I'm traveling today to the North Country to do Christmas with my family. I remember how these trips used to be when I was a smoker. If it was just my mom and I we smoked in the car. If it was the whole family - well, you better believe we stopped every hour to smoke. We did this on ANY trip we took, and all it did was extend the time in the car with an annoying little brother and a father I think can't drive. I remember getting to my grandparents, and having to smoke in the garage, feeling like an outcast, because my mother and I were the only smokers in the family. My sarcastic aunt would always have something to say about how I smelled. It usually left me feeling crappy about the holiday, the time spent with family, and I left not wanting to do it again.
I haven't smoked at my grandparents in over a year. I quit in August of 2009, fighting the whole way, but unwilling to continue the habit. It means no more stopping on the road if I drive with my family (which I'm not this year), no more hiding in the garage and feeling ashamed, and now my aunt has to find other things (like my weight) to be nasty about. I'm glad I'm not smoking anymore. Instead of paying 10 bucks a pack, I used that money to buy thoughtful gifts, carefully picked out. I didn't have to worry how I was going to buy gifts and pay bills, and I have money left over. It took this long to really see how much not smoking is saving me, but it is well worth it. I have money to hit after Christmas sales. Or to pre-pay some bills (not likely!). Not smoking has definitely brought some blessings, and I encourage everyone struggling to stop in, tell the GUSsacks about it, and maybe we can help :)
On a final note - my family still drives me to the point of wanting to smoke sometimes.
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