The Great Straight Dope SMOKE-OUT Topic

What’s happening out there, folks?

Nobody’s checked in for quite a while. I’m getting nervous.

Talk to me.

No need to get nervous, Wally. I’m still here, and still smoke-free.

beatle–Yes! Join us! If you need a sponsor for any day at all, I’m there.

Drain Bead–I know you asked about sponsoring. How about Friday?

Today, I have not smoked for MoosieGirl.

And, here it is:

I have been smoke free for: One week, 30 minutes and 46 seconds.
105 cigarettes not smoked,
Money saved: $21.06.
Life saved: 8 hours, 45 minutes.
Whoo hoo! A whole week!

Yay Jeannie! I’m so thrilled to hear you’re doing fine! :slight_smile:
Keep it up!

Congrats to everybody doing this, you all rock. Shayna and the others, d’you need a sponsor? I volunteer!

Cristi-
The patch isn’t nearly as addictive as nicotine because it is a gradual release not the sharp up and down of a cig. I used the Gum to great effect and eventually (about a month or two) I just stopped wanting to chew it, so just worry about not smoking, doesn’t matter how it happens ok?

About the Wellbutrin, I think for me it helped take the edge off of the fits. It helped make them manageable, by allowing my mind to wander to other subjects.

Once you get over the habit the physical addiction will be cake!

When I quit last September, the thought that kept me going is Day 1 sucks…never want there to be another day 1 ever…ever…you hear me…never…

Here I am 9 months later or so and I am free…I don’t have to worry about going to a long movie (but what if I get a nic fit??) or a Plane Ride or get too busy at work to get a break. I don’t have to plan my life around the almighty cigarette anymore and that makes me happy.

PS you don’t like smoking…that’s just nicks sneaky way of fooling you.

To all of you, its just like leaving a bad relationship. Its hard living without nic, but everyday it gets easier and eventually you look back on it and think “What was i ever doing with that loser!”

Frankie, thank you for those words. That’s how I feel right now. What the hell was I doing staying with that bad habit for so long? I’m glad I decided to stop this filthy habit.

My meter, then I’m off to bed:

I have been smoke free for: One week, 4 hours, 34 minutes and 36 seconds.
107 cigarettes not smoked,
Money saved: $21.57.
Life saved: 8 hours, 55 minutes.

Hi everyone. I just got off the phone with Shayna. The good news is she’s still smoke free. The bad news is she’s having computer problems today. She said she’d update everyone tomorrow.

I’ve been having AOL problems for the last couple of hours, so I’m going to post this fast & hope it works. I’ve been successful in a couple of other threads, so wish me luck.

I didn’t smoke today. Wanted to, really bad. Today was particularly hard. I made it, though. Wally was my sponsor today, and I am mighty, mighty grateful! Tomorrow it’s evilbeth, and I’m going to need her, I’m sure!

There’s much more to tell, but I’m just going to throw this up against the wall of this thread & hope it sticks. It didn;t the first two times I tried it–that’s one of the reasons I’m craving soooooooo baaaaaaad right now–frustration. Here goes…:smiley:

Hugs to all! Just wanted to get an attaboy in.

BTW, I’m not slated to sponsor anyone. Does someone want to not smoke for me?

zyada, I need someone for Friday! Is that okay? :slight_smile:

Shayna, it’s about three hours till my day to sponsor you is over. I hope you didnt smoke, did you?

Jeannie: you’re up next. You had betta not smoke tomorrow!

Anticipating Shayna’s return to the land of working computers… my day begins in two hours and fourteen minutes.

And there is a box of Godiva truffles with Shayna’s name on it… just ready to be sent in her direction at the end of the day.

And it’s not even conditional – it’s not a bribe. Because I know, beyond doubt, that Shayna can make it through this day. She’s got this thing beat, and now it’s just a matter of letting the counter click, the savings mount, and the truffles… er… truffle. :slight_smile:

You’re a winner, hon!

Love,
Rick

Cristi, it is Thursday where I am so today is my day!

You are not going to smoke today because you don’t need to.

And you know what? You don’t want to either. Think of you beautiful children and how you want to ensure that you are around as long as possible to watch them grow up. Think about how happy you will be to one day be sitting on your front porch surrounded by adorable grandchildren.

Think about how great it will be to go out and play with your kids, running around without being out of breath.

You are really teaching your kids a valuable lesson right now. They are watching you and they see Mom setting her mind to do something and doing it. You are the best and most influential role model your children will have and they are learning that you can do anything you put your mind to if you work at it.

You are going to kick this. We are all here to help you. If you need anything, just let us know.

Keep up the great work!

Go Cristi!

Christi - Thank You! Tomorrow I will send good thought your way.

Good luck to everyone today!

Rats.

Well, if Shayna’s computer is still on the fritz (suspected origin: Fritz Katzenjammer) then words of encouragement posted here may not help.

But in any case… Sayna, it’s still early for you – 5 AM. And today you won’t smoke for chocolate. But that’s trivial. Today you really won’t smoke because you have no need to. You’re strong, way stronger than some collection of neuro-receptors and insidious nicotine. And you won’t smoke because you’ve made it this far already, and you won’t smoke because this is the course you set, and you will not be deterred.

And of course, you won’t smoke 'cause it’s my day. :slight_smile:

Love,
Rick

I’m going for an attempt next month. I still have about 12 nicorettes left, from my attempt last year. It’s tough, especially since I drink a lot, but that has to go, too…

Just checking back with you letting you know that I am exercising today in hopes of sending my positive energy to you so you will not smoke. You are so strong and powerful for doing this!

Keep it up!

I’ll check back later!

Hellooooooo out there!

StGermain, my most heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. And thank you for coming here and reminding us that we aren’t just being selfish by smoking, but we’re hurting the ones we love most in this world. Bless you. And even though your heart will never fully heal, may you find peace in knowing that your father’s soul will live on forever in heaven.

aha, I’d love a mint. Thank you. You don’t keep them in the toilet where you keep your nickles, though, do you? :wink:

Wally, I took your advice and re-read the first 2 pages of this thread – very scary indeed. And I couldn’t have done it without you. If you were here, I’d let you give me hugs and smooches, a foot massage, back massage, front massage… :wink: :wink: I know who loves me most. Do you know who loves you most?

Arnold, I’m looking forward to collecting my chocolates and seeing you and Elizabeth again. Thank you!

Jeannie, CONGRATULATIONS on getting past the one week mark. I am so proud of you!! See? That little slip at the beginning was nothing to beat yourself up over. You did it - and I know you can keep doing it. You’re well on your way now.

MoosieGirl, how sweet of you to offer. I’d be honored if you’d sponsor me through next Tuesday.

Frankie, congratulations on succeeding at what all of us here are attempting right now. I’m adding you to my list of people who are inspiring me to keep this up. Thank you!

Grace, thank you for posting for me last night. I love you bunches!

Cristi, I sure feel for what you’re going through today. Having been there a week ago, myself, I know what a bitch it’s going to be to hang on, even though you’ve come this far. I wish I were there to hug you through the frustration you’re feeling. Will a cyber hug do?

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Cristi}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Stay strong, girlfriend. I know you can do this!

zyada, hugs right back to you for sticking with us through all of this. Will you sponsor me next Wednesday?

Doobieous, I made it through yesterday, thanks to your encouragement. There were many times I wanted to smoke but didn’t because I’d promised you. Thank you so, so much!

Rick - Godiva truffles? For moi? Wow! Do I get to collect them in person from you, too? Hehehe (I wish!)

Thank you my dear, dear friend, for your faith in my strength. I may be past the physical addiction, but this battle is far from over for me. The emotional addiction is almost as strong, and having friends like you help see me through this is about all that’s keeping me hanging in there. I promise I will not smoke for you today!

Beeruser, BRAVO!! I promise you that a month from now we will all be here helping you through and cheering you on. Come on back from time to time until then, to get yourself a dose of encouragement to keep the date you set to quit.

Well, it’s been 1 week, 3 days, 10 hours, 18 minutes and 25 seconds and 125 cigarettes not smoked. I’ve saved $19.40 and added 10 hours, 25 minutes to my life. I don’t know how I’ve managed, except that everyone here has been so supportive. Bless you all!

No problem, Shayna! I’ve got an opening next Tuesday. :wink:

Use me, abuse me, curse me, I can handle it! :smiley:

Keep it up!

** Beeruser, **there’s a lot of knowledge to be gained by reading this topic. All these people have worked to be smoke free. It’s not easy but everyone is here to encourage and inspire you. When you’re ready to start, we’ll be here to help you. :slight_smile:

As for the rest of you, you’re making it! You’ve made the decision to quit smoking and you’re doing it! Your will power, or whatever you want to call it, amazes me.

** Beeruser, **there’s a lot of knowledge to be gained by reading this topic. All these people have worked to be smoke free. It’s not easy but everyone is here to encourage and inspire you. When you’re ready to start, we’ll be here to help you. :slight_smile:

As for the rest of you, you’re making it! You’ve made the decision to quit smoking and you’re doing it! Your will power, or whatever you want to call it, amazes me.