I should have written last week because the problem with waiting to write is that you forget what you really felt like at the time. So here is my vague summary of last week. Heck week is over and it wasn’t too bad at all – at least compared to the previous week. The long-playing record in my head that bemoans not having a cigarette slowed down a bit – it is still there mind you but I have noticed that I can do some things and not think about a cigarette for short periods of time. Lunchtime remains a very tough time for me – the craving starts around 10.30am and goes on until about 2pm.
The workshop I did on Book Arts with Kerri McAleer-Keeler at the
Corcoran College of Art & Design in DC was great. I learned a lot and Kerri is a delight to have as a teacher. I did fine at the class but once or twice I did have to question taking this particular class at this time because book arts were so precise (cutting to exact measurements, perfect squares, tidy edges, no glue showing)… I could go on…. but you get the picture. And then there is me…. just one week off the ciggies, still foggy headed, irritable and trying to get to a point where my deep breathing doesn’t sound like a bull ready to attack! But I can clap myself on the back and say I didn’t lose my temper once (I normally do when I am doing work that requires precision – I LIKE perfection).
As my two week, smoke-free anniversary approached I was in great form. I was very proud of myself, happy with myself and felt that I could achieve anything. I still have that feeling and hope it continues. (I actually worry that this feeling will disappear- but I must only think positive!). I even went to a party on Saturday where nearly everyone smoked. It was quite bizarre because most of my friends are non-smokers and I normally slink away to have a cigarette. My goodness – if I was smoking I would have had a great time – cigarettes unrestricted! As it was I was neither drinking or smoking so I settled for a nice time and didn’t go to grab anyone’s cigarettes out of their hands – but oh they did look good sometimes.
I didn’t get to play tennis in the mornings until Saturday again and I want to boast that I played for just under 1&3/4hrs on Sunday – I can’t believe it – 2 weeks ago I would have been puffing and panting after 20 minutes and now that it just warm up time. It is also so enjoyable too.
Note of thanks:
Thanks to Lenny Campello, DCArtNews who graciously posted some information about my blog on his. Many thanks!