One year ago today I did something unexpected.
Out of the blue.
Cold turkey.
I quit smoking.
And yes, that’s the last pack of cigarettes I ever purchased. Still here. Sitting in a drawer. Like Linus’ security blanket.
And no, I didn’t purposely pick Valentine’s Day to quit. It would make sense, though. That whole heart and health connection and all …
… it just turned out that Valentine’s Day landed on a Monday last year. The Monday I decided it was time to stop.
I’d like to say I did it for my heart. And my health …
… truth be told, my reason was rooted in vanity. You see, 50 was closing in. And I don’t care what Oprah says, 50 is 50. Fifty is scary. Fifty means irreversible changes. That extra five pounds? Plan on five months and daily Pilates to get rid of three out of five …
That strange dark spot on your face? Plan on using foundation for the rest of your life …
Smoking a pack a day was not helping matters. So I quit. It was hard. I gained weight. And each day that I was cigarette-free I gained the resolve to make it yet another day …. and so on and so on …
Nineteen years ago today a nice Midwestern boy came to visit me in New York. On Valentine’s Day weekend. We dined at Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Grill …
We worked for the same company. He in Chicago. Me in New York. We met once in Dallas at a work function. My head was in the clouds then … and he was sporting a Mike Ditka mustache.
But in January 2003, things were different. We met again in Florida. A week-long intensive management training program. This time the Mike Ditka mustache was gone.
But I knew he was something special even before I boarded that plane for Florida …
… before I set eyes on his clean shaven upper lip. Before he even opened his mouth …
You see, I feel in love with his words. The way he used them. The way he put them together and wrote them down …
Part of the training seminar included writing our bios in advance. Bios that were distributed to all who attended. But the whole bio writing thing had turned into a contest in creativity. And Mike’s bio captivated me. It made me smile. It made me laugh. Out loud. I read it over and over and over. I read it to my roommates (much to their chagrin) … over and over …
I fell in love with his words first …
… and then I fell in love with all of him.
And to this day, his words still move me …
I love you too Mikey.
XXXOOO
Congratulations on quitting smoking! They say the first 30 days of a new habit (or lack of an old habit) are the hardest, one year is amazing. Thank you for sharing such a personal story, it’s so important to hear.
Woo Hoo on your life changes moments, all of them.
This made me smile really big! How very cute and sweet!! Happy Valentines Day to you, and congrats on quitting!
That is so sweet. 🙂 And congrats on quitting, cold turkey. You definitely know how to make it happen. Way to go.
But, I thought you were 85? 😉
Happy Valentine’s Day to you guys!!
Karah
Congrats on your one year anniversary… big cheers coming from here to you! Sounds like you have been blessed with a wonderful spouse,,, enjoy your Valentines Day… may it be sweet!
Dee Dee
What a sweet post. Congratulations!
Such a sweet story. I was smiling the whole way through. BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!! on your ONE YEAR of being cigarette free. That’s awesome! Happy Valentines Day! 🙂
I am sitting here boo-hoo’ing. That’s such a sweet story. Congrats on the no smoking for 1 year- awesome.
LOL!
Love that he understands you so well…he feeds your blog 🙂
I, too, met up with my husband to be after many years.
Some things are so worthy the wait!
Happy Valentine’s day!
~ Dana
congrats on kicking your habit and Happy Valentine’s day
Congrats on quitting smoking! My uncle has his last pack mounted under glass with the date(it was about 25yrs ago.) It sits on his mantel. Love your Valentine’s story! Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’m the opposite of you. I was born on the shores of Lake Michigan and grew up the rest of my life as a North Jersey Girl. I am now a South Jersey Girl. (As you know there is a difference.) I quite smoking the day my first husband and I were divorced. I too fell in love with a Mike at work. However, that’s where you and I part. I have a college freshman and a freshman in high school with hubby #1. I married Mike and have a 5 year old and four year old boys with him. Yes, I did the baby thing all over again at age 40!! You see, this husband likes me and actually comes home, unlike the first one. Mike is a keeper and I haven’t wanted a smoke since. Martini’s and any another type of booze and caffeine are another story ALTOGETHER! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. So glad I found you and your blog last weekend during a mommy melt-down.
Jeanne,
Thank you for sharing your very own Mike love story here with me. So glad you finally found a keeper.
And I know there is a HUGE North vs. South Jersey difference! I grew up in Paramus … land of the malls!
And good luck with the do-over. Sounds like this time around you have a much more attentive and helpful father for your kids!
Linda
Oh, yay! I love ALL y’all! (as we say in the south. Even though I’m from Buffalo.)
Glad you quit the cigs – wouldn’t want you to start sounding like Marge Simpson’s sister!!
Mikey and Linny sitting in a tree … you guys are too cute! Happy V-day (to a love liker)!
Kelly
Great blog…So glad to find you. New follower.
that was really cute and i love that he calls you, “Linny”. congrats on quitting and staying smoke-free for a year!!
Congrats on being smoke free for a year. I quit a year and a half ago and it was probably one of the hardest things I ever did. But thanks to Chantix each day got easier and easier :). Keep up the good work!
that is so AWESOME!!!! and the story couldn’t be sweeter! (hugs)
Congrats. That is great news. And your card couldn’t be any cuter. Happy belated Valentine’s Day. Thanks for sharing, liz