Failure

We have failed in our efforts to help Aunt Ava quit smoking. Last night, while we were working on school work, she sneaked out and bought cigarettes. We were so engrossed in Katrina's assignment, we didn't even notice our aunt had gone.

She was doing so well.

We need to re-think our game plan. Our family is coming in this weekend to participate in a celebration for our Grannye who died in February. Maybe together, we can come up with a few ideas.

Wish us luck.

Operation Smoke Free, Day Four

Another long day on the smoke-free front. My Aunt admitted to smoking once per day each day we've been here while she took the dog out for a walk. But, she got an eCig today, and it seems to be helping her a great deal with her cravings.

I did not write my poem today. I did get a good run in (8 minute miles, yay!) and I wrote 1,407 words on the novel. I'm closing in on my goals on both fronts: Three more running sessions to go to make the 12 I need. I'm about 6,000 words or roughly one week away from making the 72,000 word goal I set when I started writing this novel in December.

That's good news.

I'm behind on poetry, but I feel confident that I can catch up.

Just not tonight.

Never start...

If anyone ever had a need for reasons why they should never start smoking, let me tell you this: withdrawal from nicotine sucks. My Aunt Ava has been irritable, nauseated, itchy, angry, and dizzy all day. Normally, this is the kindest and most gentle soul. Today, however, she told us all to "Shut up and go to hell." This is just day two.

I mean, look at her.

She's hilarious. I hate to see her going through this.

We are exhausted. We followed her around all day. Hopefully she will feel better tomorrow.

Commitment

For the next two weeks, we will be moving in with our Aunt Ava in an effort to help her quit smoking.

This is our Aunt Ava:

We love her a lot. We want her to be with us for a really long time. She says she feels cigarettes are impairing her ability to live her life, so her idea is that if we are there with her through this process, she will be more likely to quit for good.

Katrina and I will do our best to keep her occupied. We are going to take walks, play games, gorge ourselves on TLC shows, give ourselves mani/pedis, clean out closets and flower beds, and watch American Idol. But our family tells us that we have to be constantly vigilant. Ava is known for being the most addictive personality in a family of highly addictive personalities. She will be like a ninja, they say, so we must always be on our guard. Luckily, Katrina has the night shift due to her nocturnal habits, and I have the day. I hope we have her covered.

I'll be posting poetry and updates from her house for a while as we commit to Operation Smoke Free. I'm working on a more clever name. If anyone has experience with helping others quit smoking, or if you've quit smoking yourself (rock on!) leave any tips you might have in the comment section.

Thanks!