Whatever Gets You Through the Day

An apology to those of you who read "for the dogs". The dogs aren't going anywhere, but in 2010 they will be joined by a host of other images as part of Project 365. Today's pic is entitled Whatever Gets You Through the Day and is an homage to nicotine gum.

I started smoking in 1984 and quit in August 2006. Because I fell in love. I haven't smoked since then (except in dreams, which always leave me in utter panic upon waking). For the first six months of being quit, I was miserable. I craved nicotine constantly, a physical and mental longing that occupied far too many of my thoughts. Then my officemate introduced me to my new love, nicotine gum. I like it straight up - uncoated and unflavored. I don't need any mint getting in the way of my little nicotine rush.

Lucky for me, my heart's in excellent shape, so I continue to chew the gum with my doctor's blessing. And what a blessing it is. When the world feels like just too much, I lovingly unwrap a little piece from its foil package and pop it in my mouth. Instant soothing.

What do you do to get through the day?