| Author |
Message |
    
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 5832
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 3:04 pm: |     |
Either way, it sucks. Brett, keep complaining. At this point, you are entitled, and it's good for you. |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 3971
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 4:29 pm: | |
Way to go Brett!!!
I know that was one hell of a hard choice to make. Most of my friends are in NYC and it was no easy task to go out with them and get to that same point only to say, you know what, I gotta get outta here. The thing I will say is good on your friends for understanding and not giving you any **** for it. A few years ago you would have faced much stronger pressure from them to hang...the "Cmon, its only one butt dude" junk. People in general are more understanding now. Some not so much, but mostly I find people pretty cool about it.
11 Days. Man that is an achievement. When you tally up the things you have accomplished in your life, this one will be very near the top. I know for a fact I do not have the beautiful son I have if I had kept smoking.
And SoOrLady.. I read your post about all these "gimmicks" and stuff with a touch of consternation. Heres why. My father was diagnosed with Emphesemya years before he died a really ugly death from it. But in the interim there were weeks, even months where he seemed to be improving, getting some elasticity back in his lungs, so it may be with Brett's dad. You cannot always depend on the original stimuli when it comes to something like this. Doing that keeps your head in the past (Remember that I am doing this because dad WAS diagnosed...) instead of in the future (I am doing this so that I WILL BE ABLE TO....) This difference is staggering in all things humans want to accomplish. Big or small.
Brett.. Keep at it. I do not know you but am incredibly proud of your stick-to-itivness and willingness to admit how much it *****.
Also, next time you say you were out with five friends try not to say 2 smokers, 2 non-smokers and me. try to say 2 smokers and 3 non-smokers, including me. It is small, but it is like the ashtray. Start to think of yourself as a non-smoker, not a smoker who isn't smoking right now. That will help too. It is like the difference between being "off the wagon" or "being dry" and being an alcholoic.
Frame what you are in positive terms and your mind will start to subconsciously think of you that way.
BRETT YOU ARE NOW A NON SMOKER!!!!!
congrats, dude. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4013
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 4:44 pm: | |
Duncan has it so right (IMHO). I quite several times before I was long-term successful. The big difference for me was that the last time, I started to think of myself as a non-smoker instead of someone who was trying to quit smoking.
It's the same thing that keeps me from picking one up now when the once a year craving hits. It's just something I don't do (like skydiving or eating green peppers) & the craving is gone in 2 minutes.
Except that I never crave sky diving or green peppers. So maybe it's not like not sky diving or eating green peppers.
Whatever. Never mind.
Anyway, congrats for the hard choices & sticking to your guns. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 300
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, March 13, 2005 - 7:09 pm: | |
Brett, that's AWESOME!!! You deserve a MAJOR pat on the back for being able to get up and leave while you were having a good time - that's HARD. And you did it! I give you credit for even being able to sit at a table with smokers without caving in. I'm truly impressed.
You know what else you've done - you've made it through another weekend without smoking, my friend. Duncan is right - you ARE a non-smoker - start thinking that way.
Tom's right too - you have a right to complain - keep doing it. Just come here and talk it out and we'll be here to listen. |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 260
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 7:54 am: | |
Truly great, Brett.
It is known to be a bitch all over the world to do what you are doing; KNOW that you ARE doing your health immeasurable good which has been empirically proven over MANY years by MANY studies.
I find that the best thing I can do when I need to choose to do the right thing is to conjure up a picture of my wife and kids in my head--your source of greatest joy can be your souce of greatest strength.
My best wishes and my respect to you.
Breathe well, all.
David Buckley
P.S.: NJ will eventually go the way of the sane and your friends won't be able to smoke in bars/restaurants anymore (go to NJGASP.ORG) which is as it should be--see Miky B's NYC... |
drewdix
Citizen
Username: Drewdix
Post Number: 855
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 9:08 am: | |
Brett
If you leave early, you miss some of the good times, but you miss all of the bad times. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4015
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 9:53 am: | |
You have probably now saved enough money for a massage. Get yourself one! You deserve and need it. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4756
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 10:04 am: | |
Greenetree,
I am a recent quitter, and I did exactly what you recommneded. I ended up with hot rocks in my booty.
It almost made me start smoking again. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4016
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 10:50 am: | |
Mem-
I read that thread. IMHO, your approach was all wrong. As a recent quitter, nothing resembling a lighter should have been near you. Too much temptation.
Besides, I would think that hot rocks would create smoke. Just from a different orifice.
And, anyways, Brett likes my ideas! He probably hasn't been online today because he was tired after his driving to work activity and is resting up to rearrange his office furniture.
 |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 4757
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 12:34 pm: | |
Also, I heard smoking crack can be very time consuming... |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4017
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 12:36 pm: | |
smoking crack... hot rocks in your booty....
This is gonna be a loooooong week. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 301
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 1:05 pm: | |
Please keep those "cracks" coming! If this morning was any indication, it IS looking like it's going to be a long week, and you folks always keep me rolling!
Hey, but at least it's supposed to be 40 and sunny most of the week. Woohoo! |
luv2cruise
Citizen
Username: Luv2cruise
Post Number: 327
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 3:55 pm: | |
JMFSO,
No. My post was not an attempt at humor. I wished Brett luck with his quitting but in his first post, he was basically bashing smokers, which I am one. Get off my case! 
bklyn.....   You should have one third of the brain I have and then and only then will you be somewhat smart. |
dal
Citizen
Username: Dal
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 14, 2005 - 6:47 pm: | |
Hey Brett
You are doing great!
As you probably already know, alcohol is a huge trigger for most people trying to quit smoking. I know it is a drag, but you might want to think about easing off on hanging out in smokey bars and drinking for awhile. Do everything you can to protect your quit - you are doing so well, but at this stage it really does take vigilance.
I just celebrated 5 months yesterday (yay for me!) and I am still not totally comfortable being around cigarettes when there is alcohol involved. Thankfully I don't know many people who smoke.
Have you had a chance to check out the forum at about.com yet? |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 1539
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 8:55 am: | |
Well this seems to be getting a little more normal. I pretty much last the whole day without even thinking of smoking. Once in a while a little craving kicks in but it’s not so bad.
From what I’ve read I should now be well clear of the Physical addiction and it’s only mental now. Not really sure if that’s good or bad.
As for hobbies I’ve taking up yelling at things for no reason, chewing copious amounts of gum, and tying my fingers in knots.
Greentree your suggestion has really made the commute to and from work a much more pleasurable experience, to hell with traffic, I got all day.
Funny note. There is one person left in the office that smokes, I can really smell the smoke when he comes in from smoking outside. When I pass people smoking outside the smell is as intoxicating as apple pie, but once inside, it’s grosses me out a little.
|
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 3975
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 9:05 am: | |
Brett.. every day it will feel more and more normal until you cannot remember why on earth you smoked in the first place.
Not that there still wont be times.... but overall, you are over the hump. And you are right. 72 hours is the life of nicotine in the system. Its all about habitual stuff now, and you seem to have found a way to work that.
Keep it up man. With very few exceptions, everyone is really proud of your doing this and doing it so transparently. You have no idea the number of lurkers who may have stumbled on this thread, and seen it as encouragement and gone ahead with their own quitting.
You are setting a fine, and perhaps more importantly, a realistic example of what it takes to quit. Well done. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4023
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 11:34 pm: | |
Great work Brett! And I'm glad to be of help. OK - rephrase - I don't really want to help. I mean, I wish you well and nothing personal, but...
Oh, hell. I hope you continue to enjoy your commute.
|
PARROT HEAD
Citizen
Username: Island_jack
Post Number: 63
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 1:58 am: | |
Brett, just so you know, I'm stopping drinking beer (I love BEER) for one month-March 21st to April 21st-for a few reasons. 1. I need to give my ulcer a rest. 2. I need to give my wallet a rest. 3. My wife is concerned with my health. So I am, 4. quitting smoking.
If there's one person I can turn to for anything, it's my wife. |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 4020
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 10:55 pm: | |
just checking in man. How goes it??? |
woodstock
Supporter
Username: Woodstock
Post Number: 941
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:09 pm: | |
Brett,
I just came across this thread. All I can say is, wow! I don’t smoke, but I know that this can be the toughest thing most people will do in their lives. It’s easy to say "After quitting, I can do anything," but for many, it’s true.
My mother smoked for most of my childhood (including when he was pregnant with me – but that’s another story). She finally quit when I was in high school and it completely changed our home. It smelled cleaner, she was around more (didn’t like to smoke too much in front of us), and we were all generally happy, except for her while she was quitting.
Keep it up. I’m not one for sentimentality, but reading about your daily struggle is inspiring. |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 1568
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 12:20 pm: | |
Update.
Well it really is a daily struggle. I would figure after three weeks that I wouldn’t be thinking and dealing with the fact that I don’t smoke.
There have been two slips, and boy was I pissed off about them. But I figured that I had two choices, quit, or start again. I opted to continue quitting.
If I lock myself in a room all day, I’m fine. No urges, or freak outs. But man, I got to tell you once I leave the house, it’s hard. I’m constantly talking myself out of stopping at a store or asking someone for one. Every one in the office is well aware that handing me a cigarette is ground for immediate firing but it’s SO hard not to ask.
On a good note. The house does smell better, and the coughing has somewhat subsided. It got really bad there for a bit. Seeing as how I don’t smoke I can really smell it one clothes and people. Sometimes when I cough I can taste smoke, eeeeeewwwwww. I also has started to notice my breathing is a little less labored.
|
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4061
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 2:37 pm: | |
You are doing great. Have you tried washing all your clothes and sending everything to the dry cleaner? Very expensive, I know. But, it cements that "I'm not a smoker" mentality.
BTW - do people notice you talking to yourself? I'd like to suggest you stop doing that. Only because you might end up in some sort of inpatient program, if ya catch my drift. And that would be really, really bad because people in those programs smoke A LOT. It would be hard to resist the culture.
So - might I suggest that if you are going to talk to yourself, even about something as positive as "I am not going to go into this store and buy cigarettes" that you do so with a cell phone earpiece in your ear? That way, you'll look like you are having a real conversation with another person, and you can avoid the whole scenario.
 |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 1569
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 2:50 pm: | |
I was going to respond with “good idea greentree”. Then I thought, boy this chick really knows how to appear not crazy. Why exactly would someone have to come up with so many ways to look sane?
And as for dry cleaning, my GF has discovered a more expensive and difficult way to rid the house of smells.
“Where is my jacket”?
“I threw it away, it smelled like smoke”
“But it’s snowing out today”
“Then stop at the mall, with all the money you’re saving you can afford a new jacket”
Thank god she’s not strong enough to move a couch!!!!
Funny add on. Really got the urge a few nights ago as I was walking through the village, I almost lost it and went into a store. Then I thought “Oh Crap what if someone from MOL is in there!!!!”
|
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4062
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 2:57 pm: | |
Wait a minute.....
I have had some interesting jobs in my life and public presentation of levels of sanity have been involved. I'll have to share some time.
BTW - bit of drift but funny: I had a friend who lived in a very dangerous part of DC years ago & she worked late a lot. Walking home from the Metro, when she had to pass near a group of ruffians, she would start to bang her very large umbrella (which she always carried) on the sidewalk and talk to herself "I had to kill him. I didn't want to kill him, but the M*&&^-F*&%^ made me beat his •••.... ruined my best blade"
No one ever bothered her. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 725
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 4:20 pm: | |
greenetree - want to know what I used to do walking alone at night? Light a cigarette! I smoked the really long ultra 100's and figured I could always burn someone!
I have nothing to add to the list of ways to appear sane. I haven't mastered that yet. |
Joan
Supporter
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 5226
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 4:50 pm: | |
Brett:
Glad to hear your lapses didn't last for long but you really have to change your habits and associations with smoking if you are going to succeed in quitting.
If passing a particular store serves as a smoking trigger for you, you don't have to avoid the store if you train yourself to make another type of purchase -- a newspaper, some gum, a lottery ticket, etc. whenever you enter the store. Eventually, you will come to associate the store with something other than the purchase of tobacco products. |
Dego Diva
Citizen
Username: Fmingione
Post Number: 313
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2005 - 6:19 pm: | |
Way to go Brett!
And Parrot - how's it going for you? It's one week now, right? |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 6297
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 2:09 pm: | |
Brett, how are you doing with quitting smoking? |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 2007
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 - 10:23 pm: | |
I was wondering the same thing Brett - how's it going? |
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