nineiron, relax. There are some folks on the board who have no sense of humor. I found it funny, and I am neither cruel nor humor-impaired (I thought the White Sox comment was hilarious). Your friends must be the same people who came into my hospital room after I had my tonsils taken out and ate Doritos & drank orange juice in front of me. I quit smoking on Thanksgiving day in 1992, never had another since, after smoking 2+ packs a day. My friends found humor in my struggle, and it helped me relieve the tension.
Rob- how are you doing? Let us know.
PS- I agree with Stoidela (whoa, isn’t there a pit thread about agreeing with Stoidela? ) about the patch & the gum. Just get it over with and you’ll be ok.
I feel for ya, bro’. Take heart – it does get easier. Faster than you think.
One thing that helped me: back in the olden days there was less sympathy for those trying to throw away the cancer sticks, especially among teh grunts I was stationed with. For a while, my “buddies” would take pleaseure in offering me a nail, dropping their pck down in front of me, etc. After a few iterations of this, I decided upon the strategy of uncompromising destruction. Yes, thank you. Rip cigarette to shreds. Is that for me? Demolish pack with great relish
Not only did it deter annoying GIs, it was a reat relief for tension and frustration. Later, when I would feel a strong urge, I would buy a pack on my own and purposefully destroy it. Hey – it worked for me. shrug
Hey nineiron, sorry I jumped on your case. I really didn’t mind the joke (my first post after that was really teasing) but the “I was just making a joke” statement pushes the wrong buttons on me. So if we ever meet at a dopefest you can spank me!
rob- glad to hear you made another day! I’m still behind you!
I only have a short time today, as I am off to my friends for another round of hypnotherapy.
Speaking of that, I had my first hour session last night and it went well. After some initial misgivings (you know that whole cluck like a chicken while hypnotized) I finally relaxed and went under.
I awoke in what seemed like moments later, but was just over an hour that had past. I felt relaxed and calm. I didn’t want a smoke which was great. I felt free, then I went to bed.
Upon waking today the cravings came back with a vengence. Worse than yesterday. It took me twenty minutes to get out of bed due to the pain in my chest… I almost ran to the store. My wife was there, and I yelled at her and threw my new book (John Grishoms newest) at her.
I feel horrible. I wept as I apologized, and she understood and forgave me, but I still can’t get over the fact that she would much rather have me happy and smoking that pissed off like this.
Hang in there, guy. Your wife is having a hard time now, which I personally have experienced, too. My hubby has tried to quit several times and sometimes it makes him a BEAR (to use a word that is acceptable in this forum.) Just remind her that you are doing this for her benefit, too, so that you can grow old together! I’m sure the book thing really hurt her, though. for both of you. I’ve never smoked, but like I said, been there, done that with hubby. I know it isn’t easy for either of you. But we all want to be here for you, so use us for support, sounding board, or just a place to bitch about how hard it is and how crappy you feel! Email me, rant and rave, whatever it takes. Want my phone number? I’ll give you that, too, if you email me for it. (Can even find a way around the long distance charges, too! )
As you already know I strongly disagree with Stoid about the patch/gum/whatever. They do work for a lot of people. Of course, you have to use them as directed.
This is the longest I’ve been without a smoke in two years … it feels great. You’ll get there soon as well.
for both of you. I’ve never smoked, but like I said, been there, done that with hubby. I know it isn’t easy for either of you. But we all want to be here for you, so use us for support, sounding board, or just a place to bitch about how hard it is and how crappy you feel! Email me, rant and rave, whatever it takes. Want my phone number? I’ll give you that, too, if you email me for it. (Can even find a way around the long distance charges, too! 
)