Allotments 4 All

Oh well, day 2, not climbing the walls yet! anyone else given up tobacco this year?  ;)

C'mon into Watershed and let ACE be your mentor ;D

He's starting a FatClub thread there too for newbie non-smokers ::)

Honest, Tony, you'll get lots of support there.  8)

Good luck, Tony!Just think, you'll be able to spend all the money you save on your allotment!

I am still at it :o

Good Luck ;D

Go for it TB. I done it this time last year.  I smoked for nearly 50 years and apart from an occasional twiddle with my worry beads, I don't really miss them. I will think about taking it up again when I am 70,  it can't do me much harm then.
Now I am weak willed and eating filled the ciggy break. So I have to loose that lot this year. Just be careful what you eat.

Tony - if you WANT to, you will.

I did, 30 years ago, after 40 years smoking, inter alia, free 50 tins of State Express cigarettes in Russia.

But my alcohol consumption has doubled!!

You can do it mate. I did it 4 years ago and i never thought that I would ever succeed. I went to a NHS clinic and got some patches for free. Everyone was amazed that I had managed to do it after being a very heavy smoker for 40 years.Its not easy but if you need any encouragement just pm me.

 :) good luck to you tony, I gave up alcohol 3 to 4 months ago and know what you are going through,


I've just had my first alcohol free Xmas since I was 13 :o hopefully my liver is OK!!

Tim is correct, if you want to give up you will, though I might start drinking again if I can get to Tim's age ;D/ shades x

I saw the nurse at our G.P. surgery last year, got patches and support!!
Just suffering with PNS (post nicotine stress) ;) ;)

Go On Tony, i used to smoke 60 a day ( used to get up early ) up until 9 years ago i got up one morning and decided that I did not want to smoke anymore and stopped.  Still got a pack of Embassy cigarettes with 9 fags in my cupboard from when i packed up.

good luck to you

Book yourself in for a session with a Dental Hygienist, Tony, and get your pegs all gleaming white again - lovely feeling 8)

Hey tony just wondered how you were doing?   

I've also decided to give up (again) only been 24 hrs and already climbing the walls. So annoyed with myself started smoking again last year after 2 years smoke free. Just started as one here and there next thing you know i was smoking up to 20 a day.

So that's it had a little help last time but going cold turkey this time i feel really determind about it so will let you know how i go!  :-\

lucy

Girlies can find lotsa little bits to do to keep hands busy like knittin, sewin and embroidery n stuff :D.

How about gettin yerself an airfix model or but a matchsticks modeling kit. It'll help on the days you cant do the lottie ;) You'll be so wrapped up you'll not miss 'em..........dem weed sticks 8)

Best of luck Tony :-*

I havern't smoked for over 44 years.  ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: cornykev on January 12, 2009, 16:05:06
I havern't smoked for over 44 years.  ;D ;D ;D

You gave up when you was 21?  Good for you! 

Ha  Ha  Ha   Sammys got her funny head on, I thought we were born on the same day.  ???        ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: cornykev on January 12, 2009, 16:05:06
I havern't smoked for over 44 years.  ;D ;D ;D

and I thought you were only in your 'late 30's'  ;D ;D

Yes Tone very late thirtys.  ;)       ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: tonybloke on January 13, 2009, 00:05:31
and I thought you were born 'late 30's'  ;D ;D

Quote from: cornykev on January 13, 2009, 18:52:09
Yes Tone very late thirtys.  ;)       ;D ;D ;D

Yeah, about 1938 wasn't it?  ;D :-*

Was brought up as a tee-totaler (Methodist) gave up smoking when I started drinking, couldn't afford both, best thing I ever did... might have had ten in bad company (after a few too many drinks) in the last 30 years!!  :P

well, thats 13 days without! they said the first fortnight would be the worst? ;)

fingers crossed for tomorrow then...  ;D

 ;D ;D ;D

Well done tonybloke, hope you're feeling very proud of yourself.

Sinbad

well done, you will start to feel alot better!

Well done Tony keep at it, I speak from experience of working in a chest unit for many years and have seen the disastrous effect smoking can have on friends and relatives left behind, at such young ages

Sammy thats two funnys in two days    :o   is it your new years resolution.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D        ???      :-\   


PS    Keep it going tone.  ;)

Well done Tone. I really know just how you are feeling

and welcome to the site Tim E  ;D

yes, welcome Tim e,
and thanks for the support, fans!!
Day 14, and developing a tic tac habit!  ;)  ;D ;D ;D

hiya, Tim e, nearly missed you  ;D
well, tic tacs keep your mouth fresh  ;D

Day 29, still no 'baccy !! (been a bit 'shirty' occassionally!!)  ;)

Have ya??? ;D.....................noooooo never :)

 ;D ;D ;D sorry denise!!

Well done Tony. It's a rotten addiction but at least you know now that you won't die cos you haven't got a f*g. I still fancy one now and its been over 4 years but I'm strong enough to resist the temptation.

Well done Tony, I wish it was me.  I started last Friday and don't know how I am surviving but I have.

Can you remember when you first stopped?  How long before the craving gets any better?  Did you feel funny?  I feel odder than usual ;D

And I am coughing a lot and I never used to have a smokers cough.

Sinbad

Get yourself to your doctors! I saw the nurse at our surgery, had a chat and decided on best course of action for me. I am on the 15mg patches, the 18hr ones (not the 24hr ones) these are for the first 8 weeks, then a lower dosage for a couple of weeks, then stop the patches. I had the patches all sorted before I started,and told everyone around me I was giving up, you need moral support, sometimes! ;)
good luck, rgds, tony

Hi Tony,

I went to the doctors today and have started the programme run by the NHS.  I went cold turkey last Friday then started the patches on Sunday, 21 mg/24 hr.  Had really bad nights sleep and they also irritaed the skin.  But carried on with them today.  After seeing the doctor went straight to the special clinic, for quitting, I now have the inhalator, but have just stuck a patch back on as well.  I am determined to do it but just wanted to hear how others survived ;D ;D ;D

Sinbad

Sinbad, things do seem odd, and you do get a tickly cough. I smoked for 50 years and gave it up on new year 2008, but patches and worry beads saw me clear by Easter. I also found learning to play an instrument gave my hands something to do and took my mind off of the cravings. I always said it was easy giving up smoking, as I had done it hundreds of times. But I am glad I am clear of it for a while.

If you think giving up smoking is hard you wait until this time next year and you have to go on a diet.

LOL Ace, I am dreading that bit.

Thank you for your support, it is nice to know that you feel kinda odd.

I was told today don't think chocolate banana's will be much better for me.

Sinbad

Keep it up Tone, well done matey ;D ;D

Welcome Tim E ;D ;D

Sinbad!!.........good for you......good luck ;D ;D ;D

Thank you Star.  As I have said to you I would never be able to give it up as I've never had the desire but when you can't breathe it frightened me so much I decided that the time had come to be strong ;D ;D

Odd really as all the medical things I have had nothing has made me want to stop as I really did enjoy smoking and as I sit here with my glass of wine what wouldn't I give for a f*g ;D ;D ;D

try swapping the 24 hr ones for the 18 hr ones, after all even I never smoked whilst asleep! and That lets your levels rise and fall, making it easier to stop??

Hi Tony. I had to pack it in cos I couldn't breathe. I now have to use 2 inhalers cos I now have COPD through smoking. I wish that I had stopped when I was younger.Trouble was that when I started in the early sixties it was the norm. Leave school and start smoking. Almost everyone did it. When you get all of these rotten symptoms just think that your body has to undo all the damage that the ciggies have done. Are you saving the money you would have spent. Thats a good incentive

Thanks Tony, think I will phone up tomorrow and see if they will give me some of the 18 hour ones.

Shirl sorry to hear you have COPD, will it ever get better or do you stay at the level you are now with your breathing?

Sinbad

Keep it up Tony, it's well worth it. I gave it up in May 1986 after about 25 years of increasingly heavy smoking. Tried weaning myself off ciggies by smoking small cigars instead, but decided to give up when I got to 40 a day of those and my son, then aged 6, started putting home-made no smoking signs all over the house! The first few weeks were murder, but I've never regretted it.

Quote from: shirlton on January 29, 2009, 18:25:06Are you saving the money you would have spent. Thats a good incentive

I used to smoke DRUM, free from a mate who works offshore!  It's costing more to give up than it did to smoke! ;D ;D ;D
but it's only for a few weeks 'til I get off these patches as well ;)

1st Feb is my cut off day

Tony I got the patches free from the NHS clinic.

Shirl sorry to hear you have COPD, will it ever get better or do you stay at the level you are now with your breathing?


Sinbad
I don't know if it will ever go away completely but the inhalers do prevent an onset of asthma and I have a blue one that I carry around just in case. Bonfires on the plot are a bit of a nuisance. If someone lights one I just go home. Good job its only allowed from Oct to March. Some have started having barbeques on the site now. They are ok if they light them properly, its just when they look like they are sending smoke signals. I don't complain cos it's me own fault that I have the problem. My 2 grandaughters have started smoking and I dread to think how it will affect them. Nothing I say will make them stop. Just hope they see sense in time. Best of luck with your efforts Sinbad

well done and good luck all of you
I gave up on thursday 28th feb last year
it does get better slowly, keep it up
you will feel so much better for it
i realy dont know where the money has gone though (must be something to do with the diet i need to go on)
lbb

Quote from: shirlton on January 30, 2009, 09:16:01
Tony I got the patches free from the NHS clinic.

yeah, but I ain't 60 yet!! ;D ;D

Neither was I at the time   ;D ;D ;D

I stopped pipe smoking after over 40 years and know how difficult it is(2years 2 months!) I cleared out my garage this week and  found 7 packets of "St Bruno", heading for the compost heap I think! Although don`t want to choke the worms........ ;D ;D

Tone you must be touching the 60 mark.  :o        ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Thanks Shirl.  I can imagine how you must feel over your granddaughters smoking, but guess if we had listened to anyone when we were young we wouldn't be where we are now.  I wonder why when you're young you never listen to anyone.

Well done Forestone and LLb, hope I can say the same as you this time next year.

This morning was a real struggle I woke up wanting a cigarette :(

p.s. Hope you've had an easy day of it today Tony.

Sinbad

It's the stepson's 21st today, and I had to fit a pair of taps for a maye this a.m. I find keeping busy helps!! ;)

hope you have a good day sinbad7,  too! ;)

 Been finished about 9 years now and sinbad must admit there are still times when I feel like having one, but i know that if I do just have that ONE it would lead to another one

  Keep fighting the the urge tony and sinbad

 Thanks for your  king words Richard, it's surprising how hearing from the ones that have succeeded spurs one on to keep trying.  As I never ever thought I would try to give it up I am pleased I have got this far.

Hopefully Tony when i get over this chest infection and get back to my normal self it will be easier and I will be able to keep active.

Hope you have an easy day tomorrow.

Sinbad

I packed it in 8 years ago. things that helped me were to change my habits/pattterns as much as I could. And ev time I thought about having one, it was Back to day 1 if ya did.
Day 30 back to day 1???? Not a Chance!

Just my lil tips that helped me along the way. good luck you peeps xx

Quote1st Feb is my cut off day

goodluck Powerspade, you can do it  ;)

well done Tony and Sinbad, keep it up

I stopped a 20+ a day habit 4 and a half years ago ...I love being a non smoker  ;D

Good luck for tomorrow, Powerspade, you can do it!  ;)

Good luck Powerspade for tomorrow.  If I can be of any help just pm me.

Had a bad moment at the supermarket today. I looked longingly at a scrunched dog end on the floor, luckily I didn't have a light......................now that's really bad isn't it??? ;D ;D ;D

Don't beat yourselves up if you have a weak moment or see a dog end and want to pick it up. Always remember that a drug is what you are giving up. 
Get up again dust yourself off and start again. When I stopped , If I started craving for a cig I used to tell myself that I could go and get myself a bag of glue (cos its just the same) This had always repulsed me when I had seen people doing it. It really did help me. Anyhow keep up the good work you are all doing really well.

Quote from: Sinbad7 on January 31, 2009, 16:45:06Had a bad moment at the supermarket today. I looked longingly at a scrunched dog end on the floor, luckily I didn't have a light......................now that's really bad isn't it??? ;D ;D ;D

Yes that's terrible! ALWAYS carry a lighter!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Tony, I'll try to remember.

Thanks Shirl, one has to worry about looking longingly at dog ends as what will become of me when I 've lost it completely ;D ;D ;D

I tell you I used to dream about smoking every night. The dreams were that vivid that I really used to wake up thinking that I really had smoked. I also used to dream about people that I admired (non smokers) and they were puffing away at their cigs. I think it must be the mind trying to trick us into having a fix..

Shirl, I wanna dream that dream, honest I do.  Fancy being able to smoke when it had nothing to do with you, sounds good to me ;D ;D ;D

 ;D ;D ;D

Come on Shirl, tell me how I do it..........................please.  I really am feeling desperate today, so much so I am going to have to go and put the ironing board up..................... I hate ironing too ;D

Wonder how Tony is keeping himself occupied today and how Powerspade is getting on.

Shirl, you could earn a few bob here if you taught us all how to dream the smoking dream ;D ;D ;D

Well firstly you have to get yerself a big bottle of wine and the rest is easy

Blimey, this sounds too good to be true ;D ;D  If it works I 'll send you a bottle too ;D

I know, I didn't have much ironing

I'm keeping busy!!, been down the lotty to get some veg, and to get a large bucket full of 2 yr old horse sh*t, for my mate to grow mushrooms in, under the bench in his orchid house. I'm cooking a roast (organic chicken) as the O.H. is loking after her mum (75yrs), who's just out of hospital after major surgery. Doing a bit of assignment work for college, washing up (by hand) whilst doing a bit of birdwatching (we overlook the old cemetery), etc, etc,....... ;D ;D

Hope your mother-in-law gets well soon Tony.

I wish I had your energy, maybe when my chest infection has gone I will get back into being hyperactive ;D

Tony do you know a place called Ditchingham?  Sorry off topic.

what, the WORLD FAMOUS CHICKEN ROUNDABOUT ?? ;D ;D ;D yep, know it well, go swimming in the river near there, at Ellingham,  ;)

Oh, never heard of the roundabout, it's just my gr grandmother was born there ;D  I'm doing my ancestry and remembered some of my ancestor's come from Norfolk, so always keen to hear about the places they came from.

google (or other search engine) 'chicken roundabout' 

How brilliant Tony, thanks for that. 

Powerspade did you manage to stop on the 1st?

Tony how are you doing?

Day 12 for me today................................god it's hard ;D

Think you are doing great Sinbad. I gave up 7 years ago. Had my last ciggie the week my dad died. I still really want a smoke when i smell other people smoke but consent myself with a really big sniff lol. It's not easy but keep on going.  ;)

Still  no tobacco!!
powerspade, how you doin' mate?
keep it up Sinbad, plenty of walks like the one yesterday should keep you busy!!

Had any nightmares yet?????

A couple of night bad kip, but I think the 18 hr patches are good, who needs Nicotine whilst asleep?  ;)

  Keep it up lads

Oh Shirl, been dying to tell you all day I HAD THE DREAM ;D ;D ;D

Really odd though as when I woke up I felt really guilty just as though I had smoked  knowing in my dream I shouldn't have been.  I did smoke just the one though as couldn't miss the opportunity ;D ;D

Apart from the dream I am still on par although very hard today felt like day one all over again.  Hope you fared better today Tony.

Sinbad

pretty good day today! still haven't heard how powerspade is getting on? ;)

Keep it up folks...  :)

thanks for the encouragement, Saddad ;)

Thanks saddad.

Tony, did food taste different to you?  I ask as everything tastes so strong and horrible and I never realised just how much salt I put on everything.

Glad you had a good day today.

food is definately  tastier !  I don't know about horrible, though  My O.H. is a bl**dy good cook, and I ain't bad at the old culinary skills myself. :D

I thought I was a good cook but maybe I might change my mind ;D ;D ;D

Mind, the fresh cream cakes do taste good, so not all is lost.  Two cream slices waiting for me in the fridge.

how ya getting on today, sinbad?

Feels like hell since I opened my eyes this morning at 6am.  But I have to be honest and say I have loads of horrible things going on in my life at the moment and yet as much as I want a puff, I wont give in tonight at least:)))  Bed and my dreams are calling me, I dreamt of smoking last night again, no guilt though ;D ;D ;D

Hope you are doing well tony, how long now and what patches are you on?

Day 15 for me.

Keep at it Sinbad.............you can do it :)

Thank you betula for your kind words, I do hope I can achieve this.

Tony do you feel pleased with yourself, or have I got to wait a while for that?  Like next year ;D ;D ;D

I have to admit going to stand by some people lighting up outside the supermarket:)

Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 07, 2009, 00:09:45Hope you are doing well tony, how long now and what patches are you on?

Day 15 for me.

day 38
I'm on the 15Mg patches at the moment,  2 and 1/2 more weeks on this strength,  then a lower strength for a few weeks,  then......
keep it up Sinbad7 you can do it if I can!! ( I started when I was 10, and I'm 50 now) ;)

I think you've done brill Tony, an inspiration to me.

As I hate to be a moaner but I seem to do it so well, thought I'd get in quick and say today feels easier :)

I've had my porridge and twenty mint humbugs, been for a walk with Sam and now off to soak in the bath.


Yep. today feels a positive day ;D ;D

I too find the moaning and whingeing is easier now I've stopped the fags! ;D ;D ;D

Good for you Sinbad and tonybloke i packed up 20 odd years ago, started on parkdrive,then went on to 40 a day number 6 kingsize, i have never looked back. You can do it.

Love it tony, that really made me laugh ;D ;D ;D

Thanks froglegs for your encouragement, I wish I had 20 years under my belt.  I remember No6 kingsize well, I too smoked them, well I had a try of most cigarettes as when a teenager I worked for a wholesale tobacconist and confectioners.

Another weekend that you have succeeded in going without your crutches. Well done to you

Good moaning to one and all.  ;D ;D ;D

Quote from: cornykev on February 08, 2009, 11:23:35
Good moaning to one and all.  ;D ;D ;D

Kev,you do bring a smile to the day!!  ;D ;D ;D

Kev, you've encouraged me to moan a bit more  ;D

B*****y awful day.

C'mon matey, you can do it!!! ;)

Tony, did you honestly feel this bad?

I feel a wreck  ;D ;D ;D  I now know where the word everything is jangling comes into describing the body  ;D ;D ;D

I ain't been that bad mate, 'a little bit shirty' blew up into a huge row with the stepson (21) yesterday! (was it full moon?) but better today, plenty cake and chocolate today!! ;D ;D ;D
If you getting bad, go back to doctor / nurse whoever, ask for help, it's what they there for. ;)

Keep going lads you can do it. I found the same thing with the salt Sinbad. I stopped using it in cooking altogether and put it on my food at the table if i need it. It's amazing how cream cakes do suddenly taste nicer too. Although i don't need much tempting lol. 
Get all the help you can Sinbad after all the NHS want you to give up smoking for good too.   :) :)

Thank you Tony and Busy Bee for your encouragement.

After yesterdays' whinge today had to be better :)

I do realise when I give into myself like I did yesterday it is only me who can get me out of it, so felt better walking along the street today saying give us a f*g. Well if I'm going to crack I might as well do it big time  ;D ;D ;D

Just remember that you feel bad cos your bodies having to repair all the harm that the weeds have done. Try to take deep breaths as if you're having a good drag on a cig. It worked for me

I do Shirl I do.  I have one of those inhalator's as well as the patch so have a good old drag on it. ;)

Well, tony how has today been for you?  Easy I hope.

I have been out for most of today so it's been much easier for me. and as the snow and sludge have disappeared from round here I have got plenty of get up and go, so much so I thought about buying some Lycras and going cycling......................I think I might be getting delusional now, is this the next stage us non smokers go through  ;D ;D ;D

hectic, on the go all bl**dy day! ;D, (keeping busy helps)and this evening  was the monthly meeting of our local horticultural society (side room of the pub) I'm the newly 'volunteered' club secretary  (all new to me) so it was an interesting nite, didn't get back'til 9.45, then I proof - read the O.H.'s dissertation. just checked in here, then off to cut some Zzzzzz's  ;)

Glad you were kept so busy tony.  You should enjoy being a sec I am sure you will be a very fair and good one.

Today for me hasn't been that bad, so am pleased about that, mind just eaten and I could kill a cigarette with a cuppa  ;D ;D ;D

It's just a bit of correspondence and printing, email other members to remind of meeting, send email agenda, they can print their own, then. etc. should be interesting.
busy day at college today, microscopy lecture / practical this a.m. then apple pruning this p.m. in the drizzle.
well,, that's another full week of no fags, it's getting to be too many days now to think about starting counting again!
you right about the after - meal moment, though, I go and wash up the dishes, keeps me hands occupied  ;D

Taking my hat off to you here, TBloke & Co.
I'm reading all your progresses. Keep it going...tough, but you people are tougher. Well done.

Thanks, Ken.

The nurse from the  surgery  thinks it's great that  folk can get a bit of moral support from an allotment forum!!  ;D ;D ;D

I've often thought of kicking bacca into touch and rolling a few from DIY compo bags. Then I worked out how much that would cost and went back to rolling pure poison!
(One day....one day!)

Tony is there another topic where I can find out what you are doing at college?

Roll on the day when I can stop counting them too:)

Well, I have to confess today is hard, and it really shouldn't be.  I never said but I had an urgent appointment today for the chest clinic, at the hospital, as when I went to the doctor's for my cough I was sent for a chest x-ray and something was found on it and it could have been lung cancer or an old scar.  Of course I thought the worst and have been sitting here  worrying myself sick.  The doctor did say to me, when my surgery phoned to say they had found something on my lung, the good news was it was small and was treatable if it is cancer which really made me feel bad.

Anyway I went to the hospital today and am so relieved that the consultant thinks I have had TB sometime in my life and it is a scar from that, I am like a two year old today but came straight out of the hospital and wanted a cigarette:((((((((((  And all day has been the same.  But haven't given in and wont as after having such a scare I would be an idiot to think I can smoke ever again.

So for me today has been brilliant except for the craving, but I am happy and don't mind the craving today. 

Ken I would love to say you can do it but from experience of what has happened to me, I can't, although I would wish anyone who smokes would just try as there is help out there and lots of it as people do seem to realise the struggle it is, and I for one would give you all the support you might need from another person.  I would hate to think of others getting to the stage I got to before they tried but do know all the words in the world can't make someone stop until they want to for themselves and I do believe you would know when the time is right for you.

I have been frightened before but nothing like not being able to breath, so any smoker who is following this thread give it some thought as as I have said there is loads of help out there and we are not all strong so you can stick the patches on, puff away at the inhalator, eat sweets and chocolate and get through one day at least and maybe one day will lead to 2 and so on.

I really admire all those that have given up smokig and hope one day I can say too I have stopped smoking.

By the way this is my first attempt at giving up after being a smoker for 50 years plus.  There has to be hope for you too ;D ;D

Well written Sinbad 8) and I'm ever so pleased that today turned out well for you at the H.

KOKO

xxx Lishka

Many thanks Lishka, your reply was much appreciated  :)

Well done Sinbad and tony.  Keep on going the pair of you.  Sinbad you ahve had one hell of a fright and that would have me stopping this filthy habit, keep it up.  One day I hope to join as a non smoker.  I am going thro the cutting back stage and have reduced my cigs by about 10 a day so that is a start I suppose.  Keep it going lads.  will be worth while at the end of the day.

Sinbad, Tony, Carol - believe, me it's well worth it, so keep it up!  The craving never quite goes away but the benefits to health and the pocket are huge. I have up in May 1986, after smoking more and more heavily for nearly 25 years. I found it hard to keep going but certainly have no regrets at all. :)

Sinbad, so glad to hear you had a good result at the Hospital (who'd of thought anyone would be glad to know that they'd had T.B.?) 
I think a fright like that should be all the encouragement I'd need!! ;)
I still crave a f*g, but as the local shop has had 'mars bars, 4 for £1.20p',  I'm putting on a couple of inches round the waist. Oh well, one addiction at a time, eh? ;D ;D

When you get too desperate, try some snuff.  There has been a great resurgence since the smoking ban in pubs, and there are very many different types of snuff.  Not considered harmful like smoking and not taxed like tobacco either.

Hi carol, great that you are even cutting them back, but I do know that's hard to do too, so why don't you join us on this thread and give us a daily report on your 10 a day.  It might just keep you on the straight and narrow as I do know cutting down is not that easy.

Thank you hopalong and carol for your words of encouragement.

Well tony we can go on a diet together next year.........................mind I am finding sweet things killing my teeth they seem to have gone a bit wobbly too.........................what a state to be in.  Mind it's a happy state

I am not sure I fancy snorting snuff, it doesn't sound very ladylike to me, maybe tony can have a go first but thank you for the suggestion rbull.

So glad all is ok. :)

I smoke and the last time I tried to pack up it I only lasted two weeks.

Such a hard thing to do. :)

Oh betula, two whole weeks that was brilliant.  If only it was now  you could have joined us on here, we could all have kept each other going.

If you change your mind and want another go you can have my email my mobile number anything I can do to help, or maybe just cut down with Carol and keep us updated of how you are doing.

I am houseworking, honest I am but have taken a coffee break with my inhalator ;D  Then off our for another walk with Sam :)

two whole weeks, betula? have another go!! ;)

Well sinbad7,  another day, eh?
I had some heavy - duty coffee today, Guatamalan, fairly traded and organic, grown on the slopes of a volcano, roasted in Norwich, and freshly ground on the market stall. got some kick to it!! ;D

Oh tony I could do with something with a kick in it, you lucky thing  :)

I am knackered, I have kept busy all day but oh for a puff, I've just eaten my tea, so now is a bad time. 

But of course as you say another day, so we are doing well.  Well done you  ;D  ;D  ;D   I hope you realise tony you can never go back now you are my shining example  :)

Yes two whole weeks ;D

Sinbad,thank you for the support. :)

Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 13, 2009, 18:36:05
  I hope you realise tony you can never go back now you are my shining example  :)

Oh No!! I've always been considered a'terrible warning' not a 'shining example', what have you done to me? ;D ;D ;D

LOL tony see how life changes then when you give up the weed ;D

It's a nightmare this morning, I have been moaning and whinging all morning long wanting a cigarette and then I thought I'd come on here to moan but opened my email first and look what my husband sent to me.


I just want to tell you, I just want to say,
That as you know, today's a special day,
It is the day of St Valentine.
A day when lovers everywhere declare their love divine,
I know that when I'm with you I feel just quite sublime,
And sometimes when I see you standing on your own,
I feel so very very proud that you are a genuine ,
100% smoke free zone!!!!!
You really are a star, take a bow!
Love Barryxxxxxxxxxx
 
How can I moan now and not carry on for the day??  ;D  ;D  ;D

Aw that was nice Sinbad  (ps  I thought you were a bloke)   You will have to keep it going now, you are really doing so well.  My ploy last night with the weed was to keep them in the kitchen and if I wanted one had to come through here.  I am just playing really but smoking less.  Keep on going, one day you will feel just great and never thought of smoking thata day.    ;)

that was a lovely thought from your hubby, Sinbad7 !!
I ain't the only one giving support, then  ;)

No tony, he keeps me going by telling me he'll get me a wheelchair and I'll have no say in where he pushes me and it wont be to my allotment either  ;D  ;D  ;D.

But then it is really good having you understanding how hard it is for me on a daily basis, so I wouldn't want to be without you, so to speak.

Today has been torture again and yet tonight I am fine, really odd.

So, how have you been today?  Hope your OH cooked you something nice tonight.  Have you put on any weight?  I think I might have put 4lbs on already.

I cooked tonite! Fillet steak, served on a bed of fried red onions, with homemade coleslaw, baked spud, fried tomatoes and a fried free-range double-yolker!!, washed down with a glass of co-op californian rose`  (but NO CIGAR)  ;)
yes, I'm putting on the pounds!! ;D ;D

Gawd, I should think you are too ;D ;D ;D

Good job you live so far away I could have popped round for dinner ;D ;D ;D

You are doing so well and I admire you both Well done.

I have got one ciggie left until the morning and I hate it. :)

Will be round the shop at seven.

Oh betula I know that feeling so well.  I would have been out tonight for more.

I hope the day comes when you say enough is enough.

I tell you what is really good and I haven't got over the novelty yet, is the place doesn't smell of smoke everytime I come in.  I still keep opening the door though to let the smoke out then remember I don't have to.

Just caught up with this thread... and congratulations to all those who are keeping it going. I've gone 3 weeks now (with one drunken relapse after week in but it was only one!)...

So, 2 weeks propper. Anyone else have a constant cold/cough while your system chucks out the cr@p?

Well done all of you. When you smoke yourself you don't realise just how awful the smell is that smoking leaves behind. The first thing we did was to clean and decorate the whole house. Sometimes I stand behind someone in a queue and the hum from them is really nasty. I think to myself that I must have smelled just the same. It was hard work to give up the 40 a day for 40 years but it's the best thing I ever did.In the futeure you will really be glad that you made the decision to kick the habit.

 Good Morning to all  recent non-smokers
Welcome aboard Ollie !!
yes, shirl don't ya notice the smell? as you so wisely point out, I used to leave a trail of robacco smoke wherever I went, but not any more!!. When out walking, I really notice when a car goes past and the occupants are smoking (particularly notice Tailor-mades) it smells worse than the petrol fumes sometimes ;)
I Hope today is a bit easier Sinbad7, keep busy, that's my motto!!  ;D ;D

Quote from: OllieC on February 15, 2009, 09:05:05
Anyone else have a constant cold/cough while your system chucks out the cr@p?

Yes OllieC, all of us I think! ;)

well done all of you  - just keep it up.

I HATE the smell of tobacco and think its terrific that I can now go into pubs and clubs wihtout smelling the stuff.  Just cannot believe that I smelt like that for 20 years without even realising!! my poor friends - in fact I am amazed that I even had any friends...

Yes I coughed and spluttered for about 6 months after giving up!!! and have probably made my chest weak - as when I get anywhere near tobacco now ( usually when standing next to someone who smokes ) then i start coughing badly again!!!!!!!

Oh well the benefits far outweigh the negatives - I manages to give up 9 years ago and have never regretted it.

so keep going guys...

Gosh I didn't realise that I stink!!  Why are folk surprised when I say I smoke then?   I must stand well back from folk, do not want to offend. 

Well done OllieC for stopping as well, hope you all keep it up and give up the evil weed that stinks to high heaven. 

:-X :-X

Well done to you non stinky peeps  :-X  keep it up, its bloody easy to give lets face it I don't know what all the fuss is about.  :-X    :-*        ;D ;D ;D

Hi OllieC lovely to have you join us.  I think just one lapse, you have to say it's three weeks now and as you were drunk you probably didn't fully understand just how lovely it was for a puff, one lapse is forgiven  ;D ;D ;D .

Oh carol I think smokers do pong as I only ever wore something once and it was in the wash, I was very conscious of the smell especially how my home smells, I think it still stinks but at least I am not adding to it and in the summer when I  can have all the windows and door's open it should start to smell better.

I'm one of the lucky ones Ollie don't have a cough at all now.  At least when you are coughing it reminds why you shouldn't smoke.


Ummmmmmmm, keep busy is the secret, I don't think Sunny Enfield is a million miles away, you'd better watch your self corny I might just get round to day tripping  and come and give you a slap  ;D ;D ;D.

Actually I day tripped today to take my mind off the craving and went back to where I was born.  A real dump but nice to go and see the house I was born in and the school I went to and take some photo's.  Home now and feeling quite good, so looks like another day under my belt.

So, how's today for you tony and Ollie?

I went to see one of our site secretaries this a.m., at another alottment site (there's several sites in the borough, his site has over 300 plots) for a chat about me being the new society secretary. had a long chat and a stroll around the site to see problems with dykes / brambles / fencing / security, etc etc., (john is a smoker, and it was really bl**dy tempting)
Popped in to my daughter's and SiL's, new home to try and sort out her wireless router, and  have a cuppa and annoy the grandkids!!
stopped in @ B&Q to get some tree - posts and Ties,
been on here a bit!
Post some photo's Sinbad7??

The good thing is tony you might have been tempted by John's smoke but you didn't escape and have a cigarette.......................so, you can have a star today, for being extra good. :)

The photo's I took were of the house I was born in, my primary school and the church I was christened in. I have uploaded them onto photobucket but can't seem to put them in an album on their own, also what bit do I have to copy and post?Ollie are you using the patches?

Today I've been doing a bit of admin - some OU coursework and some job application stuff... and I missed it more than any other time over the last few weeks. I do like a smoke when I'm thinking!

I'm using the odd bit of Nicotinell (yummy fruit or lovely liquorice), but I only do them in emergencies 'cos they taste like poo!

So, another good day all round!

I think people who smoke rollies smell less than those who prefer them to be tailor made. That's how it seems when you smoke. But now I have to agree, it stinks when a work colleague comes in after a smoke.

"stinks" is a horrible word :(.....enuff to say that if a person wears clean clothes, washes their hair daily etc.etc. there's no "stink"...except :o if that person puts on the same ole anorack day after day....now THAT stinks!!

Quote from: Hyacinth on February 15, 2009, 19:03:10
"stinks" is a horrible word :(.....enuff to say that if a person wears clean clothes, washes their hair daily etc.etc. there's no "stink"...except :o if that person puts on the same ole anorack day after day....now THAT stinks!!

Have you been going 'round sniffing peoples coats again, Lish?!?! You know that's norty!

I have managed my first day!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Well if you lot can, seriously, I need to. Health problems dictate and have done for a long time. Now I must listen to what me bod's tellin me.

I have tried twice in the last few months. made a no smoking in the house rule, scrubbed, cleaned washed curtains and everything moveable. Only to have the rule broken >:( >:( >:( TWICE!!

So now I gotta do it all again, getting too old and tired for all this. But Im determined this time. And yes Sinbad my house stinks too, so does my OH, the car, our coats (yes theyve been washed, but smoking in the car :-\?)

Onward then to the non smokers realm ;D ;D ;D I hope I keep it up tomorrow, one day at a time eh? Been ok today though ;) :D

   

Star, you are going to be my little star.  I am so delighted you are joining us do you have the patches, gum, inhalator?  I quite like the inhalator with the patches, you can have a good old puff on the inhalator.

A good sign that you have gone one day feeling okay but as we both know it's all the other b*****s you have to get through that are going to count.  It goes without saying I am here 100% for you and if there is anything I can do to make it easier for you just let me know, my mobile number landland anything.

We have to succeed as this is something we are all doing for ourselves.  And honest in a few weeks you are going to feel so much better in yourself.

Day 24 for me and I have to say the cravings have been so much less today.

Welcome aboard the No - Smoking Train, Star!! If I can do it, so can you. Get yerself to the Dr's, for some patches / inhilator. It all helps (so does chocklit)  ;) One day at a time, steady does it, Tell everyone you know you've given up, you'd be surprised the encouragement you get, and it all helps. rgds, Tony

Kept myself busy all day and I have wanted to smoke all day too.

Hope you tony and ollie have done well today and of course you Star.

Thankx guys ;).....and bloody well done all of you :D

Gawds Sinbad n Tone, I got, patches, inhalator, gum, lozenges, chewin gum (nicorette and Extra in strawberry flava) I haven't bitten me nails yet, but I am tuckin into choklit far too much.........its only day two :o :o.

Im tempted tonight though :(.......really mustn't. I went shopping today and spend loads on nice smelling cleaning stuff and other stuff I never normally bought......like a gun for anyone who dares smokes in here again!!!

I also got a letter from Help the Aged (didn't think I wasthatold) Anyway there's about 6 groups locally on different days. I reckon I may just attend a couple of those as well.

Does anyone know if part of nicotine withdrawal makes you tired? But Im using patches? Oh I dunno, I'll just work with it for now.

And thank you Sinbad for your offer ;)

xxx 

well done everybody!! another day, eh?
Star, try to keep busy, it seems to help (distraction theory) ;)

Yep, Keep it up, you're doing great...  :)

Well done Star :) :) :)  Two days is 2 days longer than one and now it is turning into 3, so you have done really well.

I haven't put on this forum how I am really feeling as I think people would soon get fed up with my moaning and groaning and probably send me some cigarette's to just shut me up, but what I have done is to write a blog where I wax lyrically of just how hard this is for me.

I know some people don't find it that hard and some find it harder and others can't give it up at all, so as you said one day at a time and after a zillion days we should both find what catergory we fall into  ;D ;D ;D

Here's hoping for a brilliant third day for you.

Sinbad

p.s. You never said tony how your day was.

p.p.s.  Maybe a blog would help you too Star, might be worth a try.

Good morning all ! hope today is easier for everyone!
Sinbad7, I didn't say how yesterday was because, ..........
The O.H. is 4 days from handing in her dissertation, it was my first night as secretary for all the allotment sites in the borough ( totallly new to secretary position, I only been on committee for 6 - 7 months) pretty stressful! YES I really fancied a ciggie, several times during the day / night!!!!! However, I'm going against Nietzsche, and resisting temptation!!! ;)  ;D

.I think you are all doin extremely well.So now you have a new recruit namely Star. With all o that cleaning stuff it will be Twinkle Twinkle little Star. Although I quit a few years ago I still feel great when someone else manages to do it.  A tip Star, Try not to eat sweet stuff cos it seems to make it harder not to have a cig. Bitter lemon is quite good and grapefruit is better but be careful of grapefruit if you are on medication cos it can affect it. I think you already have a section on here in the shed to let everyone know how great you are doing or to have a moan and groan when needed.

Thanks for the support and encouragement, Shirl,  ;)

I've been a pregnant dog today but have enjoyed shouting and hollering.

Went upstairs just now and saw a patch on the bathroom floor, quickly unzipped my jeans and went searching for my patch and it wasn't there, so guess I have been all day without a patch.  I am delighted ;D  ;D  ;D  There's hope for tomorrow now as if you survive nearly a day without a patch, I should be really good tomorrow with one stuck on.

Hope you have all had a good day.

Why being sec is stressful tony?  It is  easy peasey.

p.s. surprised I typed one word and two came up b***h can't be acceptable to use

Wow.........its all good for everyone so far. Im coughing like.....really bad. Still extremely tired, not just sleepy. Totally lethargic.

Thanks for the tip Shirl, thats so handy as I have been choccy n sweety far too much. I do have some fruit in, though Im shopping tomorrow so will top up well.

I agree Ollie peeps do smell after a f*g, I took one of my dogs to the vet today for her eardrops. I didn't know the vet smoked as I could never smell him before. Did today though. You're doing really well ;)

Tony.......fantastic you kept your head while those all about you lost theirs! Good luck to your good lady I'm sure she will do well. Give me a bit of your willpower ;)

Sinbad.....what can I say? Thats great news ;D So really these patches are just a patch of plastic and its all mind over matter? Only joking, I know they work. I change mine around 10 am, I can feel it losing its power about 9.30. It does make you feel like you are winning the battle though......your doing so well ;D

Heehee Im typin away here listening to one of my girls having a happy dream, her tail is going crackers!! Aw............. :-*

   

Star, orange juice is really good to drink to help take the craving away - and with all that VitC it's doing you GOOD too! And someone told me that grapes had the same effect? So bung them both on your shopping list & give them a try?

KOKO all  8)

Well done Star another day done and dusted, it will soon be a week.

I think you might be right about the patch, mind over matter:((((  But a gal needs something to hang on to, in my state, and I am growing quite attatched to the patches. 

Really hope tomorrow is easier for you Star.

How has your day been today Tony and Ollie?  Hope today has been good for you both.

good day today, busy getting some wood for the fire this a.m.  down the lottie for a bit, no gardening, just chatting! Visited a mate who broke his leg  whilst ice skating on sunday, so I could laugh at him, and autograph the plaster on his right leg. ( he'll need a hand on his allotment for a few weeks) then I cooked Tagliatelle carbonara for tea, etc etc
Well done STAR ! another day over. you're right about noticing others smoke, strange ain't it?
Sinbad7, stress of being sec, I'll  email you !
How's it been for you today, Olliec? getting better day by day, and further from the start of this, I ain't going through all this again!! ;)

I know the day isn't over yet but wanted to report that late last night and this morning it is the first time I have felt my normal self.  It feels really good, so I have high hopes for today.  Thinking about it I might even feel better than normal  ;D  ;D  ;D

I wish you all luck for another good day today.

I've never been a smoker myself so I don't know what giving up entails but if chocolate withdrawal is anything to go by then you're all doing a brilliant job!  ;D

Ok, seriously, very well done to everybody giving up the fags and opting for a healthier lifestyle.  Some of you haven't given in when feeling really stressed about things which must have been so hard, you should feel proud of yourselves!

Many thanks SamLouise.

I think tony and I will limp along a bit further  ;D  ;D  ;D  I just want Star to get a few more days behind her and to feel better, hopefully her shopping trip today will help.

Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 18, 2009, 09:57:44
I think tony and I will limp along a bit further  ;D  ;D  ;D 
I just want Star to get a few more days behind her and to feel better, hopefully her shopping trip today will help.

Well I 'limped ' through the day o.k.
How's Star getting on?, and Ollie? is it just me and you now Sinbad? :-\

Well done tony.

I think Star is still with us, she's probably sitting eating all that fruit she was off to buy today  ;D ;D ;D

Here I am!! ;D ;D

Nova day, nova achievement ;D Yes it feels good.

Lish.....I got orange juice and grapes today. Much better than choccy.... not as nice tho ::) Guess I ought to go easy on all that roughage though ;D ;D

Sinbad, yes Im still here. I might need to get some more patches soon. Ive tried so often in the last 2 years. The ones I used all went to waste coz I started the fags again after a few days ::) :-\ But this is better than therapy, honestly you guys are great. And I cant be seen to be weak now!!

Tony your tagliatelle sounds great, and signing your life away on casts :D. Its nice that lotties are not just about work. A proper little community with some rare old characters, its a shame I gave mine up. By the time I get my energy and strength back there'll be none going. Never mind, I'll advertise to share ;D

Hows it going Ollie? Have you done any more gigs lately?

Thanks Sam for your support...........stress is the thing that makes this really hard. He done well, that man ;D ;D ;)

I want to smoke :(  :(  :(

NO YOU DON'T.!!!!!! Just think that all these last few weeks have been a waste of time if you give in. Not only that but you will feel so bad about yourself.  Just wait for 15 minutes and take some deep breaths and you will be ok. You have gone all this time without one so you do know that you CAN survive without a cig, You are at the crucial stage now . If you can overcome these cravings you will have it in the bag. Please don't start smoking again (even if it is to please an old gal). :-*               

Hi, and congrats to all!!!

I'm still being good - haven't even had a drink for 3 days either which is pretty rare too!

No gigs for me lately Star - I'm getting up at 6 in the morning for work right now & not back until 7 to 7:30 pm so permanently cream crackered too! At the same time, I'm studying for an OU course and applying for propper jobs... just not enuff time!

Lish, I couldn't get the grapes to light, am I doing sumfink wrong?

O x

Sinbad.............Im really rootin' for ya gal!!  And moaning?.....to us?.....thats what we're all here for, you have given everyone so much in the way of support and encouragement, you can have a go too ;) We're all here for ya hunny ;)

I have read all the posts now........and that was one helluva shock hun, I understand why you feel you need to stop. I'm the same really, once ya start feelin' better from not smoking you think about having a f*g again.

Trouble is........it never gets better doing it that way. I have done that over the last 2 years.....give up, start again. I think the blog is a good idea if it works for you. I'm better just bumblin' along. Sometimes I find its hard  to say what I want in posts :-\

Just remember the lovely Valentine's poem Barry sent you ;)


Ollie.....nice one! :D I found when I had a drink it made me smoke more. I dont indulge at all these days.  Well I packed alcohol in a few months ago, it didnt do me any favours.....and I never drank much ::)

You are keepin' busy....all that work and study. Ya can always sing int showa chuck ;D


Hows it going Tony??

DAY 50 !! well, I never thought I'd get this far!!  :o
another hectic day, up 'til 4 a.m, being a student's support / coffee maker, then up early this a.m. to crack on with some allotment stuff on the pooter, whilst tracie is finishinf her dissertation ready for binding and handing in 2 morra ( bloody quotes, footnotes, appendices, bibliographies, list of illustrations, etc)
Abstract is now being worked on!!  ;)
Me? I ain't had time to think about a f*g, been 2 busy again! cooked some cajun chicken  for tea, with a jacket spud and home - made coleslaw (wiv a little cream in it) yummy! ;)
Glad you still with us , Star!
OllieC, here's how to light a grape!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSBoN1OKXUE

Thank you Shirl for those words and honest I would luv to please you.  I haven't smoked but after the feelings of today I can't see me making it.

And thank you  Star for all your support.  I really am pleased you're doing so well, I think for sure this time you are going to make it for good.  After my offer and your refusal there has to be more than hope for you  ;D  ;D  ;D

Well done Ollie and also for cutting down on the grog.  I found the seedless grapes burnt better  ;D.

Hope tony  is doing well today too.

Simbad,you have got to keep going now.

You have been an inspiration to me,a walking chimney pot and I am seriously getting myself into a mind set now to try to stop.

You read this thread back,you are having a bad day,Buy something lovely with the money you have saved.You deserve a reward. :

Just don't ask me to give up grog,a girl has got to have something ;D

Quote from: betula on February 19, 2009, 22:48:40
Simbad,you have got to keep going now.

You have been an inspiration to me,a walking chimney pot and I am seriously getting myself into a mind set now to try to stop.

You read this thread back,you are having a bad day,Buy something lovely with the money you have saved.You deserve a reward. :

Betula is right Sinbad, you have been a tower of strength to everyone else.  ;)

In other words please dont give in......... coz then I'll have to..........then we'll have to elope........then will have to try and explain that one........that'll be your job!!!! 8)

And.......and.......we'll both smell.......... :-X

I still have faith in ya gal..........new day tomorrow, the first of the rest of our lives ;) :-*

betula I'll hang on in there then if you are going to try but hurry up and make up your mind, I could have another bad day tomorrow  ;D  ;D  ;D  Of course you can carry on drinking seeing everyone seems to have given it up I could do with some company.

Star had you proposed earlier in the day we could have been making plans now  ;D  ;D

You really are brilliant and I do thank you all for helping me through today.

Do hope that you are all still off the weed. Remember if you do fall of yer horse and have one well you can always get back on and start again.

Hi Shirl,

Nope didn't fall off my horse yesterday and have to say although I do want to smoke today it hasn't been as bad as yesterday.

I think yesterday I behaved like a spoilt brat so I am probably one anyway.  The woman in the chemist told me to stop using the inhalator and that was making me want a cigarette, I thought s** you I like it.  Then she said I would have to start the lower nicotine patches next week as it is an 8 week course, so by then I had the hump and said I wanted the lower dose now, which of course I didn't but wouldn't back down.  Honest I could have thrown the lot at her and walked out, SHE smokes and is telling me what to do  ;D  ;D  ;D

So today on one of my walks I met an ex-plot holder with her oxygen cylinder strapped to her back, so she reinforced the reason I have stopped, so that did me a bit of good, another day under my belt.

Plus I was reminded, last night, that a cigarette is a bit of paper with a few dry leaves in it.  That has to make you wonder about yourself and the fuss you are making  ;D  ;D  ;D

Mind, forgot to add that bit of paper and few dried leaves do taste flipping good, well when you're feeling naughty  ;D  ;D  ;D

Fight the good fight, keep it up, it would be much harder to do the lottie lugging that oxygen cylinder around!  :-X

I had a bad day today with my breathing so I don't know what I would be like if I still smoked. So pleased that you are still on the wagon.

Well, I've just taken a lot of time and trouble to encourage you sufferers to give up the evil weed, and it's another message that has buggered off into the ether.

Anyway, don't believe that 'one won't hurt'.  It will.  One will lead to two, and before you know it you will be back where you started from, and all that pain will have been for nothing.

I know it's hard, but hang on in there.

valmarg

I really, really must give it up, don't smoke indoors or on the computer.  Everynight I think I don't want to smoke in the morning but do.  Might go to the doctor and get patches but would rather do it without.  The only time I couldn't smoke was when I was pregnant as felt so sick.  I think I am a bit too old to get pregnant again but it was a wonderful cure, no will power just felt sick all the time, couldn't smoke and couldn't bear the smell of leather handbag or soap.  So spent 9 months dirty from not washing with soap but didn't smell of ciggie smoke.  The doctors in those days, had baby at home, and asked me what I wanted and had a ciggie immediately after the birth.  Big mistake.

Sorry your breathing was bad today Shirl, I hope it's a lot easier for you tomorrow.

Sinbad

Thanks Val for your encouragement.  Great when all that typing disappears  ;D

Borlotti, maybe if you went and got the patches for free, they could start you off then stop using them.  It would be lovely if you came and joined us even if it was just for one day to start with.

Thanks saddad , I know it would.  I'd probably have to keep lying down knowing me :)  ;D

Quote from: valmarg on February 20, 2009, 19:13:22
Well, I've just taken a lot of time and trouble to encourage you sufferers to give up the evil weed, and it's another message that has buggered off into the ether
valmarg

Yep , me too!!
Any way>> Day 51, been another hectic one, the O.H. claims it's diversion therapy, or something!!
Come on Sinbad, you can do it!! Had to see the nurse today, to get next set of batches, after 8 weeks, next week start on lower (10mg) ones.
Sinbad, get rid of the inhilator, my nurse reckons it's too much akin to having a drag on  a ciggie, and doesn't help to break the habit?
How's Ollie and Star getting on today?
Betula, Go On, you can do it!! howabout if  I DARE YOU !! ;)

I'm hanging in there... not going out for a pint tonight so as to avoid temptation... and I am having a bottle or two of red at home instead :)

Keep it up guys!

Ollie

Don't you DARE give into temptation Ol :o..temptation leads to concussion cos I'll whack you with this very heavy hardback of Steinbeck I've got, right on yer bonce ;D

Nooooooooooooooo, I like my inhalator  ;D  ;D  As another pharmacist said to me it's better you puffing on that than a cigarette.

Congratulations Tony on reaching day 51, that's brilliant.

Well done OllieC.

Quote from: Hyacinth on February 20, 2009, 19:53:44
Don't you DARE give into temptation Ol :o..temptation leads to concussion cos I'll whack you with this very heavy hardback of Steinbeck I've got, right on yer bonce ;D

The log from the sea of Cortez? That would be okay, one of my favourites!

Quote from: OllieC on February 20, 2009, 20:30:25

Quote from: Hyacinth on February 20, 2009, 19:53:44
Don't you DARE give into temptation Ol :o..temptation leads to concussion cos I'll whack you with this very heavy hardback of Steinbeck I've got, right on yer bonce ;D

The log from the sea of Cortez? That would be okay, one of my favourites!

Woz thinking more of The Grapes of Wrath...one up each nostril, the rest in yer gob and a head-bashing with the book....any thoughts of breathing let alone smoking will be well out of it.

As indeed,  will you ;D

Quote from: Hyacinth on February 20, 2009, 20:38:41

Quote from: OllieC on February 20, 2009, 20:30:25

Quote from: Hyacinth on February 20, 2009, 19:53:44
Don't you DARE give into temptation Ol :o..temptation leads to concussion cos I'll whack you with this very heavy hardback of Steinbeck I've got, right on yer bonce ;D

The log from the sea of Cortez? That would be okay, one of my favourites!

Woz thinking more of The Grapes of Wrath...one up each nostril, the rest in yer gob and a head-bashing with the book....any thoughts of breathing let alone smoking will be well out of it.

As indeed,  will you ;D

ooh, I love it when you go all strict!  :-*

Ho Hum........... :'( :'( :'( :'(

I fell orf the hoss today......now feel sick. And totally hissed off with myself. But thats ok, coz I dont want another one. I could have done with talking to a counselor or somat earlier......but there ya go :(.

The sad thing (or not so sad) is, I went out last night, with a gang of non smokers.....hey, I was one of them!! :D. And in the car (brand new Audi) I could smell nicotine.........it was my coat Lish, that I hadn't washed coz I thort I had not long washed it. It stunk :-\

Today I spent scleaning and crubbing doors, windows, washed curtains and cushion covers. It has made a lovely difference, but whenever I have done a lot. I sit with a coffee and f*g, I fought it for a couple of hours............then, well I caved in >:(

Like I said though I dont feel well now, sick, headache, palpitations, bad taste. Though my clothes dont smell coz I went outside, but I bet no one wants a snog ::) So I do smell :-X

Onward and upward to tomorrow and the rest of tonight.

The biggest moral I have learned today, is dont do so much that I feel I need to comfort myself when I get tired after doing too much. Lesson learnt.........................

Don't feel bad Star, you can't change it. Remind yourself that it tasted like cr@p next time you think you want one...

There's worse things than smoking, you mustn't feel guilty. You're still on the road to freedom, and you'll get there if you keep at it!

O x

What I said i my earlier message, that buggered off into the ether, was that come 17th April this year I will have been evil weed free for 22 years.

I really don't want to seem smartass, but what you are all going through now, I've been there, done that.  It is hard, the pangs and cravings are dreadful, but do your best  not to succumb. As I said, 'the one won't hurt'.  It will, and before you know you will be back where you started from.

Hang on in there. I know it's hard, but bite the bullet, and keep on trying.

valmarg

I certainly will Val:D

My mum gave up years ago too, and went through hell and back with many little trips along the way. But cracked it in the end..........I intend to do the same.

Ollie, you're so right it tastes like cr@p. And Ive cleaned my teeth so many times tonight :-\ I wont be beaten, I just tripped up a little.

I bet you all still smell lovely ;)

I'll be back with you tomorrow, I cant count today. Even though I havent had one since :)

Oh Star, no wonder you felt so bad.  I make you an offer but NO you wanted to go it alone, that'll teach you ;D  ;D  ;D  Glad you are back with us tomorrow.

I am not at home this weekend so have just caught up with this.  I still haven't had a puff and stuck a lower mg patch on today.

How are you doing today tony?  It's been a beautiful day so expect you have been out and about and kept busy.

Well done Oliie.

Excellent news all of you ;D

I might be a bit behind, but I will catch up. you are all such good role models. ;)

;) :D

Don't get beating yourself up Star. I tried about 20 times to stop and it wasn't until I got the patches and the breathing probs that I stopped.At least you know that it wasn't as good as you thought it would be.. you just keep on trying girl.

Glad you ain't giving up giving up Star!!   ;D ;D
This ain't the first time I attempted giving up, but I'm convinced it'll be the last!
yep, had a busy day yesterday, sorting out some committee stuff, and preparing on of my No-Dig beds in the A.M., then planting some onions and shallots late in the afternoon,
As the sun was setting in the west, I was planting some sets in the east!! ;)
Glad Ollie and Sinbad are still smoke-free zones, It's great ain't it!! ;)

I've just spent the last hour trying to get my head around closed form linear recurrence sequences... and I've just been reminded of why I dropped out of Physics first time around.

It's too sodding hard!

Times like this, when you get really annoyed, are when you miss it the most, although I don't think a smoke would really derive my formula for me, it would make me feel better about being a dunce!

Anyway, wife & children have just come back from church so I can go'n be grumpy to them instead of smoking!  ;D

Star, Ol said it all for me, so I'm not even going to bother cutting&pasting...unless yer illicit f*g also resulted in amnesia to add to your guilt? ;D

Have yourself a great day today. Go cuddle a dog. Or two. Or, heck it's Sunday...go give your OH a treat ::)

btw....took me ages and ages & years and years before I realized that the reason that,  as children,  we were packed off to Sunday School on Sunday afternoons,  was because our Mums and Dads were having a Sunday afternoon 'treat' (apparently)... ;D

My youngest much loved daughter (now 30) was the result of the 2 older girls going to  Sunday school. Guess who greeted me at the hospital, the Sunday school teacher!!!!!!!
Janet

Quote from: grannyjanny on February 22, 2009, 12:13:55
My youngest much loved daughter (now 30) was the result of the 2 older girls going to  Sunday school. Guess who greeted me at the hospital, the Sunday school teacher!!!!!!!
Janet

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

anyway, back on to the topic!!!
Another day without tobacco!!
hope evryone else is maintaining their own little smoke-free zone? ;)

Still smoke free here and am delighted that I actually enjoyed my sunday roast today.

Well done all. 

Where's our little Star?  It dosen't matter if you have had a puff or two just come and talk to us, please.

 Ain't it great Sinbad? food tastes a lot better, and I don't use nowhere near as much salt?
we got some roast leg of pork (on a trivet above red onions,makes a lovely gravy), wiv roasties in dripping, yorkies, and a sweetheart cabbage, followed by one of Tracies Banoffee pies, with maple flavoured whipped cream (add a little maplesyrup whilst whipping, yummy)
yep,! food certainly tastes better without the ciggies!!  ;D ;D ;D
Hope all the other new smoke-free zones enjoy their sunday dinner!!

Well done everyone ;D Yes food does taste better I'll agree with that.

Im back on the horse again, and no patch today. No Im not being clever.......I forgot ::)

Not staying here very long tonight, Im very tired.....................................yawns.

xxx

Nighty-night Star...glad to see you checking in and that you had a good day (and without a patch, eh? WOW!)

And nice to read of the Sunday lunches you've all enjoyed....you don't realize how your taste buds are dulled by smoking, do you, til you stop.

Another day tomorrow and almost another day gone. Congrats peeps 8)

Hope you all have a great day

Im gunna say 8 days minus one......... ;D ;D ;D

Forgot me patch again, but seem to be doing better without one. Im not saying Im not gettin pangs....I am, but I got loads o' grapes ;D

Hows everyone else doing? Hope you've all had a good day ;)

Another day along the trail!!
Back to college today, we had a lecture and practical on tractor driving this am!!
Alllotment secretaries meeting this eve, I've got a shed load of stuff to sort out, oh well, no rest for the wicked!! ;D ;D
Hope everyone else is getting on O.K.?
star, well done wiv no patches!! ;)

Well done tony and Star. 

Sounds as though your day was good tony, don't let them get you down tonight though.  You are one strong guy ;D

Well done Star, no patches is good, but I think you should stick one on as a matter of course really.

Smoke free here today but....................................... ;D ;D ;D

Thanks for your wishes today Shirl.  I honestly did think to myself when I read it this morning, I would hate to let you down.

Hope your day has been good Ollie.

giving the site sec's a few copies of 'the allotment' and some insurance offers for members of nsalg, should be interesting!

Would love to be sitting in on your meeting.

Hope it all goes well and you have everything covered as you usually get one smarty pants ask you a question you don't know the answer to.

Good luck

well, day 54!! hope everyone has a good day 2day? ;)

thanks for the email Sinbad7, it made my day!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D

Glad you liked it tony  ;D  ;D

Another day under my belt so to speak, have been busy today and am going out tonight, with non smokers, so should be safe.

Hope Star and Ollie are doing good today too.

Nope................................................................... >:(

Going down the hypnotherapy route now. And I wore a patch today too as I was weakening........sigh :-[

Not giving in just yet, I really want to be a non smoker.


Love stinky :-X

Wotcha Stinky:))))))  Sweet smelling sinbad here:)))

I did think yesterday when you said you weren't wearing a patch that I thought you should stick them on regardless if you think you need them or not, they have to do something for you even if it's in your head.

Anyway, hypnotherapy could be just the thing you need and that might be the way for you, there are so many things still for you to try and I am sure we can think of them all for you.  We'll get you off those cigarettes one day.

Have you read the Alan Carr book, he does make sense, and if you sit and read that all day over and over you might see the sense of not smoking for a day ;D  ;D ;D

You know I have every faith in you, more than I have in myself really.  I just feel I limp along daily and still would like a puff, especially when sitting looking in the pond this afternoon talking to Sunny.

WELL! We're not having Ower Star disappearing into a smoke-fogged Black Hole if we can help it, are we?


The Allen Carr book is brill. And I've got a copy. And I can lend it to you. And I can post it off to you tomorrow if you want?

Go on..say yes...

XXX Lish

i've been following your thread here for a while and think its great how well you are all doing.  I know how hard it is for all of you.

i gave up about four years ago with hypno therapy and NLP and if anyone wants to ask me any questions about it or wants some advise then please feel free to PM me, i will be more than happy to help.

keep it up guys your are doing such a good thing. you will never regret it.

come on stinky!! you know you want to!!
we all fell off the bicycle whilst learning, just get back on!!! ;D

....and You Too, can ride a bike (look Mum, No Hands!!) using yer knees to steer, cos you can read the Allen Carr book while you're doin it ;D. Bet you could do wheelies anorl ::).....Star, you can do ANYTHING, we know you can! 8)

day 55! is it really 8 weeks into the year already?
hope everyone is having a good, smokefree day?
;)

Still smoke free here.

Hard but I seem to be getting resigned to the fact how bad life is without a cigarette  ;D  ;D  ;D  The sad thing is I'm not kidding either.  Have to go back and do the puff test tomorrow so am pretty safe on a Wednesday.

I haven't stopped today and have even got the Health Rider out and have been doing some exercise to fight the fat of Mint Humbugs to say nothing of the pear drops I have taken up sucking ;D  ;D  ;D

Where are you Twinkle? 

How are you doing Ollie?

Good job you've still got me tony  ;D

Im still here.........just ::)

After faggin it yesterday, enjoyed some and not others (had 7) I felt naughty...... coz I dont like f*g stink in the house.....snuck outside for a crafty puff.  :(

Anyway....didn't sleep very well. Got up today and felt wretched, headache, palpitations etc (same as last time) You'd think I'd have learned from that. But the beast is a nasty thing to overcome. I am smoke free today with a patch, and an arsenal of stuff to pick at. Im ordering a hoist next week too ::)

Allan Carr, Lish.........yes please hunny. I would be so grateful. Cheers :D

Sinbad, the hypnotherapy may not happen. He's an ex colleague but I know he was ill a little while back. So I wont pester him. He'd have done 'Mates Rates' too :-\

Tony, Im not stinky tonight :) You have done soooo well, so have you Sinbad and Ollie. I'm so proud of the lot of you. Yer brillyuntly good examples.

So here I am yet again..........really looking forward to reading Allan Carr now  :D 

good for you, star!! I know it ain't easy! this ain't my 1st attempt, but I'm determined it will be my last!
as I walked past the Smokers Shelter @ college 2day, I thought 'Eurgh' I used 2 stink like that!!
not any more though, not this time, not me.
hope the puff test goes O.K. Sinbad7, I'm sure you'll be surprised by how much your lungs have improved / recovered.
Ollie, how are you this week?

Thanks Tony.........needing all the support I can get at the moment ;)

Puffed like a gooden today,  the reading was spot on, so another day I have survived.

Have been like a human dynamo today, yet again. 

Hope you are all doing well today, where is Ollie?

Hope it has been a good day for you today......................is it stinky or star?? ;D ;D ;D

So glad you are getting the book, I lent mine to everyone and in the end threw it away as I knew I would never give up smoking, just goes to show you should never say never as a friend used to say to me.

Well done Sinbad, keep it up. My mum quit loads of times, sometimes for months on end, she went back though and it got her in the end...  :-X

Thanks saddad.  I can understand anyone not giving it up but I feel if I start again now I will never ever try again as it is agony.

Sorry for not checking in earlier... still going strong here, still v.v busy... but still not smoking. That must be at least a year I've stopped for now!

Good to see the rest of you sticking at it... And Star, keep the faith!

 ;D ;D I smell like newly mown hay on a pollen filled late August afternoon, where the Skylarks sing thier romantic shrill in the hot humid skies, and the bees buzz lazily from flower to flower, where, in the distance you can see the white rumps of Roe deer trotting towards the copse. The stags' antlers covered in velvet, still growing, until the rut of early winter.

The brook babbles blissfully by my feet, small fry dart hither and thither avoiding larger fish, unaware that I would happily throw myself in if it was deeper, faster and more menacing.

Another day has passed, with not a touch or sniff of the weed. But, oh, I long for that big fat river to wash me away.

ALLAN.............WHERE ARE YOU????.........Im waiting  :-*   

Twinkle twinkle  little Star
How I worry from afar

Lish, I hope he's in the post
Sounds like Star could gain the most

When on a smoke free journey you can go so far
So long as you have the book by Allen Carr   ;D   ;D   ;D

Hope everyone is having a good day, still smoke free here.

Speshul Song for Star :-*

Twinkle twinkle Star so bright,
Did you get the book alright?

If not today it'll come on Sat
Brought to you by Postman Pat.

Keep the Faith o Star we pray,
To keep you stink-free night and day.

Amen

Now, after that, Star, song made speshly for you anorl, you wouldn't DARE light up a cigarette.............


would you? ::)

Have great weekends everybody!

Hyacinth, Have you kicked the habit yet!!!!!??????

Quote from: shirlton on February 27, 2009, 17:10:43
Hyacinth, Have you kicked the habit yet!!!!!??????

ROFL !!!! I'm like windscreen wipers....yes/no/yes/no...suits me 8)

so, Nah, and I don't intend to 8) ;D

Nuffin stoppin me helping ower Fallen Star, tho.. 8)

I am shocked  ;D  ;D  ;D

It's so hard but is doable, you should start tomorrow again Hyacinth, with out little Star

Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 27, 2009, 17:48:42
I am shocked  ;D  ;D  ;D

It's so hard but is doable, you should start tomorrow again Hyacinth, with out little Star

Shan't ;D

I can see you gave that a lot of thought  ;D  ;D  ;D

Everytime that put that advert on about stopping smoking, it makes me want one.  I was OK before they showed that we should all kick the ciggie and the habit.  Going to doctor in two weeks and think patches may be the answer because if one has been smoking for 50 years, I suppose, it is very difficult to give up without help, but don't like the thought of patches.  What happens if you have to smoke and have a patch, do you die.  Will have to ask the doctor, if I live long enough to get an appointment.  Don't smoke indoors, and if am on the computer or busy forget to have one.  It is very hard, I suppose it is a lot easily not to start in the first place and it must be a drug, which we didn't know when I was young and thought it was clever, Peter Stiversent (excuse spelling) the passport to success (what a joke now).

Hmmm Borlotti....ad on the tele, would that be? You reckon THAT'S why, secretly, I've not got one?  ;D

ads...."You're never alone with a Strand"....remember that?

actually, that brand was a flop, cos even way back then, they realized that it was negative advertising....(losers without friends smoke..)

poor loves reckoned that it was why the brand didn't take off?

Actually, the fags were foul.

Unlike Peter whatever...

Now he, and his cigarettes, were nice 8)

btw.....did you know that the Marlboro bloke died from lung cancer? He (or his family in their Claim?) reckoned that it was the number of takes he had to make to get the ad right, that did it for him.

Poor love! Got lung cancer cos he was rubbish at riding a horse? Now that is bad....

tw....Allen Carr died from lung cancer. :-\

So did my Gran. She didn't smoke, not did any of the family. Lot of pollution from the factories around tho...

I would think if you want a cigarette Borlotti, you just whip the patch off and have one, I don't think you would die.

Go on Hyacinth you know that you really want to stop. ;) I'm sure that you will stop when the time is right for you . I think all of us older ones should get compensation from the baccy companies cos they really did go all out to encourage us to smoke. I can't remember anyone telling me that it was harmful to smoke when I was young. You left school, got a job and bought yourself a packet of cigs. It was the done thing back then. Wether I would have smoked if I'd been a youngster today remains to be seen. At least the youngsters today know about the risks and can make a choice before they start to smoke

Yes, but like youngsters throughout the ages they always think they are invincible and five years is ages... never mind 50...  ::)

I'm with you Shirl, I'd like some compensation, no one ever mentioned it could do you harm, I thought it was meant to relax you and I was sophisticated with the tight skirt, beehive hairdo and a G&T ;D  ;D  ;D.

I think I would have smoked if I was young today as I always have to do what I shouldn't but I don't think I would have carried on for 50+ years, I don't think even I am that daft. 

Joined the NHS stop smoking locally 6 weeks ago.

I was prescribed the new tablets...and happy to say I am now smoke free for just over 10 days.

However, im the worst EX SMOKER... the smell on others makes me feel bad, I notice butts in the street and think how disgusting it looks LOL.

But, I do feel better, breathe easily and my friends have been encouraged to quit because they watched me do it!!.  They were feeling left out being smokers :D

Congratulations Springbokgirlie, that's great news, well done.

Were the tablets Zyban?

Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 27, 2009, 19:34:37
Congratulations Springbokgirlie, that's great news, well done.

Were the tablets Zyban?

Hi Sinbad,
No I have the new ones called Champix.  Theres lots of scaremongering on the net about them, but they have worked for me :)  I only got nauseas if I did not eat before I took the tablet.  It has a strange effect on your brain, as you really do not want a cigarette or like the smell or look of them. :)

 I remember the scaremongering when the patches first came out and also about Zyban, so it's brilliant that there is another tablet on the market.

How long do you have to take them for?

My brain needs some help as I like the smell of cigarette smoke now and look longingly still at dog ends :-[

Star, maybe these would be good for you, have you heard of them?

Quote from: Sinbad7 on February 27, 2009, 19:46:46
I remember the scaremongering when the patches first came out and also about Zyban, so it's brilliant that there is another tablet on the market.

How long do you have to take them for?

My brain needs some help as I like the smell of cigarette smoke now and look longingly still at dog ends :-[

Star, maybe these would be good for you, have you heard of them?

Your on the program for 12 weeks, with NHS support.  I have a great support worker who phones me once a week and I see every fortnight.
They are pretty strict with these tablets.
First pack... week 1 and 2, you can still smoke, 2nd week you have to stop completely.
You can only be prescribed them once in your lifetime too.

I get my carbon monoxide checked every 2 weeks, which again is an incentive as you watch it come down.  My next one should read under 5!

Each week with my cigarette money i have bought things I have really wanted....
Last week shrubs and herbs for the garden, today i bought a Cat sonar..

Keep it up sinbad, remember the craving only lasts 4 minutes, so when you do feel the urge, go do something different to get over that initial craving...and good luck :)

Thanks Springbokgirlie, and I wish you all the luck too, I think you are going to make it.

Do keep coming back and letting us know how you are doing, it really does help us.

I am knackered as my 4 minute cravings come every five minutes  ;D

these lower strength patches are noticably weaker, twice today I had the 'craving', but I resisted!!
well done Springbokgirlie, another smoke=free zone!
Sinbad7, only once every 5 mins?  ;D ;D ;D come on, you can if I can!! ;D ;D
hope ollie and star are still with us? ;)

 ;D ;D ;D Thanks for all the wonderful poetry!!!....I have been good again today AND........AND.......Allen Carr arrived while I was out ;D ;D ;D Thats me sorted tomorrow then, curled up wiv me new fella :D Thanks Lish, I'll return him when Ive done with him 8) ;D

Thats great news about your puffin test Sinbad, you have done great ;D I don't think the tablets are a good idea for me. Im on too much medication as it is.........I have to take a lot as one doesn't fill me up ;D ;D ;D

Tony.....well done ;D  ;)

SBG :D congratulations! Really pleased to hear the tablets are working for you.

Im sure Ollie's still there with us too ;)

Im sleeping better with no fags thats for sure.

SBG. Great to hear that you are joining the gang. It's so much easier when you know others are feeling the same as yourself.

how's everyone else today? I'm still getting the bloody craving, but I'm not giving in!!  ;)
Star, how's the book?
SBG, welcome to the thread, the more the merrier!!
OllieC, how are you getting on? (what are you studying?) (snout, snout ;D)
Sinbad7, you've gone all quiet, are you still with us?  ;D ;D

Tony I still have cravings for them after 9 years but belieave me its worth letting them pass by,   good luck to you

Thanks for that Richard!! ;) I hope the cravings get less frequent, at least!! ;D ;D

I'm still with you Tony.

Seemed easier yesterday.

it was worse for me yesterday! but been good this morning?
hope everyone else is keeping up with us??

Think Star's still snuggled up with the new man in her life 8) ;D...wonder when she'll surface to tell us How it Was for Her? ;D

Hehehe.........Im still here and doing good ;D

The book's a good 'un Lish, thanks ;D. I have been curled up with him for a couple of sessions and when we have finished the reading bits, I'll listen to the CD's. In fact it will be something I'll enjoy with headphones while sowin some seed tomorrow ;D ;)

You're doing great Tony :D, the cravings will get less ;)

Hope your still doing ok Sinbad, I think we'll all get good days and bad. You have done brilliant hun  :D ;)

Hope you're still winning SBG, ;), good to have you with us :D

Ollie, hows it going? And what's snout snout? :D ;)

Its been 14 days now smoke free!!.

Feel the benefits of not having smokers cough at night!!.

Star I have a new fella too lol.  7 Weeks we have been together now and he has promised to quit 11 March!!.

Must admit, I have noticed the cravings come more as a habit.... After dinner, with a coffee etc.. but I work through them.

Keep going everyone!!! :D :D :D :D

its been a year today since i last smoked

i am so proud  of you all, keep it up you realy wont regret it

lbb

Well done the lot of you, a new day tomorrow  ;D

We  should all be proud of you lbb a great achievement, well done :)

Congrats to you and the new man in your life SPG and on being smoke free for 14 days now :)

Enjoy the CD's Star tomorrow and well done you ;D

Hope your day has been good tony and a crave free day tomorrow

Good luck to us all tomorrow :)

Thanks saddad ;D

A frosty start to another smoke - free day!!
well done everyone, and congrats SBG on your new fella!
Sinbad7, 'are we nearly there yet?'  ;D ;D ;D ;D
hope OllieC is o.k.
Star, you are turning out to be our star!! ;)

I think we have something like another 5 years tony before we are there or maybe 10  ;D   ;D   ;D  Sounds daunting that.

Have been digging and sowing today a couple of photo's http://s690.photobucket.com/albums/vv266/Sinbad_07/  well I hope there are.

Hope everyone has had a good day today, not too bad for me but do get these urges  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

that's a serious cloche!!! ;D ;D

That's because I'm a serious woman  ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

'morning folks! another smoke - free day ahead?? ;)

Well done everyone. I'm still here keeping my eye on you all. I think that the encouragement you all give each other has helped you all enormously. I bet when you look back at the first week of quitting you have come such a long way.You will still want a cig but you know now that you are strong enough not to give in. Have a great day

and thanks for all the support from you, shirl and others who have already stopped!! ;)

I'd like to thank you Shirl and all those that have given us moral support, it really does help.  Like you say Shirl even when the craving gets you, now you know it will pass quicker than you think.  I've lost the urge of ripping off the patch and slinging the inhalator and grabbing a cigarette.

I know I have a long, long way to go and am not out of the woods yet, if I'll ever be, but common sense seems to be my saving grace, at the moment, where over smoking I never had much of it before.  I love to be able to breath and nearly run up the stairs and to be able to dig without hanging over the fork gasping for air.

Tony and Star what patches do you use?  I find the NiQuitin really irritate and leave a black mark where the sticky stuff has been, so have changed to Nicotinell.


Star, how are you doing with Allen?

Hope you are still doing well SBG, not many days for your fella to go now before he joins you :)

Hope we all have a really good day.

What a great bunch of folk ;D ;D ;D I feel so proud........and pretty humble........to be part of this thread. Everyone is doing so well!!

I echo what Sinbad said about moral support given by people popping in and keeping us going. We really do need you.............and it does help, big time :D

The patches I used were Nicorette, I have tried the others in the past, they all leave the black mark I found. At the end of the day, I'd rather have a black mark to scrub off and not smoke. You're doing so well Sinbad :D

Springers ;D......How fabulous.....a new man ;D!! And he's stopping too? Even better. Sweet smelling salad days, all the very best of happiness to both of you in your new relationship ;). I agree with you, its better to change certain things in your routine associated with ciggies, like coffee. (  ;D ;D ;D I just read yer post again, my new blokie is *Allen Carr, the Easyway to stop smoking guru*Been reading his book!! So I still got me ol' model...and perfectly happy with him......for now 8) ;D ;D

Tony........so good to hear today's a better day. You are doing what you want to do, and you won't look back ;D  Big back slaps hun ;D

LLB........Congrats on your anniversary, yeah it must feel so good. Thank you for you encouragement and very well done ;D ;)

Shirl......You've been so supportive from the start. Thank you ;D ;D

Ok my progress report........Im having a couple of very good days. Haven't been craving and really dont like the smell any more :-X. I do dabble and tweek my routine to avoid certain situations and it seems to work. I'm not eating too much nice stuff either. The book has been marvelous, Im very impressed ;D.

I hope we all keep having those good days ;)

I remember when I went to the nhs clinic theladies who helped us were both ex smokers. I remember them telling us to change our habits i.e going through the ritual of gathering all our utensils together. I remember what I used to do in the mornings like getting me cup of tea/coffee and me cigs and lighter and ashtray all by the pc. Like you said Star you have to change your routine. Might sound strange but I really used to enjoy going through the motions of getting the cig out of the packet let alone smoking it.

I used to smoke roll - ups, and the ritual is part of it! I just use either diversionary tactics or chocolate, now!!
Star, I'm glad you back on the bus, also glad you're getting on well with allen!! ;D ;D
Sinbad7, I'm on the nicorette, patches, yes they leave a bit of glue behind, but it washes off easier than tobacco smoke! ;)
SBG, how lucky are you? not only a new fella, but 1 who's prepared 2 give up tobacco? Definately a good find ;D ;D ;D
OllieC, you still with us?

Just checking in here... still doing well! Even had a smoking mate over on Sunday evening & didn't feel tempted... well, not enough to partake!

Keep it up guys!

O

Wooh Wooh! well done ollie!

Excellent Ollie ;D ;D ;D

I used to smoke roll ups as well Tony, the one thing I dont miss is rolling a few if I was travelling anywhere. Now I get up and go...... 8) ;D ;D

Im doing well at the mo, had a couple of little cravings this evenin. So I made a cake instead ;D ;D ;D

I was a rollie man too...

That's it then, the Rollie boys and girls have it easier than the more sophisticated of us who buy shop bought ones with tips in  ;D  ; D   ;D  ;D  ;D  ;D

I knew I found it harder than all of you , I know the reason why now  ;D  ;D

Well done Star, cake is good, expect tony will be calling on you soon, now you've started making cakes LOL 

At last I quit the coffin nails, those dreaded cancer sticks.
I yield to them no longer. I shall not require 'a fix'.
My master is not cigarettes. From now on it is me.
Tis I who rule my life and I will live in it smoke free.

Why did I start? It does not matter. Reasons count but one.
There's no good way to justify decisions clearly dumb.
But it was my decision. I admit that to my peers.
And so I smoked the dreaded weed for twenty eight long years!

Did I enjoy a cigarette? Yes there were quite a few.
Especially after food or if I had a drink or two.
But there were many, many more not nice or sweet sublime,
when Mr Nicotine required attention all the time.

In all the years I smoked I was supported by
those who
Because they smoked, like me, enjoyed reciprocation too.
Collusion fed collective myths of social interaction.
The club required participants of 'ciggy satisfaction'.

We had one thing in common (Not withstanding coughs and choking).
The group was barred from many a place by these two words, 'No Smoking'.
I s'pose for those who did not smoke there had to be a club
excluding those whose lives were ruled by smoke and filtered stub.

The smokers often scorned those who did not lay out the cash
to buy some fags, then burn it, turning money into ash.
How could 'non-smokes' appreciate indifference to wealth?
Or understand our cavalier disdain towards our health?

I know. I was that smoker and embraced that dreadful role.
Until it hit me suddenly that I had no control.
My life was run by cigarettes, so firm was my conviction
that something had to change. I had to cast out my addiction.

With patches at the ready and my will power on top.
I picked a day to quit the stick and then I'd simply stop.
And that I did, one Sunday morning, filled with self belief,
which crumbled two hours later as the habit caused me grief.

Was it hard to stop? You betchya! Every single day.
Some minutes seemed like hours till the craving went away.
I conjured up so many good excuses to give in.
But I was so determined that tobacco would not win.

The war raged on inside my head. Withdrawal was no fun.
But I could stop it all with just one cigarette. Just one.
So tempting was the subtle, slimy, wheedling, nagging voice.
And yet I knew that 'just one more' would leave me with no choice.

I had to shut my ears and eyes and mind to that foul creature.
I had to be the student and I had to be the teacher.
I had to practice what I preached. I had to be a bore.
I had to do whatever it would take to smoke no more.

The first day was the worst until the second day became.
The third day was the worst and then the fourth was much the same.
The fifth day? That was not so bad but bad enough to bear
But then I felt the sixth day I had got it beat. So there!

And now a week has passed and I am finally smoke free.
The fog has lifted from my life. T'was worth the agony.
Of course the cravings come and go - and will do for a time
But I'm no longer listening. To start again? A crime!

Already, in a single week, (and smokers you may scoff)
In health and wealth, in self esteem, I find I'm better off.
My life belongs to me again. I must have been so thick
to be a slave to nicotine - that smelly cancer stick!

Of course there's nought that irritates like new reformed non-smokers
They bore you with self righteous statements. Verbal red hot pokers.
I count myself amongst them so my smoker friends beware.
I'll tell you I can smell your smoke in rooms and clothes and hair.

Telling you to stop is not what I would like to do.
The reason that I quit was choice. The same is up to you.
To quit is hard, I don't deny it. Really it's no joke.
But if you can withstand the strain, you'll not return to smoke.

And finally a warning - and I say this in good heart.
If you have never ever smoked - then never ever start.
If you think that it's cool to smoke then just try stopping it.
You'll find it's easier not to start, than smoking is to quit.

you've got too much time on your hands, Sinbad7!!!

 ;D  ;D  ;D I know tony  ;D  ;D  ;D 

It's been very, very hard today.  Odd as the only time it wasn't so bad other than out walking was when I was at a friends house and they were puffing away.  Longing for one at this very moment :(

But you don't smoke anymore do you Sinbad ;D

No Shirl, not today  ;D   ;D  ;D

Never ever on a Wednesday, I have to go blow in the chemist's puff thing on Thursday's  ;D

one more week on the 10 mg patches, then down to 5mg. should be interesting for those around me!! ;D ;D

A struggle today!, I don't even fancy a ciggie, but am considering putting on 2 patches!!

What are you doing with your time Tone? Its ok being busy, but its being occupied that wins the day.

I know its a bit daft, maybe, but what about an airfix model or making something out of matchsticks (you can get kits from hobby shops). It will help in the evenings when its too late for the lottie.

You are doing soooo well mate, and I can smell how lovely you are from here ;) ;D

Sinbad, is the poem your own work?

Its great, can I print it orf to give me dotter n er feller. They been to the clinic this week and could do with a confidence boost as well ;).

A bit catching this no smoking lark ;D ;D ;D

See wot you started Tone? Good on ya ;D ;)

Oh tony I hope you have survived the day alright.  I can't see any problem with sticking 2 patches on if that's what you felt you needed.  I have every faith in you that you didn't have a cigarette....................... well I know you didn't.......................2 patches are definitely the better option.

I was talking to the pharmacist today as the shop assistant said I should be on Step 2 now, so I had great delight saying I had already started Step 2, mind I didn't tell them I put whatever strength I feel I need on be it Step 1 or 2 and then I said what happens when the course is over and she told me you can carry on with Step 3 as they write to your GP and get Step 3 prescribed for you so there is no pressure put on you to have no help after the 12 week course.

I was delighted you are still with us Star I thought you might have run off with Allen and a packet of baccy  ;D  ;D  ;D

Great news about your daughter and her fella, are they going to join us on here?

I didn't write the poem  it was sent to me by an A4A member and they said I could put it on the forum so I did.  I hope it helps I thought it really good.

I survived! been bloody irritable, though! went out to the van this afternoon, flat tyre!! surprisingly, after I had changed the wheel, I really fancied a ciggie, must be the 'mechanic' thing!!
A stroll round the local castle at sunset was lovely, watched an owl hawking the adjascent field, very peaceful!!
hope everyone else had a good day? ;)

Brill Tony...you done good 8) Star said something really sensible..(WOT? SHURELY NOT OWER STAR! Mustav bin a nimposta ;D)....find something to keep you occupied and engrossed .....Star does knittin 8)...I worked my way through learning reeeely intricate embroidery stitches while listening to opera on Radio 3...whatever turns you on, I s'pose....3000 piece jigsaw of  fluffy clouds in blue skies, anyone? ;D

Just a quickie..........too d**n tired to say too much.

Well done Tony ;D You're doing great ;)

Sinbad.......I dont have the energy to run anywhere ;D ::). Still here and Im ok.........really ok...... ;) No I dont think the dotter and er significant other will have time to get on here. Been trying to get them posting on here for ages.

Hyacinth......you said I said somat sensible?  You sure ??? 8) ;D ;D...........yarp, I do knittin. It helps loads ;D
Hmmm...........fluffy clouds, blue skies.........someone shud make a song about that 8) ;D

today was a whole lot better, ain't flipped out at anyone!!! (yet) (but it is still early) Hope everyone else has had a Smoke-free day? ;)

A very good day for me today too.  I haven't sworn at anyone all day and have cut down on the mint humbugs.

i JUST HAD A BAR OF gALAXY.........................oh dear its affected me caps lock too ::) ;D

But not wanted a cig, so glad you've all had a better day today. If you need to swear Tony.....PM it all to me, where I can bin it to the ether 8) ;D ;D

Had my last meeting with the NHS Quit smoking advisor today.

I am now officially a non smoker.   Over Valentines I had a blip and had a cigarette, and counted that as the official day I stopped, but as I had stopped 5th January, she said we are allowed to slip up sometimes.

My Carbon Monoxide was 2. 

I no longer have to go see an advisor now, and on my last 3 weeks of Champix tablets.

Still want a cigarette every now and then but I believe it gets easier :D :D :D

Keep going everyone!!!.... We are all doing well!!!!  ;D ;D ;D

Way to go, SBG!!! Many many congrats.....

btw....when I went (walked) sometimes to the Cessation Clinic, after NOT smoking all week, hand-on-heart,  I used to be miffed that my levels were 2 or thereabouts......HUH? But they said that general pollution was responsible for that reading?

Came a day, then, when the reading registered '0'....

thort I'd died :o

;D

Scary thing is pollution levels can register up to 6........nice world we live in ::)

All having another good day ;D  It makes ya feel good to be a non smoker ;) ;D.


.....well done SBG!!  ;D ;D

Congratulations springbokgirlie, it must be great that we can all call you a non smoker now, really well done.  Hope you will still come and tell us how you're doing and how good it feels being smoke free.

Well done star, what happened to all that fruit then?? BUT, a bar of Galaxy sounds much better to me as you know  ;D  ;D  ;D

Errmm.......I ran out, must go shoppin tomorrow ;) ;) :D

Gosh! I can't believe this has been on and I've missed it. Hope you folks are still being strong. I know what you are going through, I went cold turkey on christmas eve 1986. I don't think they had patches then, if they did I knew nothing about it. I used to smoke 40 a day! If I can do it , yes you can too!

Thanks for your support Arumlilly.

Well done on cold turkey even if it was a while ago  :)

Hope everyone is doing well today.

I could have smoked today.  I feel stressed but haven't given in yet.

Went and picked up my prescription today, start on the 5mg patches next week (Thurs)
Been pretty good today, the first couple of days on the lower strength patches were 'interesting' I wonder what the next step - down will bring?  ;) ;D ;D
Hope everyone has had a good day, and maybe done some gardening?

 Tony and Sinbad   glad to hear you are still defying the urge keep at it lads think of all the good things your wife's can afford all the money you are saving. ;D ;D ;D

I have wanted a cigarette today, the feeling never goes away!!  ??? ??? ???

My incentive at the end of the week is an expensive plant for my garden :)

'Morning all! another smoke - free day?? hope everyone is resisting 'the craving' !!
It's anice day, so hope we can all get some gardening done today, should keep us occupied/distracted, and a self - satisfying reward of a nice cuppa with a slice of cake later!! ;) don't things taste so much nicer?? (or is tracie a good cook) ;D ;D

Lovely day, sun's out  ;D So pleased you got past the urge SBG.Keep thinking of that lovely plant for your garden. ;D ;D

Well done Tony, Yeah everything does have a better taste ;)........and Tracie has a lot to do with it, you just didn't realise as much before ;D

I was going to put my spuds in, but it decided to chuck it with rain :(.....and got really cold as well :(

How was the cake? I'll have mine after dinner :D

How are you doing Sinbad? Hope you're not so stressed today ;) ;)

A bit late on parade today but have just got home from a day out.

My best day yet, no cravings and only one mint humbug.

I know, I know I will make the most of  the memory of days like this.

Glad everyone else has done good today.

I think the sunshine deffo helps!!glad you all doin' well, and smelling of flowers, not leaves!

another sunny smoke-free day!! how is every one else doing?  ;)

When I first stopped I used to spend the money I had saved on plants. It's amazing how many plants you can buy instead of 2 x20 packets of cigs. the best thing the money went on was our little suzuki supercarry caravanette. The kids call it the passion wagon.lol

Another good day for me too.

I wish I had bought my cigarette's with cash as I don't notice the difference as such, just my credit card bills aren't so high.

Would love a caravanette

one more day on the 10mg patches, start the 5mg ones on thursday. Actually looking forward to it?
hope everyone is getting on o.k.? ;)

I feel like you tony and can't wait to get to a lower patch I am going to ask on Thursday for the lower strength, mine goes down to 7mg.

A good day so far but have swapped to pear drops I must have had enough of mint humbugs  ;D

Where's out little Star then????

I found troach drops  good

thought i would join in on your  support group   ;D its only been three days so far and not bothered at all yet am considering trying  to go cold turkey as have always failed in past with patches well lets see how long i last before im making a doctors appointment lol  ;D

welcome aboard N8R! go and see your g.p. for any help / advice they can give. the patches deffo help a lot!!
Sinbad7, is it just me and you left??
where are the rest of the gang? ;)

Well done the pair of you... and all the lurkers...  :)

Hi N8R and welcome.  Like tony I think you should go and get some patches as it does take the  edge off the craving  a little bit.  But very well done going three days so far, maybe 4 now????

Saying that though, I was fine all day until late this afternoon and then the wanting of a cigarette, well not one but a whole packet was dreadful.  I have recovered at the moment but it did take me by surprise.  Wont be asking for the lower dosage patch tomorrow now.

Thanks saddad for your ongoing support.  I think star will come back and tell us she hasn't had a puff and has just been soooooooo busy.  Sure SBG is still going strong.  I have faith in them both, if not I am still by your side tony, so to speak  ;D  ;D  ;D

Forgot to put a patch on yesterday! got a bit 'ratty'at tea time so put the patch on then!!
started on the 5mg patches today, very small ain't they?
Had a nice stroll round liz and phil's garden yesterday (sandringham) with the head gardener, will post a couple of photo's
hope every one else holding on!! and it ain't just me and sinbad7 left?  ;)

No mate, Im still here. Have been up to see my mum. She's not well.

Im still smoke free even with all the stresses of mums illness. Good work everyone, welcome in N8R.

  Glad to hear you are still a smoke free zone,

Tony please stop teasing me about CAKE   ;D ;D ;D

I knew I was right to have faith in you Star.  Hope your  mum is alright now.

I was so pleased this morning and even had the 7mg patches prescribed, that's how confident I felt.  Yikes what false hopes I had of myself.

I have to say I have had a cigarette this afternoon.  I am stressed and depressed and I really don't care.  I don't feel guilty or bad.  Not sure where I will go from here as I know it is my choice and have learnt I am strong and the cigarette this afternoon was for no other reason than I wanted one, I didn't crave it.

I wont be online for a few weeks but I do wish everyone good luck and I do hope you all succeed, in fact you have to as there is NO excuse for me and tony really needs a partner to keep him company.

Tony you have to do it ;D

Don't beat yourself up,just because you had one does not mean you have to carry on smoking,just carry on as before. :)

Thanks betula.

Hi to all  those on here trying to give up the weed, I wish you all the best in your efforts.

I gave up about two and a half years ago, by going on the NHS coarse, and lucky enough have never looked back.

Oh and yep there's nothing worse than an ex smoker ::)

Don't undo all the good work Sinbad. Its only one battle you have lost not the whole bluddy war. You can always try again. Will be thinking of you love

OI! Sinbad7 !! you can't leave now!, as shirl said, it's only a minor skirmish, not even a battle!!
(bet it tasted wierd ? like an ashtray ?)  ;D ;D ;D ;D
come back soon, mate. missing you already!! ;)

Have another go Sinbad you were doing so well along with all the others.  I admire you greatly.

:D

im a 60 aday plus the vodka etc
after reading this thread im gonna sort myself out

or it's no more life
dam it's gonna be hard but im gonna try

go for it, mate (the master) feel free to join in the thread, the more the merrier!!
hope everyone is still smoke-free? ;)

Sinbad I cracked many times  before I finally managed to quit. when you get back you will have the advantage of knowing just what made you give in. It all goes to show what an incredibly addictive drug it is. I don't think anyone realizes until they try to stop. I have full faith in you Sinbad. I know you will be back.

Just checking in again... Still smoke free here!

I have an added incentive at the moment as I'm going through a selection process for a cool job which includes a fairly heavy medical if I get through all the other testing... it will be easier to pass with better lung function and lower blood pressure... also, my memory's improving without all the CO clogging it up.

Good work all you fellow former smokers... and Master, you'll feel so much better about yourself if you go for it.

I never realised what a powerful drug tobacco was and I hate drugs, but smoke.  Going to see the nurse next Thursday for advice, patches, whatever, but until then am still getting my regular fix, although not indoors.  It is going to be hard as I have smoked for 50 plus years, with breaks when pregnant, didn't know about the health risks in those days but it just made me feel so very sick.  Too old to just pregnant now but was an easy way to give up because my body 'said no'.  When baby was born at home doctor asked me what I wanted and I sat up in bed and had a ciggie, with baby next to me and the dog on the bed to watch all the action.  I have decided that if I can do it I will put the money aside for the grandchildren and a little bit for more seeds or allotment equipment.

Some good news for you all. Star is still smoke free.  ;D ;D ;D

Still no tobacco!! severe leg cramps at 4.30 this morning, don't know if that's a symptom of giving up ciggies?
A  lovely 3 1/2 hrs in the greenhouse this morning, pricking out another 46 tomatoes, and 120 onions, potting on some alstroemeriainto 2ltr pots, 24 lupins and 24 hollyhocks into 'sixes' (1/2 tray, 6 cells)
couple of hours of allotment secretary meetings this afternoon followed by a lovely stroll round the castle at sunset.
how did I ever find the time to smoke?  ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D
hope every one else is remaining smelling of flowers, not ciggies?
good luck with the Job, Ollie!!

there i did one week ,smoke free and without any assistance .must admit feel a but sorry for the other half i am a bit ratty but then she still openly smokes around me so fair is fair good luck everyone and well done  ;D

How is every one doing?
Still tobacco - free here  in the east!
Been a stressfull couple of days, 21 yr old stepson moved out on sunday, handed in a big project on monday morning, I must get down the lottie 2morra! ;)

Day 77 !! wow, those 11 weeks went past in a hurry!!
the 'craving ' seems to get weaker each day, I only got 1 more week on the 5mg patches, then that's it!! this is the longest i've been without a ciggie for the last 40 years, thanks for the support, folks!!
what's happened to the rest of the smoke - free crew?? ;)

Well done ... here's to the next 77+  ;D

Well, I must admit I had a few pints last Friday after the job interview &vaguely remember having er... 3 or 4 ciggies... But the good news is I haven't had any since. It's annoying, lots of my friends still smoke & if my will power's always going to go out the window after a few pints, then I need to avoid them when drinking.

Wife & kids are all away just now, back on Saturday so I could have a large one on Friday but... I know what'll happen & don't want to start again. Quiet night in it is then!

Still smoke free here too.  On week 10 of the Champix, starting to be weaned off from next week.

I am having terrible problems with the smell of tobacco, is anyone else experiencing this.  I now can not stand the smell of it at all, and my poor fella (who smokes)  feels a bit of a leper at times because I wont let him give me a kiss hello if he has had one.  It is actually making me feel sick!!.

Standing in queues in shops with smokers in front of me, makes me feel terrible ill :( :(  The smell of stale tobacco is so bad to me at the moment, in fact it is one of the MAJOR factors never to smoke again, as I didnt realise to other people that I could of stank so much LOL.

I have spring cleaned my house from top to bottom, washing everything in site to remove tobacco and the smell from carpets and curtains etc.

I think it must be true, there's nothing worse than a ex smoker :)

But seriously is anyone else in the quitting stages feeling like this too??? ;D

Yep! ;)

Confession time, the smokers will understand this... I put loads of effort into getting a particular job... had invested a lot of emotional capital and a lot of time... and got the rejection e-mail yesterday.

So...

I intend to stop smoking again tomorrow, wife & kids back, head down, family time... but right now, I'm off out the back for a smoke.

I stopped just over three years ago (after 30+ years), though I had stopped many, many times before that. 

Difference last time was that I hated my job and wanted to cut back on my house - so I made an agreement with myself to stop smoking in exchange.

I put on weight during the first year which looked destined to stay forever.  Then I looked in the mirror last week and thought 'the waistline has shrunk'.  Put on some jeans from the next size down collection (still two more sizes to go) and they fitted.  Cash machine receipt in the back pocket was for Nov 06.  One year to put on, two years to take off the first bit - four more years to got and I'll be back where I started.   

It's never too late, and I have now stopped stalking people in the street when they light up ..... but I do still love a bit of passive.

is it just me? i think SBG is still smoke free, what about star?

Quote from: tonybloke on March 22, 2009, 23:03:25
is it just me? i think SBG is still smoke free, what about star?

Sadly, Star's got heavy stuff going on at home atm, which is why she's not around :'(.....if/when you read this Star, love and all good thoughts to you and yours :'(

And Ol, so sorry about the job. Dreadful and stressful time for those of you in the financial industry who are now without work :( Good luck with the search :)

ive realy cut down from 60 to just over 20

i have found a simple and easy way to cut down i just dont put me faggs in my pocket. it is way to easy to pull out the packet and light one up so now i leave them indoors or in the glove box of my van. basicaly wot im doing is making me having to go and fetch my fags . also im making myself walk to the courner shop to buy them (wich is about 1 mile away)
im not ready to give up yet but im working on it  ;D
im taking inspiration from music aswel;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx6iIp-PvnY

Last day on the patches today! is it really 12 weeks since New Year :o ?

Well done Tony, you have done soooo well. And you too SBG. Sadly I have not been able to keep it up, I managed until I got to mums........then, well it all went pear shaped.

I will have to stop though when things calm down as I ended up in hospital myself last Sunday again, with ongoing heart problems. Only got home today, and feel I need to go back to mums next week.

Keep it everyone........where is Sinbad?

Don't know where Sinbad is, but Biggest EVVA hugs for you, Star ((()))

Thassorl,

Lish  :-*

LOL,  Hyacinth would be the last one to know where I was  ;D

A big Thank you to LBB, this is a person everyone should get to know, you'll never know what you did for me LBB.

I know I have been AWOL but I haven't had any cigarettes other than the one I told you about and that was because I was just so upset at some news I had had and then circumstances changed for me but all's well that ends well..................... I hope.

Well done Tony you have been brilliant and I did feel bad leaving you on your own but thought SBG would be there right beside you, so I hope she is as this is the hardest thing one has to give up in life, especially when you have been puffing away for goodness knows how long.

Star, I know you will do it one day and I for one do know how easy it is to return to an old friend when all else seems to let you down.  The only thing I learnt from having that one cigarette is that it is like pressing a self destruct button because if you think of the days you go without a cigarette and you are fine and then all of a sudden life kicks you in the butt you turn to the thing that is going to do you thye most harm but I am not preaching honest and logic had no place in my mind when I smoked that cigarette.  I wanted one so I had one.

Went today for my last 'smoke free' session so have been on the low dose patches for 3 weeks now, I don't think I will want to give the patches up some how as they have become my crutch but who knows when I can get down to my allotment full time.....................which depends on how much nice weather we have.  I am a fair weather allotmenteerer, well I would be, wouldn't I?

well hello sinbad7!! glad you still smoke-free zone, if I can, you bl**dy can!!
went out for lunch with the O.H. on Mothering sunday, really fancied a ciggie after the meal (for all of 1 second) but I guess that will take years for the occassional 'crave' to stop. just got to be bloody-minded (that's easier without a ciggie  ;D)
Star, sorry to hear you been having stressful times, I'm sure you'll join the smoke-free brigade as soon as you can? ;)
SBG is still doin' fine (I think?), and a couple more did join in and then fell off the thread!
It's been fun to say the least!! ;)

As if I am going to let you beat me tonybloke.............................no way  ;D  ;D  ;D

Hope all 'smoke free's' have had a good day today.

It's just so nice to be able to get out most of the day, it has to make it easier, mine has been good.

glad to hear it, Sinbad7!!.........can't (or won't) be beaten by a bloke, eh?  ;D ;D ;D

I've spent so much of my life being a 'terrible warning', it's a nice change to be a 'good example' ;D ;D ;D

today is my third week smoke free thanks to karen for putting up with the sulking and moodyness lol   i have not used any nicotine replacement and finnaly feel as though i am winning the battle lets just hope its not too late to put right the damage 20 years off abuse and poison may have caused  :-[

Well done N8R, I don't think it is ever too late to make good some of the damage we have all done.

No Tony nothing to do with you being a bloke.  I think it's where you live that made me feel so competitive.  I love Norfolk and wanted to live there so as I don't and you do I had to not let you beat me  ;D  ;D  ;D

Guess that's a female way of thinking.

Hope you have all done well today.

yep, sinbad7, that must be a female way of thinking! ;D ;D ;D
I have decided that I have OFFICIALLY GIVEN UP TOBACCO!! Woo Woo !!
hope everyone else is still smoke-free? (or doing their best!) ;)

Oh Tony, now that is a blokes way of thinking, I have Officially Given Up Tobacco ;D  ;D  ;D.  But very, very well done, I'd send you a Star if I could.

I wont be saying that until after Christmas.  I have the summer to get through yet of laying in the sun feeling the warmth on my body, the sand beneath me, sand running through my toes, burying my feet in it, the waves lapping, a glass of wine beside me and a nice cigarette to puff on.  LOL  I don't get those terrible cravings anymore but I can still remember the good times and the cigarettes and the times I have enjoyed them.  Thinking about it I wont even need a beach a sunlouger in the garden with a glass of wine would be danger time too.

I am not eating so many mint humbugs and am trying to eat a healthier diet.  Have you changed your diets for the better anyone?

Well done lads ;)

  Hi Tony stick with it
I know it is very stressful
I gave up february last year
after smoking 20 a day for over 40 years.
twins 59

I am still 'smoke free' and have been wondering how you have been doing tonybloke as you are 'official' ;D  ;D  ;D

Hope everyone else is doing fine too.

I have never smoked so can you imagine being married to a person that does, five years ago my wife packed in and only  today when we walked past a person in the street that was smoking she said that If had known what it was like to breath in that stuff I would never of done it, I would after a night out go home and get in to the shower to rid me of that evil smell,

yep! Sinbad7, still smoke - free (and smug) here as well !! I do hope everyonr else who joined inn this thread is still at least trying to to give up??  ;)

You're all going to be my crutch when Im ready to stop again. Im really proud of all of you......and I feel a huge pang of regret that I needed the thing that I hate the most as my comforter at this time.

You'd all better be there later when I need you guys.............though I don't know when I shall be ready again at the moment.

xxx

we'll be here for you, Star!! ;)
after all, that's wot m8s r 4, innit?
TB  ;D

 :-* Thankx mate  ;)

Good grief look how far this topic has slipped.

So are all the nonsmokers puffing again then???

Am I the only shining example left of Smoke-Free  ;D  ;D  ;D ??

Nice to see this thread again...gives me the opportunity to boast a bit  :D

Decided a few days ago that I'd have a de-tox til the end of the month...no cigarettes, no alcohol, no salt (thanks Buds - getting used to it),  no carbs after lunchtime, lots of water....(sounds fun, fun, fun, dunnit? ::))

Anyway, it's all going well and I'll review the cigarette situation on the 1st May, but so far, so good,  and surprisingly easy. When I really really fancy a cigarette I use one of those gums. Works well so far..

Detox sounds utter misery to me but all power to your elbow.  I've often wondered why people  detox though. Maybe you could start a new thread if a few people are doing it or thinking of having a go.

Hope you manage to continue after 1st May with 'goodbye tobacco', I'd never believe the difference to ones life it makes. 

it's great, ain't it, Sinbad7 ??
;D ;D ;D

'tis indeed tonybloke.

I'm still  eating the mint humbugs and munch away on them when driving something frantic at times  ;D  ;D  Couldn't drive without having sweets with me.

I find every night I need to eat sweet things and don't fancy fruit at all, where when I smoked my diet was much better than it is now.  I am pleased though that I have hardly put on any extra weight but that could be to do with I hardly sit still  ;D  ;D  ;D

So pleased the some of you have managed to keep off the cigs. Will soon be May and the rest of you can have a go and with the help of the others you will find it a lot easier to stop. It is difficult I know but with alittle help from your friends you will do it

'werthers originals' for me,  whilst drivin'  ;)
but I found out there are now 4 types of 'originals' !! in the local newsagents?? how do they do that ?? ::)

Don,t know how you all do it,I fail after a very short while.Tried after the bypass two years ago but started again,OH smokes,bass player(best mate) missus smokes so sneak out for a ciggy when at the pub with them and it,s starting to be painful playing guitar because chest muscles are knackered with the coughing.Wish I could give up!!  Keep it up all of you.

LOL, there can't be 4 originals  ;D  ;D

So, do you suck or chew them?  I notice just before I shout p*** at  another driver I am chewing/crunching like the clappers.  Apart from the driving I have cut them down by at least 75% which is just as well as Tesco have put them up 20p a packet, even more than the cigarette's went up in the budget.

Do hope we have given others the urge to have a go at giving up.

Oh naff, is there anything we can do to help?

It,s ok Sinbad I,ll try again soon,can,t give up the guitar it,s been like my third arm for 40 years!!

So, how many do you smoke a day?

Have just seen you live in Wales, so wont be able to pop round ........................ you're safe  ;D  ;D  ;D

Really it comes down to who/what is your biggest friend the guitar or cigarette's.

I know everyone here will give you all the help and support you'll need from afar.

Sinbad I smoke too many!! Probably 30 a day, smoke loads when I,m driving.Put a patch on this am but still smoked today.I,ll kick it soon - I hope!!!