The Great Straight Dope SMOKE-OUT Topic

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
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WOW! You guys and gals all ROCK!!! Th warm fuzzies in this thread are so awesome! I am truly honored to have a part in it.

Shayna, thank you so much for the hugs. :slight_smile: I needed them today.

ultress, please don’t beat yourself up over that. Just say to yourself that you’re going to quit again, and do it. I’m here for you whenever you need me to be.

Talkingsquirell, sorry I forgot to add in my last post something for you. PLEASE, PLEASE make your brother sit down and read this entire thread. If this doesn’t change his mind, I don’t know what would. Be strong for him.

beeruser, I have to agree with Shayna, having had a similar mother. Do it for you, for your health, for a longer life. Either she will understand or she won’t. Either way, you will live longer, be far healthier, and consequently be happier. We will all be here for you, whenever you’re ready.

Arnold, what a gross picture. Thank you for showing us that. I am sure it will be an incentive for many people, both to quit and those to never start in the first place.

ruadh, again, I agree with Shayna. After enjoying cough-free breathing, and how different everything will smell and taste, you won’t want to go back to smoking.

Wally, Grace, you especially are so totally awesome! You have been the real strengths and motivators for everyone. {{{{{{{Major Hugs for Wally and Grace}}}}}}}

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** Arnold, ** what a disgusting thing to see first thing in the morning. Bleech!! It’s very interesting to see what smoking can do though. Hopefully that scary image is enough to keep our friends here to stay off the cigs.

Purplebear, you are so sweet. {{{Purplebear}}} I was trying to explain to Shayna the other night how I feel about this topic and the posters. They’re the ones that quit smoking. I can’t help but be proud at their accomplishment.

** Ruadh, ** Congratulations on Day 1! The first few days are the hardest. Everyone here is right though. You’ll start to feel better in just a little bit. Keep it up.

**Dave, ** am I sending you delicious Lamme’s Candies pralines? Let me know how you did yesterday.

Brian and I are going to the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament so I won’t be home the rest of the day. You’ve all done so well. Make it a great day! Don’t smoke today. Do it for yourself, your sponsor, whoever or whatever you do it for. Just don’t smoke.

{{{{{Hugs to everyone!!}}}}

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Hi everyone!

Had to keep the computer off most of the day yesterday. Thunderstorms & tornado watches.

Today is Day 6. It’s getting better. I don’t know what the deal is, here. I’ve had some isolated craving incidents throughout the week, but they’ve not been too terrible, except for the one day where I hit off that icky stale cigarette. It’s almost like when my son was born–I have no real horror story to tell. I’m almost embarassed. The physical cravings just aren’t happening. My husband has been a peach, too. He hasn’t quit, but he’s keeping the smoking down to an extreme minimum. He doesn’t smoke in the house, so I’m not smelling it all the time (still can’t smell much of anything, anyway–still got that cold).

Kudos to everyone who’s trying, and all of the supporters & sponsors. It means a lot to me to know that all of you are here.

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Christi - Way to go, girl. Thanks for not smoking on my day!

ultress - this may be a good opportunity to reinforce why you quit in the first place. Pay attention to any negative effects the smoking had on you. Are you coughing again? Feel lousy? These are things you can remember whenever you want a smoke. And whenever you need a sponsor, I’m here for you.

Shayna & Wally - y’all rock. This has been so succesful for everyone because of y’all.

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There was a lovely lady named Grace
Who like to wear Tshirts made out of lace
The writing was, without fail
Ivariably written in Braille
There were blind men all over the place!
How’s everybody doing?

I had a couple of pals over last night who are smokers, and now I’m paying the usual penalty. Every window in the house is open and I’m freezing because it’s only 60 degrees here.

My wife and daughter are anti-smoking fanatics. I once asked my daughter what she’d do if she fell in love with a smoker. She said, “It’ll never happen,” with such finality that there was nothing more to be said.

How about an update, guys? Throw Wally a bone.

286

I am so sorry. I have been trying to log onto the internet since 8:30 this morning with no luck!

You are doing great today! You don’t even need me! But I’ll still be here! you have come farther than you ever thought! I am so happy for you! I know it is still really tough but you can do it! You are stronger than cigarrettes! You have all but kicked this pesky thing!

Look at all the money you have saved! Look at all the life you have saved! Think about how much better you smell! (I guess that could be taken two ways…)

You are doing it! You are in control now, not some chemical. Show that nicotine who’s boss!

Go Shayna, go Shayna, go Shayna, go Shayna…

287

OH my gosh, I didn’t even check in here this morning. I’m such a bad, bad girl!

First of all, I slept in – 8:30 – LOL. Then I meant to post but I got distracted. Then I got a phone call that lasted 2 hours (see? I told you what I was gonna do with my extra life - hehe).

I’m still smoke free and sucking on my water bottle. :D:D I swear, I’m like a baby who needs her pacifier.

elelle, welcome! I’m so glad you stopped in! I’ll tell you what - since you can only have access to the computer on a certain day, I’d be thrilled if both you and Talkinsquirrel would be my inspiration on Monday. Thank you ever so much!

Kyla, I am so touched that you came back to check on us. And I would be honored to have you sponsor me on Friday.

BTW, here is my sponsor list for this coming week…

Sunday - Satan :smiley:
Monday - elelle and Talkinsquirrel
Tuesday - MoosieGirl
Wednesday - zyada
Thursday - Sanibelman
Friday - Kyla

purplebear, it’s my pleasure to send some hugs your way. I’m sorry to hear that you needed them, but any time you do… {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{purplebear}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Grace, girlfriend, you know how I feel. You are such an incredible friend and I am so fortunate to have you in my life. Thank you for all the love you’re showing everyone in this thread. You’re the best!

Cristi, I am just so thrilled that this is going so well for you. I still don’t feel like a non-smoker. I feel like a smoker who just hasn’t had a cigarette in a while and could just as easily pick one up and smoke it as not. It’s not due to cravings, but habit, and I know that. It’s just going to take me longer than a couple of weeks to get over something that I’ve been doing for 20 years!

zyada, thank you so much for the kind words. I’m so overwhelmed by the response here, and even more so the fact that several people have jumped in and decided to quit smoking because of this thread. I am humbled and proud. But believe me, I’d have picked up a cigarette on day 3 if it hadn’t been for the people like you who don’t even smoke but are coming in here cheering us on. You are all my heros in ways you’ll never even know.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Wally}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Who loves you best?

(try Febreeze)

evilbeth, you have stopped me from smoking 6 or 7 cigarettes already today. I’m still prone to hissy fits and today I got provoked into one and I reeeeeeeally wanted to light up. But I promised that today I would not smoke for you, so I didn’t. Thank you so very, very much. And how is your dieting going? Are you still hanging tough with it? Hey - if you need a sponsor for that, just give a holler, ok?

ruadh, how did you do today? You have a party tonight (or was it during the day) - you’d better not smoke! I’ll be sponsoring you all week if you don’t pick other sponsors. Go look at the picture Arnold posted above. Remember, I am NOT coming there for a funeral!!

weirddave, Chief Crunch, Lissa, muffinman how are you guys doing?

beatle, you said this weekend – well, it’s the weekend. I’m not gonna quit nagging you. Check in with us, ok?

I hope everyone’s having a fabulous weekend so far! I love you all!!!

Still smoke free for 1 week, 5 days, 15 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds (can you believe it?).
151 cigarettes not smoked.
Savinging: $23.53.
Life saved: 12 hours, 35 minutes.

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Shayna loves me!

Until she finds out I’m a gerbil killer. The sordid details are in the “Why Me” thread.

Nice going everyone. Keep it up. Smoking is dumb. Smoking is dangerous. Smoking is slavery.

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Ha Ha Ha - I just read that and posted a reply!

And never fear, I still love you so many bunches you couldn’t even count them!

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Shayna, I know what you mean. I don’t tell people yet that I don’t smoke–I just say “I’ve recently stopped.” Maybe in a year or so, I’ll say “No, I don’t smoke.”

As routine things happen throughout the day, I keep catching myself thinking “Yeah, right about now I’d be stepping out for a smoke,” then getting bummed, because I don’t have any cigarettes. Anyone else doing this?

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I’m just sitting here, stunned, or awed – something.

Started getting short of breath last week, and by Thursday, it was bad enough that I went to the doctor. I was getting winded just walking around the plant, and struggled with stairs.

Doc said bronchitis, gave me a scrip for Zithromax. I thought about asking for the Zyban Rx, but had a few packs left in the carton so I didn’t.

Breathing a little better since then, but not a whole lot.

Then I started reading this thread. I’m gonna get the Zyban Monday. If I remember right, you’re supposed to set a quit date for 2 weeks (?) after starting it.

I hope this thread will still be going. Not that I hope everyone’s still struggling, mind you, but as has been said, the lure of nicotine can linger for a long time.

In the meantime, I won’t buy a carton when I go to the store later, so I won’t be using that little excuse again. And I can start cutting down now, and checking back with you guys for inspiration.

And I didn’t even know about the meter! I just thought Satan was doing all those calculations in his head!

You guys are doing great – the quitters and supporters both. I’m honored to “know” you all.

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Ok guys, I haven’t tried to quit yet since it’s the weekend. But I am limiting myself. Monday I start again. It’ll be easier for me that way because most of my day will be at work and I haven’t started back smoking the mornings when I get up or during the day. It’s only at home right now.

Here’s my list of sponsors for this week. But I really need support from all of you.

Monday - MoosieGirl
Tuesday - Jeannie
Wednesday - aha
Thursday - Shayna
Friday - Grace
Saturday - Kyla
Sunday - Purplebear

I can do this again I know. I’ve only been back smoking for a week.

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Shayna, I didn’t end up going to that party, but I did go to the pub, which should have been even worse. But I didn’t smoke!!! And after the first ten minutes or so it really, really, really wasn’t that difficult - yes I was tempted, but never as tempted as I had expected to be. I know it’s still early days but it’s ALWAYS the pub that gets me. Tonight proved it doesn’t have to.

I am so happy right now :slight_smile:

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AuntiePam, I cannot begin to tell you how glad I am to see you here! Notice I mentioned you in the OP?! I am sorry that it took bronchitis to get you here, but at least something did (and at least it wasn’t - God forbid - cancer). Yes, with the Zyban you choose a quit date that falls somewhere within your second week of taking it. And you can absolutely count on us being here to encourage, cajole, support and most of all sponsor you through this struggle. Welcome to our new clique!

ultress, I’ve marked my calendar for Thursday for you. If you even dare smoke on my day, I will have aha serve you up Cecil’s butt wash water. Eeeeeeewwww. I think that ought to do the trick. :wink:

ruadh, what can I say? I am overjoyed, thrilled, ecstatic. Now you know you can make it on the walk home from work and get through an evening at the pub. You have every reason to be celebrating.

Don’t be deceived though - there are bound to be cravings around the corner that threaten your success. Promise me you won’t smoke for all of us here tomorrow, ok? If I can do this, you can do this!

And I want you to know that I laughed uproariously for 5 solid minutes when I read your sig line. That’s so brilliant! I wish I’d have thought of it. :smiley:

Cristi, oh yes, I still get bummed that I don’t have any cigarettes. That 2 hour phone call today is a perfect example of when I would ordinarily be smoking like a fiend and it was not easy to get through without one. Sitting in front of the computer is the worst time for me. So yes, I know exactly how you’re feeling.

Jeannie, how are you doing today? I know you went out to dinner with your hubby and folks, but I hope you check in before you go to bed. I want to hear that you requested the non-smoking section at the restaurant!

beatle, I’m getting worried cuz we haven’t heard from you. dave, how are you doing? Do you need a sponsor tomorrow? Did we lose Chief Crunch and muffinman? Lissa, still with us, sweetie? Beeruser, we’re still counting on you a few weeks from now. You won’t be far behind Auntie Pam.

Wally? Where are you with my hug today? I’ve been a good girl and everything. :frowning:

It’s now been one week, five days, 20 hours, 37 minutes and 28 seconds since I’ve smoked.
154 cigarettes not smoked.
$23.92 saved.
Life extended by 12 hours, 50 minutes.

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I know I’m not Wally, but: {{{Shayna}}}

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I sure did, when I first looked at this topic today. And that little mention of my name was the catalyst, even more so than the bronchitis. And I’m not kidding myself – I also have emphysema and mild (so far) COPD – and I know that cancer’s a distinct possibility.

I also have Hep C, and one of my rationalizations for continuing to smoke was “my liver will probably go before my lungs do.”

How stupid is that? How smart is it to keep smoking when I have a chronic disease? Why contribute to wrecking more organs? I’m gonna need to be as healthy as I can be if and when the Hep C starts to act up.

I only bought one pack at the store today, instead of the usual carton. It should last until at least Monday, maybe longer. I can’t smoke in the building where I work, and it’s a long walk to get outside.

The worst part is going to be coming home and logging on, so maybe I’ll get going on the yard work instead. Or go to the bedroom and read – I don’t smoke there.

I just need to remember how I felt when I quit before, and hiked Mt. Rainier with the boys, and walked up and down those Seattle hills, instead of trying to remember which buildings had escalators and elevators up to the next street. (I could get from Western to Fifth Avenue that way.)

So thanks in advance for your help. I’ve done it before, and will do it again. And I know you guys will too.

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Auntie Pam!!! Welcome!!!
Whenever you need a sponsor, just let me know!

ruadh–I knew you could do it! It won’t be easy, but soon, you’ll be able to get through anything without a smoke. I’m even able to hang out with the smokers at work now without craving one. I never noticed how smelly those cancer sticks are…

Cristi–I had that at the beginning. But it’s rare now that I think I should be having one.

Shayna–Actually, the place was all non-smoking. But I didn’t step out for a smoke with my family. I told my mom that I wasn’t smoking for her all weekend, as a Mother’s Day gift. She liked that. She is trying to quit as well. Well, she says she’s trying.

Okay, that’s all for now.

Oh, I almost forgot:

I have been smoke free for: One week, three days, 6 hours, 23 minutes and 24 seconds.
153 cigarettes not smoked,
Money saved: $30.80.
Life saved: 12 hours, 45 minutes.

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Cristi, congratuations for making it through Day 6. Bet you didn’t think you could go this long without a cigarette and here you’ve gone and done it. You’re doing fantastic!! Keep it up hon!

**Zyada, ** you are so sweet to come and post encouraging notes to everyone. You’re the best. So when do we get to see you perform. I should think THAT would make a very interesting and exciting reward for our male ex-smokers. :wink:

Loved the poem Wally. I guess you’re multi-talented. Wooo Hoooo!! What other things haven’t you shared with us?

Ultress, I have you marked down for Friday.

Ruadh, you’re doing so good. I’m happy that you were able to go to the pub and not be tempted to smoke. If you can do that, then you can kick the habit.

BTW, I hadn’t noticed your signature but Shayna’s message prompted me to look it up. That is too funny!

Shayna, what can I say? I’m so proud of you. Not just because you quit smoking but also because of the person I know you to be. You’re my best friend and I’m the one that is lucky to have you in my life.

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Shayna, I am so glad you have not smoked today! You are so strong! I feel proud to have sponsored both you and Cristi!

My dieting is going okay, thank you so much for remembering and asking! It is hard and I really appreciate your support. I considered starting a new thread and asking for sponsors but I didn’t want anything to take away from this wonderful thread!

I will be sticking by you for the next few hours (mentally) since I got such a late start today. I know you will most likely be asleep but I will still be here sending you happy thoughts!

Good luck tomorrow! (and the day after, and the day after, and the day after…

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I’m really pleased for all the progress seen in this thread.

Smoking is something that I’m starting to become embarassed that I ever did. The cravings are fading out pretty well.

I got my life insurance reclassified from tobacco to non tobacco. (I don’t remember if I have already mentioned this). I had to wait a year after quitting smoking, then had to take a test (saliva) to prove that I wasn’t still smoking. I’m pretty proud of that.

One year, four months, one week, five days, 11 hours, 45 minutes and 41 seconds. 17482 cigarettes not smoked, saving $2,359.89. Life saved: 8 weeks, 4 days, 16 hours, 50 minutes.