Daily Check In; Part VI
Grateful Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Duluth, Minnesota
Posts: 394
I am still smoke free and grateful as my husband started some time back and listening to him hack and be sick is no fun. I remember that being me when I was a 2 pack a day smoker. I am so grateful that it is not me today.
Day 1240 smoke free.
Karen
Day 1240 smoke free.
Karen
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,322
Still smoke free here too! I don't know the exact number of days, but I quit on October 13th. So I think I am approaching 4 months. It's good, but not the weight gain and the general boredom that sometimes comes.
I still hang onto one thought I read on this forum, don't remember who said it, but it was something like "I will not trade my quitting smoking for the 30 seconds of pleasure I would get from inhaling a cigarette." That really has stuck with me, and helped me through some urges
I smoked for 35 years, was smoking up to 3 packs a day some days, and just finally decided to quit, basically, because I SMELLED. My clothes smelled, my car smelled, my house smelled. That was my big motivator. Plus, really, how long did I really think I could get away with smoking like that? I'm 51 years old and just can't act like a kid anymore regarding my health. Plus, you really can't smoke many places any more, and it was embarrassing to always have to step outside on a curb somewhere for a cigarette with the other "hoods". And with winter coming, that just sounded lame.
I do wish there was something I could do to reverse the aging process smoking has had on my skin, particularly my face. I keep hoping that because I've quit those little lines that surround my mouth will somehow disappear, you know, the wrinkles that are permanently embedded in my skin from toking on a cigarette. For you younger people who don't yet have this "effect" maybe just thinking about that will help you quit. It really does make me look older and uglier than I should.
My digestive system is evening out somewhat, and I've also recently tried to give up caffeine, another health kick I'm trying with doctor's advice. Did you know that decaf coffee still has caffeine in it? The only hot drink I've found so far that is 100% decaf is decaf-green-tea. It's not so bad, but don't make me give up my white sugar just yet. I've tried the non-sugar sweetners and they don't agree with my digestion either.
I still feel really out of breath, my voice is still sultry sounding and low, and I still can't sing like when I was young. I don't know if I permanently damaged my vocal cords or if eventually my voice will rise and I will be able to sing again. Laughing is easier and way more fun. I have more of a giggle than a low, smoky laugh.
My favorite thing is still that my house smells great. And my clothes, and car, and hair. I recommend it because it's really bad for you, you know that, really expensive, and makes you feel kind of second class these days, in this no-smoking-zone world. I miss it, sure, but I think I just need to keep on keeping on, and just say that part of my life is over now. Besides, I will someday be a grandma and would guess that my kids would not let me keep my grandkids in a smoky house. And I wouldn't want them to have a "smelly" grandma either.
I'm glad to be a nonsmoker, overall. It kind of sucks to not have that in my life anymore, but I know it's the right thing for me to stay quit. Thanks for letting me vent a little!
I still hang onto one thought I read on this forum, don't remember who said it, but it was something like "I will not trade my quitting smoking for the 30 seconds of pleasure I would get from inhaling a cigarette." That really has stuck with me, and helped me through some urges
I smoked for 35 years, was smoking up to 3 packs a day some days, and just finally decided to quit, basically, because I SMELLED. My clothes smelled, my car smelled, my house smelled. That was my big motivator. Plus, really, how long did I really think I could get away with smoking like that? I'm 51 years old and just can't act like a kid anymore regarding my health. Plus, you really can't smoke many places any more, and it was embarrassing to always have to step outside on a curb somewhere for a cigarette with the other "hoods". And with winter coming, that just sounded lame.
I do wish there was something I could do to reverse the aging process smoking has had on my skin, particularly my face. I keep hoping that because I've quit those little lines that surround my mouth will somehow disappear, you know, the wrinkles that are permanently embedded in my skin from toking on a cigarette. For you younger people who don't yet have this "effect" maybe just thinking about that will help you quit. It really does make me look older and uglier than I should.
My digestive system is evening out somewhat, and I've also recently tried to give up caffeine, another health kick I'm trying with doctor's advice. Did you know that decaf coffee still has caffeine in it? The only hot drink I've found so far that is 100% decaf is decaf-green-tea. It's not so bad, but don't make me give up my white sugar just yet. I've tried the non-sugar sweetners and they don't agree with my digestion either.
I still feel really out of breath, my voice is still sultry sounding and low, and I still can't sing like when I was young. I don't know if I permanently damaged my vocal cords or if eventually my voice will rise and I will be able to sing again. Laughing is easier and way more fun. I have more of a giggle than a low, smoky laugh.
My favorite thing is still that my house smells great. And my clothes, and car, and hair. I recommend it because it's really bad for you, you know that, really expensive, and makes you feel kind of second class these days, in this no-smoking-zone world. I miss it, sure, but I think I just need to keep on keeping on, and just say that part of my life is over now. Besides, I will someday be a grandma and would guess that my kids would not let me keep my grandkids in a smoky house. And I wouldn't want them to have a "smelly" grandma either.
I'm glad to be a nonsmoker, overall. It kind of sucks to not have that in my life anymore, but I know it's the right thing for me to stay quit. Thanks for letting me vent a little!
To Life!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
Today, I am Three weeks, 7 hours, 32 minutes and 3 seconds nicotine free. That's 426 cigarettes not smoked, saving $127.88. Life saved: 1 day, 11 hours, 30 minutes.
I've had some really strong cravings the last two days. I almost caved yesterday, but, I didn't. Just kept myself busy, and did alot of deep breathing. Funny how it just came up now. I've been fine. But, it's been a bit of a struggle economically, so, the stress adds up, I guess. One thing I know is that a sickarette won't help!
Nais gadol haya po!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
I've had some really strong cravings the last two days. I almost caved yesterday, but, I didn't. Just kept myself busy, and did alot of deep breathing. Funny how it just came up now. I've been fine. But, it's been a bit of a struggle economically, so, the stress adds up, I guess. One thing I know is that a sickarette won't help!
Nais gadol haya po!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
Now with fewer opiates!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
Posts: 1,405
Day 1 for me. Still early in recovery from other substances as well, but I have been smoking so much it's become totally intolerable. Add to that I have no money to buy them and there you go.
Grateful to have this support, I remain,
Grateful to have this support, I remain,
down the rabbit hole
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: near Boston, MA
Posts: 321
hey everyone... trying to keep lots of good thoughts in my head, as I slipped over the weekend, it was my birthday party and a few peopel were smoking and I caved.. I am really noticing how stressful smoking is/was, and how lousy I feel when I have just a few... I could even feel the difference at the gym the next day... so now I'm taking inspiration from everyone here, I'm so proud of everyone! Steam, 68 days - way to go! That's fantastic! I can't wait til I have numbers like that again...
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 154
Hey Alice, sorry to hear that you are struggling. Just remember what you used to tell me all the time...smoking is not an option...remember? You get back in the groove of being a non smoker soon. Remember how good it felt? Well we are here for you!
To Life!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
Welcome FrmrlyStgbr!!!
I went to a nicotine cessation counselor years ago. He was a specialist, and said that the quit is actually more successful when you quit more than one substance together.
I know that it seems to fly in the face of common sense, but, he said that's what the research proved. Since that is his field, I believed him. So, you should feel good knowing that you have a more likely chance of success!
And we're here for ya!
Alice,
each day is a new day. One more chance to do the right thing. Remember, each of us is only nicotine free one day at a time.
Today, I am Three weeks, 21 hours, 34 minutes and 53 seconds nicotine free. That's 437 cigarettes not smoked, saving $131.39. Life saved: 1 day, 12 hours, 25 minutes. You know, I hit my three week mark, and didn't know it till I read it on screen here? LOL!
It's funny, cuz, most of the time, I'm doing really really well. But, for the last two days, I've had occassions where I've had really tough cravings to bear out. Times where I really almost wanted to cave. But, I have to thank you Chippa, Alice, Moose and those of you who have slipped and had a tote or two. Cuz, I know for a fact that -- for me -- it means I'm back to smoking a pack or more a day. I cannot stop. I am addicted to nicotine. And I've been there enough times to know it for a fact. You all help me to remember. I don't want to be there again.
Nais gadol haya po!!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
I went to a nicotine cessation counselor years ago. He was a specialist, and said that the quit is actually more successful when you quit more than one substance together.
I know that it seems to fly in the face of common sense, but, he said that's what the research proved. Since that is his field, I believed him. So, you should feel good knowing that you have a more likely chance of success!
And we're here for ya!
Alice,
each day is a new day. One more chance to do the right thing. Remember, each of us is only nicotine free one day at a time.
Today, I am Three weeks, 21 hours, 34 minutes and 53 seconds nicotine free. That's 437 cigarettes not smoked, saving $131.39. Life saved: 1 day, 12 hours, 25 minutes. You know, I hit my three week mark, and didn't know it till I read it on screen here? LOL!
It's funny, cuz, most of the time, I'm doing really really well. But, for the last two days, I've had occassions where I've had really tough cravings to bear out. Times where I really almost wanted to cave. But, I have to thank you Chippa, Alice, Moose and those of you who have slipped and had a tote or two. Cuz, I know for a fact that -- for me -- it means I'm back to smoking a pack or more a day. I cannot stop. I am addicted to nicotine. And I've been there enough times to know it for a fact. You all help me to remember. I don't want to be there again.
Nais gadol haya po!!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 409
I am on Day 35 today. Iam feeling proud that I have been TOTALLY abstinent for 35 days, not even one single puff!
Thanks for the tips History teach, and thanks for the great post peaceteach!
I can relate to SO much of what you say.
I came very close to slipping over the weekend, went to a sport-outing and afterwards there was a reception/ball and I had a uple of cocktails and I came VERY close to bumming a cig.......but I am SO glad that I didn't and now I don't have to start over from day one.
How cool is that?!
Thanks for the tips History teach, and thanks for the great post peaceteach!
I can relate to SO much of what you say.
I came very close to slipping over the weekend, went to a sport-outing and afterwards there was a reception/ball and I had a uple of cocktails and I came VERY close to bumming a cig.......but I am SO glad that I didn't and now I don't have to start over from day one.
How cool is that?!
To Life!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
That *is* really cool, tuff!!! 
Today, I am Three weeks, one day, 8 hours, 21 minutes and 26 seconds. 446 cigarettes not smoked, saving $134.09. Life saved: 1 day, 13 hours, 10 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
Today, I am Three weeks, one day, 8 hours, 21 minutes and 26 seconds. 446 cigarettes not smoked, saving $134.09. Life saved: 1 day, 13 hours, 10 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
6Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Milford MA
Posts: 249
WTG Teach and tuffenuff and everyone on here-
Happy Birthday Alice!
I wish I had better news, I think I've been lurking (skulking) around here because although I'm not back up to full bore, I think in order to get a handle on things, I'm going to have to start up anew in my battle and QUIT QUIT instead of the namby pamby nonsense I've been BS'ing myself with for the past month or so-
I was going to start a pity party and get into all sorts of excuses and the like, but I'll spare you all-
One thing that had some meaning to me was last night (OK-disclaimer- don't judge me based on my chosen forms of entertainment!) I was watching "Biggest Loser Couples" and there were people trying to justify why they hadn't lost weight ovber whatever amount of time it was and the other contestants on the show and the trainers were like "JUST SHUT UP, STOP TRYING TO EXPLAIN THINGS AND JUST DEAL WITH THE SITUATION YOU'RE IN"
Trust me those people have bigger problems than me, and I love how that show turns people's lives around (plus it's just so interesting to watch- sue me!) But the mentality there says a lot, especially coming from the other contestants who are in the middle of the same struggle instead of on the outside looking in...
I look around at all the bowls (the pile is much smaller now!) and just think- bootstraps, Chippa, stop yip yammering and do it
I will- I came so far before, now I have to go farther
Excited for my yoga class tonight!
Happy Birthday Alice!
I wish I had better news, I think I've been lurking (skulking) around here because although I'm not back up to full bore, I think in order to get a handle on things, I'm going to have to start up anew in my battle and QUIT QUIT instead of the namby pamby nonsense I've been BS'ing myself with for the past month or so-
I was going to start a pity party and get into all sorts of excuses and the like, but I'll spare you all-
One thing that had some meaning to me was last night (OK-disclaimer- don't judge me based on my chosen forms of entertainment!) I was watching "Biggest Loser Couples" and there were people trying to justify why they hadn't lost weight ovber whatever amount of time it was and the other contestants on the show and the trainers were like "JUST SHUT UP, STOP TRYING TO EXPLAIN THINGS AND JUST DEAL WITH THE SITUATION YOU'RE IN"
Trust me those people have bigger problems than me, and I love how that show turns people's lives around (plus it's just so interesting to watch- sue me!) But the mentality there says a lot, especially coming from the other contestants who are in the middle of the same struggle instead of on the outside looking in...
I look around at all the bowls (the pile is much smaller now!) and just think- bootstraps, Chippa, stop yip yammering and do it
I will- I came so far before, now I have to go farther
Excited for my yoga class tonight!
down the rabbit hole
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: near Boston, MA
Posts: 321
Thanks everyone! I think I'm in the same boat as Chippa... I need to get my focus back 100% to the quit... otherwise, it's a few days good here, a bad day there... and yes, it's easy to be full of excuses, but I know I can do it if I just get my head back in the right place...
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Milford MA
Posts: 249
Alice, how come you said it in like 2 sentences and it takes me eight paragraphs-
If I'm nothing else, I'm verbose!
I had yoga last night and the wife and I were talking this morning about how we always sleep way better when we have yoga... I don't know why, but I'm certain it's because of yoga
HT, palmetto, tuff, stgbr, steam, tony, peace, everyone wtg, don't let the fact that I blew it be an excuse- I'm back looking at a giant mountain again- not the bottom, I've progressed from there, but there's a lot of climbing to do- Maybe I had a relapse because I was thinking I was more powerful than I really am over the butts
I hope I don't quit again, then go 2 years and then relapse the next time!
Moose, check in! I'm rooting for you- I went back and read a lot yesterday, this board is pretty inspiring- btw we play parties, but mostly bars (I wouldn't feel right playing high schools, although some of the people at our shows look like kids to me- 21 was a long time ago, despite how immatureI feel in my head) if you're really curious you can search for us online at you tube it's called chyldz play- some of the stuff is pretty embarassing, but it's all in fun...
Keep up the good quit everybody-
I forgot to bring my gym bag to work today!
If I'm nothing else, I'm verbose!
I had yoga last night and the wife and I were talking this morning about how we always sleep way better when we have yoga... I don't know why, but I'm certain it's because of yoga
HT, palmetto, tuff, stgbr, steam, tony, peace, everyone wtg, don't let the fact that I blew it be an excuse- I'm back looking at a giant mountain again- not the bottom, I've progressed from there, but there's a lot of climbing to do- Maybe I had a relapse because I was thinking I was more powerful than I really am over the butts
I hope I don't quit again, then go 2 years and then relapse the next time!
Moose, check in! I'm rooting for you- I went back and read a lot yesterday, this board is pretty inspiring- btw we play parties, but mostly bars (I wouldn't feel right playing high schools, although some of the people at our shows look like kids to me- 21 was a long time ago, despite how immatureI feel in my head) if you're really curious you can search for us online at you tube it's called chyldz play- some of the stuff is pretty embarassing, but it's all in fun...
Keep up the good quit everybody-
I forgot to bring my gym bag to work today!
down the rabbit hole
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: near Boston, MA
Posts: 321
Chippa - I think this is part of my thinking "Maybe I had a relapse because I was thinking I was more powerful than I really am over the butts" - the old trap, oh it's been so long, I can have JUST ONE now, I"m not addicted anymore so just the one won't hurt... I managed to convince myself i could have jsut one every now and then, even though I know in my heart that's just not possible - as a smoker, I will always be addicted mentally and can never have even one puff. But, somehow, as is so easy to do, I tricked myself - or the nicotine addict part of me tricked me... I'm trying extra hard at the gym, my goal is to go every day in February. Tonight si a long night- Body Blast, Zumba and yoga. But it's a fun night -and can't smoke at the gym!!
Yoga is great, I've been sleeping really poorly lately but yoga does help me to relax and unwind... plus the deep breathing is a nice reminder of why I dont want to smoke...
This board is very inspiring!! Thanks for sticking with me even though I've had a relapse of sorts... I'm just going to keep trying, keep trying!!! You guys are my inspiration!
Yoga is great, I've been sleeping really poorly lately but yoga does help me to relax and unwind... plus the deep breathing is a nice reminder of why I dont want to smoke...
This board is very inspiring!! Thanks for sticking with me even though I've had a relapse of sorts... I'm just going to keep trying, keep trying!!! You guys are my inspiration!
To Life!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
Hi, everyone!
I'm doing well just forgetting about it. I know it sounds so strange. And it's totally different from my last quit. I have occassional cravings; sometimes tough ones. I do something different to get past them. And I just accept that I cannot smoke -- at all.
Chippa, Alice,
Don't wait a whole year, like I did, after my relapse. It was just a wasted year. Lost money and lost health. Not worth it. We know what to do. Just do it!
Today, I am Three weeks, six days, 3 hours, 58 minutes and 42 seconds. 543 cigarettes not smoked, saving $162.99. Life saved: 1 day, 21 hours, 15 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
I'm doing well just forgetting about it. I know it sounds so strange. And it's totally different from my last quit. I have occassional cravings; sometimes tough ones. I do something different to get past them. And I just accept that I cannot smoke -- at all.
Chippa, Alice,
Don't wait a whole year, like I did, after my relapse. It was just a wasted year. Lost money and lost health. Not worth it. We know what to do. Just do it!
Today, I am Three weeks, six days, 3 hours, 58 minutes and 42 seconds. 543 cigarettes not smoked, saving $162.99. Life saved: 1 day, 21 hours, 15 minutes.
Nais gadol haya po!
Keep the quit and post before you puff!
Shalom!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,322
And I just accept that I cannot smoke -- at all.
That's pretty much it for me too, Historyteach. I just decided that a lifestyle change was in order. Even when I really, really want one, I remind myself I just don't do that anymore. It has gotten easier (I quit Oct. 13th, so approaching 4 months) but still, the urges come occasionally. The longer I go, the more I create NEW habits that take the place of the old. Recently, I gave up caffeine (doctor's suggestion for another ailment) and it was pretty easy, having already learned that I truly CAN quit addictive substances and live through it.
I really liked smoking, don't get me wrong. But in this year of 2009, with our country hell bent on making smoking the next illegal substance (LOL) it does feel better standing INSIDE during a party rather than always having to step out. And when a smoker steps back in and walks past me, I know I made the right decision, just by the smell (it always comes back to SMELL for me, for some reason!). But I just can't believe how much it does smell, and stay on one's clothes or coat, even outside in the cold.
Whatever it takes to get you to first make the decision, then work your way through those first few days, then that first whole week, it does get progressively easier. And you get progressively calmer. There is life AFTER cigarettes
That's pretty much it for me too, Historyteach. I just decided that a lifestyle change was in order. Even when I really, really want one, I remind myself I just don't do that anymore. It has gotten easier (I quit Oct. 13th, so approaching 4 months) but still, the urges come occasionally. The longer I go, the more I create NEW habits that take the place of the old. Recently, I gave up caffeine (doctor's suggestion for another ailment) and it was pretty easy, having already learned that I truly CAN quit addictive substances and live through it.
I really liked smoking, don't get me wrong. But in this year of 2009, with our country hell bent on making smoking the next illegal substance (LOL) it does feel better standing INSIDE during a party rather than always having to step out. And when a smoker steps back in and walks past me, I know I made the right decision, just by the smell (it always comes back to SMELL for me, for some reason!). But I just can't believe how much it does smell, and stay on one's clothes or coat, even outside in the cold.
Whatever it takes to get you to first make the decision, then work your way through those first few days, then that first whole week, it does get progressively easier. And you get progressively calmer. There is life AFTER cigarettes
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