I slipped

Jan- if someone who had a cigarette was around me today, I might be joining you in this. You'll get no judgment from me. I will tell you that when you get past a couple of weeks, that thought of lighting up will become less enticing in that you'll be throwing away a lot of intensity for nothing. This is a major benefit of the quit meter.You'll see what I mean and you will think of me when you get there. Not because I'm such a brilliant writer and supportive person (all sarcasm, believe me), but because of the energy you've invested in this quit. I know you will. That's why we all advertize it with almost every post. We have to convince ourselves that we can do it and believe me, I have to use everything available to do it. The patch has helped- use it. Take one off and put one on every day same time. Go for the 2 week mark and then go on from there. It's true what these folks say about these little landmarks. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 32 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,313 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $288 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 29 [B]Seconds:[/B] 24

Did u smoke?

I know- probably one of the strongest reasons I didn't smoke today was my unwillingness to recklessly abandon a 32 day quit and then have to start from day 1. It's such a compelling addiction. Also- I was stupid. I took off my patch last night to shower and forgot to put on a new one. A very restless night. I was a mess this morning and then I discovered no patch on my arm. Thankful for advice from some folks here. If I ever questioned being an addict, well this proved otherwise. But it was also enlightening because, even without the patch, I survived and din't smoke. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 32 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,313 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $288 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 31 [B]Seconds:[/B] 46

One man's opinion on "the quit meter"

I guess what makes me feel so strongly about this is that if I were to have even one puff, the impact on my psyche would be so intense that I know I would be unable re-engage the quit for a long, long time...if ever. It's obviously not just about "the meter", "the trinket" or being "unforgiving" in my case. The addiction is so strong, in my case, that it wouldn't be a matter of setting back the meter, if I slipped, because I would be gone from the group...smoking 2ppd again. This is not a grey issue for me. And all the flowery messages and smiley faces and encouragement to get back on the wagon wouldn't help an addict like me. It is almost enviable that some of you are capable of slipping and bouncing back, for you either have greater self-control than I do or your addictions are less mentally overwhelming...really, I don't know what the difference is. I can't slip and get up, I fall hard. This is hardly my first attempt- more like my tenth; I know what happens to me subconsciously when I had that puff before. It was the end of the quit. My mind would say I was tough enough for the puff, then the entire cig, and boom, 2ppd. 3 months was my longest attempt, but that was with a number of cheats, so really it was a bunch of 3 day quits with puffs/cigs over a 3 month period. I can't say I was smoke free for that. Just trying to convince myself. Finally I just smoked. My goal is to get past that 3 month period where I start to feel freedom from this and really know I was smoke-free. I realize I'm projecting my feelings into this....believe me. I'm hardly deluding myself that my opinion in this will set policy for the SCC regarding the quit meter, nor should it. I'm involved in a local Nicotine Anonymous and looking into another group because I realize, for my addiction, I need a tough approach to smoking cessation. This group has been a big help, especially because I can sit here in my pj's and go on and on. Keeps the old fingers busy too! Anyway- I still feel quite stongly about this and won't apologize for it. But the ultimate goal is quitting and however that gets done...go for it! Bob [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 34 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,380 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $306 [B]Life Gained:

One man's opinion on "the quit meter"

bump to me [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 34 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,380 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $306 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 5 [B]Seconds:[/B] 23

"Help"!!!

Doesn't seem to be much about taking naps. Those naps have saved me more than I can count. After exercising, working in the yard, what did I do for 30 years? I lit one up! Naps are grossly underrated! Sweet Dreams! Bob [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 34 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,382 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $306 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 17 [B]Seconds:[/B] 39

Did u smoke?

Well Cherie- a mature smoker (you are too awesome for words and I am in awe of your quit) who feels the same way I do? Is this to say that I also may never mature ( and embrace the grey areas of quitting)? I know...I am one sarcastic sob.. Seriously- congrats on your quit and you really do inspire me. nope Bob [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 34 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,388 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $306 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 54 [B]Seconds:[/B] 3

Celebrating 30 days - no fun!

I know just what you mean.....the 30 day slump; but it gets better. I wish quitting "just" was hell for the first week and then day to day improvement from that point. It's a roller coaster ride, instead. It sucks quite a lot. I take great heart in the posts of our mature quitters because it appears that the ride eventually ends. One "amusement park ride" you never want to ride again! I can't even see that right now. Very tough. There's a lot of support now days- not only in this great site, but (and to my surprize) also in our communities. I've just signed up for a free one on one counseling research group(psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, etc) sponsored by the state in an area hospital here. They provide reimbursement and/or vouchers for cessation assistment (meds, patches). Even parking is free. Also there are nicotine anonymous groups, etc all over. Finally this "habit" is getting recognized for the addiction it really is. It's horrible (quitting), but there's a hell of a lot more support, and negative reinforcement(smoking laws), than in the 70's, 80's and 90's- all of which are great reasons to give it your best effort. Keep up the good work! Bob [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 34 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,385 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $306 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 4

Celebrating 30 days - no fun!

bump for another 30 dayer [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 34 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,385 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $306 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 40 [B]Seconds:[/B] 22

One man's opinion on "the quit meter"

Well, I don't know (Chris and Fairy)...just read the thread about the Cigar smoker and see where this sort of thing got him (and I believe he's going to set back his meter, btw!!)....I think that being an addict means you NEVER touch the stuff again. So dangerous. Oh to be a "social smoker". Well I wanted to be an astronaut too, but all I got was being "spaced out" withdrawing from cigs!!! You got it Phil- N.O.P.E. Bob [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 35 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,422 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $315 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 13 [B]Seconds:[/B] 49

The Cigar Triggered........

What can I say, Mike? I'm sorry, but I'm gald you're back and also am glad you had the honesty to start over with your quit. It's discouraging to see someone so far into it go back because all of us who are in the earlier stages want to hear that no one even thinks about it after a certain amount of time. But it's the reality of this addiction. I envy you though in that you actually came back. I think I would be smoking 2ppd for a couple of years if I had made that slip. Glad you could do it and welcome back! Bob [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/18/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 35 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,422 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $315 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 5 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 14 [B]Seconds:[/B] 43