To Quit Smoking is One of the Most Difficult Things to Do
One of our more successful strategies in keeping Maribel from smoking is keeping her busy. Currently, she is smoking 1 to 3 cigarettes a day. Way down from nearly two packs, just two months ago. This is how we do it. . .

So much writing – we’ve run out of ink!

No more cig count – reduces being reminded…
. . . the white board. Maribel studies it. She sits in front of it and is constantly reading down the list of daily activities. It works. The days she doesn’t work at Home Depot are long. From 7am to about 9pm is work for us. For Maribel, this simple strategy works.
Woody Time
Her favorite time of the day comes just after a hearty breakfast prepared by Woody. That’s right! The time she looks forward to every day is 10am~Woody Time!
Something about Woody Time that brings out the best in Maribel. Whether it’s our morning walk with Woody playing with his freakish hair or the daily Woody hose down, Maribel just can’t get enough of Woody Time.
There are days where 30 minutes of Woody Time just is not enough. She will voluntarily hold the rake an additional 30 minutes just to be with Woody. There is not a day that goes by that Maribel looks over the white board for her 10am activity with her energetic enthusiasm.
Not sure if it is Woody’s charm, warm personality, sense of humor, or hard work. Just ask Maribel if Woody Time is her favorite time of day….

dork
Her most likely response, “Who’s Woody?”
too funny. Is that hose down Woody’s shower time? You know how people are attracted to Woody!
It’s the pre-shower… removing grass, dirt and debris, so I’m allowed in the house.
No surprise there — Woody has always been good with kids and dogs, so this just kinda makes sense. (But is there a freudian slip here with “desert” — are you ready to leave? Wouldn’t blame you. You are doing a wonderful thing.)
Bounce a basketball as you walk Woody. Bounce it to Maribel. Dribbling improves memory… Love you man
Thanks Stip, Cleaver idea. Hand eye coordination makes sense. We’ll give it a try. Big man hug
Looking forward to Girls Weekend here. Carli, Sarah, and Emily are on their way. Maribel will be included.
That white board is Hali’s work… you may be right!
Dang it! Desert and Dessert – why don’t we pronounce them the way they’re spelled!!!??