posted on February 26, 2001 11:39:31 PMMybid and Rocker, I can not tell you
how many times in the past I have had to go
down the road in the middle of the night just for smokes.
Pretty pathetic hey!! But that is the life of a smoker. Just a bit like I would imagine a drinker is like. It is an addiction whether we like to admit it or not.
I am still not totally reformed, I may not be smoking but I know I could fall in a heap at anytime. I am still trying to stay on track. At least I do not think about them all the time like I used too.
You guys' are all doing so well, and I really am proud of you all.
This is not going to be an easy road for any of you to take. It will seem as if it is an endless journey, and some days will really test you. These are the days that you have to do anything you can to take your mind off smoking. Sleep if you can, at least you don't think about them when you are asleep.
Read, jog, sing, dance, or whatever you can think of, I made gallons of vegetable soup. LOL I am not kidding about that either. My family ate very well in the early days of me giving up smoking.
My husband drove me crazy, he cleaned the house over and over again. Never let a man clean your house. LOL
Keep up the good work everyone who is aim to give up smoking, I am with you all the way. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}
[ edited by nettak on Feb 26, 2001 11:42 PM ]
posted on February 27, 2001 06:02:27 AM
Good Morning All!
rocker
I'm on plan to be smoke free as of 12:01am on 3-1-01 (but I would appreciate keeping this thread open just in case!) If I don't make it, I will not post on your new thread ~ I respect those Non-smoking zones when I can!
still gonna love us when we're all cranky irritable grumps in the first few days of March??
HAH! I've been a grump all month!
LOL on the late night dash to the gas station! ready for true confessions? I cant leave the kids in the house alone in the middle of the night so, ummm, (forget dumpster diving, this is worse), I have, on ocsasion, scrounged the ashtray in the garage to refire up a butt. oooh, nasty. True addiction, I guess!
hey, rocker, "cancer sticks"? I'm surprised ~ I thought you'd be calling them nails (as in, another nail in my coffin)teehee!
Best of luck ~ we're almost there!
xoxox
chepi*
posted on February 27, 2001 06:30:43 AMchepistar: Please; don't worry if you find yourself unable to quit completely, continue to post to the new thread. None of us know for certain that this will be the time we actually quit for good. What matters is that we keep the desire to quit strong. Let's make a pact that there will be no shame in "slipping". That this will be a positive and encouraging thread. That everyone is invited to join in as a participant, a cheer leader, or as a lurker who wants to quit but doesn't wish to declare themselves. I'm buying what I hope will be my last pack of cigarettes today. If they run out tomorrow at 3 in the afternoon, I'll just go to bed for the night.
posted on February 27, 2001 07:32:38 AM
okay, bootsnana, I'll go for that pact!
ummm, I could use some support right now. I just got an unwarranted doulbe neg on my feedback. I can't leave my computer cuz I don't smoke inside and I want to go out and smoke a whole blinkin' pack. anybody out there? help!
thanks
posted on February 27, 2001 08:35:20 AMchepistar: Sorry I wasn't here when you first posted that call for help. If you're still having difficulty, try deep breathing with your eyes shut for calming. Also, always have a large glass of ice water handy to drink when the craving hits. I hope that you're already past the bad stage now. You're not alone.
posted on February 27, 2001 08:40:35 AM
thanks, bootsnana. I made it through with only one "nail" but I haven't been able to go to the Post Office yet ~ I'll chain smoke in the car! I still need to calm down a bit!
Thanks for being there, sweetie! You are so good to me .
xoxoxox
posted on February 27, 2001 09:13:02 AM
Wow! Chepistar - I hate to hear about the negs. People can be such jerks sometimes. I'm sorry I wasn't here to see your post.
Where was I? Off buying a pack of cigs of course. ARGGGGHHHH! See what they do to us! Hell, I even went out in a storm to get them... we're slaves I tell ya, we're slaves!!!
Not long ago my teenager told me that she can always tell when I'm really angry. She says I always grab a cigarette when I'm mad. It's like we've been programmed that a cigarette can really help. I ask myself all the time - how is it logical for me to believe that inhaling poison can help my "nerves." Whoahhh! Intense self-programming AND programming by the tobacco industry, huh? Of course they want us to believe that cigarettes are comforting... wow, even a friend in a time of need. Don't get me started!
I hope my pep talk helps - Quitting smoking is a minute by minute thing and we've got a lot of baaaad learned reactions to overcome. But,his is a challenge you can win. Hugs and hang in there!
posted on February 27, 2001 09:19:20 AM
You always seem to help, mybid, thanks!
I am unfortuanately, unable to leave my computer and go to the Post Office. I refuse to smoke because of this yutz! I wish it would storm here ~ I don't mind driving in the rain. I only smoke with the windows open so I'll be fine to go visit "Postal Paul" and take care of my shipping if a storm rolls in!
God I feel like a nut cake! How many people have been smoking for 20 years can't stand the smell of smoke? sheesh! How ridiculous is this #$%&! addiction!
posted on February 27, 2001 09:28:58 AMchepistar: I just saw your venting thread. Hope it helped.
mybiddness: I was also out buying that last pack of smokes.
Someone told me that I have to claim responsibility for my smoking. Just because I'm surrounded by jerks, it is still my decision to light up that cigarette.
In a few months I'll have healthier lungs again but they'll still be jerks! Let it go.
posted on February 27, 2001 09:44:13 AMIn a few months I'll have healthier lungs again but they'll still be jerks! Let it go. Great Point Bootsnana I'm going to try to remember that!
Chepistar We can all relate to the dumb smoking stuff. Someone mentioned earlier in the thread about poking through ash trays for cigs. (raising my hand - yes, I've done that one too) It's odd that for several days now I haven't enjoyed the taste of a cigarette - I guess that's the Zyban. But, I've got til March 01st - so I'm hanging onto every last minute. BLAHHHH!
The oddest thing happened a few minutes ago. I heard a noise coming from the kitchen and then my remote phone (sitting next to me) started making the paging sound. That can only be done by pushing a button on the base in the kitchen. So, since I'm alone here today I'm thinkin - oh, my God - there's a burglar in my kitchen.
It took me a minute of panic to stop and think about that... LOL - HELLO! Why would a burglar be paging me. LOL
So, I got brave and went to check... It was my cat. (cat-burglar???)
posted on February 27, 2001 09:45:47 AM
ah, yes, the venting helped. If I go outside and scream the neighbors will call the cops (and I'll light up! teehee!)
I really need to go to the Post Office. I have one more hour to get over this before the kids get home!
posted on February 27, 2001 09:49:32 AM
ROFL mybid!!
again I didn't make it to the loo!
Can't you give me a warning before you do that?!?! Don't forget I've been glued to my computer for three hours and I've had two LARGE coffees!
I wonder if they sell depends at the Post Office???
(ps I was the nasty ashtray picker)
posted on February 27, 2001 11:04:55 AM
ROF LMAO MyBidness Re: CAT BURGLER Oh my god that was so funny. "Why would a burgler be paging me?" ROF!! I can totally relate. My cat Moo knows how to stand on my answering machine buttons to get it to play messages. One of his many tricks to wake me when he's hungry.
Chepi - DITTO on EVERYTHING Bootsnana said - PLEASE be on the new thread, it is NOT a thread to exclude anyone, we are all in this together. As Boots said it's about the DESIRE to quit smoking. (NOT about doing it perfectly.) Just like a 12 step program if anyone is familiar with that.
I am hoping Nettak and Enchanted and everyone will still be there to cheer us on. And NO SHAMING - Bootsnana right on -here is something I learned too:
Let's say you slip and have one or two - it is our ADDICTION which will tell us "YOU BLEW IT" - did we really blow it? OF COURSE NOT!!! If you have been smoking 10 - 20 - whatever years, a pack or two packs a day, isn't ONE or TWO cigs still an amazing accomplishment? OUR ADDICTION will tell us YOU BLEW IT so that we now have an EXCUSE to go back to our OLD smoking habit!!! Addictions are very tricky - really play games with our minds. I know this cos this is how I "blew it" last time. I had three or four cigs, and told myself "OH I blew it anyway, screw it." Of course I was happy to run right back to smoking my pack. My addiction was sitting there with an evil grin, getting his evil way.
Nettak - I slept like the first days I quit last time. LOL! It was the only way I could deal with the withdrawal! Hey WHATEVER WORKS!!
We must be extra good to ourselves, treat ourselves as though we are taking care of a bad cold or sickness and ask everyone around us for extra TLC.
posted on February 27, 2001 11:10:20 AM
I need to be corny for just a second...
You are all so wonderfully supportive. Wherever I go and whatever I face in this world, I want you on my team! thank you!!!
(and now back to our regularly scheduled program)
posted on February 27, 2001 05:28:50 PMYAAAAAAAAAH TEAM!!!!!!!!
Talk about motivation. You guys' all are so great for each other. I wish I had of had others to lean on when I stopped.
I agree with you on the NO SHAME thing, if anyone gives up for a few days and then slips back, so what. Think of it like this, your lungs had a couple of days break. You can then pick yourself up and start again if you want to, if not that is your choice.
Chepi Feel better real soon. {{{{hugs}}}}
Mybid, haven't you learned yet that our kids' have a built in radar, and they know that you are enjoying a bit of R&R and that can not be allowed.
Rocker, Boots and everyone else, we will give as much support as you need or want. {{{{Hugs}}}}
posted on February 27, 2001 09:01:07 PM
maybe it's all the talking I've been doing about smoking and cigarettes or just normal stress I don't know...
but I want a cigarette so BAD tonight
I dont' even have any chocolate around so I can't sublimate the urge to chocolate either.
CRAVING. it still hits me sometimes. I always have a pack of cigs around too. i saw them in the drawer today.
I hope this passes.
I had a Lifesavers lollipop in the fridge too and I went and got it when i was craving .. don't ya know I dropped it under the stove and I'm not moving the stove to get it! Grrr.
posted on February 27, 2001 09:09:00 PM
I'm here for you, Sweetie! It will pass, I promise. We'll get through this!
I've got four nails (for the coffin) left and then I'm done. I'm not buying anymore. We're down to the last 24 hours. We can kick this stinky habit! Go brush your teeth and come back!
posted on February 27, 2001 09:51:43 PM
if brushing your teeth doesn't help, it's time to go to bed! C'mon and hang in there ~ 24 hours and then no more! Who needs that nasty stuff? Wash your face and you'll smell fresh and clean! (smooooch!) You're yummy! Sweet dreams! See ya in the AM!
posted on February 27, 2001 09:55:26 PMrocker:
thanks for the hug up there!
We sure make a great team ~ let's go undefeated, okay? You guys are the best quitting buddies this stinker could have! If you slip I'll be here to catch you!
xoxox
posted on February 28, 2001 12:35:55 AM
Hi all! I just thought I'd poke my head in here and say how proud I am of you all! I have been quit (?)(it's late - I think you get what I mean!)(LOL) for just over 2 years now. Both me and the hubby. (I'm so proud of him! He smoked for almost 25 years!) It wasn't too difficult for us, though - after watching my Mom pass of lung cancer. But that's a LONG story - definitely NOT something you want to go through. Anyway, I'm going to confess something. The Hubby was being a pain on Valentines and we got in a BIG fight. I mean he left his wedding ring home, on the desk by the computer, where I was sure to see it. For our 7th anniversary no less. I was SO pissed I went out and bought a pack of my favorite cigs - djarum cloves. (yum) Yep, I smoked one - and I didn't even feel guilty about it, I was so pissed. That's all I had though, and I'm now back on track!
posted on February 28, 2001 07:50:28 AMNettak You are so right about the radar... LOL
Tigerlady It's such a great help to hear from all the non-smokers. Thanks a million for sharing!
I'm feeling so motivated and ready to quit today. I thought I would be in a panic but it's not happening... yet. I have 12 cigarettes left and frankly I'm sure I'll smoke them all. But guess what I realized this a.m.? And, I think this applies to all of us:
1. As of NOW, I'll never have to run out in the middle of the night or in the middle of a storm to buy a pack of cigs again.
2. As of NOW, I'll never give another dime to the tobacco industry.
3. As of NOW, I'll never have to rush out of a "non-smoking" area to light up again.
4. After TODAY, I'll never be embarassed by the after-smell of cigarettes in my house or on me again.
5. After TODAY, My husband won't have to tolerate kissing an ashtray again.
6. After TODAY, I won't ever have to worry about leaving a cigarette burn on anything again.
7. And, after TODAY, No more dirty ashtrays!
What else??? Every time I think about it the list of benefits just gets longer! Cool!
It's so great to see everyone holding each other up... is this a great place or what?
posted on February 28, 2001 07:52:57 AM
10:43AM, the pack has been empty for an hour, not buying any more of those things!!
I need to share this...
My usual routine in the AM:
Drop the kids off at school, pick up two large iced coffees at dunkin donuts, come back to walk the dogs, grab the boxes for the post office, etc.
This morning, SSDD, but...
I left the Post Office and needed to put gas in the car. I did the credit card prepay thing ~ usually while it's filling up, I run in and grab a pack of (cancer) sticks. I went in, grabbed a Tootsie roll, paid for it, and with a big grin, I drove away. I was so proud of myself for not buying butts that I didn't take the friggin nozzle out of the gas tank!
What a mo-ron!
(did you know those things detach?)
posted on February 28, 2001 08:18:53 AM
LOLOLOL chepistar
all that extra oxygen coming to your brain since you've quit could be causing strange behavior
thank you for supporting me last night BTW it worked and I didn't light up
I quit a long time ago but still keep the cigs around and cheat, not good I know but it's been like a security blankie to have them, I'm not proud of it.
posted on February 28, 2001 08:30:03 AMChepistar LOL, That's hysterical! Aren't you so proud that you didn't give in to the cigs though!!!
Enchanted I've known other people that can keep cigs around and not smoke them. I think if I had them around I would "have" to smoke them... you should be proud that you have that kind of restraint.
posted on February 28, 2001 10:42:14 AM
chepistar -- don't feel alone. The hardest I ever laughed in my life was when my mother drove up to the house and still had the gas nozzle hanging out of her car -- and didn't even know it!
congrats to everyone who is quitting! You folks are doing great -- I haven't been able to quit yet, but all these stories are very motivating! I admire you all so much for what you are doing.
My family ate very well in the early days of me giving up smoking.
)
here, there, and everywhere 
