Taking Time Off

Hey, everyone! Just like the previous weeks, I've been pretty preoccupied with my upcoming project. Pre-op requirements, meeting with suppliers, coming up with a good menu and doing our sales and marketing kit. Still have not started staff pooling, maybe this coming week. Not really decided on the compensation package yet, which is very important to my future employees. So much work to do, so little time. Target opening date is third week of April. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to move it to a later date if things aren't ready by then.


I've decided to take a breather for awhile. Spend some time with the hubby and our cuddle pup...and maybe harass some contractors a bit (home construction). And get some decent sleep. I haven't been getting my nine hours lately. So much ideas for the business and excitement, I guess. By the way, I am very happy to announce that we now have Internet connection at the townhouse. Finally decided to have it activated, for business (and pleasure), of course. I'm home now having some quiet alone time, the daughter's taking siesta upstairs and I'm waiting for the husband to finish with his "pogi" barber's appointment. Then we are off to Alabang Home Depot and Wilcon to get more construction stuff. When house construction's over, it is gonna be a long while before I set foot on one of those home improvement establishments again.

Going Cold Turkey

Few years back, I was in Malaysia on a business trip. I did not really get much "pasalubong", just two pairs of sunglasses for my cuddle pup; some chocolates and souvenir items for the hubby and my home buddies. While waiting at Kuala Lumpur's cool airport though, I happened to pass by a drugstore and saw some Nicorettes. Without really thinking about it I had my seldom-used (often-used now) card swiped for a USD150.00 bill. I got some patches and gum, for first and second stage Nicotine withdrawal, and excitedly boarded the plane home.


My Mom's been a smoker for most of her life. Her love for that cancer stick is something a non-smoker like myself will never comprehend. I tried smoking in High School and College (some of my pals then were smokers too). Every time I'd try, I would get dizzy half-way through a single stick. All I got were coughing spells, headache and stinky hair. So much for trying to be an "active" smoker.


The Nicorette set I got was for her. This was like 3 years ago. She tried... and she tried in vain. Leftover Nicorettes are now expired. I was surprised when the hubby mentioned to me, around two weeks back, that mommy told him she finally decided to quit smoking effective March 1, 2009. My good husband promised to treat her to a nice Japanese lunch twice a month, if she's successful in her resolve. Mommy confirmed that she's actually going to bid her precious (think Smeagol/Gollum) adieu. It's the first time ever I heard her make that kind of statement. She is now on the 5th day of her supposed "Marlboro-free" life. She was (fingers crossed) a heavy smoker, consuming one to two packs a day. It must be a very difficult stage for her. She's been extra cranky the past days. I guess withdrawal from any kind of addiction is like being on an emotional roller coaster ride...it can cause depression and even insomia. You can find helpful articles on smoking at http://quitsmoking.about.com.


Withdrawal from any addiction is tough. One can get help from physicians and/or community support groups. My two cents, for non-drug-related-not-so-serious addiction, going cold turkey is the best route to take. With strong willpower and some encouragement from loved ones and friends, you can kiss unhealthy habits goodbye!

photo from www.geckoandfly.com