Day 3

I wasn't initially going to write a post today.  I couldn't think of a witty quote to put at the top.  I'm not having any dramatic withdrawals yet today.  I've only chewed two pieces of gum so far.  (On that thought, I'm going to chew one right now!)

But yesterday a friend shared with me a subReddit called Stop Smoking.  Are y'all familiar with Reddit?  It's a mind-bogglingly huge internet community that has maintained it's nearly original purest form since it's inception in 2005 (despite being purchased by Conde Nast, whom also happens to employ yours truly.)  So the Stop Smoking subReddit is a community of people who are trying to quit smoking, have quit smoking, want to quit smoking or practically any other interest in quitting smoking under the sun.  It's not an exclusive club; anyone can join.  They swap tips, tricks and experiences, vent, support and motivate each other.  It's awesome.  I created an account and posted a link to my blog thinking it might be helpful.  I went back today and four people had commented asking for the next post!  Knowing that other people are reading is a huge motivator for me to keep writing.  Stop Smoking subReddit, this one's for you :)

I did cross one hurdle yesterday, as last night was my first experience drinking since I've quit.  Like many smokers, drinking strongly encourages my desire to smoke.  You start to get a little booze buzz and the cravings get stronger.  Knowing this temptation, I turned down an invitation to watch the election results at a local bar with a big outdoor patio and instead spent it at a non-smoking friends' apartment.  I am so fortunate in that I know very few smokers in San Francisco, and I'm grateful I made the decision to avoid the patio bar temptation.  Mmmmm second hand smoke!  It would have been tough.  Go me!

Tonight I'm going to see the Smoking Popes with a former roommate who was also a heavy smoker.  I messaged him yesterday to remind him about the show and to give him a heads up that I had recently quit.  Lo and behold, he's been trying to curb his habit as well!  (We're dropping like flies!  Woohoo!)  He's been using the eCig as a replacement, and I am super stoked to see him tonight and give it a try.  Is it sad that I'm excited at the prospect of "cheating"?  It's not really cheating since I still have nicotine in my system via the gum, but might feel like it since it's a cig in form.  I'll let y'all know what it's like.  I'm slightly concerned about going to the show and fidgeting during that usual break period, but hey, at least I won't have to miss a single song.

So day three is unequivocally better than day 2 so far.  My mood is better, my stress level is lower, I'm chewing less gum and life is good.  Happy Hump Day!

Status: 2.5 days down, feeling strong!