Christi - You aren’t smoking for me today. 
I’ll be sending positive thoughts your way all day today. Don’t forget to catch them! I know you can do this!
Don’t worry about it, Cristi.
The fact that it tastes so bad after some abstinence is another good reason to quit.
It’s a good motivation to keep off the stuff, since after some abstinence, it plainly doesn’t do the trick anymore.
The first time I tried to quit, I just kept thinking on how good the next cig would feel. When I finally succombed, I found out how bad it tasted, and how bad it smelled to non-smokers.
It takes many attempts (at least for me), because it is really the mental habit you must break. And that’s the toughest.
The reason I’m waiting for next month is that my mom is visiting soon. If I quit now, I will definitely gain weight. And my mom will complain about my eating habits and et al. I can hide the smoking part, somewhat (mom, I’m down to 2 cigarettes a day, and I will quit soon), but I wouldn’t be able to hide the weight thing.
Anyway, congratulations to everyone who has kicked the demon. I hope to join you soon…
An update:
I’ve got a DR’s appointment, finally! Hello Zyban!!
I’ve cut down a LOT, and I’ve noticed that I’m not * enjoying * smoking as much.
I’ll be honored to sponsor you Dave. If you need to chat or anything just email me. I’ll do what I can and when you make it through the day (and I believe you can), those pralines are all yours. 
Good morning/Good afternoon, everybody! How’s everyone doing?
ruadh, this is Day 1 for you. Congratulations on making this decision. It’s going to be a bitch to do, but given that all of us are doing it, I can tell you it can be done.
You will get through the morning just fine. I’m sure there have been plenty of times that you’ve had to go a few hours without a cigarette, so you’ll convince yourself this is no different than those times. It’ll seem like a breeze. Then the first real craving will hit and it will be a bit of a struggle, but you’ll ride it out. By the second craving it’ll be a little harder, but you’ll take a deep breath, close your eyes and force yourself to get past it. The third wave will be when it starts to get really rough. That’s when you need to come here and let us all remind you why you’re doing this…
Wally’s Words of Wisdom: smoking is dumb… smoking is dangerous… smoking is expensive… smoking is an addiction… You will stop this nonsensical habit now… You’ll never be sorry if you beat this.
And in addition to that, smoking stinks… smoking makes you an outcast… smoking can kill the people you love… quitting smoking now will save your life!
Today will not be easy, but I want you to promise me that you will not smoke today, no matter what. If I can do it, you can do it. Be strong!
weirddave, I am so glad you are hanging in there with this. I can tell it’s been really difficult for you. I’d like to sponsor you again on whatever day you need someone to promise not to smoke for. Just let me know. Stay tough, ok?!
Talkinsquirrel, DEFINITELY have your brother read this thread! Good luck convincing him that this is something he doesn’t even want to start. He’s young, and probably girl-crazy (or boy-crazy). Remind him he’ll have a better chance of attracting someone if he doesn’t stink like an ashtray and have dragon breath!
SanibelMan, what a wonderful and kind gesture. I think I need a sponsor for next Thursday – I have it written down at home, so I’ll check for sure and let you know. Thank you!
purplebear, WELCOME BACK!! We missed you terribly! And thank you, thank you, thank you for being with me in spirit on Monday. As you read, I really needed it. Bless you for helping me get through this. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Major Big Hugs to Purplebear}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Beeruser, I totally understand that you need to do this in your own time in order for it to be successful (and I know it will be!). We’ll still be around a month from now to help and encourage you. But I hate to hear that you’re putting off saving your life because your mother might be upset if you put on a pound or two. I know she’s your mother and you love her, but ARGH! Don’t let her control you like that, hon, or you’ll be back sucking away on these things the minute she voices disapproval for the next thing you do that she doesn’t like. I know - I had a mother like that. And it took me years to get it through her thick skull that even though she thought she was saying things out of love and concern that it was not helping!
And if it is any encouragement, I’ve actually lost weight since I stopped smoking! The thing that makes many people pack the pounds on is that they replace putting cigarettes in their mouth with putting food in their mouth. Not good. Instead (and I know I’ve said it numerous times here before, but it really works and therefore bears repeating), get yourself a sport bottle of water - the 24 oz size. Suck on THAT instead of eating or smoking. Water is great for your system, great for your complexion, calorie and fat-free and the perfect substitute to those nasty, stinky death sticks.
You can do this, Beeruser. I know you can!
Lissa, I am so thrilled that you are still on track to do this. If you need someone to talk to about the Zyban, let me know. I’ve stopped taking it because it was making me anxious, which had the opposite affect it’s supposed to have in that it made me want to smoke. Let us know when your quit date is and we’ll all line up to sponsor you, k? You go girl!
Cristi & Jeannie, you are doing fantastic. You have so much to be proud of! Keep it up!!
Chief Crunch, you still with us? beatle, you still set for this weekend? When can I sponsor you? I’m gonna make you do this, you hear me?!
To everyone who’s been such an incredible inspiration to me, thank you again! Especially you, Wally. I love you more bunches than can fit in the universe!
Thank you, Rick, for giving me a reason not to smoke yesterday. I almost didn’t make it through last night - just ask Jeannie about the hissy-fit I threw on AIM. And Jeannie, thank you for putting up with my tirade and getting me past that hurdle. You rock!
Day 12 - I can’t believe it. Here are my stats…
One week, four days, 10 hours, 27 minutes and 9 seconds.
137 cigarettes not smoked
Money saved: $21.27.
Life saved: 11 hours, 25 minutes.
And today, I will not smoke for aha. Thank you, aha, for sponsoring me. I will be expecting that mint as my reward! {{{{{Big Hugs to aha}}}}}
Now that you mention it… 
Good Luck to everybody today!! Nothin is worth putting your body through that kind of punishment!!
::hugs to everyone::
Shayna, you’re brilliant. Manny manny thanks for the encouragement.
It’s 7:00 at night now and I’ve made it so far - that’s one hour longer than the last time I tried to quit, so that’s progress It hasn’t been too bad actually. The patch and the bubblegum are helping. The only time I came close to caving in was when I left work - I’m so accustomed to lighting up the second I hit the pavement, and the 25-minute walk home just seemed so much longer without a cigarette in hand …
… but I made it.
I’m probably safe for the rest of the night 'cause I’m staying in. I’ve got a party to go to tomorrow though and that’s going to be very difficult.
The other thing that’s worrying me is that I have a damn good incentive to quit right now because my cough’s so bad. I mean it’s worse than the smoking cough we’re all familiar with, it’s REALLY REALLY BAD. I’m afraid when that cough goes away I might start feeling OK to smoke again.
::::::::::::::::screech!!! Geezz sorry I am late Shayna! Today is my day!!! I know you aren’t smoking are you??? I am soooooo proud of you. Keep it up!!!
Cristi don’t beat yourself up. You have the desire to quit that is most of the battle.
You girls are my heros!
Thanks everyone!
I do feel better today. My cold is lightening up, and my eyes aren’t as strained as they were yesterday.
This is Day 5 for me, and Day 2 without the patch. It’s not so bad today. I want cigarettes, but it’s different. It’s not so much a craving anymore, as a “man, I need something to do.”
Oh yeah–my cheeks hurt. I’m not kidding! It really is weird!
:::::::::::::::: Screeeccch! Shayna this is my day…sorry I am late…Don’t smoke…dont’ even think about it.
Cristi…don’t beat yourself up your gonna be ok!
Your girls are my heroes
There once was a beauty named Shayna,
Who decided that cigs were a pain-a.
So she started this thread
Before going to bed,
And I do believe she’s okay now.
What did you expect, Shakespeare?
So, what’s happening out there lately? Don’t make me worry. Grace will tell you that I start to get antsy if I don’t hear anything for a while.
Talk to me. If you ignore me, I will not go away.
Congratulations everybody! Keep up the good work!
A reminder why you’re quitting. (warning, unpleasant picture below)
Non-Smoker vs Smoker’s Lungs
Maybe these suggestions can help you.
Tobacco Quitting Tips
Ok guys I have a confession sobbing I quit smoking on December 20. Last week after a personal trauma I started back. Only smoking at home. I feel like such a failure.
I guess I need a sponsor??
Ultress, I’m there if you need me!
Ultress–You need a sponsor? You got it! Tell me when and I’m there!
Shayna–I’m so proud of you for getting through last night. Way to go!
Cristi–I know. Isn’t the “hurting cheeks” thing bizarre? I’m proud of you!
Grace–Hey, if there’s pralines involved, you can sponsor another day. Heck, even without the pralines you’re more then welcome to a day. How about next Wednesday?
Arnold–I got the chocolates! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. They are so yummy. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. And I’m even sharing with Mr. Jeannie.
To everyone else who’s getting started–Shayna is so right about the water thing. It really helps. So do lollipops.
Today, I did not smoke for Drain Bead.
Good luck to everyone and keep it up!
Here we go:
I have been smoke free for: One week, two days, 3 hours, 0 minutes and 46 seconds.
136 cigarettes not smoked,
Money saved: $27.38.
Life saved: 11 hours, 20 minutes.
I would be your sponsor anytime just let me know ok?
Good eeeeeeevening :D:D:D
aha, I did not smoke for you today, and I want my mint, dammit! There’s still more time in the evening to get through, and a moment ago I reached for a (non-existent) cigarette out of habit. But every time I think about it, I remind myself about that yummy mint I’m going to get from aha. Mmmmmmmm. Thank you, aha!
ruadh, Way To Go! Now you just have to tell yourself that if you could manage to make it through that walk once without a cigarette, you can make it through twice, then 3 times, then 4, and so on and so on. I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland, but I flat out refuse to do so for a funeral, you hear me? NO SMOKING!
And no, you won’t want to start smoking again once you’re past this and breathing easier at all. You’ll be so much happier once you can breathe that you will never, ever want to do that to your body again as long as you live.
Cristi, day 5 - wow! And without the patch, even. You rule! And isn’t that something about the cheeks? LOL
Wally, I love your poem! You are too much, my friend. I love, love, love you to pieces!
Arnold, that is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I knew it was bad, but I didn’t know it was like that. Amazing that, according to the list on the first page of this thread, 10 years after quitting, the risk of lung cancer is almost the same as if you’d never smoked. All the more reason to start now!
ultress, listen to me very carefully. You are not a failure! You conditioned yourself for years to use cigarettes as a means of coping during particularly bad times. Now that you’ve had what was probably the first serious crisis since quitting, this response was predictable - it’s what your brain and body have been programmed to do. Do not berate yourself for this. You’ve only been back smoking for a week. It will be much easier this time to give it up. I will gladly sponsor you any day you choose (and more) - just name it!
Jeannie, again, all I can say is thank you. It was really sucky last night, wasn’t it? I’m so glad you were there for me, but so sorry I took it out on you. You and I are going to have to take that extra life we’re adding on and go somewhere and Par-Tay!
So how is everyone else doing today? What ever happened to muffinman?
Here are my stats…
One week, four days, 18 hours, 57 minutes and 17 seconds.
141 cigarettes not smoked
Savings: $21.93.
Life saved: 11 hours, 45 minutes.
I’m sorry I didn’t reply to this thread sooner. You guys are amazing! Shayna & Wally, especially, y’all rock!
If anyone needs a sponsor on Monday,(my day at the 'puter) I’d be happy to oblige. If everyone’s taken care of that day, I’ll hold all of you in my thoughts.
Wish I’d been here sooner to support you guys!
Ultress, I’ll be happy to sponsor you. You just let me know what day and I’ll be here to help.
**Jeannie, [/b} I’ll take Wednesday.
Dave, are you here? I sent you an email earlier but I don’t know if you got it or not. Give us an update buddy.
Hey Wally, where’s my poem? So what if I haven’t done anything to warrant a poem. Don’t let that stop you. LOL
Night everyone!! I hope everyone is well and smoke-free.
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. I’m still proud of y’all! It’s okay, Ultress, you quit once, you can do it again. Don’t beat yourself up, just remember why you quit before. I’d be happy and honored to sponsor someone if it is needed.