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General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 03:09:37 PM

Title: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 03:09:37 PM
Today is day one. I have decided to quit smokiing after 40 years. Been cutting back for the last couple of weeks, but today will be the first full day without a smoke. Pray for the poor souls around me.  :D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Radar67 on July 27, 2009, 03:19:19 PM
Lee, it will be the best thing you ever did. I am at the 18 month mark and am surprised by the difference I have noticed in general health, taste, and smells. Not to mention that I no longer smell like an ash tray.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: ely on July 27, 2009, 03:25:57 PM
congrats guys i am proud for yall. 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on July 27, 2009, 03:47:13 PM
Congrats Brother! I am at day 27...... this time. :D  Had to stop drinking beer or at least have not drank any since this attempt. I calculated that I have saved $197.80 in 27 days.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: farmboy1tn on July 27, 2009, 03:48:13 PM
keep postive thoughts. been over 4 months for me this time.i still keeping one step ahead.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: CLL on July 27, 2009, 03:59:03 PM
LeeB, tahts great just hang in there. I quit 25 years ago, and it took two years to fully get all my breathing to normal, but its a great thing. Think about this, I knew a guy that quit smoking when they was $1 a pack, everyday he put the money he would have spent on  cigs into a glass jar, he used that money to buy christmas every year.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 04:01:52 PM
First time I tried to quit was in 1985. I started smoking a little cigar once or twice a day to try to cut back. That just led to full time smoking cigars. No help there. Last time wqas in 1999. Quit for 2 years that time. Hopefully I can make it stick this time. The little import cigars I've been smoking have gone up to $10 for a box of 20, about $150 a month. Just can't justify spending that much to kill myself anymore.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on July 27, 2009, 04:11:51 PM
$$$ was a big reason why I'm on the tobacco wagon this time too. My butts are now $7.32 a pack.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on July 27, 2009, 04:23:21 PM

Lee , I aint gonna saye its the best thing ya ever did , but its dam close ,  ;D
I quit going on two and a half years now , I had to quit da beer also , just cant take one with out the other ... I was pushing two packs a day when i called it quits , Lee you think your poor souls may have it ruff ...   ::) :o  I locked myself into the garage for the first few weeks   :-\ :D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 04:29:03 PM
I would love to be locked away in the shop or even the garage instead of out here in the land of stupid people (work).
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on July 27, 2009, 05:06:47 PM
 Lee   :D :D  Ya know for de next cupple of weeks , their gonna be even more stoopider ...  ;D :D :D 
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 05:31:12 PM
Marcel, I try to never challange worse, but I fail to see how they could get any more so than they are now. Only 9 days left of this prison term before I head back home. Toughest part willl be the hotel in Cairo after a drink or two.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Norm on July 27, 2009, 05:31:36 PM
Way to go Lee!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Warbird on July 27, 2009, 05:43:01 PM
Great decision, Lee.  I was a pack a day smoker for 10 years and quit...  I dunno, 6 or 7 years ago.  It was one of the hardest things I've ever done but it was almost one of the most rewarding things.  Are you doing anything special to help you along?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Mooseherder on July 27, 2009, 05:49:34 PM
Good Job Lee! :)
Don't worry, you'll be able to crack a Beer without lighting up soon enough. 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on July 27, 2009, 05:52:01 PM
Quote from: Mooseherder on July 27, 2009, 05:49:34 PM
Good Job Lee! :)
Don't worry, you'll be able to crack a Beer without lighting up soon enough. 8)

Promise?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Burlkraft on July 27, 2009, 05:54:52 PM
Way ta go Lee  8)  8)  8)

Raider Bill are you on the wagon too  ???  ???  ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 05:57:26 PM
Quote from: Mooseherder on July 27, 2009, 05:49:34 PM
Good Job Lee! :)
Don't worry, you'll be able to crack a Beer without lighting up soon enough. 8)

That won't be a problem, I'm not a beer drinker. I worry about my good buddy Jack though. He tries to get me in trouble when I hang out with him.

Quote from: Warbird on July 27, 2009, 05:43:01 PM
Great decision, Lee.  I was a pack a day smoker for 10 years and quit...  I dunno, 6 or 7 years ago.  It was one of the hardest things I've ever done but it was almost one of the most rewarding things.  Are you doing anything special to help you along?

Nothing special, Just trying to kick it cold turkey. I have an addictive tendancy and anything else would just be another habit to quit.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Mooseherder on July 27, 2009, 06:11:06 PM
Bill, You're on day 27.  Good for you, It'll get easier and you'll be glad you did it! :)
Treat yourself to a Beer when you're ready. :D
Good luck to you guys! ;)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on July 27, 2009, 06:21:36 PM
.
Quote from: Burlkraft on July 27, 2009, 05:54:52 PM
Way ta go Lee  8)  8)  8)

Raider Bill are you on the wagon too  ???  ???  ;D

Quote from: Mooseherder on July 27, 2009, 06:11:06 PM
Bill, You're on day 27.  Good for you, It'll get easier and you'll be glad you did it! :)
Treat yourself to a Beer when you're ready. :D
Good luck to you guys! ;)

Yepper ........... again
Cigs went up , been having some chest tightning thingy figured I'd give it another try. Every other attempt went south when beer got near so I'm on 2 wagons. Hope they don't go in oppesite directions
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: thedeeredude on July 27, 2009, 07:42:38 PM
I think some folks here may know these words,

Remember, I'm pulling for ya, were all in this together!  Keep your stick on the ice.  Good luck guys!  Smoking killed my grandpa before I ever really got to spend good times with him. 
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: ARKANSAWYER on July 27, 2009, 08:08:18 PM

  Thanks for the warning!  Glad you were on the rig when you gave it up.  Maybe you will not be such a bear when you get home.   Got room in the shop  for a cot if Lindy gets fed up with you?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 08:17:00 PM
Shop is 30 x 40. Has shower and other esential plumbing, refridgerator, Small A.C. unit, heat stove that could be used as a cook top. No bed, but plenty of materials to make one. Shavings and dust should make decent stuffing for a matress don't you think? I should be over the worst of it by then. I don't really see the need to send her packing down to the shop. She probably would want to clean it up and then I wouldn't be able to find a thing.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on July 27, 2009, 09:03:11 PM
Gonna try again in a couple weeks...true addiction with me...and I hate it...too stressed at work to go cold turkey...I'd kill some one..

You guys that are quitting..stick with it..it is worth it.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Woodbender on July 27, 2009, 09:15:10 PM
Good for you Lee.  I quit in '99 after 25 years.  The whole world changed colors, and as mentioned earlier I can smell, taste things and I no longer smell like a blast furnace.

Two thumbs up man! 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: mcfcfan on July 27, 2009, 09:41:53 PM
Good on ya Lee, I gave up 23 years ago, when i found out i was going to be a father for the first time, did it cold turkey, it was *DanG hard and i was grumpy apparentley for the first couple of months.
Glad I did though because a pack of cigs here in NZ are now about $13.50.

Good luck 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Radar67 on July 27, 2009, 09:42:33 PM
Zopi, give Chantix a try, it worked very well for me. Military docs even gave it a thumbs up here.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: sawmilllawyer on July 27, 2009, 09:57:52 PM
Good for both of you, Lee and Raider Bill. I gave up the habit after my last law school exam that was 26 years ago. My paternal grandfather died of cancer when I was young, all from being a heavy smoker. My dad quit smoking probably forty years ago.  Yeah, it's a tough road but there are rewards in it. (like being around for your family).
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Sprucegum on July 28, 2009, 12:20:32 AM
 8) ATTA BOY  8)

I decided to quit when I got in a race with my 8 and 10 year olds and couldn't catch them  :-[  :-[

It took 3 years of cutting down, switching brands, substituting cigars or pipes and ya I even quit drinking for a while before I finally got'er done on New Years Eve 1988  ;D

I can drink all I want now but it makes me dizzy  ::) and have no desire to light up anything.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: fishpharmer on July 28, 2009, 12:33:34 AM
I never really knew one of my grandfathers, he died from lung cancer when I was an infant.  I chewed tobacco and dipped before my daughter was born.  I quit, cold turkey, soon after her birth.  Felt much better.  Now Forestry Forum is my only addiction ;D  And I have a weakness for good food :D

Congrats LeeB and Raider Bill, you can do it.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: jdtuttle on July 28, 2009, 07:02:55 AM
Congrats Lee & keep it up. Do it for your loved ones. My Mom quit cold turkey when she was 78. We got to be with her for another 10 years.
Jim
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on July 28, 2009, 07:18:01 AM
Quote from: Radar67 on July 27, 2009, 09:42:33 PM
Zopi, give Chantix a try, it worked very well for me. Military docs even gave it a thumbs up here.

I'm going to...gotta cute little HM2 on here is gonna fix me up...it's worth
quitting to watch her do the paperwork...:D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Burlkraft on July 29, 2009, 08:32:33 AM
Hang in there Zopi. When yer ready you'll make it!  8)

Lee, Raider how ya hangin ???
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 30, 2009, 02:23:00 AM
I'm making it. Had to hit the snuff can a couple times, but no smoking. I picked a horrendous time to do this. All my bosses have been sent off somewhere else and I'm the only expat left on the rig. Now doing my job and their's too. My job is real iffy right now anyway and I don't know if I'll have any thing to come back to next hitch or not. I would really like to smoke a cigar about 40 foot long right now, but I'm holding out. Had to go looking for one of the guys in the smoke shack last night. (we have a designated smoking area). I found the smell awfull but the temptation strong. Couldn't stay there long.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: DoubleD on July 30, 2009, 07:09:22 AM
My congratulation guys  8) 8) 8) I quit 10 months ago sometimes it's hard, sometimes not but keep on going on  ;)


Davide  ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Fla._Deadheader on July 30, 2009, 07:36:41 AM

Hang in there, Lee. It gets better as time goes on.

  About the job, No worries, mate. I reckon Arky can find a spot for you, at his place. No travel time, necessary, EH ???  ::) ;D :D :D :D 8) 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 30, 2009, 08:01:34 AM
Arky already sends me custom sawing jobs that can't or don't want to bring the logs to him. I'm not gonna worry too much about the job. I have enough saved back to make it 2 years without hitting a lick. I just don't want to have to do that. I'm getting too old to build it back up again. I've been through all this before. The oilfield has it's ups and downs. Pretty much about every 5 -8 years the bottom falls out. This time I managed to last 10 years. Come to think about it, the last time I tried to quit smoking was about that time.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Sprucegum on July 30, 2009, 09:26:11 AM
Just keep telling yourself you can have a big fat cigar when oil hits $150.00 a barrel  :)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 30, 2009, 11:05:18 AM
To be quite honest, i really don't want to see it get that high again. At least not till we have a viable alternative. I know that sounds strange coming from somebody in the industry, but I have to pay for gas and everything else that it effects just like every one else. If prices hadn't gotten so high, the economy wouldn't have taken as big of a hit and I wouldn't be worring about a job. Just like everyone else.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Sprucegum on July 30, 2009, 02:23:22 PM
I hear ya  :(  30 years in the oilpatch for me and this is the third big dip to hit the roller coaster here.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 05, 2009, 02:45:39 AM
Ten days into it now and still hanging on. Like a dumb ash, I volunteered to stay on another week here at work, so I get to continue inflicting misery on the crews. That part really breaks my heart. ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Sprucegum on August 05, 2009, 01:55:27 PM
Better them than your dear wife, they may forgive you eventually  ;)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on August 05, 2009, 04:24:31 PM

  I am guessing that the crew must change every once and a while and that I dont think they care much wether he is in good or bad humour , they probably look like they dont understand a word coming out of him to begin with ... So good choice on staying put . I am also sure the bossette at home is happy about that too .

  Do you get a few extra days off for volunteering the ten extra days . ???
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 05, 2009, 11:39:14 PM
No extra time off. I'll lose those days. I just get double pay.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: mike_van on August 06, 2009, 04:30:11 AM
Lee, hang in there - I quit in January after 43 years of smoking.  Here's a few things I wanna pass on - To anyone else too. It takes 72 hours for the last 'hit' of nicotene to get out of your system. Everytime you 'cheat', with a smoke, or chew, even the nicotene gum & patches, you just start that 72 hour clock all over. I lost track of the times I tried over the years.  There's something in Marlboro products that make it next to impossible to quit from. I've heard that from others too. They're the worst.  The thought thing that says ' I need a smoke' is real short lived, and gets less & less after awhile. I'd still like one, don't get me wrong, but it's not the need thing like it was. Better days are coming.  8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 06, 2009, 05:34:50 AM
The craving isn't too bad. After meals and right before bed is the worst. It's also hard when I get a few minutes with nothing to do. That's the times I would normally wonder out to the smoke shack and burn one. Sitting in front of the computer at home is gonna be another tough one, exspecialy late at night. I shall persist. I will beat this thing. I know I can. I gave up all the illicit substances I was addicted to as a young man. I can do this too.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Ironmower on August 06, 2009, 06:39:58 AM
You can do it. I found the first 2 weeks was the toughest. The thing I tell people is, you gotta wanna quit, cuttin' back don't work. I quit, coldturkey 4 years ago. My brewskies taste better than ever.
   A couple of things that helped me along was. Just havin' something in my hands and chewin on some doublemint. The patch,nicotene gum and others are just as bad, as the cigs. themselves.

                          Good luck!!!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: deutz4 on August 06, 2009, 11:00:25 PM
I have to agree with Mike_Van that Marlboro gets a hold on you. I disliked (not hated) smoking almost from the start but was able to quit several times on bets because I dipped in between. I finally quit after getting involved in a bet with a guy that I knew would be an easy mark. He paid off 10 yearslater when he was going thru a divorce. It was not a happy victory. I was more hooked on chewing tobacoo then smoking by far. I finally gave it up after a heart scare about 10 yrs ago. To this day I don't trust myself to have a celebratory cigar because I know that just putting it to my lips will awaken yearnings I haven't had in years. I personnaly believe that smoking is far more dangerous than chewing but neither one makes any sense knowing what we now know.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: sawmilllawyer on August 07, 2009, 12:16:48 AM
Hang tough Lee B, the craving will go away, and soon you will not be able to stand the smell on people, in cars or any where else.  My 23 year old son (smoker) rode with me the other day and I got a headache from the smell. Hard to believe, huh. I ride him about smoking daily, although I probably  should'nt. As far as the oil field goes this is my second time of going through the cycle. First time was in 1983.   
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 07, 2009, 06:37:27 AM
I already didn't like the smell of cigarettes. I smoked little import cigars and they don't have that same acrid smell as a cigarette. Still hanging in there. :)  One of the guys tried to get me to smoke with him this morning.  >:( Not happening.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on August 07, 2009, 07:39:44 AM

  Hang in there Lee, you are doing great !!!!

A little question .   what do you guys mean when talking about  " dipping "  ???
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 07, 2009, 08:20:04 AM
Like chewing tobacco only finely cut and you tuck it btween your lip and gum. You don't chew it, you just work at it with your lip. It's just a form of smokeless tobbaco. One of the brand names you might recognize is 'Skoal' or 'Copenhagen'. Some people call it snuff.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Sprucegum on August 07, 2009, 09:33:39 AM
Here we call it a "chew". Its has gained in popularity since smoking has been banned in public and work places.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 07, 2009, 10:04:54 AM
Thanks for the support guys. It really does help.  :)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: maple flats on August 07, 2009, 09:55:49 PM
leeB and Raider Bill, (and every one who is quitting) keep up the great work. You can do it. I quit back in 1974 after 15 yrs of smoking. I quit cold turkey from about a pack and a half a day. It took about 18 mos before the cravings quit but now it smells horrible. I actually did it at my wife's request as a mother's day gift to her. I had to then keep it up. Glad I did.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 14, 2009, 03:17:32 PM
well, finally made it home. Now I'm having to deal with a whole new set of triggers. Got a bad craving right now. One good thing about living in the sticks though, I'd have to drive 30 miles to get a fix. I'll just tough it out. I'm gonna beat this thing.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Heywood on August 14, 2009, 03:30:24 PM
I quit about forty or fifty years ago and my system was to announce to one and all that I would quit for good and reward myself with a new boat.  Started on a weekend and it was really tough.  I could have lived with the stain on my character if I started again, but I really wanted that boat.  Since then, the cost of the boat has been paid over and over by the money saved on smokes.  ::)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: beenthere on August 14, 2009, 04:02:09 PM
LeeB
We are really pulling for you, that you will be able to tough it through the rough times.  What are the "triggers" that you are facing? If talking about them helps, let us in on what they are. 

Being aware of them as you seem to be, surely must help a lot in overcoming them (like knowing your enemy  :) ).
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 14, 2009, 07:02:05 PM
Triggers, riding in the truck, sitting in front of the computer(real big one), sitting in the hot tub, all the other times when I'm really doing a lot of nothing. Yep, knowing what the triggers are helps and talking with you guys helps too.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: schakey on August 16, 2009, 08:53:24 PM
Hey LeeB
I stopped back in 1980.I was smoking 3 packs a day :'( NOONE love cigs more than me.If  I can do it
any can do it.Hang in there and keep up the fight! :)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 16, 2009, 11:23:59 PM
I'm making it ok. No dip since I got home either. Sure do want something bad right now. Guess I'll go wash my stinking self off and go to bed instead.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Warbird on August 17, 2009, 04:48:17 PM
Glad you are sticking with it, Lee.  It does get easier over time.  When you head back to work, take a large bag of those round mint candies (starlite mints I think they are called), or some other hard peppermint candy.  When you start feeling like a dip, pop one of those instead.  Sounds crazy but it helped me a lot.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2009, 08:54:50 PM
I have a bag of candied ginger slices I been eating for right now. Sounds wierd, but it helps, Not fattening either. Lord knows I don't need to get any rounder than I already am.  :D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on August 17, 2009, 08:57:07 PM
Trying now..chantix...I'm not having cravings..I'm having frickin withdrawals...this SUCKS!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: sawmilllawyer on August 17, 2009, 10:44:06 PM
Hang in there Zopi, once you get past this part it gets much easier. Good on you LeeB.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Warbird on August 18, 2009, 02:07:21 AM
Hang on tight, zopi.  It is doable.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on August 18, 2009, 07:15:40 AM
yeah...it's doable..had a rough day yesterday...picked a good time to leave work..was about to choke someone...
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 18, 2009, 08:03:49 AM
I hear you brother. We can do this. These guys are gonna help us through. The painful craving has just about subsided. It's jut the occasional out of nowhere ones now.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Warbird on August 18, 2009, 12:41:25 PM
Don't let your guard down for a second, Lee.  Those out of nowhere cravings can be pretty difficult, too.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Radar67 on August 18, 2009, 01:06:55 PM
Those out of no where cravings get easier, but they are still subject to pop up months, and I imagine years later. I still have a craving now and then, but it is really easy to push it right on by without letting it win.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on August 20, 2009, 12:53:46 PM
 Keep it up guys , it is much harder to stop then many think , but we are pullin'for ya all here we are , just keep your stick on the ice .  ;) 

  I was round got rounder but now I am ok with all the roundness  :D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on August 20, 2009, 03:07:45 PM
OK...chantix...bad side effects...ever spend about three days completely enraged?

Back to the drawing board...
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Radar67 on August 20, 2009, 03:24:09 PM
Zopi, sorry to hear you are having the side effects. It worked great for me.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on August 20, 2009, 04:18:50 PM
eh..I'll live...nothing gets the heart pumping like a psychotic episode I guess...

I'm going in tomorrow to get them to put me on wellbutrin at least I was happy on that stuff...
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 20, 2009, 05:13:11 PM
don't give up partner. You'll find something that will work. I been eating candied ginger by the handfull today. Don't know why today is being difficult. Must be from the rain and too much time on my hands.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Meadows Miller on August 22, 2009, 07:56:49 AM
Gday Lee

Stick with it Mate  ;)  ;D 8) 8)

i wish i could  ::) ive tryed afew times over the years but i tend to make it 3 to 14 days then have someone do somthing stupid at work that makes me go friggn balistic at whoever im workn with at the time   ;) :D I have a smoke and everythings fine again which aint the way its spose to be  :o :) ::) I smoke a pouch to a pouch n a half of 50gram rollies tobacco a week or 100 to 150 smokes for the week  ;) which is better than the two packs a day when i was on tailors :) ::)  ill do it one day soon as i want to give it the flick before im 30  ;)


Keep it up Mate  ;) ;D 8) 8)

Regards Chris
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 22, 2009, 09:09:34 AM
Hey Cris, just set yourself a date and say thats it. I know, easy to say and hard to do. You're still a young feller Cris and haven't smoked nearly as long as I did. If I can do it you can too. Having someone else to do it with and all the generous support from the good folks here makes it a little easyer. Give it another go, you can do it.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Chuck White on August 22, 2009, 10:06:28 AM
Lee & Zopi
I know how you feel!  Been there myself!
I quit smoking in 1977, gave it up "cold turkey" then started dippin' 1981, had a heart attack in 1985, gave dip up "cold turkey", same day!
In both cases, I found that the best help was to stay busy!
This was especially true when I would stay busy in areas where I couldn't smoke or chew!
It will get easier as time goes on!

Good luck to both of you, and anyone else that this may apply to!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on August 22, 2009, 06:26:55 PM
Am doing better..I quit again this morning...god that last one tasted awful...They put me on zyban and gave me a box of nicotine gum...it won't take me much to get off that stuff...yuck...I like the happy pills though..
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on August 28, 2009, 08:22:36 PM
Well...five days gone since the last one..I haven't killed anyone and I feel pretty good.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Warbird on August 29, 2009, 01:04:09 PM
All right!!  Stick with it!

Hey Lee, how are you doing?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 31, 2009, 10:58:12 AM
Thanks for asking. The support from all of you helps more than you know.

I'm doing pretty good actually. Just got back on the rig and managed to get through the airport in Paris without buying any little cigars. Have had a few drinks here and there and managed just fine. Still feel like I want one now and then and then again, but am holding out. Not really a craving, just the old habit of doing it. I really am amazed at how much of my time was taken up with smoking. On a good note, I had a physical yesterday and my blood pressure was 120/80. Best it has been in years.

5 days is great Zopi. Keep it going brother. They add up faster as you go and it gets easier. Hang in there my man. We can do this. I'm counting on you.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Meadows Miller on August 31, 2009, 10:06:09 PM
Gday

Thats Good to hear Lee and Zoppy  ;) ;D 8) Cause made my day Today Mate  Im Joining You two Fellas   ;) ;D 8) started Dismorning had my last one with a coffee after b/fast 5 hrs ago now  ;) and im doing ok usually would have smoked about 7 to 8  by now  :) ::) its not to bad as im out of town and working on my own most of the time so i think the main thing will be watching myself when i go the get fuel or go to the supermarket  ::) ::) ::)  ;)  :D

this first weeks going to be the hardest as i usually get bad headakes the first few days which realy ticks me off  ;)

Thanks Lee Ive been giving it Serious thought since you started the thred Mate  ;) ;D 8)



Regards Chris
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on September 01, 2009, 04:06:15 AM
 8) 8) 8) WooHoo!! Good on ya Chris. The head aches will only last a couple days. You can hang that long buddie. No sweat.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on September 01, 2009, 06:11:09 PM
Hey Zopi, how you making it partner? Holding on I hope.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on September 01, 2009, 08:20:47 PM

Glad to hear you are quitting the smoking CHris , It does get easier as time goes by ,  it took me a while to get ride of the cravings , but still after a couple of years , I got one the other day while on the tractor ....  ::) Boy would I have lit up , but I got rid of the feeling right quick , almost got off the tractor and kick meself in the butt .  :D

  Keep iot up guys , it is well worth the effort .  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on September 04, 2009, 09:36:07 AM
Well it's been 2 months and a few days for me. Saved close to $500 so far by my calculations.
Still having the cravings but been a good boy.
Have kept out of bars too as the smokey air just cranked me up so I guess I can add more savings in beer money to that figure.

GF smokes marlboro lights I too think they put something extra in them to keep you hooked. I used to buy a marlboro menthol's when I couldn't find my brand and found that I smoked more of them than any other brand. I have had to ask her a couple times to direct her smoke away from me before I go buy a pack. I hate to play the reformed smoker card and complain about others smoke but that's the way it goes in order for me to keep off them.

I have already put on some extra lbs, looking at 260 soon.

Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Meadows Miller on September 04, 2009, 10:19:48 AM
Gday

Im not doing too bloody well  :( >:( I fell of the wagon yesterday  ::) but trying to get back on it only 6 today and im felling worse than the couple of days with out them  :( like i said to mum and dad if i can cut it rite back in the next week i think the step to not having any is not going to be as hard as i dont think taking ziban or going on patches helps  as its still putting nicotine into you systyem   ::) Im going through bags of Sultanas like they are going out of fasion  :D :D atleast they are healthy for me  ;D ;D

Bill i think ill be one of the worst reformed blokes you could meet  :D :D once i get this monkey of me back ;D  8) 8)

Regards Chris

Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on September 04, 2009, 11:04:27 AM
In past attempts I tried patches, gum and pills. Nothing seemed to help. I guess when it's time it's time. I've had a few moments for sure. Theres a guy in the chicago area that pushed it at a gas station that about got stuffed in a trash can cause I was jonesing and he was acting like a --------------------- but all's well.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Restoman on September 04, 2009, 12:25:06 PM
Keep up the good work guys.  Don't even think of having one now.  Seven months today myself without.  I had a little cheat while on vacation and a week and a half later I'm sorely regretting it.  I'm done for good.  Before the cheat I was telling friends "if the world is ending in so in so days or years I'm starting back"  HELL NO! I'm dying a quitter.  I can't believe I let myself slip.  Tobacco is just one big joke.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: DoubleD on September 09, 2009, 07:05:21 PM
Hi guys keep up with the good job!

I am happy today cause i quit to smoke one year ago  8) , I tried to buy a pair of ski with the savings but the shop was closed  >:( ;D.

I used to spend something over 100 € every month in cigarettes now I m saving my health and my money for better things

Keep up there mates ;) ;) ;)

Davide ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Meadows Miller on September 09, 2009, 07:59:59 PM
Gday

Congrats on the first year  DD  ;) ;D 8) hopefully the ski shops open tomorow Mate  8)  8)

Im still on about the 6 a day but im sick of paying instalments on making myself crook down the track  :( >:(

Regards Chris
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on September 10, 2009, 08:31:41 AM
72 days for me. have saved $527.00. That amount in it'self amazes me.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Meadows Miller on September 10, 2009, 08:58:10 AM
Gday

Bill congrats on the 72 days mate  ;) ;D
I know where you coming from with been amazed at what you save Dad did a costing on what ive Spent on Drinking and smoking afew years ago from the time i started drinking Flatout which was about 16 yo worked out at abit over $150k allup :o :) :) and like he said  ;) Christopher You DRANK  2 Meadows mills   ??? ::) ::) :D and that was when i was 26 that was the year i quit drinking like i was  ::) :(  im lucky to have a drink once every 4 to 12 weeks and im Happy as i im seeing Alot more progress  in my life ;) ;D ;D 8) 8)


Regards Chris
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on September 10, 2009, 09:04:27 AM
A unintended but I guess good side to this is I haven't been drinking much myself. Makes me want to smoke too much.

Zopi and Lee how you guys doing?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on September 14, 2009, 08:50:38 PM
50 days and still counting.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on September 14, 2009, 09:25:46 PM

Yes sir , and keep it on the counting side , good for you Lee , I am pullin' fir ya all  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: beenthere on September 14, 2009, 11:29:44 PM
LeeB
That is great news. Good on ya.  8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Norm on September 15, 2009, 07:37:33 AM
Way to go Lee!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on September 15, 2009, 08:31:26 AM
Hang in there Lee, We can do it :)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: DoubleD on September 15, 2009, 03:13:13 PM
Congrats Lee  8) continue the good job!!!

Davide ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on September 15, 2009, 06:02:09 PM
Thanks guys and the rest of you guys keep at it too. We will do this together.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on October 01, 2009, 10:47:36 AM
90 Days today without even 1 cheat puff! 8)

At a pack a day I've saved $658.80 :o

That is a huge amount of money!

Lee and Zopi how are you doing?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on October 01, 2009, 12:41:38 PM

it is , wait till you count that up in two years ....  :o   :D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on October 01, 2009, 12:55:57 PM
They went up a buck a pack july 1st here. I smoked premeium cigs which are now $7.32 pk.
That's adding up to a unbelievable amount of savings and like you say in a year........................... $2671.80! WOW!
And that's really a conservative amount because as you know when drinking beer I would smoke more porbaley close to 1.5 packs a day.
Even my beer consumption has dropped but I plan on getting that back in line once I can drink without wanting to smoke.
I haven't been to a bar only once or twice in this whole time as opposed to the 3-4 times a week prior to this big life change.

At this savings rate a sawmill is getting closer and closer....... ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Norm on October 01, 2009, 01:08:32 PM
Way to go Bill!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: beenthere on October 01, 2009, 01:31:59 PM
Nice going.
In this neck of the woods, bars are having to go smoke-free. So that would help too.

Really great to go into a bar and not have to smell the smoke. Seems their business is as good or better, according to what bar-owners are saying. Yet there are some who say the opposite, but don't see bars going out of business even in the supposedly tough economy.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on October 01, 2009, 02:02:39 PM
Here in Florida if theres food then it's smoke free. Some bars get around it by opening a resturant next door with no connecting door so it's more like delivery.

I've actually never been to a bar in Tenn. Theres not that many in the area being in the bible belt plus I hate to leave my hill for any reason.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on October 02, 2009, 10:19:05 AM
Still hanging in there. Almost fell a few days ago to the point of striking the lighter to fire up but sobered up enough just in time.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on October 02, 2009, 10:29:42 AM
Good for you! 8)

I'm still getting the twinges when I see or smell menthols which is my fav. GF smoke regulars but they don't seem to bother me any. I can sniff a menthol out from across town :D

I've banned smoking here in the office which has cut productivity some and not really endured me to the help.  ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: beenthere on October 02, 2009, 10:46:39 AM
Great to hear your progress (both of you).

LeeB
Do you carry a lighter ?   
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on October 02, 2009, 07:27:01 PM
No, don't carry a lighter. Was out haing a drink after work the other day and almost fell to temptation.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on October 27, 2009, 11:07:40 AM
Three months and still counting. How are the rest of you guys doing?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on October 27, 2009, 11:13:41 AM
4 months 27 days 8)

Angioplasty tomorrow :o ::)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Tom on October 27, 2009, 11:18:21 AM
You're doing great Lee.  You are past everything but the relapse.  Just don't let yourself find any excuses.
29 years 10 months here, and I'm as proud of it today as I was in 1980. :)

Hang in there and good luck, Bill.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: zopi on October 27, 2009, 06:52:13 PM
Have been quit a couple months now....keep it up guys!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Norm on October 27, 2009, 07:07:03 PM
Way to go guys!

Bill we'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on October 27, 2009, 07:33:52 PM
Thanks guys !
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: mrcaptainbob on October 27, 2009, 11:26:23 PM
Good luck to the Quitters, and the Quitters-to-be! I gave it up about thirty years ago. It took a bit over a year to get through all the places/times/people I smoked with. The second year was easier as in been there, done that. One of the reasons I gave them up was my dear Father-in-Law. Cancer took my friend. Another important reason was having two growing young boys. I needed to keep pace with them as lo0ng as possible. Now, my cousin (as close as a brother to me) and another close friend both have lung and bone cancer. Both were heavy into beer and cigs. The friend was given 18 months to live about a month ago.
My thoughts to me has always been that, should I ever actually smoke a cigarette, I think I may be strong enough to not get re-hooked. But, since I'm not willing to take that chance....

Another personal thing I've always done was to tell myself that I, (me) actually do NOT want to smoke. There may be some physical drive or such, but I, (me) do not WANT to smoke. It was just my own personal mantra between me and me.
Quitting is not easy. Getting clammy, getting spacey, shakes, it gets really intense the first few days. Days to weeks, weeks to months....eventually 40 years.

Good luck to you all.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Chuck White on October 28, 2009, 01:34:09 PM
Tom;  You and I are almost even, I'm at 32 years, 7 months.  ;D

You guys are still doing well.  Just keep telling yourself "no, I don't need one, I only think I do"!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: easymoney on October 28, 2009, 06:10:44 PM
quitting smoking was not easy for me. but i have been quit for around 30 years now. i used to think i could not go a day without drinking beer every night. but i do not have the craving for either one now. too old to chase the women. so i guess i will just have to sit and watch and remember the good old days.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Brucer on October 29, 2009, 01:21:19 AM
I have been real lucky -- never tried it, never got hooked. But I watched my father, my mother, my wife, and my daughter all try to kick the habit. They all managed to beat it eventually, but it wasn't easy. My dad slipped back 9 times and my wife and daughter once each.

I saw a research report a couple of years ago that described nicotine as the perfect addictive substance. First off, it directly stimulates your brains pleasure centres instead of working through your nervous system. And it also turns off the part of the brain that causes the pleasure sense to fade after continuous stimulation.

A couple of weeks ago Canadian researchers discovered that Imperial Tobacco in Canada had destroyed 60 internal documents in 1992 under orders from their British parent company. "The documents destroyed by Imperial Tobacco demonstrates that British American Tobacco had collected evidence that cigarette smoke was carcinogenic and addictive".

So how'd they find this out if the documents were destroyed? Well, the parent company kept copies of the documents. 10 years ago under a US court agreement, British American Tobacco provided access to all it's internal documents (7 million pages!) to the public for a period of 10 years. However, they did everything in their power to make it difficult to find or copy documents. Eventually a British group began working with the Americans to acquire copies of all the documents and make them available on the internet. They didn't try to select them, they just requested everything. The collected information is still being indexed.

If you're interested, check out
http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/about/about_collections.jsp (http://legacy.library.ucsf.edu/about/about_collections.jsp)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on November 28, 2009, 05:12:17 PM
Four months and a day now. We did a long road trip to se Lindy's folks over the Thanks giving holidays. First driving trip like that since I quit. Had a twinge or two but nothing bad.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Fla._Deadheader on November 28, 2009, 06:39:54 PM

Sounds like ya got it whupped, Lee.  8) 8) 8) 8)  Congrats  8) 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Radar67 on November 28, 2009, 06:58:18 PM
Just keep reminding yourself that you don't need them. You're doing to good to slip now.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on February 01, 2010, 12:30:07 PM
Passed the 6 month mark a few days ago. Been tobacco free since giving up the snuff for almost three months. I don't miss the snuff but I still get the urge to fire up now and then. How are the rest of you making out?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on February 01, 2010, 12:48:57 PM
Lee,

I too have passed the 6 month mark! My last was June 30 2009. Still getting the urges although I've been able to resist.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: jim king on February 01, 2010, 12:52:54 PM
I stopped about three years ago.  Everytime friends come over that smoke I try to get a close as possible.  Still miss them.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: saltydog on February 05, 2010, 06:36:19 AM
16 years  for me  i was a 3 pack a day smoker (pall mall non filters ) and chewed beech nut  still crave the chew not the stinkin smokes   i quit the chew after the shorts and had no problem quiting smoking nobody dies from second hand spit  i think cold turkey is the only way
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: james on February 05, 2010, 12:03:36 PM
been a bit over a month now for me still find my self reaching for the "pocket" at certain times but getting easier , except the bruses from kicking my self for starting
james
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on February 05, 2010, 02:28:44 PM
Good job James. Hang in there it will get better. I'm rooting for you my man.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on February 05, 2010, 10:38:50 PM

I was checking pics today and fell upon the pics of a desk I built for my son when I decided to quite smoking ... Sept  2006 .
Never looked back  8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: tractormanNwv on February 06, 2010, 05:39:02 PM
Remain Strong LeeB, March 19th will make 3yrs for Me. I Gained about 25lbs after My Tastebuds Started Working again, but thats Ok, and Yes You probably will be a Bearcats Kitten for a While...just Alert Everyone that You quit before You Rip Their Head off. My Wife said I was Mean to Everyone but I did"nt See it that way. When I Started Smoking Marlboros were 75 cents a pack, and  $3 a pack when I Quit, the extra Change Helps Out these Days.   I'm Rootin for Ya.

Jim
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2010, 01:49:06 AM
One year and still counting.  8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Warbird on July 27, 2010, 02:09:14 AM
Wow.  It's been a year already?  Congratulations, Lee.  It's such a huge accomplishment.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2010, 03:00:28 AM
I never would haved thought I would still have the cravings now. Much easyer to deal with now though. Maybe I can beat it this time. I'll keep on trying. I still appreciate the support.

LeeB
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: pigman on July 27, 2010, 06:13:10 AM
Sure you can do it Lee. Just remember, one day at a time and it will not seem so hard. That is what I have been doing for 65 years. ;) I really don't know what you are going through since I never started. I was always just too poor tight to buy the things.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on July 27, 2010, 09:01:04 AM
Outstanding job Lee!  Year and a month for me still have the cravings though.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Sprucegum on July 27, 2010, 09:32:12 AM
I bet those cravings are getting weaker and farther in between though - easier to push them down each time, eh?
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Warbird on July 27, 2010, 10:20:49 AM
The good news is that the cravings do eventually go away.  I don't remember how long they lasted for me but I was sure happy when they finally stopped.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on June 30, 2011, 09:28:52 AM
Tomorrow will be 2 years for me 8) 8)

Saved $5343.60 at a pack a day so far.

Still have a twinge from time to time mostly drinking beer or after a good mea.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Mooseherder on June 30, 2011, 11:17:12 AM
That's great!  Go out and buy yourself something nice with that extra money.  ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on June 30, 2011, 01:57:02 PM
Good job Bill. Next month will make 2 years for me too.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on June 30, 2011, 02:36:19 PM
Lee,
I remembered we quit about the same time!  Been wondering about how you have been doing but didn't want to jinx anything. ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: martyinmi on June 30, 2011, 07:34:44 PM
I quit June 20th of last year. It's been incredibly easy for me. At 49 years of age, I'm not a puppy anymore, and with a 9 year old son, I was having a bit of a hard time beating him in a foot race. After 34 years of smoking,it has taken a long time to get part of my wind back, but now I can beat my kid in a race quite easily. I can see, however, that isn't going to last for long. Good luck to all out there who are quitting of thinking of quitting. As much as I smoked, I figure I've saved well over $3000.00 already.
   Marty
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: AvT on June 30, 2011, 11:08:20 PM
Quote from: LeeB on July 27, 2009, 03:09:37 PM
Today is day one. I have decided to quit smokiing after 40 years. Been cutting back for the last couple of weeks, but today will be the first full day without a smoke. Pray for the poor souls around me.  :D

Good job Lee and Raider and everyone else that quit.  I think I quit on may 12th. so I am in my third month.  I guess i can't say I quit because I have allowed my self an average of one smoke a week.  Not a good way to go becuase I love that one smoke and it seems to keep the cravings coming.  I am still determined though.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 01, 2011, 02:19:46 PM
Not everybody can just put em down and walk away. If you can do just one a week, you should now try one every ten days. Then after that maybe you can kiss them goodbye. Keep trying and don't give up. It's tough, but you can do it. I'm proud your trying.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Woodchuck53 on July 03, 2011, 01:48:30 AM
Great job  to all of you. I quit in 1978 and haven't looked back. I have a house full of brothers and they all ask how I managed to stay so young and healthy. Guess what I told them. I have always ragged on them about their habit but they didn't want to here it. Well you reap what you sow. One has Bronchitis, 2 have COPD an one is on oxygen. Not a pretty group at the pig roast. Ya'll hang in there your doing fine. Congrats.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: fat olde elf on July 15, 2011, 10:05:49 PM
Great thread, great news.......October 15. 1980........8:00 pm, it was a Wednesday, but who keeps track of stuff like that.  My younger brother John (70 in August) works 30 hours a week for a stop smoking program in Buffalo N.Y. He is qualified.  Keep on keeping on........FOE
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: sawguy21 on July 15, 2011, 11:02:17 PM
I tried smoking as a teen, we bought Peter Jackson illegally and hid behind the Chinese gardener's shack :D. Later got into Colts  but never kept it up. I am still in touch with a few of the guys I chummed with and none of us stayed with it.
I really commend those of you that have managed to kick the habit.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 16, 2011, 12:44:45 PM
Toughest drug I ever put down and I did some real dozies when I was younger.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 27, 2011, 01:55:29 PM
Made two years today. Still can't breath because I got so fat,but it beats coughing and hacking.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: submarinesailor on July 27, 2011, 02:40:06 PM
Good for you. 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Bruce
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on July 27, 2011, 02:59:39 PM
Way to go Brother!!!! 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Norm on July 27, 2011, 05:46:53 PM
Way to go Lee!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Magicman on July 27, 2011, 07:59:22 PM
Congratulations on that second anniversary.  Now you stand a better chance of celebrating all of the ones to come.   ;D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 15, 2015, 11:17:33 AM
Six and counting.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Magicman on August 15, 2015, 02:46:08 PM
And you have, four times.  Congratulations my friend.   8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 15, 2015, 02:58:53 PM
Sure would be nice if the cough would go away. I guess the damage was done.
>:(
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: PC-Urban-Sawyer on August 16, 2015, 03:10:41 PM
LeeB,

After eight years cold turkey my smoker's cough is pretty well gone.  Before I quit I was smoking three packs a day for almost forty years and had a pretty bad hacking cough. Just keep holding the line, one day at a time.

Herb
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on August 17, 2015, 08:35:27 AM
I'm at 6 and still off them too. I do get the urge when I smell a menthol walk by but been holding strong!!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2015, 11:48:23 AM
Only time I get a hankering any more is when I smell a good cigar. I find cigarette smell somewhat repulsive now. Lindy took me to the airport a few months ago and we stopped for lunch on the way. The place wasn't open yet so we were waiting in the parking lot. One of the stores in the strip mall was a men's gift store. She asked if I wanted to go in and have a look. I could smell the cigars from outside. I told her no way was I stepping in there. Way too much temptation.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on August 17, 2015, 12:20:23 PM
Another benefit to not smoking is I don't like to go to bars anymore. Walk in and that nasty stale smoke smell nauseates me.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 17, 2015, 12:23:28 PM
Closest bar to where I live is 45 minutes away. No problem there. Only time I ever go in a bar anymore is in the airport.

Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Chuck White on August 17, 2015, 08:05:09 PM
I consider myself one of the lucky ones, I gave up smoking "Cold Turkey" back in the Spring of 1977.  EDIT: Only 28 y/o at the time.  It's been 38 years now!

I had the urge for quite a while, but never lit another one.

Just keep telling yourself, "the need to stay away from them is a lot stronger than the desire to have one" and you'll be good!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: isawlogs on August 21, 2015, 07:35:34 AM
 The stale smell of cigarettes smoking at the entrance of buildings here really gets to me, in all public buildings here , ya can not smoke any more, so they gather up outside and have at it.  That smell they leave behind I hate. The smell of a burning cigarette... I like, still do after almost nine years.... I don't have any gravings for them anymore.  :)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: lowpolyjoe on August 21, 2015, 11:00:22 AM
I didn't read the whole thread - but I'm glad to see so many of you guys kicked it.

Many of my friends smoked but thankfully almost all have quit now. 

Adding more government regulation is always a tricky thing, but I don't mind most of the restrictions put on smoking in the past 15 years.  Seems like more coming all the time:

http://6abc.com/health/nj-bill-would-make-smoking-with-kids-in-car-a-ticketable-offense/763782/
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: NH-Murph on August 25, 2015, 07:59:18 AM
I've gotta be around the year mark now since I quit.  I made the mistake of starting to smoke wood tip cigars (which I inhaled like cigarettes) thinking it would help me kick the habit... Big negative on that plan.  I wound up WAY more hooked on nicotine.  I can't believe how much better I feel!  I climb the 9 story staircases to get to the top of boilers without so much as a ghasp!  I'm starting to taste things much more too.  I just stopped one day and never looked back.   8)  It's a good test to one's willpower, but well worth the little bit of suffering at the initial week or two.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 25, 2015, 10:34:30 AM
Good for you. I can personally attest to the fact that cigars don't help. I thought I would do the same think in 1985. I smoked cigars until I finally quit in 2009. :(
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: sandhills on August 25, 2015, 10:54:27 AM
My dad smoked since he was 16, switched to a pipe to try and quit then turned to chew.  He quit chewing around 18 years ago, unfortunately his son (me) hasn't found the willpower yet, I don't smoke but chew.  My hats off to all of you that have quit.  I often think you weren't born this way, you lived without it for years, why am I doing this and can't go back to not doing it?  Just a weakness I guess.  My wife used that Chantix? stuff to quit smoking, other than the weird dreams it worked, she can't even stand the smell anymore, I tried it to quit chewing and all I got out of it was the weird dreams  :D.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: gww on August 25, 2015, 02:31:50 PM
I am a dedicated smoker that misses the 70's when no one cared what anyone did.  I personally dislike the regulations aimed at trying to stop me and take more the mark twain type attitude that I will smoke one but no more then 40 per day.(he lived pretty long).  I am not that worried about what anyone else does but intend to enjoy my cigarettes untill I die (early or late)  I might not live as long as others or as long as I could but have out lived many already.  I am a hermit and maby more so since sociaty has turned against my bad habit but thats fine.  My last four years at work kinda sucked since sociaty turned on me but now thats over but I do feel for those still stuck with bad rules.  I will say that quitting smokeing is probly one of the hardest things those that want to do it face.  I wish them well in that endever.  I remember visiting the hospital in the 70s and smoking in the room.  I was in the hospital for about 10 days and they jacked me around and made no provisions for me to smoke.  I was glad to leave and would rather die then end up in a home where things that matter to me are taken away.

I guess it takes all kinds to make the world what it is.  I hope they don't make me drink fat free drinks and take my bacon away either.

Good luck guys.
gww
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 15, 2016, 06:28:16 AM
Still hanging in there. Now past the 7 year mark.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: thecfarm on August 15, 2016, 06:36:58 AM
You all are doing great!!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Chuck White on August 15, 2016, 07:20:12 AM
I used to smoke  y e a r s  ago, and quit cold turkey in 1977.

Started at around 18 and quit at 28 y/o.

Few years later (1982), started dipin' and quit that in 1995, cold turkey.

The dipin' was harder for me to get over, but I had the will power to hang in there and quit!

So, wishing you all good luck in quitting, and staying quit.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Roxie on August 15, 2016, 08:12:22 AM
Amazing, Lee!   8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on August 15, 2016, 08:56:38 AM
Me too Lee!!!
6-30-09
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 15, 2016, 09:04:00 AM
Good deal Bill. Let's keep on keeping on.  8)
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on August 15, 2016, 09:35:39 AM
Quote from: LeeB on August 15, 2016, 09:04:00 AM
Good deal Bill. Let's keep on keeping on.  8)

You got it my Friend!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: yukon cornelius on August 15, 2016, 10:32:02 AM
I have been smoke free for a couple years. Boy is it tough some times. Great to hear you have got it beat!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 15, 2016, 11:06:55 AM
I don't really miss it at all any more. I used to get a hankering for a cigar every now and then but that's been gone for a while. Same with the snuff. I can go to the rig floor now without getting twinges in my lip.  :D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on August 15, 2016, 07:24:37 PM
40 years and two months for me. June 1976
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on August 15, 2016, 07:48:04 PM
By the time I catch up to you I'll be 90. I think I'll start smoking cigars again at that point.  :D
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Greyhound on August 15, 2016, 08:06:21 PM
awesome!  great news for you!  keep it up.  if you fall of the horse, just get back on and keep ridin' forward!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: drobertson on August 15, 2016, 09:36:29 PM
Gave up dip three days before the new year, lost th taste thank God!  Hope you win this one.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 28, 2017, 10:51:34 PM
8 years and counting.
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: samandothers on July 29, 2017, 01:00:11 PM
Congratulations on staying the course!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: Raider Bill on July 29, 2017, 03:13:13 PM
Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2017, 10:51:34 PM
8 years and counting.

Right there with you my friend!
Title: Re: Giving it up
Post by: LeeB on July 29, 2017, 10:58:36 PM
Quote from: Raider Bill on July 29, 2017, 03:13:13 PM
Quote from: LeeB on July 28, 2017, 10:51:34 PM
8 years and counting.

Right there with you my friend!

I'm proud of us.  8)