The Great SD SMOKE-OUT Topic - Part 2

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
81

No kidding, small world. I live right off McDonnell Blvd, actually just past 270, where McDonnell Blvd changes names to Howdershell. BTW I went to Hazelwood West.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t one of your posts mention you live in California? Is it the LA area? If so, where? My mom is from Norwalk, and I go out about twice a year to visit my grandfather.

BTW, to get back on the quitting smoking topic, I downloaded that counter. I’ll get it up and running on Saturday, since I won’t be around to do it Sunday.

82

Thanks a lot Grace! I’ll definitely let you know. I’m sure I’ll need all the encouragement I can get. Still planning on starting Zyban ~9th of June and quitting shortly thereafter… (I’m so nervous!) :wink:

83

I have just finished reading the The Great SD SMOKE-OUT Topic - Part 1. After reding it, I have decided, why wait till Sunday? Whether I quit now or quit then, it’s not going to be any easier on me, so why delay?

I have 2 cigarettes left in the pack I currently have in my pocket.

I have NO cigarettes at home.

So I have decided as soon as I smoke these last 2 cigarettes, I’m done. No more smoking for me. I’m going to have to go it alone tonight, but it would be nice to have a sponsor for tomorrow. Anyone care to volunteer?

And since I promised Shayna I wouldn’t smoke on Sunday, I’ll just move that promise up to tonight.

Wish me luck.

84

OK. I am officially an ex-smoker as of 3:30pm CST.

Here’s my counter so far:
9 minutes and 19 seconds. 0 cigarettes not smoked, saving $0.01. Life saved: 0 minutes.

85

Right on BratMan! Go for it! You’re an inspiration to me.

86

I just want to say congratulations to those who have been working hard to beat this habit.

I am posting for the last time (hopefully) as a smoker. My meter says I have 6 hours and 32 minutes left until I quit.

I’ll be a cranky asshole bastard (what’s new!?) for a while, but it will be worth it.

This better be worth it!!

87

More people are joining the party! Congratulations to all of you.

I am also available for sponsorship.

Shayna, one month already! It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?

88

But, I really wanted to [Hijack] for a moment.

Shayna & Brat, my son lives near y’all. What does Mcdonnell Blvd & Howdershell turn into next? He lives further out behind the Walgreens. He grew up in Bridgeton where I lived till I changed wives & moved to Arnold. My aunt lives in Bridgeton and when I worked up there for 5 years, a major customer was in Westport Plaza.

I was up there just before Christmas. Funny running across y’all after being in Texas for 20 some odd years. Y’all are around some of my old stomping grounds. I didn’t go to high school in St. Louis, though.
[/End of Hijack]

Now, all y’all get back to NOT smokin’ or I may come up there and look you in the eye and ask you what happened?

I think y’all are doing great. Everyone that is trying, it’s the only way to succeed.

Jim

89

Dammit.

I haven’t done it yet.

I can’t go in to detail about it here, because this is a thread about quitting smoking, and not about how badly things are sucking right now. That’s why I haven’t quit.

I was so ready to, and I did, in the first thread. I quit for two weeks. Then I went to Chicago, had a great time, started smoking again, came home, and it’s been downhill ever since.

My husband starts counseling with a psychologist tomorrow, and we start as a couple on Saturday. I think I want to get a few sessions under my belt before I quit again. I hope you guys understand.

As for moving, well, I’m about halfway moved. We’re living in our new house, with our furniture and a few things to make us comfortable, but we’ve still got a lot of little junk to move. We’ll be doing that over the next week or so.

I will do this again, I swear it. It’s just a matter of time. It won’t be long, though. My birthday is in about a month. July 2, to be exact. If I don’t do it before then, I swear to the Goddess, I will quit on that day. I mean it.

You guys are wonderful. Keep it up. I will be joining you shortly, I promise I will.

90

The anti-smoking fascists are taking over. Here is your chance to say NO to those knee-jerk liberals who think they know what’s good for us.

WallyM7 Ltd., Manufacturers and Purveyors of Fine Tobacco are pleased to announce the launching of several new products:
You’ve been there, done that and bought the baseball cap. Now take a walk on the wild side. Live on the edge. Make a statement with Cancer Shmancer Kings. Guaranteed to get you where you want to go: The Pearly Gates. Ahead of schedule. Just because.

Pregnant? No problem. Mommy Lites are here! Tell the Surgeon General to leave the mothering to Mom and enjoy the refreshing taste of domestic and imported fine tobaccos, specially blended for those who are not hampered with that silly maternal instinct. You’ve come a long way, baby.

High school can be a drag, and there’s no drag as satisfying as a NicoTeen. Also comes in packs of 3 and 6 for those not able to steal enough from Mom’s purse for a full pack. It’s your attitude. Use it.

Now there’s help for wannabe quitters! No-Quit Extra Lites for those that can’t handle the guilt. Studies have shown that No-Quit’s revolutionary filter may partially filter out a few of the more than 5000 injurious chemicals found in cigarettes. This is you chance to say, "Yeah,I got your heart disease right here!
Grace, email me a description of those dreams post haste. (I wrote “post haste” because I can’t spell “immediately.”) We might get a movie deal out of it. It’ll be a comedy.

Cristi, when you’re ready, we’ll be here for you.

Where’s Jeannie?
Shayna, who loves ya bigger than the montains? I’m going to buy you a rainbow and put it on your finger. After that, I’ll buy you the stars.

Try to gag in unison, people.

91

Hi, everyone! Sorry I haven’t checked in in a while. Been busy with Mr Bear, you know. :wink: Congrats to everyone still not smoking, and to those who will quit! I know you can all do this, and I’m right here to help you through it.

Shayna, you’re the bestest ever! If you can do this, then I can lose the rest of this weight. :slight_smile: {{{{{{{Shayna}}}}}}}

Wally :eek: You took a year off my life! Don’t DO that to me! Too funny though. :smiley:

BratMan, I’m here for you. Would you like me to take Friday? I’ll pester you all day if you need it. Let me know. {{{{{{{BratMan}}}}}}

Demo, that is so awesome! I’ll be pulling for you too!

Where’s everyone else? Who’m I forgetting? Sorry it’s so late at night, I’m too tired to doublecheck.

{{{{{{{{{GroupHugs}}}}}}}}}

92

Are thinking of Shackleford? I think that’s the final incarnation of that road.

Back to the subject:

This is the beginning of the first complete day without cigarettes for me. My counter so far:

17 hours, 7 minutes and 10 seconds. 10 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1.66. Life saved: 50 minutes.

Last night was kinda rough, but I managed to keep myself busy enough not to run out and buy a pack. I rented some movies from Blockbuster, played baseball on my Playstation, drew pictures while I listened to the real baseball game on the radio (Cards lost BTW, DAMMIT!). I managed to go one night, and now, although I do have a craving for a smoke, I don’t really feel that bad. We’ll see how the day goes. I hope I don’t bug everyone here, but I’ll probably post everytime I feel the need to suck down a smokey-treat.

93

Hi, just stopped in to beat my head against the wall.

I really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really NEED A CIGARETTE!!!

What do you think the chances are of me geting fired if I let loose with a primal scream right here, right now at work?

This has to eventually get better right? Of course, I’m sure it gets worse first, doesn’t it.

Here’s my frickin’ counter:
**19 hours, 54 minutes and 3 seconds. 12 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1.93. Life saved: 1 hour, 0 minutes.
**

Wow. I’ve added an extra hour to my life and saved $1.86.
So, logically then, then value of my life is $1.93 an hour. That’s somewhat disconcerting. I thought I was worth more than that.

94

BratMan, that is SO cool that you decided to quit yesterday after reading the first Smoke-Out thread (you didn’t really read all 8 pages, did you? WOW!). I commend you for making one of the toughest decisions you’ll ever have to make in your life, and congratulate you for getting through last night!

This is going to SUCK! I’ll check in here periodically today to see how you’re doing. Promise me you will not smoke today no matter how freaked out you get, ok?

Take us all up on our offers to sponsor you. evilbeth, purplebear, Grace and Arnold have all stepped up to the plate so far. Pick a day for each and let us all know who’s when so we can help cheer you on. I’ll even take another day in addition to today. More, if needed, ok?

Yes, you read that I’m currently in the LA area. I’m in Redondo Beach, probably about 30-40 minutes away from the general Norwalk area. You’ll have to let me know next time you’re coming in town - we’ll try to arrange a SD gathering around your schedule so you can meet a bunch of us. And if we can’t swing the whole group, you and I will meet for lunch or something.

Demo, I’m getting more and more excited about you joining us. You rock, man!

Flyhalf, you are welcome to be a cranky asshole bastard in this topic all you want. That’s what we’re here for. Did you read how I wanted to kick my sweet, precious, innocent kittycat on the 2nd day of my smoke-out from hell? CONGRATULATIONS on quitting. Come post your meter results so we can help cheer you along, too. Do you want sponsors? I’m in line! You can do this, Flyhalf!!

Arnold, I am just thrilled that more and more people keep joining our ranks as non-smokers. I’m still anxious to hear from Auntie Pam and Beeruser, who said they’d be quitting soon, too. I just feel bad that we’ve lost a few as well. I’m wondering how Delta, Bucky& ultress are doing, and what ever happened to Lissa, ChiefCrunch & muffinman. I have confidence that Jeannie, wierddave & Cristi are going to keep battling this until they win. And I know Satan will never pick up a cancer stick again!

And no, I cannot believe it’s been a month now. Some days it still feels like yesterday and other days it seems like I can’t remember ever having been a smoker. And of course now I wonder why the hell I ever did it in the first place. Thank you again for all your love and support!

Jim, what a small world, indeed! I was around 19/20 when you last lived in St. Louis. Wouldn’t that be a trip if we somehow know each other? Thank you, also, for your continued support and encouragement here!

Cristi, honey, do not beat yourself up over this. Remember, I’ve been there/done that a dozen times myself, so I know exactly what you’re going through in not being able to let that crutch go. I hope things get better for you, sweetie. How about a {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{GREAT BIG GIANT HUG}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}, will that help at all?

weirddave, in case you missed my note above, let me apologize for having offered a kiss to a married man as incentive to quit smoking. If I weren’t so embarrassed I’d be laughing my ass off at myself. Ok, so maybe I’m laughing anyway. :D:D:D:D

Like I said to Arnold, I have faith that you are eventually going to kick this thing. Keep checking in with us. Let us know what we can do, if anything, to help, ok? And {{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you, too!

Wally, those ad campaigns are an absolute gut-busting hoot! They are going into the OP of Smoke-Out Part 3! You are truly a gem and I adore you with all my heart. Thank you for my exquisite rainbow. I will wear it with pride!

purplebear, you can definitely lose that weight, girlfriend. I promise to stop in your topic and do some more cheering for you. You’re the best! {{{{{{{pruple}}}}}}}

95

Hey, I lied. It’s tomorrow.

Anyway, I fell off the abstainers wagon last week. As I was climbing back on, I realized the the weekend, with the partys and all, would probobly make me fail again. Rather then do that, I put off quiting 'til this week. Now I Just have to do it. I have decised that midnight is the apropriate time. Here is my reverse counter:

I will quit smoking in 14 hours, 2 minutes and 58 seconds.

Somebody please chime in and sponser me. I AM gonna do this, I am just having a harder time then most. I guess I lack willpower.( Funny, everyone who knows me says I’m stubborn. )
What’s that Reverend Moon? Yes master, I will be right there.

96

BratMan, I KNOW IT FREAKING SUCKS A BIG ONE. ARGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!! I was MISERABLE my first 4 days! You are definitely not alone - remember that, ok?!

Take some deep breaths. One of the things I learned in my stop smoking clinic is that oftentimes smokers who are quitting, believe it or not, forget to breathe! One of the things that makes smoking so relaxing IS THE DEEP BREATHING!! So take a deep breath as though you were inhaling a cigarette. Hold it a few seconds. Blow the air out like you would if it were filled with smoke. Do that several times, each time you have a strong craving.

And buy a bottle of water with a sport top that requires you to suck to get the water out. That’s something you can actually suck on at your desk without having to take a break like you did when you were smoking (I’m assuming there’s no smoking in your office). Then just keep filling it up when it’s empty. I’m telling you, I could not have done it without that pacifier. Try it!

And don’t forget to breathe!!

Dave, I will gladly sponsor you. Starting at midnight tonight, through all day tomorrow and tomorrow night, you have to promise not to smoke for me! Besides a kiss, what can I offer you to make sure you do it this time? Hehehehe

97

Yeah, if it turns you on, I read all 8 pages.

Gee, Shayna, thanks for the encouraging words. And I promise not to smoke all day today. I would like a sponsor for Friday and Saturday before I have to suffer through Sunday and Monday alone sigh
If anyone can for those two days you’ll be my new most bestest friends!!! Evilbeth, purplebear, Grace, Arnold, where are you? Shayna volunteered you guys I’m just wondering who it will be.

[hijack]
Would love to meet Shayna and the other West Coast Dopers next time I get out to LA, although I’m not sure when that will be. I’m gonna be a little short of cash until my medical bills are paid off, but I should be on top of things by the end of this year or early next year.
[/hijack]

98

BratMan, I think we simulposted. Read my message above your last one. BREATHE! LOL

As for the other sponsors, you just have to tell them when you want them to sponsor you, like this, for instance:

Friday - Grace
Saturday - purplebear
Sunday - evilbeth
Monday - Arnold

But read through their posts above because if I recall correctly one of them only had certain days they could do it. I can be a sponsor any day you’d like. I’ll take the days you can’t be on the computer if you want, and let the others sponsor you on days y’all can post to each other. Let us know, ok?

99

OK, Brat, if you like, I will be your sponsor for tomorrow (Friday the 2nd). DO NOT SMOKE for me tomorrow!

In exchange, I am trying to drop five pounds—will you be my “watch what you eat” sponsor for tomorrow?

100

I wasn’t even offered a cup of coffee. Lucky bastard. :stuck_out_tongue:

Hmm, a water bottle huh? That’s gotta be better for my teeth than chewing on this pen all day. Not to mention it wouldn’t make my tongue blue. :smiley:

And thanks for the breathing advice, Shayna, that’s something I never would’ve thought of on my own. What I’ve been doing is instead of going outside for a cigarette, I go outside for a walk around the building.