Quitter!

I used to smoke. I am not ashamed of it but I am neither proud.
I started in college and went on until my Yuppie days. I am not a chronic smoker though. I can last a week without a single puff but there were days that I can finish a whole pack.
I know that nicotine is an addictive substance but I'm glad that I did not get hooked to it.
I decided to get a cold turkey in September 2006. Heath reasons.
I was having palpitations. Chill out for me then was a good chat with friends over venti size coffee and lots of cigs.
Until one early morning, while waiting for a cab, I passed out. My heart was pounding as if it wanted to get out of my chest. I still remember that I told Ian then that I felt dizzy. Next thing i know, I was clinging to him on the sidewalk.
Not a nice scene to see. The first thought that came into my mind when I aroused....my purse, sitting on the dirty pavement. Of course I did not verbalize it for I might suffer from whiplash effect if Ian smacked me in the head with my purse. LOL.
The following day, I had to submit myself for an EKG and the attending noted some dysrrythmias. He asked for a cardio consult and the cardiologist got an ultrasound of my heart. I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse with regurgitation. Now I am on Inderal forever.
Although there's no direct relationship between smoking and mvp, I just decided to quit smoking. For a fact, as a nurse, I know that nicotine is a health hazard.
Ian and I were chatting earlier. He said he wants to quit smoking too because his lips are getting darker. Okay so I did not argue. As long as he quits, I'm fine with it.
He was asking if he would go cold turkey like me or he'll quit gradually. He said he wants the former.
So good luck Ian.

Harry Puffer

Please click HERE for my Thankful Thurday entry

Daniel Radcliffe who’s known for his portrayal of Harry Potter has been baptized with a new name Harry Puffer. His co-actors in the latest installment of Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince are quite alarmed with the seem to be chronic smoking habit of this 18-year old lad.
In between takes, he’s reported to be puffing cigarettes and he consumes about 20 sticks a day.
Yay, we all know that this addictive habit could cause serious health problems like asthma, COPD, heart problems and cancer.
Hope he realizes that before it’s too late. You just have to focus on the ill effects and it can be cold turkey. Trust me, been there, done that.
Speaking of cancer, Dame Maggie Smith who plays Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter movies has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The two-time Oscar award winning actress does not want to make a fuss about her serious health condition and chose to move on with her life and attend the shooting of the latest HP installment.

Please click on the photos for their sources