I started smoking when I was 16. I did it on and off during my college years and finally quit when I got married. Then after separation I started again and two months later I decided I wasn’t going to kill myself on top of it all. So 2005 was a smoke-free year, but when I moved in to this apartment in January this year I fell into the bad habit again. It’s gotten worse as time goes by and yesterday I scared the heck out of myself when I realized I passed a whole pack in less than 24 hours. That’s when I said “C’est assez!” — Enough.

Today I decided I’m going to stop this madness and forget about cigarettes. Every time I’ve tried to quit before I always end up at the convenience two days later, but this time… this time it won’t happen. I quit! I washed the ashtrays which smelled like tar (tar! something I keep telling people to protect themselves from at the plant where I work as an industrial hygiene technician) and put them away. Then I went to the grocery store and treated myself with a bag of Sun Chips and some cheese curds, hah!

Some bitchy days ahead and lots of glasses of water to drink, but it’s got to be done! Now, where’s the chocolate?

My roomie moved out this weekend. A very nice guy I shared my life with for 6 months, a person who became a very good friend and someone who made me see that no matter how hard life gets sometimes, there’s always room for laughter and folies. Someone who kept reminding me to believe in myself and that I have people in my life to help me walk the way when I lose hope. — I’m glad I took the time to tell him “Je t’aime” often, but have I really told him how grateful I am for all the things he did for me? I guess I have to do that before he leaves for the other side of Canada.

Hey Manitoba, if you’re reading this… I’m SO going to miss you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! I know I’ve been kinda idle for the last two months with work and what not, but you’ll always have a special place in my heart. You were there for me when I thought I was alone, you became my family. You’re going to do great, you have an amazing personality and a kind heart. I like your sense of spirit and how you always think of others first (but remember you have to think of yourself too!). Now you’re closing a chapter in your life and starting a new one and I only wish wonderful things for you because you deserve them! God bless you.