Yes, it's true.  I've been otherwise occupied and failed to update this 'Burgh Blog. 

I've been avoiding nicotine triggers like computers, reading, and booze since early October.  The patch has been helping although it brings on some bizarre dreams.  I'm trying very hard not to gain a lot of weight by walking the dog more and striving for 7,000 steps on the pedometer.  I've been doing pretty well, so far, although last night I ate half a bag of all natural Ruffles chips (man are those GOOD!).  I still crave cigarettes -- sometimes the urge really takes over and it's hard to refocus on something else. 

It's during those "overwhelming urge to smoke" times that I focus on the reasons I quit:  more energy, better tasting food, less time sick, not wanting to cart around an oxygen tank when I'm older, and a longer life.  I can deal with the weight gain after I'm over the hump with wanting to smoke.  When I'm really craving one, I start to rationalize that I can smoke during certain times only -- only when I drink, only on weekends, only outside, etc. ... but I know "only" turns into ... right back at it 24/7/365 packs a year (nearly $1800 a year if anyone's counting).  I have to keep fighting these urges and get through this rough patch in order to beat this. 

The last time I quit, I made it for eight months smoke free.  You'd think anyone who went that long would be out of the woods.  Not so.  Cancer sticks are reliable friends during times of emotional duress, stress, grief, anger, etc.  We believe they make us feel better which, they do temporarily, before they start to clog our lungs and push out the oxygen in our bodies.  I've talked to people who quit for years and then had just one puff that got them hooked again.  It's kind of like being an alcoholic -- you can't take just one drink or puff -- you can't be a social drinker/smoker if you're addicted.  That's just the way it works.  I'm trying to own that right now and it's difficult. 

If you have any quit stories, feel free to share them.  I can use all of the help I can get. 

Theresa and I are going to see Susanne Westenhoefer tonight in the South Side.  I've seen her before.  She does great live stand up.  I  hope T likes her.  Speaking of T, it's her bday next weekend on the same day as my annual Gourd Fest pumpkin carving extravaganza.  I picked out T's gift this week.  She is going to LOVE it.  Guaranteed. 

WVU's football team continues to kick some collegiate football ass this season.  They're undefeated so far.  I've been watching Pitt and Penn State a bit too.  Pitt's having a tremendous season as is PSU.  The Steelers really pounded the KC Chiefs last weekend 47-5 with many of our starters out with injuries.  Tomorrow's game against the Falcons should be interesting considering the Falcons lost to KC 41-0 earlier this month.

It's a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh.  Time to get out and walk the pup and mow the lawn.  Have a great day!