My English Cocker Spaniel, Shadow, does not like the vacuum cleaner. She's NOT one of those dogs that barks at it or tries to chase it around. When she sees us go towards the closet with the vacuum in it she immediately runs in the bedroom, jumps on the bed and makes sure she is way up top on our pillows so she can watch 'that thing' and make sure it doesn't suck her up.
What was worse than the vacuum? Second Hand smoke. We just made our Second Anniversary mark on the 13th January...the day we quit smoking. I was a 30 year + smoker (except three years I quit when I had my two children) and my dad passed away from lung cancer Feb. 25, 2004. It took both of us to do it together (it is almost impossible to quit when the other is still smoking) and we did. No cheating, no puff here and puff there. Just 10 extra pounds and clean lungs.
Yup. Shadow is smoke free now too.
Note: Zyban, Commit lozenges and a determination to quit.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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Wow congratulations on two years smoke free. My first dog would bark at smoke. Good thing when we had two fires accidently one on the stove and one on the gas grill. He let me know about both. He would occasionally bark at my husbands (now ex) cigarette smoke. He did not like vacuums, he would bark at the vacuum. The dog not the husband.
Good for you! And good for Shadow, too! You are both soooo much healthier! :)
my husband has recently stopped smoking and it has not been easy for either of us. his mood swings had been unbearable in the beginning, how did you two keep from knocking the others head off?
cravings have been the worst for him, nicotine is the devil!!!
It's the only way to go. I was a 3 pack a day gal. Been clean now for 22 years. Amazing how I don't pick up 'colds' anymore. I often think of how much money we have saved.
Congrats Sally I quit 20 years ago and I know what you mean my then boyfriend was not a smoker so it made it easier. Cold Turkey is the best way. Have a happy smoke free day!
Congratulations to you, your husband and to Shadow!! My dad quit cold turkey when I was little, but he smoked for over 35 years. So I know it wasn't easy, but it sure is worth it!!
Sally,
Congrats on giving up the smokes...and look at all the money you saved!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Good for you! My dad quit last year after smoking for 30 years and having a heart attack at age 51 yrs old.
Maureen: You sure he wasn't barking? LOL...My dog is territorial when someone comes to the door...but lightening and thunder, vacuums and slamming doors will get her under my desk and sitting on top of my feet LOL.
Kelly: We all are!
Benita: The Zyban pill helps with the MIND stuff...the Commit lozenges helped with the craving. It's the mind stuff that is really harsh. You talk about the routines and rituals that we still expect....hopping in the car and looking for one...commercial time and jumping up thinking we're going outside to smoke....after dinner. Yup...needed both. Patches and all that other stuff didn't work before....Oh...and the determination has to be strong as well. Good luck!
Joan: I know...it's weird...I get an inkling of a cold but never full blown anymore.
Paddy: Cold turkey and the help of lozenges and zyban was what did the trick....along with the mind set that 'it was time'.
Jim/Maria: It was worth it! We save over 3k a year ...and don't hack anymore.
Fran: Yup...3k a year (don't know how much they are now...must be more!)
Lauren: I'm happy he did...sometimes it takes something to give one 'incentive'. I just turned 51 and hoping I will continue to have a good life. Working on excercise and stuff now.
Hi Sally:
Congrats! Keep up the good work.
My dog hated the vacuum also...she use to grab it when I tried to vacuum...
Sally, Congratulations, what a hard habit to quit and you did it--both of you! I was curious what you used if anything so was glad that you added it. Poor Shardow, vacuuming is not my dogs favoirite thing either, though they are not quite as frightened as he is.
All right Sally!! Good for you. It is not easy. I started smoking when I was 12 (I know! :-b) and quit 40 years ago, yet there are times when just for a second I feel a hint of craving. When it happens I am always taken by surprise because I can't stand to be around smoke or smoking people any more because it irritates my sinuses and gives me a headache. That tells me what a strong addiction smoking can be!
Sally I quit smoking 35 years ago, and to this day there are still times that I still feel like having one.
By the way I am with Shadow on the vacuum cleaner :)
Very cute dog and wonderful news about you being smoke free! Good for you Sally!
Oh My Sally, look how your Shadow is staring so intently at that vacuum cleaner, so cute !
Congratulations on your smoke-free lives! Both of my parents smoked and it was difficult to watch them suffer the consequences of it.
Congratulations to both of you for making a decision to quit and sticking with it! My twins can relate to your dog. Whenever they see us going for the vacuum, they get the "deer caught in the headlights" look on their faces and start looking back and forth at each other and the vacuum. Probably trying to decide what to do since they can't get away fast enough!
~Renae
Congrats on another year of smoke free! I'm sure your dog appreciates it, unlike the vacuum!
Kathy
Toula: Hahah...my dog grabs my husbands leg when he tries to get in the shower...been an ongoing thing since she was a puppy.....almost 4.5 years ago
Carole: Believe me...we tried everything before..the patch gave me charlie horses....the lozenge alone did nothing...but all together with a husband willing..and me determined...did it!
Susan: They say smokers who quit are really sensitive to smoke moreso than ones who never smoked. I can smell it on peoples clothes from a few feet away. It is a wonderful reminder though.
George: I've heard of people still wanting one....it's been quite awhile. I guess I was just ready. I don't have that feeling but I sure love a good ice cream sundae lol. Yes...I've gained about 10 pounds....since quitting. Try to get it off but it doesn't stay off.
Susan: I like my life not smelling lol.
Cynthia: She's keeping watch lol.
Joddie: Yup....I know what you mean.
Renae: LOL...that's funny. My son used to love to vacuum....even when it wasn't on.
Kathy: That's for sure!
Celeste: Two years smoke free...that's awesome. My Mom is struggling with this as we speak. After watching my Dad die of lung cancer you'd think she'd be more motivated to quite, but those little things are the devil. Congrats on your achievement.
Sally- Ahh Shadow looks so cute watching you work, smoke-free :) Congratulations my friend, I know how hard it is.....I have finished my 1st year :)
Chris: I know it's hard...took me 3 years after my pop passed away. Good luck with mom!
Kathy: Woohoo! Look at us now!
Sally- that is fantastic news!!! I am an occasional smoker - if I am out having a drink, I may have a cigarette IF the group I am with is smoking - if not, I don't really miss it - guess that I am lucky there!!!
Sally, Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary. It has been about 23 years for me. Since you've quit, don't you find yourself being the worst critic of smokers? Funny how that happens.
Sally, great picture and great job on quiting.I've been 3 years now and have noticed our 11 year old terrier doesn't sneeze near as much
Greg