As of this 11 o'clock hour, I have officially gone 24 whole hours without smoking a cigarette. I must admit, it's a somewhat bittersweet moment, as I have no one to share it with (Kate's asleep in Boston, Bob's asleep in Jersey). I'm very proud of myself and admittedly so, very surprised. I'm not known for my willpower, as you have probably picked up at one time or another. I'll really have to think about this....Maryann, a non-smoker. Hmm.

I've been throwing around quitting smoking in my head for awhile now. (Geez, like I need yet another reason to be bitchy and mean.) I have neglected to really mention it to more than just a couple of individuals, as I don't like or feel I need the pressure. This is hard. The funny thing is that I didn't pick this week to quit or anything. I just kinda did without smoking and it has sort of evolved into an effort to stop I guess. Oh, and by the by: if you see me smoking after today, don't judge me. Addictions are hard enough without your judgmental look or voice in my ear. I thank you in advance for your diplomacy. (Besides, chances are you're addicted to something, whether it be porn or sodium or something.)

I've read countless times in women's magazines that you may be more successful at quitting smoking if you do it during the week prior to your period as opposed to any other time during the month. Doesn't that just seem unjust? I am always a moody, darting mess the week before my period. What a great time to NOT have that psychological fixation that seems to make things ok. But wait a minute! Much to your (and my) disbelief, it currently is, in fact, the week prior to my period. And if you'll review with me the facts mentioned at the beginning, it has been 24 hours since my last cigarette. Maybe the articles were right. <---(that's not what my addiction says.)