and the formaldehyde threw me for a loop. I guess the formaldehyde is added to speed up your preservation for your early check out from this wonderful world we live in.

Here is a list of nasty things you are inhaling into your lungs:

Acetanisole
Acetic Acid
Acetoin
Acetophenone
6-Acetoxydihydrotheaspirane
2-Acetyl-3- Ethylpyrazine
2-Acetyl-5-Methylfuran
Acetylpyrazine
2-Acetylpyridine
3-Acetylpyridine
2-Acetylthiazole
Aconitic Acid
dl-Alanine
Alfalfa Extract
Allspice Extract,Oleoresin, and Oil
Allyl Hexanoate
Allyl Ionone
Almond Bitter Oil
Ambergris Tincture
Ammonia
Ammonium Bicarbonate
Ammonium Hydroxide
Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic
Ammonium Sulfide
Amyl Alcohol
Amyl Butyrate
Amyl Formate
Amyl Octanoate
alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde
Amyris Oil
trans-Anethole
Angelica Root Extract, Oil and Seed Oil
Anise
Anise Star, Extract and Oils
Anisyl Acetate
Anisyl Alcohol
Anisyl Formate
Anisyl Phenylacetate
Apple Juice Concentrate, Extract, and Skins
Apricot Extract and Juice Concentrate
1-Arginine
Asafetida Fluid Extract And Oil
Ascorbic Acid
1-Asparagine Monohydrate
1-Aspartic Acid
Balsam Peru and Oil
Basil Oil
Bay Leaf, Oil and Sweet Oil
Beeswax White
Beet Juice Concentrate
Benzaldehyde
Benzaldehyde Glyceryl Acetal
Benzoic Acid, Benzoin
Benzoin Resin
Benzophenone
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl Benzoate
Benzyl Butyrate
Benzyl Cinnamate
Benzyl Propionate
Benzyl Salicylate
Bergamot Oil
Bisabolene
Black Currant Buds Absolute
Borneol
Bornyl Acetate
Buchu Leaf Oil
1,3-Butanediol
2,3-Butanedione
1-Butanol
2-Butanone
4(2-Butenylidene)-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One
Butter, Butter Esters, and Butter Oil
Butyl Acetate
Butyl Butyrate
Butyl Butyryl Lactate
Butyl Isovalerate
Butyl Phenylacetate
Butyl Undecylenate
3-Butylidenephthalide
Butyric Acid]
Cadinene
Caffeine
Calcium Carbonate
Camphene
Cananga Oil
Capsicum Oleoresin
Caramel Color
Caraway Oil
Carbon Dioxide
Cardamom Oleoresin, Extract, Seed Oil, and Powder
Carob Bean and Extract
beta-Carotene
Carrot Oil
Carvacrol
4-Carvomenthenol
1-Carvone
beta-Caryophyllene
beta-Caryophyllene Oxide
Cascarilla Oil and Bark Extract
Cassia Bark Oil
Cassie Absolute and Oil
Castoreum Extract, Tincture and Absolute
Cedar Leaf Oil
Cedarwood Oil Terpenes and Virginiana
Cedrol
Celery Seed Extract, Solid, Oil, And Oleoresin
Cellulose Fiber
Chamomile Flower Oil And Extract
Chicory Extract
Chocolate
Cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamic Acid
Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Bark Oil, and Extract
Cinnamyl Acetate
Cinnamyl Alcohol
Cinnamyl Cinnamate
Cinnamyl Isovalerate
Cinnamyl Propionate
Citral
Citric Acid
Citronella Oil
dl-Citronellol
Citronellyl Butyrate
itronellyl Isobutyrate
Civet Absolute
Clary Oil
Clover Tops, Red Solid Extract
Cocoa
Cocoa Shells, Extract, Distillate And Powder
Coconut Oil
Coffee
Cognac White and Green Oil
Copaiba Oil
Coriander Extract and Oil
Corn Oil
Corn Silk
Costus Root Oil
Cubeb Oil
Cuminaldehyde
para-Cymene
1-Cysteine
Dandelion Root Solid Extract
Davana Oil
2-trans, 4-trans-Decadienal
delta-Decalactone
gamma-Decalactone
Decanal
Decanoic Acid
1-Decanol
2-Decenal
Dehydromenthofurolactone
Diethyl Malonate
Diethyl Sebacate
2,3-Diethylpyrazine
Dihydro Anethole
5,7-Dihydro-2-Methylthieno(3,4-D) Pyrimidine
Dill Seed Oil and Extract
meta-Dimethoxybenzene
para-Dimethoxybenzene
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol
Dimethyl Succinate
3,4-Dimethyl-1,2 Cyclopentanedione
3,5- Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione
3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-Octatriene
4,5-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-2,5-Dihydrofuran-2-One
6,10-Dimethyl-5,9-Undecadien-2-One
3,7-Dimethyl-6-Octenoic Acid
2,4 Dimethylacetophenone
alpha,para-Dimethylbenzyl Alcohol
alpha,alpha-Dimethylphenethyl Acetate
alpha,alpha Dimethylphenethyl Butyrate
2,3-Dimethylpyrazine
2,5-Dimethylpyrazine
2,6-Dimethylpyrazine
Dimethyltetrahydrobenzofuranone
delta-Dodecalactone
gamma-Dodecalactone
para-Ethoxybenzaldehyde
Ethyl 10-Undecenoate
Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetoacetate
Ethyl Alcohol
Ethyl Benzoate
Ethyl Butyrate
Ethyl Cinnamate
Ethyl Decanoate
Ethyl Fenchol
Ethyl Furoate
Ethyl Heptanoate
Ethyl Hexanoate
Ethyl Isovalerate
Ethyl Lactate
Ethyl Laurate
Ethyl Levulinate
Ethyl Maltol
Ethyl Methyl Phenylglycidate
Ethyl Myristate
Ethyl Nonanoate
Ethyl Octadecanoate
Ethyl Octanoate
Ethyl Oleate
Ethyl Palmitate
Ethyl Phenylacetate
Ethyl Propionate
Ethyl Salicylate
Ethyl trans-2-Butenoate
Ethyl Valerate
Ethyl Vanillin
2-Ethyl (or Methyl)-(3,5 and 6)-Methoxypyrazine
2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol, 3-Ethyl -2 -Hydroxy-2-Cyclopenten-1-One
2-Ethyl-3, (5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine
5-Ethyl-3-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2(5H)-Furanone
2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine
4-Ethylbenzaldehyde
4-Ethylguaiacol
para-Ethylphenol
3-Ethylpyridine
Eucalyptol
Farnesol
D-Fenchone
Fennel Sweet Oil
Fenugreek, Extract, Resin, and Absolute
Fig Juice Concentrate
Food Starch Modified
Furfuryl Mercaptan
4-(2-Furyl)-3-Buten-2-One
Galbanum Oil
Genet Absolute
Gentian Root Extract
Geraniol
Geranium Rose Oil
Geranyl Acetate
Geranyl Butyrate
Geranyl Formate
Geranyl Isovalerate
Geranyl Phenylacetate
Ginger Oil and Oleoresin
1-Glutamic Acid
1-Glutamine
Glycerol
Glycyrrhizin Ammoniated
Grape Juice Concentrate
Guaiac Wood Oil
Guaiacol
Guar Gum
2,4-Heptadienal
gamma-Heptalactone
Heptanoic Acid
2-Heptanone
3-Hepten-2-One
2-Hepten-4-One
4-Heptenal
trans -2-Heptenal
Heptyl Acetate
omega-6-Hexadecenlactone
gamma-Hexalactone
Hexanal
Hexanoic Acid
2-Hexen-1-Ol
3-Hexen-1-Ol
cis-3-Hexen-1-Yl Acetate
2-Hexenal
3-Hexenoic Acid
trans-2-Hexenoic Acid
cis-3-Hexenyl Formate
Hexyl 2-Methylbutyrate
Hexyl Acetate
Hexyl Alcohol
Hexyl Phenylacetate
1-Histidine
Honey
Hops Oil
Hydrolyzed Milk Solids
Hydrolyzed Plant Proteins
5-Hydroxy-2,4-Decadienoic Acid delta- Lactone
4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone
2-Hydroxy-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One
4-Hydroxy -3-Pentenoic Acid Lactone
2-Hydroxy-4-Methylbenzaldehyde
4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone
Hydroxycitronellal
6-Hydroxydihydrotheaspirane
4-(para-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone
Hyssop Oil
Immortelle Absolute and Extract
alpha-Ionone
beta-Ionone
alpha-Irone
Isoamyl Acetate
Isoamyl Benzoate
Isoamyl Butyrate
Isoamyl Cinnamate
Isoamyl Formate, Isoamyl Hexanoate
Isoamyl Isovalerate
Isoamyl Octanoate
Isoamyl Phenylacetate
Isobornyl Acetate
Isobutyl Acetate
Isobutyl Alcohol
Isobutyl Cinnamate
Isobutyl Phenylacetate
Isobutyl Salicylate
2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine
alpha-Isobutylphenethyl Alcohol
Isobutyraldehyde
Isobutyric Acid
d,l-Isoleucine
alpha-Isomethylionone
2-Isopropylphenol
Isovaleric Acid
Jasmine Absolute, Concrete and Oil
Kola Nut Extract
Labdanum Absolute and Oleoresin
Lactic Acid
Lauric Acid
Lauric Aldehyde
Lavandin Oil
Lavender Oil
Lemon Oil and Extract
Lemongrass Oil
1-Leucine
Levulinic Acid
Licorice Root, Fluid, Extract and Powder
Lime Oil
Linalool
Linalool Oxide
Linalyl Acetate
Linden Flowers
Lovage Oil And Extract
1-Lysine]
Mace Powder, Extract and Oil
Magnesium Carbonate
Malic Acid
Malt and Malt Extract
Maltodextrin
Maltol
Maltyl Isobutyrate
Mandarin Oil
Maple Syrup and Concentrate
Mate Leaf, Absolute and Oil
para-Mentha-8-Thiol-3-One
Menthol
Menthone
Menthyl Acetate
dl-Methionine
Methoprene
2-Methoxy-4-Methylphenol
2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol
para-Methoxybenzaldehyde
1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-1-Penten-3-One
4-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone
1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Propanone
Methoxypyrazine
Methyl 2-Furoate
Methyl 2-Octynoate
Methyl 2-Pyrrolyl Ketone
Methyl Anisate
Methyl Anthranilate
Methyl Benzoate
Methyl Cinnamate
Methyl Dihydrojasmonate
Methyl Ester of Rosin, Partially Hydrogenated
Methyl Isovalerate
Methyl Linoleate (48%)
Methyl Linolenate (52%) Mixture
Methyl Naphthyl Ketone
Methyl Nicotinate
Methyl Phenylacetate
Methyl Salicylate
Methyl Sulfide
3-Methyl-1-Cyclopentadecanone
4-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Pentanone
5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal
5-Methyl-2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde
6-Methyl-3,-5-Heptadien-2-One
2-Methyl-3-(para-Isopropylphenyl) Propionaldehyde
5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-One
1-Methyl-3Methoxy-4-Isopropylbenzene
4-Methyl-3-Pentene-2-One
2-Methyl-4-Phenylbutyraldehyde
6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One
4-Methyl-5-Thiazoleethanol
4-Methyl-5-Vinylthiazole
Methyl-alpha-Ionone
Methyl-trans-2-Butenoic Acid
4-Methylacetophenone
para-Methylanisole
alpha-Methylbenzyl Acetate
alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol
2-Methylbutyraldehyde
3-Methylbutyraldehyde
2-Methylbutyric Acid
alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde
Methylcyclopentenolone
2-Methylheptanoic Acid
2-Methylhexanoic Acid
3-Methylpentanoic Acid
4-Methylpentanoic Acid
2-Methylpyrazine
5-Methylquinoxaline
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-One
(Methylthio)Methylpyrazine (Mixture Of Isomers)
3-Methylthiopropionaldehyde
Methyl 3-Methylthiopropionate
2-Methylvaleric Acid
Mimosa Absolute and Extract
Molasses Extract and Tincture
Mountain Maple Solid Extract
Mullein Flowers
Myristaldehyde
Myristic Acid
Myrrh Oil
beta-Napthyl Ethyl Ether
Nerol
Neroli Bigarde Oil
Nerolidol
Nona-2-trans,6-cis-Dienal
2,6-Nonadien-1-Ol
gamma-Nonalactone
Nonanal
Nonanoic Acid
Nonanone
trans-2-Nonen-1-Ol
2-Nonenal
Nonyl Acetate
Nutmeg Powder and Oil
Oak Chips Extract and Oil
Oak Moss Absolute
9,12-Octadecadienoic Acid (48%) And 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic Acid (52%)
delta-Octalactone
gamma-Octalactone
Octanal
Octanoic Acid
1-Octanol
2-Octanone
3-Octen-2-One
1-Octen-3-Ol
1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate
2-Octenal
Octyl Isobutyrate
Oleic Acid
Olibanum Oil
Opoponax Oil And Gum
Orange Blossoms Water, Absolute, and Leaf Absolute
Orange Oil and Extract
Origanum Oil
Orris Concrete Oil and Root Extract
Palmarosa Oil
Palmitic Acid
Parsley Seed Oil
Patchouli Oil
omega-Pentadecalactone
2,3-Pentanedione
2-Pentanone
4-Pentenoic Acid
2-Pentylpyridine
Pepper Oil, Black And White
Peppermint Oil
Peruvian (Bois De Rose) Oil
Petitgrain Absolute, Mandarin Oil and Terpeneless Oil
alpha-Phellandrene
2-Phenenthyl Acetate
Phenenthyl Alcohol
Phenethyl Butyrate
Phenethyl Cinnamate
Phenethyl Isobutyrate
Phenethyl Isovalerate
Phenethyl Phenylacetate
Phenethyl Salicylate
1-Phenyl-1-Propanol
3-Phenyl-1-Propanol
2-Phenyl-2-Butenal
4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-Ol
4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-One
Phenylacetaldehyde
Phenylacetic Acid
1-Phenylalanine
3-Phenylpropionaldehyde
3-Phenylpropionic Acid
3-Phenylpropyl Acetate
3-Phenylpropyl Cinnamate
2-(3-Phenylpropyl)Tetrahydrofuran
Phosphoric Acid
Pimenta Leaf Oil
Pine Needle Oil, Pine Oil, Scotch
Pineapple Juice Concentrate
alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene
D-Piperitone
Piperonal
Pipsissewa Leaf Extract
Plum Juice
Potassium Sorbate
1-Proline
Propenylguaethol
Propionic Acid
Propyl Acetate
Propyl para-Hydroxybenzoate
Propylene Glycol
3-Propylidenephthalide
Prune Juice and Concentrate
Pyridine
Pyroligneous Acid And Extract
Pyrrole
Pyruvic Acid
Raisin Juice Concentrate
Rhodinol
Rose Absolute and Oil
Rosemary Oil
Rum
Rum Ether
Rye Extract
Sage, Sage Oil, and Sage Oleoresin
Salicylaldehyde
Sandalwood Oil, Yellow
Sclareolide
Skatole
Smoke Flavor
Snakeroot Oil
Sodium Acetate
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Chloride
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Hydroxide
Solanone
Spearmint Oil
Styrax Extract, Gum and Oil
Sucrose Octaacetate
Sugar Alcohols
Sugars
Tagetes Oil
Tannic Acid
Tartaric Acid
Tea Leaf and Absolute
alpha-Terpineol
Terpinolene
Terpinyl Acetate
5,6,7,8-Tetrahydroquinoxaline
1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0(4,9))Tridecane
2,3,4,5, and 3,4,5,6-Tetramethylethyl-Cyclohexanone
2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine
Thiamine Hydrochloride
Thiazole
1-Threonine
Thyme Oil, White and Red
Thymol
Tobacco Extracts
Tochopherols (mixed)
Tolu Balsam Gum and Extract
Tolualdehydes
para-Tolyl 3-Methylbutyrate
para-Tolyl Acetaldehyde
para-Tolyl Acetate
para-Tolyl Isobutyrate
para-Tolyl Phenylacetate
Triacetin
2-Tridecanone
2-Tridecenal
Triethyl Citrate
3,5,5-Trimethyl -1-Hexanol
para,alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl Alcohol
4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-Enyl)But-2-En-4-One
2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-Ene-1,4-Dione
2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl Methan
4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl)But-2-En-4-One
2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexanone
2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine
1-Tyrosine
delta-Undercalactone
gamma-Undecalactone
Undecanal
2-Undecanone, 1
0-Undecenal
Urea
Valencene
Valeraldehyde
Valerian Root Extract, Oil and Powder
Valeric Acid
gamma-Valerolactone
Valine
Vanilla Extract And Oleoresin
Vanillin
Veratraldehyde
Vetiver Oil
Vinegar
Violet Leaf Absolute
Walnut Hull Extract
Water
Wheat Extract And Flour
Wild Cherry Bark Extract
Wine and Wine Sherry
Xanthan Gum
3,4-Xylenol
Yeast

If you stuck with me this far down the post...can you give me a good reason why I should continue to smoke? I can't find one...after reading this list I don't want one!

The Rock Star Has Returned!

Have done wonderful today. Jess and I worked on aluminum foil stars for the Sweet 16 birthday party next weekend and we went to church to meet our new pastor and eat some fabulous Southern Baptist down home cooking. Let's face it, the eats don't get much better than what you find at Fellowship Night at the local Southern Baptist Church and I have to tell you that I am partial to the spread that our church puts out. Other than gaining about 5 lbs. in one evening, I have no complaints!

I have found another time when I really miss cigarettes though. After I have eaten and my belly is full and have had some sort of yummy dessert...a cigarette used to taste so good after that. I resisted and ignored the urge and moved on. Scott ate lots of candy to control his urge. We are going to be HUGE by the time this is over!

Now...about the rock star. B. Hussein Obama is really not all that impressive folks. I researched a little more today and as is normal with election years, have found quite a bit of fluff in regards to the Rock Star. What I am really having a problem with is watching seasoned news anchors act like teenagers fawning over the current heart throb of the day. What the heck? How long have these people been doing this job? Ask the man questions that have SUBSTANCE! Ask him about the low income housing in Chicago that is still filled with asbestos and people! Ask him why he claims he was the one that cleaned it out (it wasn't) and ask him why he totally dissed the lady that started the campaign and is a resident of said low income housing. Is this how he is going to ride to the top? On the backs of little old ladies with a worthy cause? Attach his name to said cause and claim victory in the name of politics? I'm tired of this man and I am tired of his attitude. I can't imagine 4 years with him as President.

I'm outtie!

Ok...so I haven't been true to the blog

I've been terrible about keeping my promise to myself about writing something here every day. I seemed to drift to other areas. For example: I have decided that Obama isn't as wonderful as the MSM seems to think he is. I mean really...what HAS he done that would qualify him to be president? Having really good speech writers does not a President make! I have seriously looked for things that might sway my opinion. I am not a fan of either candidate but geesh...at least McCain has a history. All Obama has is words and nothing to back him up!

Now...how has the cigarette war been? Difficult but rewarding! I started the Chantix and one week after I started, I QUIT! I took what was left of my cigarette's and filled the pack with water. I could have bought a gallon of gas with what I paid for those cigarettes. Well...not quite a full gallon but almost.

I am now going on two weeks with no cigarette and although there are times that I REALLY want a cigarette but the urges are going away slowly. I can tell you when I want them the most....STRESS. It triggers the urge every single time. It was my way of chilling out, taking a breather (is that possible while smoking?). I'm still working on something that worked as good as the cigarette did but I haven't found that "something" yet.

I did find this today: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/24/2313798.htm?section=world

Two of the richest men in the world, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Microsoft founder Bill Gates, have launched an anti-smoking campaign in the developing world.
They say they will be donating $500 million over the next five years to programs that will help people stop smoking.
Mr Bloomberg says their goal of a non-smoking world is achievable.
"I believe that a world in which everyone is aware of the destructiveness of tobacco and empowered to avoid it is within our reach and it's something that I want to see in my lifetime," he said.

Seems Bill Gates has found his new project since he decided to retire. It's a good thing. He has lots of money so maybe he can make a difference in the lives of those who can't afford Chantix!!

Speaking of the Chantix, I am now taking only 1 mg a day = 1 pill. I did this on my own. I was taking two 1 mg a day but the one I took at night really gave me STRANGE dreams and I wasn't sleeping well. I forgot to take the PM one the other night and slept better than I have in a long time. I intentionally didn't take the PM one last night and slept pretty good. I'm still dreaming more than I did before but it is nothing like the vivid color dreams that I was having. I don't have the cravings so I am going to try this and see what happens.

My hubby is doing great by the way! Yeah Hubby!! He has only had 3 cigarettes in the last week and half. Pretty good for someone who was smoking 2 packs a day, eh?

I'm not promising myself that I will write here everyday and I have a feeling once this smoking thing is behind me that this blog will turn into something else and expand on other issues. Maybe I can start one on what Obama has done to earn my vote! Maybe not...it wouldn't be a very long blog! :)

Feeling Funky Again

So I just had a conversation with hubby and he and I both are feeling a little funky again. I'm having some vision "disturbances" and so is he. These are manifested by not being able to focus like I am used too. It's hard to explain but it isn't really blurry, just more like when you are staring at something and you are lost in space. Problem is, we aren't lost in space. (Or at least I'm not...as far as hubby..well..that is debatable!) I don't remember if I experienced this the last time I took it so I wanted to clarify that this was a side effect of the Chantix. It is. Problem is, no one can say if it is a side effect of the medicine or if it is a side effect of nicotine withdrawal.

I just smoked the 3:30 cigarette. I was actually able to smoke at 3:00 but I forgot. That is a good thing, right?

Chantix takes the pleasure out of smoking. You don't get that initial high that comes from having your addiction satisfied. It doesn't taste good anymore either. It's just smoke. Even cutting back as much as I have I am beginning to get my smell back. That is good and that is bad. I realize how bad cigarettes smell and I am wearing it.

I'm off to the shower!

Day Five...The family is still alive!

Ok..Today is day five on the Chantix. I am doing well and am distinguishing between habit and the actual NEED. I suppose I should give some information on Chantix and why it works so good. I, in NO way, profess to be an expert and anything that I write here should be discussed with your personal doctor. I have gotten the go ahead and my husband has as well, BUT we have talked to our doctor. There are certain people who should NOT take Chantix so please check the web site and talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let me explain the difference between Chantix and all the other stop quitting products on the market...well..maybe not ALL the products but the most popular!

Chantix works differently than the gum, lozenges and patches. Chantix has NO nicotine. It works by targeting receptors in your brain that nicotine targets as well. From the Chantix web site it says that they believe that those receptors block the nicotine. There are some side effects but the only ones that I have experienced is slight naseau and strange dreams. I have found that if I take the Chantix with something to eat that it lessens the nausea. The dreams started when I began the second week of treatment. In the first week you go from 0.5 mg the first 3 days and then 0.5 two times a day starting the 4th day to the 7th day. On the second week you begin taking 1mg in the morning and 1mg at night. The strange dreams started when I increased. Small price to pay, I believe, to be healthy and able to breathe when I go up and down steps or walk up the driveway to the mailbox. Or any other activity, for that matter.

As your body adjusts to the dosage amount and less cigarettes you will still feel some slight withdrawal symptoms. NOTHING like going cold turkey. Yesterday I was feeling a little shaky and out of sorts and my hubby said he was feeling a little funky as well. It passed and wasn't something that lasted all day. At least not for me. Today I don't feel the shaky and the funky feeling comes and goes but it isn't bad. We are still working on the every two hours without a smoke but I am going to try to extend it to three at least once today in the hopes I can prepare for tomorrow.

Chantix claims their quit rate is 44% which is awesome when compared with other quit meds. Chantix has a cool web site that helps you and you check in daily and do some activities. You can also sign up and have someone call you or you can call them if you feel the need to light up. One of the things to remember with Chantix is that it is very important to follow through with the 12 week plan, which means taking the meds for 12 weeks. I didn't do that the last time and I seriously think that it contributed to my starting to smoke again. If you are a heavy smoker or have been smoking a long time, give yourself a chance and do what the doctor asks. You are worth it! The benefits far outweigh any excuse you can come up with!

The cost of Chantix is fairly expensive when compared with other quit smoking aids. My husbands insurance (BCBS & Medicare) covers some of his and we paid $60 for a 4 week supply. Four weeks is considered the Starter Pack. My insurance (CHAMPVA) does not cover it at all and I paid $109 for my prescription. You will pay the same thing for weeks 5-8 and for weeks 9-12. Now...I smoked about a pack a day and I'm not sure what cigarettes cost where you live, but here in small town Alabama we pay about $3.10 a pack, on sale. It's cheaper if you buy more than one pack so we buy three packs each and it comes to about $21 for each visit. So the math tells us that we are spending about $168 a month on cigarettes. (That hurts to see it written down. What I could do with an extra $168 a month!) So..we pay one dollar more for the Chantix for two more months and we are able to breathe better and we are smoke free! I think I would pay more than that if it works!

I'm not being paid by Chantix to write this blog and they might not appreciate me blogging about them but I think it is important for more people to know about this medication. I know way to many people who have taken this medication and have remained smoke free. It isn't for everyone but it is worth looking into!

More later...