Well, I’ve avoided checking in on this thread as long as was possible. And I don’t even think I can read through it (I read it on Day One).
But I have come to the realization that now is the time for all good beatles to psych up for going off the nipple. I’m thinking this weekend.
Cold Turkey? Drugs? Cigars? Live fast, die young, leave a good looking corpse?
It’s late at night here, shortly after 11. My husband is gone, my kids are in bed. We just had a thunderstorm cruise by. It’s over now–that’s why I’m here. But for almost three hours, I had the computer off, and nothing to do. Oh, there was a cute Louis Prima movie on (man, that guy totally kicked ass), so I watched it. But all the while I kept thinking, now would be an excellent time to step out on the porch & have a cigarette. A friend of my husband’s stopped by for a minute. He’s jamming with some other friends of his, just down the street, and he wanted to see if my husband wanted to join them. Then he asked if he could bum a couple of cigarettes. It hit me–at this moment, there are no cigarettes in this house. I can’t run down to the corner party store–Tim’s not here and the kids are in bed. The full weight of what I have done has hit me, I think, and it’s not making me all that happy.
I liked smoking. I enjoyed it, I really did. Sure, I’m a nicotine junkie, but when other people would say to me “why don’t you quit that icky blah blah habit?” My response was always “I still enjoy smoking. I’ll quit when I want to.” That’s the kicker–you have to want to quit. It’s hard to give up something you like so much. I miss my Marlboro Medium 100’s (in a box). I miss them a lot.
I did two things today to keep me inspired. I calculated on my adding machine how much money I’m saving by not smoking, for 30 days and 1 year. I taped those numbers to the edge of my computer monitor at work. Also, (and this is very weird) I was digging for something in my purse today, and I found a picture of my father-in-law and his wife, taken shortly before they married, in 1995. He was hale and hearty. Three years later, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, after over 50 years of smoking cigarettes. He died last May, almost exactly one year ago. I was 5 months pregnant when he died. He hung on long enough to find out whether we were expecting a boy or a girl, and he died with the knowledge that we were expecting a son, and he would be named John, after him.
I just re-read that last paragraph. F*** it. I don’t miss my cigarettes at all anymore. Maybe tomorrow I’ll feel differently, but right now, I’m pissed at myself for missing them. I’m going to take that as a good sign. BTW, I taped that picture of my father-in-law to my cubicle wall, next to a picture of my son. I thought that might help keep me going. Apparently it did.
Shayna - although there are other funny threads and interesting threads going, there aren’t any threads that I could be prouder to participate in. I’m sorry to hear you have such a suck-ass boss. I know you’re damn good at what you do and he doesn’t deserve to lick your feet.
beatle - Cool! You know you’re one of my favorite posters. I happy to see that you’re thinking of quitting. I recommend you read through the thread, at least so that you can see what how the sponsoring works. And that I give special incentive to guys who are quitting. heh. Just tell me when and I’ll sponsor you for a day.
Everyone else - I hope you’ve had one more successful day. Everyone will be in my thoughts tomorrow.
My mom was a smoker for 15 years and she started to cough up blood about a year before she died. I was really scared. I thought I was going to lose my mother to something that was totally avoidable. I tried to convince her to quit smoking and she did lower the amount of cigarettes she smoked but she still smoked. Even when she was pregnant with my half sister she smoked. She couldn’t quit. I think part of the reason she miscarriged with my sister was because of her smoking. I just want to congragulate you on your decision to quit smoking Shayna. It is one of the most important decisions you can make about your health.
:
: good luck and I’m sure you’ll finally be able to kick the nicotine habit
Wally, I just don’t know how to express my gratitude for everything you’ve done for all of us here. As I said before, there is nothing I’d like more than to see this topic stay active forever (or until it’s too big for the software and we’ll start a Part II), until every smoker here, like beatle did today, decides to come in here and quit.
beatle, like zyada said, I’d really recommend reading through this topic. I assure you that you’ll find it very inspirational. Congratulations on making this choice. I would like to volunteer to sponsor you for at least a day of your effort. And I recommend cold turkey - as hard as that will be - and it will be torture. But we’ll all be here to give you encouragement. Let us know when you quit, k?
Cristi, wow! You sure have run through the gammut of emotions today. I’m sorry to say, but it will get a little worse before it gets better. But you can do it. Just keep looking at that picture of you FIL and one of your baby!
I enjoyed smoking too. And I’m also angry that I can’t keep doing it. Why does it have to be so dangerous? Grrrrrr! But it is. And I want to live past age 50, unlike my mother.
Do you have a sponsor for tomorrow? DON’T SMOKE, whoever it’s for, ok? Promise me.
zyada, LMAO at the image of my boss licking my feet. You are too much, girlfriend. Thank you for the compliment. He was actually better this afternoon, thank goodness.
And thank you also for your kind words about this topic. It really is pretty incredible, and I, too, am proud to be a part of it. Especially proud that we’ve had several people join in during its course. Hopefully there will be more to come.
Arnold, for you, I did not smoke today. The promise of Swiss chocolates was too much for me to pass up. Thank you for sponsoring me - you’re a doll!
I’m nearing the end of day 9 (can you believe it?). I’ve now been without a cigarette for 1 week, 1 day, 22 hours, 4 minutes and 37 seconds. I’ve not smoked 107 cigarettes and saved $16.59. I have 8 hours, 55 minutes more to post to Straight Dope!
Well I’m feeling really guilty. I haven’t posted to this topic all day. That’s not to say I haven’t thought about you all. I have. I even checked the topic for updates. I was just too dad-gum lazy to post.
Anyways, I am so proud of all of you. You’re overcoming something very difficult and yet you inspire and each other daily. What a great group!!
I didn’t smoke again today. I missed it a bit more today too, but I’m afraid of Falc Whipping me with a fish June 17th. Shayna, you can have tomorrow. Night all. BTW, My sleep has been a bit spotty these last few days. Anyone else have this happen? Or maybe it’s unrelated.
Shayna: I don’t think I said thanks for Monday, and Jeannie, thanks for today. My sponsor for Wednesday is the Great and Powerful Wally! Hey, he just got through heart surgery. I can get through one more day without the smokes.
I know what you’re talking about too, the why can’t I just have one leeeeetle puff? It pisses me off too. I know myself well enough to know that if I have one puff, I’ll have one pack. Other people might be able to do it, but I know that I personally cannot.
I also made a vow to myself: I, Cristi, hereby vow to never become a militant former smoker. This is my third attempt to quit in as many years, and there’s a reason for that. Quitting is a bitch. I will never tell anyone “Oh, just quit! I did it!” I will not bitch about the smell of smoke on your clothing (in fact, I’ll probably ask for a whiff). Yes, you may smoke in my car–just crack the window. The house is still questionable (we’re moving in to a new one in three weeks). You will never hear me tell you “Ewww! Smoking is icky!” You will never hear me say “You smoke? You suck!” I swear, whether or not you smoke will not be an issue. It’s a choice thing. I chose to start, I chose to quit. However, every word of the above stated vow goes right out the window if you happen to be one of my children, and you happen to still be underage. Trust me, Mom can find much more creative ways to end your life. 
Just checking in with the strongest, bravest, best group of people I know!
Cristi, I’m still on for Thursday! You are doing great!
Shayna, I am still on for Saturday! Keep up the awesome work!
Everyone is doing so well!!
I think you should all give yourselves a hand!
::sound of everyone clapping::
Keep it up!
Talkinsquirrel, I missed your reply when I was posting mine. I’d like to offer my deepest condolences for the loss of your mother. Having lost mine 12 years ago, I know what a terrible hole it leaves in a person’s life. Thank you for stopping in with your kind words of encouragement. It really does mean a lot to me. Perhaps I’ll set aside next monday as the day I won’t smoke for Talkinsquirrel.
dave, you are awesome, man! Congratulations on getting through today. It would be my pleasure to sponsor you tomorrow. DO NOT SMOKE or I may have to hunt you down and make you pay! And for what it’s worth, my sleep has been completely screwed up. There are some nights that I’ve only gotten about an hour of sleep total - in 10 minute intervals. It’s getting better though, so you do have that to look forward to.
Good night all…
I would be honored Shayna 
I would be honored Shayna
Sorry bout the double post…damn board gremlins
Yep Shayna, I believe I am your sponsor for today. So, you had best not smoke home girl!
I also have Jeannie for tomorrow (thursday). Yay! Two consecutive days as a sponsor.
I’m very proud of all of you. This is a tough fight, but I know y’all can win. Keep up the good work.
Shayna: I would be honored to have your Sunday. Tell everyone that to celebrate the Sabbath, you are not smoking because Satan will kick your ass if you do!
Yer pal,
Satan
TIME ELAPSED SINCE I QUIT SMOKING:
One month, one day, 10 hours, 37 minutes and 15 seconds.
1257 cigarettes not smoked, saving $157.21.
Life saved: 4 days, 8 hours, 45 minutes.
Good morning!
Doobieous, I am so glad to see you! I had hoped you’d remember you were my sponsor today. (My question above was directed to Cristi, who I now understand is being sponsored today by the great and powerful Wally.) So far, you’ve helped me past the urge at least 4 times this morning. For you, I will not smoke today!
Satan - Yee Haa! The Devilman Himself will see me through The Lord’s Day. I love it!! And thank you, hon.
You still doing ok? How are the cravings? Almost gone, I hope.
And speaking of which, how are Bucky and Delta doing? Chief Crunch, muffinman, you guys still with us?
Talkingsquirrel, you are such a sweetie. I will put you down for Monday.
Jeannie, dave, Cristi - y’all better not smoke today. Especially you, dave, seeing as how if you do, it’ll be on my conscience since I’m sponsoring you today. And I will not tolerate that, you hear? NO SMOKING!
Wally, come say hi to us. I miss you, love.
Still smoke free after 1 week, 2 days, 10 hours, 18 minutes and 11 seconds! I haven’t smoked 113 cigarettes, saving $17.54 and extending my life by 9 hours, 25 minutes.
And today, I will not smoke for Doobieous.
Shayna, Christi, et al - I just want to congratulate you and thank you on behalf of your families for the great effort you’re making. I lost my father to lung cancer last year. He didn’t smoke, but he lived with my smoker mother for nearly fifty years. I don’t feel blame, but I can only think that breathing her second-hand smoke all those years had to contribute. So in not smoking, yours isn’t the only lives you’re saving.
StG
Shayna I know my day is friday but I am thinking about you anyway…ohh yeah, and don’t even think about smoking.
Mint?
Wally the nag reporting for duty.
Cristi, I’m your sponsor today. Don’t make a monkey out of me. I can do that all by myself. Today will be tough. If you find yourself faltering, read this thread from the beginning. Talk about triumph of the will. You can do it. At least for today. You promised me. Stay strong.
Shayna, the darkest moments of your journey are over. You’re stepping out into the sunlight now. If you want a reason not to start smoking again, read the first two pages of the thread. Scary, huh? But you did it. If I was there now, I’d give you hugs and smooches, a foot massage, a back rub, a front rub…sorry, got carried away. Who loves ya most?
Jeannie, How’s it going? The worst is over for you too. Just remember, smoking is extra dangerous for you because of your asthma and allergies. Yeah, it’s a scare tactic, but it’s also true. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and stay strong.
Dave, keep up the good work and stay out of danger (bars). No, not forever. Just until you beat this. And you will.
Everybody else, keep it going. Smoking is for dummies. Even a dedicated smoker will admit that. Blow smoke in a dog’s or child’s face and they’ll say WTF. If kids and animals know smoking is crap, then…duh.
And the answer is no, I will not stop nagging.
OK everybody, I’m glad to see it’s still going good!
Jeannie, I trust you didn’t smoke on Tuesday, my sponsorship day, because if you didn’t, that chocolate is going out in the mail today!
Shayna, as promised, Elizabeth and I will deliver that chocolate in person! (As soon as we agree on a day.)
Cristi, good for you! I’m glad you’re holding on. Think of your kids, don’t you want to remain in good health for their sake?
weirddave, Lissa, Chief Crunch, muffinman: what’s up?